1. 2013-14 Amendments U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
Online Training Script:
Each year, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) meets to discuss and adopt changes to the Laws of the Game and the Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees.
This presentation focuses of the Amendments to the Laws of the Game.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
Amendments to the Laws of the Game
July 2013

2. Law 11
“Interfering with an opponent” means preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or challenging an opponent for the ball
Bold = New language
Replaced “making a gesture or movement which, in the opinion of the referee, deceives or distracts an opponent.”
Clarification: “Just standing there” isn’t offside
Online Training Script:
A player who is in an offside position cannot interfere with play, interfere with an opponent, or gain an advantage.
These three concepts are critical to understanding the offside offense because they define ways in which a player is considered to have become involved in active play.
Each of the three concepts is defined and explained.
The definition of “interfering with play” was not changed.
The definition of “interfering with an opponent” replaced “making a gesture or movement which, in the opinion of the referee, deceives or distracts an opponent” with “challenging an opponent for the ball.”
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

3. Law 11
“Gaining an advantage by being in that position” means playing a ball ….”
There were changes in the wording of this interpretation
The explanation specifies there is no change in application
So we won’t bore you with the wording change
Online Training Script:
Historically, the concept of “gaining an advantage” by being in an offside position has been interpreted to refer only to the special case of a ball last played by a teammate of the attacker in an offside position which rebounds from any part of the goal frame or rebounds or is deflected by any defender, including the defending goalkeeper.
Some of this language may cause comment and questions but the main emphasis needs to be on the fact that, despite the new wording, nothing has changed regarding how referees should understand what “gaining an advantage” means and how to recognize it when it happens.
Most experienced referees understand that, in practice, instances of an offside violation based on “gaining an advantage” is rare.
The core concept behind “gaining an advantage” is the fact that, when the ball bounces off the goal frame, for example, it is still the same play and so, if an attacker was in an offside position when this play began, the attacker is still in an offside position when the ball rebounds.
If that attacker becomes involved in active play by interfering with play or interfering with an opponent, then there has been an offside violation.
Where “gaining an advantage” can become more challenging is when the rebound isn’t from something inanimate (like a goal post) but from a defender.
When a defender is involved, you need to make a distinction between a play of the ball versus a deflection or rebound.
Remember that “defender” includes the goalkeeper and goalkeepers can use their hands inside the penalty area. Deflections off defenders other than the goalkeeper are not difficult to identify but deflections versus plays off a goalkeeper using his or her hands are the most challenging situations of all.
Generally, as regards the goalkeeper’s use of his or her hands, the term “save” means that the goalkeeper has made a last-ditch attempt to knock the ball away from going into the goal – it is a desperate, uncontrolled action that does not involve putting the ball anywhere in particular ball, only preventing the ball from going to some undesirable place.
Similarly, the term “parry” is intended to indicate that the goalkeeper had control for at least long enough to put the ball in a desired direction.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

4. Law 5 Advantage – Change in application
MAY apply to any offense while ball is in play (e.g. double-touch, offside)
Still does not apply to offenses while ball out of play (throw-in, goal kick, etc.)
Minimal effect on what we do
Might call it “advantage” instead of “trifling”
Online Training Script:
Please visit the Resource Center at ussoccer.com for more information on this year’s amendments to the Laws of the Game.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

5. NY West Risk Management
Risk Management Pass Reminders
Required of all referees working youth games
Pass must have referee’s picture
Pass must be laminated
Questions? Go to the “Risk Management” tab at

6. NY West Risk Management
NEW POLICY
Officials may show RM pass before game
Officials MUST show pass if:
Requested by a team official on the roster (or bench personnel if no roster); and
Request is made before the requesting official’s team takes the field to start play
If pass is shown, game report should reflect which officials showed pass and to whom it was shown.

7. NY West Risk Management
SANCTIONS
If an official cannot show a pass when requested:
Either coach may decline to have the official participate
Any replacement (referee or club linesman) must present RM pass
Coach may decline to play the game. In this instance, officials will NOT be paid
NY West may take further disciplinary action
Local districts may choose to impose fines or other sanctions on future assignments

8. NY West Risk Management
It’s easy enough to avoid a problem
Keep your pass in your referee bag
GAMES SHOULD NOT BE DISRUPTED BY AN ACTION (OR LACK OF ACTION) BY A REFEREE!