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Rules (Laws) -
Soccer has a set of rules that are called "Laws of the Game". You can download the latest laws from the following link: www.FIFA.com
Click here to download the FIFA 2003 Laws now... they're excellent, with dozens of color diagrams. They are in PDF format. To read, you'll need the free Adobe reader to view them.
http://images.fifa.com/fifa/handbook/laws/2003/LOTG2003_e.pdf
http://images.fifa.com/fifa/handbook/laws/2000/QA/Q&A_2000_E.pdf
Etiquette -
Below are some guidelines that new spectators and participants should become familiar with. These guidelines were developed to promote safety and good sportsmanship.
 Spectators -
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Only positive statements of encouragement are permitted. |
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Always respect the referee. Unlike other sports that you may be familiar with, you should never question a referee's call aloud. If you have a question about a call, please wait until after the game has ended and then ask your coach. |
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Allow the coach to be the sole source of coaching during the game, communicating tactical or technical adjustments to players. |
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For everyone's safety, please stay at least 3 feet back from the side line (called the touch line), including chairs, umbrellas, drinks, coolers, and small children. Assistant referees must have a clear unobstructed path along the touchline. |
Coaches -
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Be sure that your coaching during the game is brief, positive, and instructive. |
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Always respect the referee, and never question a call. |
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You are responsible for informing all of your parents about sideline etiquette, and for any misconduct from assistant coaches & spectators. |
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Stay in your technical area. Make sure that the assistant referees always has a clear unobstructed path along the touch line. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) -
Below are some common questions about the laws of soccer.
Handball - "Handball" is short for "Handling the Ball", and does not mean "The hand touched the ball". It is not automatically a handball if a player's hand or arm accidentally (in the opinion of the referee) comes in contact with the ball.
Out of Play - Unlike American football, the ball must completely cross the outside plane of the touch line (sideline) to be considered out of play. Similar to basketball, its out on whoever touched the ball last.
Offside - (Simplified explanation) An offside offense is called only if two conditions are satisfied. (1) If an offensive player(s) is past the second to the last defender (usually between the goal keeper and the second defender), and (2) if that person(s) participates in the play (ie, is passed the ball or distracts the goal keeper), then offside is called. Its okay for a player to be in an offside position, as long as he/she doesn't enter the play. Offside is generally not considered for U8 teams (under 8 years old) and younger.
Please click on the FIFA laws link at the top of this page for a more complete explanation.
Last updated by
Robert Sorrells on 7/29/2007 8:04:50 PM |
