Referee Training and Development on the laws of the game 2024

Referee Training PowerPoint
S.A.Y. Northern Soccer League
2024
Thank you for
reffing!

RULE 17-Mechanics-One Referee
To be successful, the referee will have to cover more ground than would be necessary with more than one official. Most knowledgeable players and
coaches will recognize the limitations and will accept a good effort made by the referee.
1. Kick Off-Just outside the center circle, near the center line.
2. Ball in Play-A referee working alone will trail behind the play, but as close as is comfortable, considering the playing abilities of the teams and
the referee's running ability. The usual area of coverage will be from penalty line to penalty line.
3. Goal Kick-The referee should be positioned up field from the kicker where the kick is expected to come down.
4. Corner Kick-Because a corner kick always presents a good opportunity to score, the referee must be stationed on or near the goal line, on the
far side of the goal away from the kicker.
5. Penalty Kick-Positioning here would be the same as for a corner kick.
6. Throw-In-These will be observed from the normal referee position, approximately equally distant from each touch line. The players will decide
the need for a throw-in, with a call by the referee only in cases where the players do not agree.
7. Offside-Many offside situations will be extreme enough to be recognizable, but some of the close ones will be impossible to see. Watch for
teams who appear to be abusing this situation to gain an unfair advantage. A few close calls against them should correct that problem.
8. Free Kick-The referee should be down field from the kicker, near where the ball is expected to go. If the kicking point is close enough to the goal
that a shot on goal can be expected, the referee should be on or near the goal line (but never closer than 6 yards to the near goal post).
It will be impossible to be in the right
place in every situation that arises.
If you are the only referee during the
game, advise all coaches before the game
starts that you need their honest
assistance in what happened to avoid any
missed calls.
See Rulebook page 6

RULE 17-Mechanics-Two Referees
One referee is positioned essentially as is the other referee in the Diagonal System.
However, there is the added advantage of being able to enter the field when this offers a better
vantage point for observation of play. The trail referee functions essentially as does the referee in the
Diagonal System when play is near the goal.
Movement forward with the play must always be carefully considered. On a sudden reversal of play,
there is no third set of eyes to observe play while this referee moves back into position. Close
observation of play from both sides of the play is therefore limited. Another disadvantage is that both
referees must stay near the touch line so that offside and out-of-bounds situations can be observed
properly. An advantage is that either referee is equally empowered to stop play and impose
punishments for infractions, without the problem of observing and reacting to assistant referees' flags.
Referee 1
Referee 2
See Rulebook page 6

LAW 1-Field of Play
• Passers- Small-Sided 9 v 9 Field
Offside lines are known as Build out lines (located between halfway line and penalty area
line) These lines are designated for Passers division only.
• Wings, Strikers, Kickers, Minors, & Seniors- Full-Sided 11 v 11 Field
Longer lines are known as Touchlines and shorter lines are known as Goal lines.
Goal lines
Touchlines
Throw-Ins & Substitutions
Half-way line “Mid-field line”
Center Circle
See Rulebook pages 8-11

LAW 1-Field of Play
Goal Area
Goal Kicks Corners x 4
Corner Kicks

LAW 1-Field of Play (Build-out lines)
See Rulebook page 8

LAW 2-The Ball
Passers Wings & Kickers,
Strikers Minors, & Seniors
Size # 3 Ball Size # 4 Ball Size # 5 Ball
*NOTE: Only divisions that use a Size No. 5 are allowed to head the ball.
See Rulebook page 12

LAW 3-Players & Substitutions
• Fully Sided 11 v 11 games:
• Maximum players on the field 11
• Minimum players on the field 7
• One of whom shall be the Goalkeeper
• Small Sided 9 v 9 games (Passers Division ONLY):
• Maximum players on the field 9
• Minimum players on the field 6
• One of whom shall be the Goalkeeper
Both teams may substitute any number of players, but only with the permission of the Referee:
1. on a goal kick 2. after a goal
3. between periods 4. during an extended time out (as for an injury)
5. when the Referee stops the game to issue a caution or a send-off.
On a throw-in the team in possession of the ball may substitute any number of players.
• If the team in possession of the ball chooses to substitute, the opposing team may also substitute any number of players.
• If the team in possession of the ball chooses not to substitute, the opposing team may not substitute any players.

LAW 4-Player’s Equipment
Prior to any game the Referee shall inspect the player's equipment and prevent any player
whose equipment does not conform to the requirements of this Law from playing until such
time as it does comply.
All Players must wear current year SAY Shirt, Shorts, Socks, Shin-guards, & Shoes.
*NOTE: Players are allowed to wear sweatpants/sweatshirts if it is worn under their SAY Shirt and doesn’t
have any hard objects such as zippers or large buttons.
A player shall not wear anything which is dangerous to any other player or themselves.
Illegal equipment:
• hard hair pieces • jewelry, earrings, or watches
• face or spectacle guards • helmets of hard material
• any type of cast/splint (inflated "air" casts/splints)
• cleats with sharp edges
• foreign objects in the mouth (such as gum or ice), other than internal orthodontic devices.

LAW 5 & 6-Referees (That’s YOU)
The Referee shall:
• Enforce the Laws.
• Refrain from penalizing in cases where doing so would be giving an advantage to the offending team.
• Act as the official timekeeper.
• Have the authority to stop the game for any infringement of the Laws and to suspend or terminate the
game if weather conditions or actions of spectators or players indicate that a stoppage is necessary
A Referee’s responsibility is to keep the game safe and fair by using their authority to stop
play for any infringements that are not in accordance with the Laws of the Game and “Spirit
of the Game”.
The power of penalizing shall also extend to offenses committed when play has been
suspended, the ball is out-of-play, between periods, etc.
The Referee's decision on points of fact shall be final, including whether a goal was scored or
not.
A Referee may reverse a decision only as long as play has not been allowed to restart.

LAW 5 & 6-Referees
Games should be played with as little interference as possible.
It is the duty of the Referee(s) to penalize only deliberate breaches of Law.
Constant whistling for trifling and doubtful breaches produces bad feeling
and loss of temper on the part of the players and spoils the pleasure of the
spectators.
If the "advantage" clause has been applied and the advantage that was
anticipated does not develop at that time, the Referee shall penalize the
original offense.
Games may not be forfeited by referees.
Conditions indicating a possible forfeit must be reported to the SAY Area or
District Representative for decision.

LAW 7-Duration of the Game
• Passers- 10-minute quarters (20-minute halves)
• Wings- 12-minute quarter (24-minute halves)
• Strikers, Kickers, Minors, & Seniors- 15-minute quarters (30-minute halves)
INTERVAL BETWEEN PERIODS:
• Intervals between the 1st and 2nd, and the 3rd and 4th quarters will be one (1) minute.
• The half-time interval will be five (3) minutes.
ALLOWANCE FOR TIME LOST
• Allowances shall be made within each period for time lost through injury or other cause.
• The amount of time added shall be at the discretion of the Referee.
• The time to be added shall be at the end of a period.
• This time may not be added to a different period.
• Play ends exactly at the instant that time for the period runs out regardless of the position or
motion of the ball at that moment.

LAW 8-The Start & Restart of Play
PRELIMINARIES
Prior to the game, choice of ends shall be determined by a coin toss. The team winning the toss will choose to
take the kick-off in the first quarter (or half), or which goal it will attack during the first quarter (or half).
The other team will make the remaining choice to start the match.
Neither team may choose to take the kick-off to begin the second quarter (or half).
Teams will switch ends of the field at the start of each quarter (or half).
The kick-off to start each quarter (or half) will be taken by the team that did not kick off to start the previous
quarter (or half).
KICK-OFF
A kick-off is the way to start each quarter (or half) of the game, or to restart play after a goal is scored.
Upon the referee's whistle, the game is started or restarted by a player taking a kick from the center mark.
Until the ball is kicked, the players of each team (except for the kicker) must be in their team's half of
the field, and the players of the opposing team must also be outside the center circle.
The player taking the kick-off may be completely in the opposing team’s half of the field at the taking of the kick.

LAW 8- The Start & Restart of Play
PLAY STARTS
• On a kick-off, the ball is in-play when it is kicked and clearly moves in any direction.
• The kicker may not touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player from
either team.
• If the ball is touched or played twice in succession, an indirect free kick (IFK) is awarded to the
opposing team at the place where it was touched the second time.
GOAL FROM KICK-OFF
• A goal may be scored directly (first touch) against the opposing team from a kick-off.
• A team may not score a goal against itself directly from a kick-off.
• If the ball is kicked directly into the kicker’s own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team.
AFTER GOAL
• After a goal has been scored, the game is restarted with a kick-off by the team score against.

DROPPED BALL RESTART
A dropped ball is the way to restart play where it is necessary for the Referee to temporarily stop a game, while the ball was in-play, for when:
• a player is injured,
• an “outside agent” interferes with play,
• the ball that touches a Referee on the field-of-play interferes with play,
• the whistle is accidently blown by the Referee, or on any other occasion not mentioned elsewhere in these Laws.
• Only one player may take part in the dropped ball restart.
• All other players (both teams) must be at least 4-yards away.
• The ball shall always be dropped to the defending team’s goalkeeper in their Penalty Area if, when play was stopped: the ball was in the Penalty area, or the last touch of
the ball was in the Penalty Area.
• Opposing players are not required to leave the Penalty Area when a dropped ball occurs.
• If the stoppage occurs when the ball is within the goal area, it shall be dropped to the goalkeeper on that part of the goal area line nearest to where the ball was when
play was stopped.
• If play is stopped outside the Penalty Area, the Referee shall: Drop the ball to a player of the team that last touched the ball as well as the location where it last touched
either:
1) a player 2) an “outside agent” 3) a Referee
DROPPED BALL IN PLAY
A dropped ball shall be in-play when it touches the ground.
• If a player touches the ball before it contacts the ground, the Referee shall drop the ball again.
• If a dropped ball leaves the field-of-play before being touched by any player, the Referee shall redo the dropped ball.
• The player receiving the dropped ball may play it as many times in succession as they so choose.

GOAL FROM DROPPED BALL
• For a goal to be scored the ball must be touched by at least two different players, i.e.
from either team.
• If the ball goes into the goal after it has been dropped and only one player has
touched the ball, a goal cannot be awarded, and play is to be restarted with either a
goal kick or corner kick.
OTHER RESTARTS
• Direct free kick (DFK), indirect free kick (IFK) and penalty kick (PK) restarts shall be
awarded:
1) for fouls and misconduct offenses covered in Law 12,
2) only when the Referee stops play for these offenses committed while the ball is in-play, and
3) in accordance with the procedures defined in Laws 13 & 14.
• Whenever the ball leaves the field, play will be restarted with either a throw-in, goal
kick or corner kick as per Laws 15, 16 & 17.
• Any offense that occurs when the ball is out-of-play does not change how play is
restarted.

LAW 8- Small-Sided 9 v 9 Build-out Area Restarts
All Passers games shall be played using the following Build-Out Area rules:
➢ The players of the opposing team must move outside the Build-Out Area:
1) on all goal kicks
2) on any defensive free kick (DFK or IFK) taken from within the Build-Out Area
3) whenever the goalkeeper, during play, gains possession of the ball with their hands within their penalty area.
➢ The opposing team’s players must also move at least 8-yards from the ball on any free kick taken from within the Build-Out Area.
➢ The players of the opposing team must remain outside the Build-Out Area (and at least 8-yards from the ball) until the ball is put back into play.
The ball is back in-play:
1) on goal kicks when the ball is kicked and clearly moves in any direction
2) on free kicks (DFK or IFK) when the ball is kicked and clearly moves in any direction
3) on goalkeeper possession when the goalkeeper releases the ball by either:
• throwing it into play, rolling it into play, or placing the ball on the ground and kicking it.
Goalkeepers are not allowed to punt or drop-kick the ball and if they do so, an indirect free kick (IFK) is awarded to the
opposing team, and the IFK will be taken at the spot of the punt/drop-kick (or pull out to the goal area line)
Goalkeepers have six (6) seconds to put the ball back into play once the ball is in their possession, and the counting of time
should only begin when all opponents have moved outside the Build-Out Area.
➢ Once the ball is put back into play, the opposing players may then move into the Build-Out Area and play resumes as
normal.
➢ Opposing players who enter the Build-Out Area before the ball is put back into play are guilty of encroachment.
➢ When the Referee stops play for encroachment, play is restarted by the kicking team with an indirect free kick (IFK) at the
spot of the encroachment

LAW 9- Ball In & Out of Play
BALL OUT-OF-PLAY
• The ball is out-of-play when:
1) the whole of the ball completely passes over the Goal Line or Touchline, whether on the ground
or in the air
2) when the game has been stopped by the referee, including when the referee accidently blows
the whistle
3) the ball touches the Referee or Assistant Referee without completely leaving the field-of-play
and:
a) either team starts a promising attack, or
b) the ball goes directly into the goal, or
c) the team in possession of the ball changes, or
d) the ball significantly changes direction.
BALL IN-PLAY
• The ball is in-play at all other times, including when:
1) it rebounds from a goal post, cross bar or corner flag and remains in the field-of play
2) there is an apparent infringement, but no signal has been given by the Referee.

LAW 9- Ball In & Out of Play See Rulebook page 25

LAW 10-Method of Scoring
GOAL SCORED
• Except as otherwise provided by these Laws, a goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes
over the goal line, between the goal posts and under the cross bar.
• A goal shall not be awarded if the goalkeeper throws the ball directly into the opponent’s goal.
• A goal shall not be awarded if it is the result of an offense by the attacking team.
• A goal shall not be awarded if the ball touches the Referee or Assistant Referee and then goes
directly into the goal, as defined in Law 9.
WINNING TEAM
• The team scoring more goals shall be the winner.
• If both teams score an equal number of goals, or if no goals are scored, the game shall be a draw.
BALL POSITION
• A goal may not ever be allowed if the whole of the ball has not crossed the goal line.
REFEREE DECISION
• The Referee may not award a goal unless in a position to observe and be certain that the ball has
completely crossed the goal-line.
• The Referee should award a goal if an Assistant Referee is in such a position and signals that fact to
the Referee.

LAW 10-Method of Scoring
INTERFERENCE BY SUBSTITUTE OR TEAM OFFICIAL
If the ball touches a substitute or team official, who has come onto the field-of-play without the Referee’s
permission, play shall be stopped.
• A goal may be allowed if the ball
➢ does not change direction
➢ continues into the goal
➢ the interference does not prevent a defender from being able to play the ball.
• A goal shall not be allowed if it never enters the goal.
• A goal shall not be allowed if the ball enters the opponent’s goal.
The game shall be restarted with a direct free kick (DFK) or penalty kick (PK) depending upon where the interference occurred.
OUTSIDE AGENT INTERFERENCE
• If the ball is stopped by an “outside agent” play shall be stopped.
• An “outside agent” is defined as anyone not listed as a player, substitute or team official on the team’s roster.
• A ball, any other object or an animal (i.e. a dog) are also considered to be “outside agents.”
• The game shall be restarted appropriately in accordance with Law 8, at the place where the ball touched the “outside agent”.
• The Referees are not “outside agents”
• A goal may be allowed (even when contact is made with the ball) if the ball
➢ Is going into the goal
➢ does not change direction
➢ the interference does not prevent a defender from being able to play the ball.
• A goal shall not be allowed if the ball’s direction is changed causing it to enter the goal.
• A goal shall not be allowed if the ball that touches an “outside agent” never enters the goal.

LAW 11-Offsides
OFFSIDE POSITION
• An attacking player is in an offside position if the attacker is:
➢ closer to their opponent’s goal line than the ball .... and ...
➢ closer to the opponent’s goal line than the second-to-last opponent
➢ in the opponent’s half of the field.
• A player who is even with the second-to-last opponent or with the last two opponents is not in an offside
position.
• Offside position shall be judged at the moment the ball was last played or touched by a teammate, not at the
moment the attacking player in question receives the ball.
LAW 11- Offsides does not apply to the Passers division.
OFFSIDE OFFENSE
• A player shall only be penalized for being in an offside position if, if the ball touches or is
played by a teammate, that player is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play
by:
➢ interfering with play
➢ interfering with an opponent
➢ having gained an advantage by being in that position.

LAW 11-Offsides
NO OFFENSE
A player shall not be declared offside:
➢ merely because of being in an offside position
➢ if the player receives the ball directly from:
1) a goal kick
2) a throw-in
3) a corner kick
• Attackers, who are not in an offside position when a teammate plays the ball, do not commit an offside
offense, if they move forward ahead of the ball or past the next-to-last opponent during the flight of the ball.
• In SAY small-sided Passers division games no offside offense can occur between the two Offside Lines (Build-
Out Lines), as this in effect is an “offside free zone”.
• In SAY the offside rule shall not apply to any small-sided Passer division games.
PUNISHMENT
• If a player is declared to have committed an offside offense, the Referee shall award an indirect free kick (IFK)
to the opposing team subject to the overriding conditions of Law 13.
• The free kick shall be taken by an opposing player from the place where the offside offense occurred.
➢ The offense occurs where the offside attacker becomes involved in active play, e.g. where the player touches the ball or
interferes an opponent.

Question?
Player A1 passes the ball to player A2, who is in this position at the time
of the pass. Is Player A2 offside?
Yes! OFFSIDES

Scenario: Player A1 passes the ball to player A2 who, at the moment of
the pass, is even with the goalkeeper G and defender D2. Is player A2
considered offsides?
NO-This is not OFFSIDES!

LAW 12-Fouls & Misconduct
BALL IN-PLAY OFFENSES
• Direct free kicks (DFK), indirect free kicks (IFK) [See Law 13] and penalty kicks (PK) [See Law 14] can only be
awarded for fouls committed while the ball is in-play.
• If an offense involves contact, it is penalized with a direct free kick (DFK) or penalty kick (PK).
• All free kicks (DFK and IFK) shall be taken by the opposing team in accordance with criteria outlined in LAW 13.
• In the Passers division all offenses (including those committed within the Penalty Area) shall result in an indirect
free kick (IFK) restart [See Law 13], i.e. no DFK or PK restart can be awarded.
DIRECT FREE KICK OFFENSES
• A direct free kick (DFK) is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following seven (7)
offenses in a manner considered by the Referee to be careless, reckless or involving disproportionate force:
➢ kicks {or attempts to kick): an opponent, or the ball in possession of the goalkeeper,
➢ trips (or attempts to trip) an opponent,
➢ strikes (or attempts to strike) an opponent, including a goalkeeper:
1) throwing the ball vigorously at an opponent,
2) pushing an opponent with the ball while still holding it.
➢ jumps at an opponent,
➢ charges an opponent,
➢ pushes an opponent,
➢ tackles or challenges an opponent to gain possession of the ball, and makes contact with the opponent:
1) before contact is made with the ball,
2) on any slide tackle made from outside the peripheral vision (the rear 180 degrees) of an opponent, even if first contact is with the ball.

A direct free kick (DFK) is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following six (6)
offenses:
➢ holds an opponent,
➢ bites or spits at anyone,
➢ impedes an opponent with contact,
➢ throws or kicks an object at:
1) the ball 2) an opponent 3) a game official
➢ contacts the ball with a held object (this includes the goalkeeper)
➢ handles the ball deliberately, i.e. carries, strikes or propels the ball with hand or arm (this does not apply to
the goalkeeper within their own Penalty Area).
In addition, a direct free kick (DFK) or penalty kick (PK) is awarded to the opposing team if a player on the field-
of play commits any DFK offense against:
➢ a teammate ➢ a substitute ➢ a team official ➢ a game official
*NOTE: In the Passers division, all foregoing fouls shall result in an indirect free kick (IFK) restart.

PENALTY KICK
• Should a player of the defending team commit one of the above direct free kick (DFK) offenses within their own Penalty Area, they shall be
penalized by a penalty kick.
• A penalty kick can be awarded:
➢ only if the ball is in play at the time of the offense,
➢ only if the offense is committed against an opposing player,
➢ only if the offense is committed within the Penalty Area, and
➢ regardless of the location of the ball.
INDIRECT FREE KICK OFFENSES
The commission of any of the following offenses will result in the award of an indirect free kick (IFK), taken by the opposing
team at the point of offense subject to the overriding conditions of Law 13.
DANGEROUS PLAY - Playing in a manner that could result in injury to themselves or to any other player (teammate or
opponent).
➢ "Dangerous Play" is a judgment call.
➢ The examples given below are not exclusive:
1) Raising the foot, in an attempt to play the ball, to the level of another player's chest or higher when the other player is in normal position.
2) Using a double kick (scissors or bicycle) within playing distance of another player.
3) Lowering the head to a level of the waist or lower in an attempt to head the ball in the presence of another player.
4) Playing or attempting to play the ball while lying on the ground within playing distance of another player.
SLIDE TACKLING FROM THE REAR WITH NO CONTACT- A slide tackle made from outside the peripheral vision (the rear 180
degrees) of an opposing player:
➢ who is in control of the ball, and
➢ where no contact is made with either the ball or the player.

CHARGING FAIRLY - When shoulder to the shoulder contact is made with an opposing player and:
➢ each player has at least one foot on the ground,
➢ the ball is not within playing distance of the two players,
➢ the contact is not excessive or unsafe.
OBSTRUCTION - When not playing the ball, a player intentionally interposes their body so as to impede an
opponent's movement (without contact).
FOULS AGAINST THE GOALKEEPER - Charging a goalkeeper:
➢ while ball is in the goalkeeper’s possession
➢ in the Goal Area, whether the ball is in the goalkeeper’s possession.
IMPROPER CLEARING OF THE BALL BY THE GOALKEEPER - The following rules shall apply to goalkeepers when
clearing the ball:
➢ Goalkeepers may run or walk with the ball take any number of steps while inside the Penalty Area, as long as
there is no excessive delay in clearing the ball.
*The following rules do not apply in any way to Passers (U-8) games.
1) Goalkeepers, from the moment they take control of the ball with their hand or arm, may take no more than six (6) seconds
without releasing it back into play.
2) A goalkeeper who bounces or tosses the ball in the air and catches it again is not considered to have released the ball back
into play.
3) Goalkeepers, after releasing the ball into play, may not touch the ball again with their hand or arm unless it has been
touched or played by another player.

OFFENSES BY THE GOALKEEPER – Playing the ball received from a teammate.
➢ On any occasion when a teammate deliberately kicks the ball to their own goalkeeper, or throws
the ball on a throw-in directly to their own goalkeeper:
1) the goalkeeper is not permitted to touch it with hand or arm.
2) If, however, the goalkeeper does touch the ball with their hand or arm, they shall be penalized by the
award of an indirect free kick (IFK) to the opposing team at the place where the touch occurred, and in
accordance with Law 13.
➢ This restriction does not apply to Passers (U-8) games, as a goalkeeper may play or touch the
ball with their hands when a teammate:
1) deliberately kicks the ball to them,
2) directly throws the ball to them on a throw-in.
➢ In the Passers and Wings the goalkeepers are not allowed to punt or drop-kick the ball [Law 8].
SMALL-SIDED HEADING THE BALL RESTRICTIONS – The following rules only apply to Passers, Wings, and Strikers
division games.
➢ On any occasion when a player deliberately strikes the ball with any portion of their head, an
indirect free kick (IFK) is to be awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the infraction.
➢ Such a deliberate act is considered the same as a dangerous play offense.
➢ The player shall not be cautioned nor sent-off for any reason associated with heading the ball.
➢ If the player does not deliberately play or attempt to play the ball with their head, then no
offense has occurred, and play should be allowed to continue.

LAW 12-Yellow Cards
MISCONDUCT - CAUTION (YELLOW CARD)
A caution shall be administered:
➢ If a player enters or leaves the field of play without the Referee's permission
➢ If a player repeatedly violates the Laws of the Game
➢ If dissent is shown by words or action with any decision of the Referee
➢ If a player or substitute engages in unsporting behavior, such as:
1) attempts to prevent a throw-in from being taken,
2) attempting to prevent a goalkeeper from clearing the ball,
3) use of inappropriate language or gestures.
➢ If a player fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted, or otherwise delays the restart of play.
➢ If a player within their own Penalty Area attempts to make a play on the ball, but commits an offense that:
1) results in a penalty kick,
2) is not punishable by a red card, and
3) denies the opposing team an obvious goal scoring opportunity.
➢ If a player deliberately handles the ball:
1) in an attempt to score a goal (whether goal scored or not),
2) in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent a goal by opposing team,
3) to interfere with or stop a promising attack.
➢ If a player commits a direct kick (DFK) offense in a reckless manner.
• The Referee need not stop the game immediately to administer a caution, i.e. the advantage clause may be invoked.
➢ The caution will be administered at the next stoppage of play.
• If the Referee stops the game to administer a caution, the game shall be restarted by an indirect free kick (IFK) taken by a
player of the opposing team from the place where the ball was when the Referee stopped the game in accordance with
Law 13.
• A player receiving a caution may remain in the game or substituted at the discretion of the coach.

LAW 12-Red Card
MISCONDUCT – SEND-OFF (RED CARD)
*NOTE: Passers and Wings Divisions do not receive Yellow or Red cards
• A player will be sent-off from the game for:
➢ violent conduct
➢ serious foul play, including
➢ deliberately handling the ball, thereby denying his opponent a goal, or an obvious goal-scoring
opportunity, (other than the goalkeeper within their own penalty area)
➢ impeding an opponent who is moving toward his opponent's goal with an obvious goal-scoring
opportunity, by committing any offense punishable by a free kick (or penalty kick), and thereby denies the
attacking team an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
➢ spitting at an opponent or any other person
➢ the use of offensive, insulting, or abusive language or gestures.
➢ receiving a second caution.
• If the game is stopped to eject the player, no other Law having been infringed, an indirect
free kick (IFK) shall be awarded to the opposing team from the point of the offense, in
accordance with Law 13.
• When a Referee is in the process of cautioning a player, and the player commits another
offense that merits a caution, the player shall be sent-off (red carded).

LAW 13-Free Kicks
TYPES OF FREE KICKS
1. DIRECT (DFK): from which a goal can be scored without being touched by another player, of either team, against the
offending team only.
2. INDIRECT (IFK): from which a goal cannot be scored unless the ball has been touched by any other player, of either team,
before it enters the goal.
NOTE: In the Passers (U-8) division all free kicks shall be Indirect Free Kicks (IFK), i.e. no DFKs or penalty kicks.
ALL FREE KICKS
• All free kicks are taken from the place where the free kick offense occurred, except for:
➢ kicks being taken from within team’s own Goal Area,
➢ any IFK offense committed in opponent’s Goal Area,
➢ any offenses that occur off the field-of-play,
➢ any offenses involving a player entering or leaving the field-of-play.
• The ball must be stationary when the free kick is taken.
• The ball may be kicked in any direction.
• The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves
• When a free kick is being taken, players are guilty of encroaching when they:
➢ do not retire to the proper distance from the ball or attempt to delay the taking of a free kick by entering the Build-Out Area or Penalty Area or
moving within the required distance.
• If players of the opposing team encroach:
➢ the Referee may delay the taking of the free kick until the required distance is met, or the free kick is retaken, if the Referee stops play.
• Encroachment should be considered as an unsporting behavior offense, except in the Passers division.

LAW 13-Free Kicks
OUTSIDE OWN PENALTY AREA
• When a free kick is being taken by the kicking team outside their own Penalty Area, players of the opposing
team should be at least the following distances (in all directions) from the ball until it has been kicked.
1) Passers and Wings - eight (8) yards and outside the Build Out-Area [See Law 8].
2) Strikers- eight (8) yards
3) Kickers, Minors, and Seniors- ten (10) yards.
• must move and be at least the distances noted above from the ball until it has been kicked if:
1) requested by the kicker, and/or
2) the Referee stops play (in which case a second whistle should be used to restart play).
INSIDE OWN PENALTY AREA
• When a free kick is taken by the kicking team from inside its own Penalty Area all the opposing players shall
remain outside the Penalty Area and be at least the following distance from the ball until it has been kicked:
➢ Passers and Wings– outside the Build-Out Area [See Law 8]
➢ Strikers – eight (8) yards
➢ Kickers thru Seniors- ten (10) yards
INSIDE OWN GOAL AREA
• Any free kick awarded to a defending team inside their own Goal Area shall be taken from a point anywhere within the Goal Area in
which the offense occurred.

LAW 13-Free Kicks
INSIDE OPPONENT’S PENALTY AREA
• When an Indirect Free Kick (IFK) is called against an opponent for an offense occurring within the opponent's Penalty Area the kick shall be taken:
➢ at the location of the offense, except when the offense occurs inside the Goal Area.
• The defending players may stand on the goal line and between the goal posts when the distance from the spot of the kick and the goal is less than:
➢ Passers, Wings, and Strikers- eight (8) yards
➢ Kickers thru Seniors- ten (10) yards. WITHIN OPPONENT'S GOAL AREA
Any Indirect Free Kick (IFK) awarded to the attacking team within their opponent's Goal Area shall be taken from the part of the Goal Area line which runs parallel to the goal line, at the
point nearest to where the offense was committed.
OFF THE FIELD OFFENSES
When the ball is in-play and the Referee stops the game for an offense committed outside the field-of-play, the restart shall be a free kick taken on the boundary line, (i.e. the goal line or
touchline), nearest to where offense occurred. [Exception: See Law 14].
The Referee should stop play whenever a player commits any free kick offense off the field against:
➢ an opposing player ➢ a Referee ➢ a substitute ➢ a team official
The Referee should stop play whenever a substitute or team official commits an off the field offense against or interferes with:
➢ an opposing player ➢ a match official
KICKER PLAYS BALL TWICE
The kicker may not play the ball again until it has been touched by another player.
PUNISHMENT
For playing the ball twice in succession, an Indirect Free Kick (IFK) is awarded to the opposing team at the point where it was touched the second time.
*REFEREE IFK SIGNAL-To indicate an Indirect Free Kick (IFK), the Referee shall raise an arm straight above their head. The Referee shall retain the signal until the kick has been taken and
the ball has been played or touched by another player, the ball goes out of play, or it is clear that a goal cannot be scored directly.

LAW 13-Free Kicks
• The defending players may stand on the goal line and between the
goal posts when the distance from the spot of the kick and the goal is
less than:
❑ Wings division- eight (8) yards
▪ Strikers, Kickers, Minors, & Seniors division- ten (10) yards

LAW 14-Penalty Kick
THE PENALTY KICK
• A penalty kick (PK) is awarded to the opposing team when a direct free kick (DFK) offense, as defined in Law 12, is committed:
➢ while the ball is in play
➢ by a defending player
➢ inside their own Penalty Area or off the field-of-play within the boundaries of their Penalty Area
LOCATION-A penalty kick shall be taken from the Penalty Mark.
POSITION OF PLAYERS-When the penalty kick is taken all players (other than the player taking the penalty kick and the opposing goalkeeper)
shall be:
➢ within the field-of-play
➢ outside the Penalty Area
➢ outside the Penalty Arc
➢ farther from the goal line than the Penalty Mark
*NOTE: Players must remain there until the ball is kicked into play.
THE GOALKEEPER
• The goalkeeper (who may be changed with another player on the field for the taking of the penalty kick)
➢ must remain on the goal line, between the goal posts, and may move along the goal line prior to the kick.
➢ shall not come off the goal line until the ball has been kicked and is permitted to move the body or arms - but not in an
unsporting attempt to distract the kicker.
• The goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot touching the goal line at the time that the ball is kicked.

RESULT OF
PENALTY-KICK
NO
VIOLATION
VIOLATION
BY
OFFENSE
ONLY
VIOLATION
BY
DEFENSE
ONLY
VIOLATION
BY BOTH
TEAMS
ENTERS GOAL GOAL RE-KICK GOAL RE-KICK
GOES
DIRECTLY
OVER GOAL-
LINE OUT-OF-
BOUNDS
GOAL
KICK
INDIRECT
FREE
KICK
RE-KICK
RE-KICK
REBOUNDS
INTO PLAY
FROM GOAL
OR OFF
GOALKEEPER
CONTINUE
PLAY
INDIRECT
FREE
KICK
RE-KICK RE-KICK
SAVED &
HELD BY
GOALKEEPER
CONTINUE
PLAY
INDIRECT
FREE
KICK
RE-KICK RE-KICK
DEFLECTED
OUT-OF-
BOUNDS BY
GOALKEEPER
CORNER
KICK
INDIRECT
FREE
KICK
RE-KICK RE-KICK
LAW 14-Penalty Kick Chart See Rulebook pages 38

LAW 14-Penalty Kick
THE BALL
Must be placed stationary on the Penalty Mark, must be kicked in a forward direction, in play immediately after it has been
kicked and clearly moves, and may not be played a second time by the kicker until touched by another player.
GOAL SCORED
A goal may be scored directly (first touch) from a penalty kick.
• When a penalty kick is being taken a goal shall be awarded if, the ball touches:
➢ either or both goal posts ➢ the cross bar ➢ the goalkeeper
➢ any combination of these before passing completely across the goal line between the posts and under the cross bar, providing that no other
infringement has occurred.
PUNISHMENT
• When a penalty kick has been awarded, the Referee shall not signal for it to be taken, until all the players have taken up
positions in accordance with the Law 14.
• For any infringement of this Law by the defending team.
➢ If a goal is scored, the goal is allowed; but
➢ If a goal is not scored, the penalty kick MUST BE retaken
• For any infringement of this Law by the attacking team.
➢ If a goal is scored, the goal is not awarded, and the penalty kick MUST BE retaken; but
➢ If a goal is not scored, play is stopped and an Indirect Free Kick (IFK) at the spot of the infringement is taken by the opposing team.
• If both teams infringe, the penalty kick is re-taken.
• If the kicker is guilty of playing the ball twice in succession an Indirect Free Kick (IFK) is awarded to the defending team.
➢ The IFK is to be taken from the place where the infringement (second touch) occurred, unless the offense is committed in the opponent's Goal
Area, in which case the free kick shall be taken from a point anywhere within the Goal Area in accordance with Law 13.

LAW 15-Throw-Ins
RESTART
When the whole of the ball has passed over a Touch Line, either on the ground or in the air, it shall be put back into play:
➢ by a throw-in in any direction at the point where the ball left the field-of-play ➢ by a player of the opposing team to that of the player who touched it last
PROCEDURE
The thrower:
➢ must face-the-field of play and with part of each foot shall be
1) either on the Touch Line 2) on the ground outside the Touch Line 3) part of each foot shall remain in contact with the ground
➢ shall throw the ball
1) using both hands (unless physically impaired from doing so) 2) shall throw it from behind and over is or her their head.
DISTANCE OF OPPONENTS
• All opposing players must remain at least two (2) yards from the thrower until the ball is back in-play.
BALL IN-PLAY
The ball shall be in-play immediately:
➢ upon any part of the ball breaking the plane of the field-of-play (i.e. the outside edge of the Touch Line)
➢ after having been released by the thrower.
The thrower shall not again touch the ball until it has been touched by another player from either team.
GOAL SCORED
• A goal may not be scored directly from a throw-in.
• If the ball goes directly into the thrower’s own goal, play is restarted with a corner kick.
• If the ball goes directly into the opposing team’s goal, play is restarted with a goal kick.
OFFSIDE
• The Offside Law 11 does not apply at the taking of a throw-in.

LAW 15-Throw-Ins
INFRINGEMENTS / SANCTIONS
• For an improper throw-in, the restart shall be a throw-in by the opposing team.
• The same shall be true if the throw-in is not taken at the point where the ball went out-of-play.
• For touching the ball, a second time, an indirect free kick (IFK) shall be taken by the opposing team at
the point where the second touch occurred.
• If a player taking a throw-in plays the ball a second time by handling it within the field-of play before it
has been touched by another player, the referee shall award a direct free kick (DFK)
➢ This is the committal of a simultaneous foul, i.e. a second touch of the ball (IFK) and a handling foul (DFK).
➢ The more serious offense dictates that the restart is a DFK.
• If, when a throw-in is being taken, any of the opposing players dance about or wave their hands in a
way calculated to distract or impede the thrower, it shall be deemed unsporting behavior, for which the
offender(s) should be cautioned.
• If the ball does not enter the field or hits the ground before entering the field-of-play, the ball has not
been thrown directly into the field-of-play, thus the throw-in is to be retaken.
✓EXCEPTION: In the Passers division, when an improper throw-in is taken, the referee should:
➢ stop play ➢ explain the proper procedure to the player
➢ allow the throw-in to be retaken

LAW 16-Goal Kick
PROCEDURE
When the ball passes completely over the defending team's Goal Line and was last touched by an attacking player, and a goal was not scored, it shall be put into play by a
kick taken:
➢ by a player of the defending team ➢ from a point anywhere within the Goal Area.
OFFSIDE
The Offside Law 11 does not apply at the taking of a goal kick.
IN PLAY
➢ The ball shall be stationary, and is considered in play when it has been kicked and clearly moves
SECOND TOUCH
If a player taking a goal kick touches the ball after it has been kicked, but it is touched by another player, an indirect free kick (IFK) shall be awarded to the opposing
team. The IFK will be taken from the place where the second touch occurred.
GOAL SCORED
• A goal may be scored directly (first touch) from a goal-kick, but only against the opposing team.
• A team cannot score against itself directly from a goal kick.
• If ball is kicked directly into a team’s own goal, the opposing team will restart play with a corner kick.
OPPONENT’S POSITION
• All players of the opposing team shall move and remain outside the Penalty Area until the ball has been kicked and clearly moves.
• The goal kick is to be retaken if an opponent:
1) is in the Penalty Area or enters the Penalty Area before the ball is in play
2) touches or challenges for the ball before it has touched another player.
*EXCEPTION: Passers and Wings divisions-all opposing players shall move and remain outside the Build-Out Area until the ball has been kicked and clearly moves [See
Law 8].
The goal kick is to be retaken if an opponent:
1) is in the Build-Out Area or enters the Build-Out Area before the ball is in play
2) touches or challenges for the ball before it has touched another player.

LAW 17-Corner Kick
PROCEDURE
When the ball passes completely over the defending team's goal line, and was last touched by a defending player,
and a goal was not scored, it shall be put back into play by a kick taken:
➢ by a player of the attacking team ➢ from the corner of the field nearest to where the ball crossed the goal line.
PLACEMENT
• The ball must be placed stationary on or within the Corner Arc.
• The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
CORNER FLAG
• The corner flag may not be moved by a player for taking of the corner kick.
GOAL SCORED
A goal may be scored directly (first touch) from a corner kick.
REQUIRED DISTANCE
• Defending players must remain the distance noted below from the Corner Arc until the ball has been kicked and clearly moves.
➢ Passers, Wings, and Strikers – eight (8) yards ➢ Kickers, Minors, and Seniors- ten (10) yards
SECOND TOUCH
• If the player taking the corner kick touches the ball a second time before it has been
touched by another player, an indirect free kick (IFK) shall be awarded to the opposing team.
• The IFK will be taken at the spot where the second touch occurred.
OFFSIDE
• The Offside Law does not apply at the taking of a corner kick.

THANK YOU, WE CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!
MUCH APPRECIATION FROM THE SAY-NORTHERN SOCCER LEAGUE
BOARD OFFICERS/MEMBERS!
TONY MCCARTHY-PRESIDENT
MELISSA WILSON-VICE PRESIDENT/REFEREE CONTACT
KYLIE DUNN-TREASURER
STEPHANIE ZELLNER-SECRETARY
BOARD MEMBERS: BRENT JOHNSON, JEFF BOETTCHER,
MISTY TAVONATTI, AND KAINA TAVONATTI
WE LOOK FORWARD TO A GREAT SEASON!

Referee Training and Development on the laws of the game 2024

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