Laws of the Game


On 1 July 2009, the new Laws of the Game, modified at the 123rd Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Newcastle, Northern Ireland on 28 February 2009, came into force.  A complete copy can be reviewed by clicking the link below: 


CLARIFICATIONS

Certain Laws tend to cause players, parents and coaches more difficulty than others.  Shown below are resources to help understand and clarify some of these laws.

  • Law 11-Offside Probably the most misunderstood soccer Law by parents.  Below are several resources that quickly explain the need, requirements and enforcement of Law 11.
FIFA Interactive Offside Web Demo

Sports Spectator You-Tube Video

St. John's Head Coach Dr. Dave Masur Chalk Board Video

  • Law 4-Player Jewelry and Hair Control Devices.  Because of the physical nature of soccer, this Law is in place to protect all players from being injured by a piece of jewelry or hair control device.   Law 4 states that "A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry)."
  • The USSF position paper from March-2003 reiterates that "The match must not be permitted to start with any player wearing illegal equipment or apparel, including jewelry. Players who insist on retaining such items will not be permitted to participate in the match."
  • The USSF Advice to Referees manual states that "Players may not tape, cover up, or otherwise hide prohibited items.  The player must still be prevented from participating in the match if the prohibited item continues to be worn." 
  • Last year, the USSF issued another position paper related to jewelry that specifically addressed hair control devices, and more specifically, beads woven into someone's hair.  The position paper (6/8/2009) states "Beads or other similar decorative devices woven into or affixed on the hair are inherently dangerous and are not allowed."
  • Additional info can be found on these links: