FIFA RULES AND INTERPRETATIONS

The leagues served by the WSRO are governed by the FIFA Laws of the Game.

http://www.fifa.com/en/regulations/regulation/0,1584,3,00.html

These rules, as taught and as they appear in written form, are geared to professional high level matches.

Exceptions are permitted at various levels for:

· Size of the Field

· Method and Number of Substitutions

· Size of the Ball

· Length of the Game

· Lower age levels (such as U-9 and U-10) are permitted to play smaller sided

games, such as “8 v 8”)

When rules change and when FIFA wants certain points emphasized, documents or directives will be issued. The United States Soccer Federation's National Program for Referee Development issues position papers periodically to provide our members with the most current information about U.S. Soccer's official stance on the application of the laws. Position papers are posted on the U.S. Soccer web site under: http://ussoccer.com/laws/index.jsp.html

The very best guide booklet on rules and their application is “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game.” This is “must” reading. It is published by and may be ordered from the United States Soccer Federation, in Chicago.

USSF’s toll-free number is: 1-800 759-9636The USSF has issued the following: