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If we lived
outside the United States this would be easy, as there is only
one law book: The FIFA Laws of the Game. However,
we have three sets of rules to contend with:
-
 The
FIFA Laws of the Game 2005
(Used for all USSF Games,
regardless of age and level). All USSF registered officials
receive a printed copy. AYSO Officials receive a copy
from AYSO. A very useful webpage is
US Soccer Position Papers, which offers many
clarifications and rules interpretations from USSF and FIFA.
The English Football Association (FA) has a version with
comments that you might find easier to follow.
-
The
NCAA 2005 Men's and Women's Soccer Rules
(Used for
all College play, including NAIAA, NCCAA and NJCAA games).
NISOA members receive a printed copy.
- The
NFHS Rules of
Soccer (used for all school sponsored soccer games,
including Varsity, JV, Freshman and Junior High Games).
Note this link only has updates for 2003/2004- you have to
purchase the rulebook (it is distributed to all registered
High School Officials) which you can do from the
MHSAA (get it here, not
from NFHS - it will have the Michigan variations
supplement). The cost is $8.00 and it is made
available on August 1 each year.
These rules are basically
the same, but have a number of important differences.
Each league also has it's own
game procedures regarding "off the field" events (such as
paperwork, handling spectator problems and what to do in case of
inclement weather). Here are the links we have available:
- College Procedures are
actually covered in the NCAA Rules (see above)
-
The
MHSAA 2005/2006 Officials Guidebook
covers High
School procedures
- There are a number of USSF
Leagues and Competitions in which you might officiate
locally:
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