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Laws of the Game - 8/9/2005

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: