Rules and Laws of the Game

1.  Each year SAY publishes a pocket size book of its current Rules and the FIFA Laws of the Game with some modifications that reflect SAY’s philosophy. 

2.  The rules define how SAY is organized and forms teams.  The rules of soccer (called the Laws of the Game) are quite simple, because soccer is a simple game.

3.  The Laws were written by and for people who understand the game.  Therefore, a lot of terms aren’t even defined (such as tackle, jumping at an opponent, and punt).  Behind the Laws is a very straightforward philosophy of “fair play”, often called the Spirit of the game.  It is assumed that the game itself is more important than any particular match, player, coach, referee, or fan.  Participants who don’t “play fair” are subject to disciplinary action (see Law 12, the section on Unsporting Behavior).  Within this Spirit of fair play, there are 17 laws.  Some of them may be modified for younger players.  TCYS also provides a one page listing of laws to be applied to passers only.  You should carry the rules with you to all games and refer to them when you have questions.  For further explanation and interpretation, go to www.ussoccer.com/referees.   There you will find several documents that will help you tremendously, particularly one titled, Advice to Referee on the Laws of the Game.