Rules of the Game

The rules of soccer are captured in 3 main documents.

FIFA Laws of the Game - The techinal definition of the game of soccer

1. Field, Equipment, Uniforms
2. Duties of the Referee and Assistant Referees
3. Starting and Restarting a Match
4. When is a Ball In-Play or Out-of-Play
5. Offside
6. Fouls and Misconducts
7. Free Kicks, Penalty Kicks, Throw-ins, Goal Kicks and Corner Kicks

Guide to Prodedures for Referees and Assistant Referees - The mechanics of the game

1. What happens before the game?
2. How do referees communicate during the game?
3. Where to referees stand during the game?
4. How are misconducts handled?
5. How is the timing of the game handled?

Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees - A walk through the FIFA Laws of the Game interpreting each law into common sense.

There are many more documents for referees on the US Soccer Laws of the Game website. 

Understanding Specific Rules

Lightning - When thunder is heard, all games, practices and warm-ups will be halted.  Games, practices and warm-ups can not resume until 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard.  This means that most games will need to be rescheduled.  We generally book our fields so resuming a game, unless it's the last game of the day, will cause problems with all the other games of the day.

Safety is very important when thunder is heard.  Everyone should get to a safe place.  Substantial buildings provide the best protection.  Once inside, stay off corded phones and away from any wiring or plumbing. Avoid sheds, small or open shelters, dugouts, bleachers, or grandstands. If a sturdy building is not nearby, a hard-topped metal vehicle with thewindows closed will offer good protection.  For more information see WSYSA website.

Offside (not "Offsides") - This video is a very good explanation of offside.  It is complicated to put into words, but is easily shown.

Handling the Ball (not "Hand Ball") - If you think of this infraction by it's proper name, it's easier to understand it.  If the ball hits a player on any part of the arm and the player controls the ball with that arm, the player has "Handled the Ball".  If a player's arms are against their body (protecting their body) it is unlikely that Handling the Ball will be called.  If a players arms are away from their body, it is very likely that Handling the Ball will be called.  "Handling the Ball" is a subjective call by the referee.

Out of Bounds - A ball is "out of bounds" when the entire ball is crosses the line from the referee's point of view.  It is not like tennis or basketball, where the ball can be out of bounds when part of the ball are still above the line, but not touching it.

If you don't understand a rule, please contact your Referee Coordinator.

Updated June 3, 2010