Direct link to Laws of the Game on www.ussoccer.com

http://www.ussoccer.com/Referees/Laws-of-the-Game.aspx

The games officiated by WSRO are governed by the FIFA, Federation International of Football. There are 17 Laws of the Game. Leagues and tournaments to which our referees are assigned may issue regulations and ground rules governing their games.

These regulations are not in contradiction with the worldwide FIFA rules. They may govern time of the game, size of the fields, permitted substitutions. In some cases, they will further define a FIFA rule, such as player equipment and other factors dealing with safety.

How important is safety? It is of paramount importance. Therefore, strict adherence to all safety and equipment rules is demanded of referees.

Many situations are strictly in the judgment of the referee, for example, playing conditions. While it is obvious that at the first hint of lightning, the game must be halted, heavy rain and wet weather is not so clear-cut. Click on “Field Playability Guidelines” to help your decision-making.

What is Law 18?

“Wait, I thought there were but 17 laws.”

True, so Law 18 is common sense, which as the pundits might say is not so common. There may be times when a situation is not so clearly defined in the rules or guidelines. Think safety first (yours as a ref as well as that of the players). Think enjoyment of the game is our goal. Think being pleasant and helpful is expected of you. Don’t get yourself into situations that may get out of hand. Think! That starts to define Law 18.

Rules interpretations and local league guidelines are contained in this section.