1990 MEMORANDUM
Mandatory Instruction [the offense itself later incorporated in Law XII, IBD 15]
This means specifically that, if a player is unlawfully and physically held back (by his jersey, shorts, or arm or by means of obstruction, etc.) by the goalkeeper or another player from the opposing team while the player is advancing straight for the goal with no obstacles in his way and with an obvious chance of scoring, the referee must no longer caution the offending player but send him off immediately.
... Notice that the instruction applies outside and inside the penalty-area and also includes fouls by the goalkeeper.... (T)he awarding of a penalty-kick is NOT sufficient punishment; the guilty player ... must also be sent off for "serious foul play."
Recommendations
1. Injured players -- The referee should prevent a player who is bleeding profusely from taking any further part in the match until he has been adequately treated and the bleeding stopped.
2. Field markings -- A mark may be made OFF the field, 10 yards from the corner arc and at right angles to the goal-line, to help the referee ensure this distance is observed when a corner-kick is being taken.
Additional Instructions
1. Timewasting -- The F.A. Board insists that referees be more strict in dealing with timewasting.
2. Undergarments -- Visible undergarments extending from below the shorts must be the same color as the shorts and not extend below the knee. Goalkeepers may wear track suit trousers ONLY if the state of the field or weather conditions render it necessary.
Interpretation of Law XII, IBD 15
1. Regarding Obstruction: It is the sabotaging of the chance to score which is punished, not the act of physically obstructing an opponent. If obstruction occurred and an obvious goal-scoring opportunity was denied because of the obstruction, the offending player SHALL be sent-off. If not, award the free-kick [indirect] for the obstruction.
2. Criteria for judging whether a goal-scoring opportunity is imminent:
a. Attacking player moving DIRECTLY toward the opponent's goal.
b. There were fewer than two opponents in a position to defend against the attack.
c. The incident was close enough to the opponent's goal to be considered a goal scoring opportunity.
Decisions of the F.A. Board
1. Players are permitted to drink water during the match provided it is done at the touch-line. The THROWING of PLASTIC WATER CONTAINERS on the field is NOT PERMITTED.