1. National Referee Program 2016-2017 Changes to the FIFA Laws
08/19/14
National Referee Program
Changes to the FIFA Laws
Summary-Review
Keep the Game Safe, Fair, and Fun
Instructor Notes
This presentation can be used to explain the changes to the FIFA Laws of the Game for the year
The most significant change is the restructure of the content which is now more user friendly; has additional information to help understand and apply the Laws; and now it includes all the information related to a given Law within that Laws’ section in the book.
FIFA changes the Laws based on incidents that happen at the highest level of the game, primarily FIFA tournaments such as the World Cup competitions.
The actual changes to the Laws of the Game are few and those that impact AYSO, even less.
All the changes have been integrated into the training materials (U8, Basic, and Intermediate)
The updated materials have been shared with the SRAs and will be uploaded to the website as soon as possible.
Referees, instructors, assessors, mentors, and any other people who have a responsibility for communicating and/or interpreting the Laws of the Game, should keep things simple to avoid creating confusion and therefore, frustration in the application of the Laws.
While the changes are easy to understand, teach, apply, and overall communicate, everyone must read the new book. 1

2. Revision of The Laws of the Game
Instructor Notes
This presentation is based on content provided by IFAB, with some content from AYSO to help better explain some of the changes.
Revision of
The Laws of the Game
Summary of the Law changes for 2016/17 effective from 1 June 2016

3. New structure of the Laws of the Game book
Introduction
Notes on the Laws of the Game Laws of the Game
Law Changes for 2016/17 explained
Old text / New Text / Explanation
Glossary
Football Bodies / Football Terms / Referee Terms
Practical Guidelines for Match Officials
Introduction / Positioning, movement and teamwork / Body language, communication and whistle / Other advice (including offside)
Instructor Notes
The content has been restructured with the components listed on this slide.
Because the emphasis of this presentation is the actual changes, participants/students, should be reminded to go read the updated book.

4. Main changes to Laws 1-17 effective from 1 June 2016 Instructor Notes
This presentation presents the changes in the order of the Laws of the Game.
Main changes to
Laws 1-17
effective from 1 June 2016

5. Law 1

6. Law 1
The Field of Play
1/2
Artificial and natural surfaces may not be combined on the field but ‘hybrid’ systems are allowed
Competitions may determine field size for their competitions (within limits of Law 1)
All commercial advertising on the ground must be at least 1m (1 yd) from boundary lines
Instructor Notes
The only change included in this slide is highlighted in red.
Recommendation for AYSO Games
In the opinion of the referee, if the field is safe, and conducive to a fair game, the referee must allow the game to be played.
The 2nd bullet is not a change to the Laws; it is an example of one of the five areas in which FIFA allows the Federations to make changes to accommodate the needs of youth players and other non-professional divisions.
AYSO already has changes such as the size of the field; goal; and the ball, along with the duration of times, and number of substitutions.
ALREADY DONE IN AYSO

7. Law 1
The Field of Play
2/2
Logos/emblems of FAs, competitions etc... are allowed on corner flags (but no advertising)
Instructor Notes
Change: Advertising is not allowed on corner flags.
Recommendation for AYSO Games
Referees should arrive to the field early, 30 minutes at a minimum, to fix any issues with the field.
If the soccer field has corner flags with advertising, try to get them changed.
However, if it is not possible to change them, as long as they are not dangerous to the game and players, allow the game to be played and report the incident to the Region or Area or Section as appropriate.
NOT CRITICAL IN AYSO
Report advertising to the
Region/Area/Section

8. Law 2

9. Law 2
The Ball
No changes

10. Law 3

11. Law 3
The Players
2/2
NOT COMMON IN AYSO
Document incident in
the match report
Direct FK (or penalty) if a substitute/team official/sent off player interferes with play
If something/someone (other than a player) touches a ball going into the goal, the referee can award the goal if the ball goes in the goal and the touch had no impact on the defenders (unless in opponents’ goal)
If a goal is scored with an extra person on the field and referee has restarted play, the goal stands and the match continues
Instructor Notes
Change: Restart when a sub/team official/sent off player interferes with play is now a Direct Free Kick.
Recommendation for AYSO Games
We don’t have this issue happen in AYSO but be ready if it happens.
Change: the 2nd bullet…
This issue happens even less in AYSO games (and all games for that matter) but we ready if it happens.

12. Law 4

13. Law 4 The Players’ Equipment
1/2
Any tape or other material on/covering socks must be same colour as the sock (photos below show what will no longer be permitted)
NOT CRITICAL IN AYSO
Report issue to the
Region/Area/Section
Instructor Notes
Change: Any tape or other material…
Recommendation for AYSO Games
Referees should arrive to the field early, 30 minutes at a minimum, to fix any issues with the players’ equipment.
Try to get the issues fixed working with the coach and player(s) as early as possible.
However, if it is not possible to change them, as long as they are not dangerous to the game and players, allow the game to be played and report the incident to the Region or Area or Section as appropriate.
No longer permitted
No longer permitted

14. Law 4 The Players’ Equipment
2/2
A player losing footwear or shinguard accidentally can play on until next stoppage
Electronic communication with substitutes is forbidden
Player can return during play after changing/correcting equipment, once equipment has been checked (by referee, 4th official, AR or AAR) and referee signals
Undershorts must be colour of shorts or hem; team must all wear same colour
Instructor Notes
Change: A new signal for advantage… picture coming up in one of the slides.
Change: Undershorts must be the same color…
Recommendation for AYSO Games
Referees should arrive to the field early, 30 minutes at a minimum, to fix any issues with the players’ equipment.
Try to get the issues fixed working with the coach and player(s) as early as possible.
However, if it is not possible to change them, as long as they are not dangerous to the game and players, allow the game to be played and report the incident to the Region or Area or Section as appropriate.
NOT CRITICAL IN AYSO
Report issue to the
Region/Area/Section
Player on left may wear black or light green undershorts/tights but the whole team must wear same colour

15. Law 5

16. Law 5
The Referee
2/2
Referee can ‘send off’ a player from pre-­‐match pitch inspection onwards (see Law 3)
Referee can only use RC + YC after entering the field of play at the start of the match
Player injured by RC/YC foul can be quickly assessed/treated and stay on field (detailed advice in Practical Guidelines section)
Reference to equipment referees can and can not use
Diagrams of referee signals included
Instructor Notes
Change: Player injured by RC/YC foul can be quickly assessed/treated and stay on field…
Recommendation for AYSO Games
Referees should continue to apply common sense with injured players.
Regardless of the type of foul, referees should give the benefit of the doubt to the player who may be injured and allow as much time as needed to make sure the player is safe.
USE COMMON SENSE
We’re refereeing youth games
Give the player(s) as much time
as needed to properly recover;
and the Coach to evaluate
possible concussion(s).

17. Referee signals Advantage signal
In addition to the current ‘two armed’ referee signal for advantage, a ‘one arm signal’ is now permitted as there is agreement that running with both arms extended can restrict a referee’s running action.
Instructor Notes
Change: New signal for advantage – the referee can use one arm to signal advantage.
Recommendation for AYSO Games
Keep it simple when you teach and/or discuss it.

18. AAR signals AAR signal for a goal
in October 2015 an AAR signal in the event of a goal/no goal situation was approved:
Instructor Notes
Change: New AAR signal for goal.
Recommendation for AYSO Games
We don’t have AARs in AYSO games (we’re lucky when we have two ARs) so allow the students/participants to read about this when they go read the book.

19. Law 6

20. Law 6 The Other Match Officials
More details about the usual duties of the assistants, AARs and 4th official
If AARs have been appointed, at a penalty kick the AR takes a position in line with the penalty mark (ball) as this is the offside line
Diagrams of assistant referee and AAR signals included
Instructor Notes
Change: The title changed.

21. Law 7

22. Law 7 The Duration of the Match
More reasons for additional time (e.g. medical drinks breaks)
substitutions
• assessment and/or removal of injured players
• wasting time
• disciplinary sanctions
• stoppages for drinks or other medical reasons permitted by
competition rules
• any other cause, including any significant delay to a restart
(e.g. goal celebrations)
USE COMMON SENSE
Check the additional reasons but…
Instructor Notes
Change: added one more reason for additional time.
Recommendation for AYSO Games
Continue to use common sense – add time to a half (for any of the reasons listed on this slide) but only IF you have time to add it without impacting the schedule of the next game.

23. Law 8

24. Law 8 The Start and Restart of Play
1/2
All restarts included (previously only kick-­‐off and dropped ball were mentioned)
Ball must clearly move to be in play for all kicked restarts
Referee can not ‘manufacture’ outcome of a dropped ball
Instructor Notes
Change: In the opinion of the referee, the ball must clearly move.
Recommendation for AYSO Games
This is a good change as it will remove the perceived negative sportsmanship.
Ex: when a player would go to the corner kick and barely tap the ball, and then, another player would go and start dribbling the ball.
Change: Referees can’t manufacture dropped balls.
Players should give the ball back to the opposing team (when the game is stopped for an injured, etc.) in the spirit of the game – and most do it.
Because of the technical skills; physical characteristics; and emotional levels of youth players; it is OK if a referee manufactures a dropped ball in AYSO games.
Ex: The goalkeeper has control of the ball – the referee stops the game due to a possible injury/etc. – when restarting the game, it is OK for the referee to say to the goalkeeper “When I drop the ball, you can pick it up and play it.”

25. Law 8 The Start and Restart of Play
2/2
Ball can be kicked in any direction at kick-­‐off:
Instructor Notes
Change: At kick-off, the ball can be kicked in any direction.
Recommendation for AYSO Games
This is a good change as most players kick the ball back to a teammate.
Make sure that no players are standing on the opponent’s side of the field before the kick-off.
And yes, the player kicking the ball back to a teammate will have part of his foot on the half way line or on the other side of the field – is OK.
Referees must make sure that players are in their own half as now there is no need for one to be in the opposing half

26. Defenders must be 10 yds from the ball
All players must be on their own side A D A D A D A D D A A A D A D D

27. Law 9

28. Law 9 The Ball In and Out of Play
No changes

29. Law 10

30. Law 10 Determining the Outcome of a Match
1/2
Kicks from the penalty mark:
Referee will toss a coin to choose the goal (unless there are weather, field of play, safety considerations etc…)
Coin will be tossed a 2nd time to determine who takes the first kick
Goalkeeper can be replaced at any time
Player temporarily off the field (e.g. injured) at the final whistle can take part
Instructor Notes
Change: The title changed.
Change: The referee will toss a coin to chose…
Recommendation for AYSO Games
When both goals are equally safe and fair, the referee should toss the coin to select the goal.
However, if one goal is significantly better, the referee can select such goal without having to toss a coin.
Some Conditions: one goal has mud; one goal has become dangerous during the game; one goal has a long, down the hill, possibility for the ball to go and there is only one ball available; the sun is in the eyes of the goal keeper; etc.

31. Law 10 Determining the Outcome of a Match
2/2
Kicks from the penalty mark:
Both teams must have same number of players before and during the kicks
Referee does not need to know the names/numbers or the order of kickers
A kick is over/completed when it goes over a boundary line or stops moving (including held by GK) (See Law 14)
Kicks are not delayed if a player leaves the field; if the player is not back in time their kick is forfeited (missed)
Instructor Notes
Change: The title changed.
Change: Reduce to equate during the entire process.
Change: A player who leaves the field and does not return in a reasonable amount of time (in the opinion of the referee) will be recorded as haven taken the kick and missed.
Recommendation for AYSO Games
The referee crew should review the process and rules before starting KFTPM in order to remember this change and the rest of the related information.
If a player has to go to the bathroom, allow other players to take their turn (provided they have not taken a turn) to give the player more time to get back.
If the player that goes to the bathroom is the last player that needs to take a kick, wait a reasonable time and proceed with the change to the Law.

32. Law 11

33. Law 11
Offside
1/2
Halfway line ‘neutral’ for offside; player must be in opponents’ half
Arms of all players (including goalkeepers) are not considered when judging offside position
Offside position, not offence, judged at the moment the ball is played
Offside FK is always taken where the offside offence occurs (even in own half)
Interfering with an opponent after a save or rebound is an offence
Instructor Notes
Change: Halfway line is neutral.
Recommendation for AYSO Games
This change is only critical when you’re taking a test because when you’re actually an AR, trying to determine if a player’s fool is on the halfway line or the opponent’s side, it is very difficult to actually see it.
Therefore, you should have doubt – and when in doubt, keep the flag down.
Change: the restart for an offside infringement is now where the player that came from an offside position gets involved in active play (in the opinion of the referee).
Use the pictures in the next two slides to explain/discuss this change.

34. AR Direction of attack OFFSIDE D A A A D D Instructor Notes
After you let the slide “play” – indicate the restart location, which is now where A ends up making contact with the ball. D D

35. AR Direction of attack OFFSIDE A A A D D Instructor Notes
After you let the slide “play” – indicate the restart location, which is now where A ends up making contact with the ball. D

36. Law 12

37. Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct
1/4
If a foul involves contact it is always a direct FK
Impeding an opponent with contact is a direct FK
If the referee plays advantage for a RC offence and the offending player then gets involved in play it is an IDFK
Change of wording for handball so that not every handball is a YC – YC for handball now linked to stopping/interfering with a promising attack (like other fouls)
Attempted violent conduct is a RC, even if no contact
Instructor Notes
Change: A foul that involves contact is always punished with a Direct Free Kick.
Change: Impeding an opponent with contact is now a DFK.
Recommendation for AYSO Games
Apply the change and keep it simple.
Change: If the referee plays advantage for a R/C offence….
In Red Card situations – primarily, the referee should stop play and manage the situation to avoid potential retaliation (especially inside the Penalty Area where there is a R/C and a PK).
If the referee applies advantage – he/she should verbalize to the guilty player “Don’t interfere.” to help him avoid getting involved in further play during the advantage.

38. Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct
2/4
Striking on head/face when not challenging an opponent is a RC unless the contact is minimal/negligible
Offence on the field against substitutes, team officials, match officials etc... is now a direct FK
Foul off the field as part of normal play will be penalised with a direct FK on the boundary line at the point nearest to the offence (penalty kick if in offender’s own penalty area)
Instructor Notes
Change: When a player commits an offence against a sub, team official, etc., the restart is now a Direct Free Kick.
Recommendation for AYSO Games
Good news – this does not happen a lot but, if it does, be ready to use the correct restart.

39. Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct
2/4
Free kicks for offences involving a player entering, re-entering or
leaving the field of play without permission are taken from the
position of the ball when play was stopped.
However, if a player leaves the field of play as part of play and
commits an offence against another player, play is restarted with
a free kick taken on the boundary line nearest to where the offence
occurred; for direct free kick offences a penalty kick is awarded if
this is within the offender’s penalty area
Instructor Notes
Change: When a player commits a foul outside of the field of play, as part of play (an extension of the play when two players are challenging for the ball and end up outside of the field of play) the restart is a Direct Free Kick on a spot on the touchline or goal line, closest to the place where the offence occurred.
If the offence is committed by a defending player within the goal line section that belongs to his penalty area, the restart is a penalty kick.
Recommendation for AYSO Games
If you have to apply this change, verbalize the reason for the DFK to bring awareness to the player and influence him to not do it again.

40. D A D A A D D D D A A A D A D D A D Instructor Notes
Use this slide to show that Red vs. Blue are challenging for the ball, close to the touch line. D D D A A A D A D D A D

41. D A D A A D D D D A A A D D A D A D Instructor Notes
Use this slide to show that Red is outside the field of play (due to the momentum of the play that started inside) and now has fouled the Blue player.
Point to the spot on the touch line where the DFK restart will take place. D D D A A A D D A D A D

42. D A D A A D D D D A A A D D A A D D Instructor Notes
Use this slide to show that Red is outside the field of play (due to the momentum of the play that started inside) and now has fouled the Blue player.
Point to the spot on the goal line where the DFK restart will take place. D D D A A A D D A A D D

43. D A D A A D D D D A A A D A D D A D Instructor Notes
Use this slide to show that defending Red is outside the field of play (due to the momentum of the play that started inside) and now has fouled the Blue player.
Point to the fact that the fouled occurred outside the section of the goal line which belongs to the red team’s penalty area and therefore, the restart is a Penalty Kick. D D D A A A D A D D A D

44. Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct
4/4
“Where a player denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-­‐scoring opportunity by a deliberate handball offence the player is sent off wherever the offence occurs.
Where a player commits an offence against an opponent within their own penalty area which denies an opponent an obvious goal-­‐scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick, the offending player is cautioned unless:
The offence is holding, pulling or pushing or
The offending player does not attempt to play the ball or there is no possibility for the player making the challenge to play the ball or
The offence is one which is punishable by a red card wherever it occurs on the field of play (e.g. serious foul play, violent conduct etc..)
In all the above circumstances the player is sent off.”
Instructor Notes
Let the students/participants have a few seconds to read the slide but tell them that you will explain the change.
Change: If a defending player commits a careless foul against an attacker who is inside the defending team’s penalty area, and in the opinion of the referee, the defending player is guilty of DOGSO due to a free kick offence, then the guilty player should be cautioned.
However, if the defending player used a reckless foul then, the guilty player must be send off.
The window of opportunity to give a yellow card instead of red, is very small.
There are a lot of non-referee people who believe the red card in this scenario has been totally eliminated.
Recommendation for AYSO Games
Verbalize the decision – Yellow card vs. Red card as the players (and others) will probably challenge it.

45. Law 13

46. Law 13
Free kicks
Clarification of the difference between ‘stopping’ a FK being taken and ‘intercepting’ the ball after FK has been taken
Ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves
If, when a free kick is taken, an opponent is closer to the ball than the required distance, the kick is retaken unless the advantage can be applied; but if a player takes a free kick quickly and an opponent who is less than 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball intercepts it, the referee allows play to continue. However, an opponent who deliberately prevents a free kick being taken quickly must be cautioned for delaying the restart of play.
Instructor Notes
Change: In the opinion of the referee, the ball must clearly move (to be consistent throughout the Laws).

47. Law 14

48. Law 14
The Penalty Kick
Clear statement of when a PK is over/completed
Some offences are always an IDFK whether or not the PK results in a goal:
Indirect FK if wrong player deliberately takes the penalty (+ YC to player who took the kick)
Indirect FK if ball kicked backwards
If ‘illegal’ feinting occurs it is always an indirect FK (and YC to the kicker)
If the GK infringes and the PK is missed/re-­‐taken the GK will now receive a YC
The penalty kick is completed when the ball stops moving, goes out of play or the referee stops play for any infringement of the Laws.
Instructor Notes
No change – just clarification on when a PK is completed.

49. Law 14 The Penalty Kick Summary table Outcome of the penalty kick
Goal No Goal
Encroachment
by attacking player Penalty is retaken Indirect free kick
by defending player Goal Penalty is retaken
Offence
by goalkeeper Goal Penalty is retaken and
caution for goalkeeper
Ball kicked
Backwards Indirect free kick Indirect free kick
Illegal feinting Indirect free kick and Indirect free kick and
caution for kicker caution for kicker
Wrong kicker Indirect free kick and Indirect free kick and
caution for wrong kicker caution for wrong kicker
Instructor Notes
Changes: changes are highlighted in red on this slide.
Recommendation for AYSO Games
Referees should review the PK process before a game to remember the situations and respective referee actions.

50. Law 15

51. Law 15
The Throw-in
No changes

52. Law 16

53. Law 16
The Goal Kick
The ball must be stationary! (current Law does not require this!)
If a goal kick is kicked into the kicker’s own goal it is a corner kick to opponents
An opponent who is in the penalty area when the goal kick is taken can not play the ball until touched by another player
Instructor Notes
No change – just clarification… “The ball must be stationary.”
Recommendation for AYSO Games
Apply common sense when there is a strong wind in our soccer fields.

54. Law 17

55. Law 17
The Corner Kick
No changes