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Ball Requirements Law 2

Today's Soccer balls come in a variety of sizes and styles and maybe I'm a little old fashioned but, I'm a big fan of the old black & white spotted ball
but, good luck finding a quality ball with that pattern at a reasonable price. 

Tips: Never bounce or sit on a Soccer Ball. It weakens the stitching and deforms the bladder causing warble and other undesirable characteristics. 
May we also suggest that you not waste your money on "el cheapo" balls at your "we sell everything" favorite store. In most cases, the quality is 
unbelievably poor and it only costs a few dollars more to get a ball that'll actually last a whole season. I've made the mistake and had balls come apart 
just sitting in my truck before seeing any field time. Kinda irritating to saythe least! 

To start, let's state the obvious ... the ball must be round. 

The official ball size is a #5 however, youth leagues use smaller balls for younger players ie: #3 & #4 balls which are also lighter. Check your league rules 
to see which ball is to be used and it's important that you practice with the same size ball as is required for your matches. An official ball will have the 
size imprinted on the ball and official matches should only be played with balls bearing an officially stamped size. The referee is supposed to check the ball 
in and must see that stamp to ensure the ball is suitable. 

There is no real rule as to the pattern or color of the ball however, if the patterns or colors clash with uniforms or conditions, the ball should not be used
and the Referee is well within his/her rights to not allow such a ball to be used. In other words, the ball should in no way, hinder the game or officiating. 
It is also against regulations to display any form of advertising on a match ball.

Although the team responsible for providing the game ball should have  a suitable ball, if for whatever reason they are unable to, the opposing team can
provide he ball. It'd be a shame to cancel the match on such a technicality.  

If you want the technical measurements, weight & ball pressure, go to the Laws of the Game link and review Law 2 -"The Ball". Of course, the chances of 
anyone having a tape measure, scale and pressure gauge to check the ball is about the same as everyone agreeing with every call the Referee makes. 
To ensure the ball meets the requirements, look for the FIFA Logo and Official Ball Size imprinted on the ball. As for the ball pressure, I haven't found a 
pressure gauge for a ball but a good rule of thumb ... literally ... is to hold the ball with your thumbs together and firmly press inward. If the ball is properly 
inflated, your thumbs should make a divot or indentation, approximately 1" across. Coach's should always carry a ball pump in their bag. 

If the ball pops, splits or becomes defective in any way, the match is stopped and the ball replaced. If play was stopped to replace a defective ball, play 
is restarted with a drop ball at the point play was stopped. If the ball was not in play, it is simply switched out and play resumes as if nothing happened. 

Note: The ball may not be changed during a match without the authority of the Referee.