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:
- Grand Valley Soccer Association (GVSA) [Click on Game Reporting and Referee Procedures]. U9 through U19 Select Teams.
- Michigan State Premier Soccer League (MSPSL) [Click on Procedure for Game Day]. U12 through U19 Select and Premier Teams (GV Premier, GR Alliance Premier, TKO and West Michigan Edge)
- State Cup (MSYSA) U12 through U18 Open Cup Competition for Girls (Fall) and Boys (Spring)
- Michigan Champions League (MCL). U9 through U19 Select and Premier Teams
- USYSA Midwest National League U14 through U19 Premier Teams (State Cup Semi-Finalists or MSPSL Premier I Division winners - GV Premier)
- USL Super Y-League (SYL) [Click on Referees]. U13 through U19 Regional Premier Teams (GV Premier and Kalamazoo Kingdom)
- West Michigan Soccer League (WMSL). Adult Men's Premier
- State Cup; US Open Cup (MSA). Adult Open Cup Competitions (Spring-Summer)