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Soccer Rules Changes 1580-2000


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Question Number: 33261

Law 1- The Field 4/20/2019

RE: Rec Under 19

Joshua of Grande Prairie, AB Canada asks...

How many flag posts are needed in a game?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Joshua,
technically only 4 corner flags are required under law, center flags and hash marks are optional. That said while a pro match would not take place WITHOUT the flags, I have seen improved markers used in youth recreational so a game could continue or begin. Depending on the level of play or association, if a match report is required it would be reported to the league. Cheer



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Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Joshua
Four are required.
However the Laws also advises us that at the lower levels of football it may not always be possible for the Law to be strictly applied. For example, unless there are safety issues, the referee should allow a game to start/continue if one or more corner flags is missing.
In such cases, the referee should, with the agreement of the teams, play / continue the match and must submit a report to the appropriate authorities.



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