Florida Soccer

Basic Rules

Let's clear up some basic rules before you watch the game . . .

These are interpreted rules from "Laws of the Game 2001/2002" FIFA

*Remember, coaches and referees are usually parents just like you, or players just like your kids. They give their time to help make your child's youth soccer experience a positive one. They need your support too. Always remember to stay and keep your guests at least 3-feet from the sidelines of the game and no spectators are allowed around any goal areas or the ends of the field of play.

*Refrain from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. As a volunteer organization, there's always an opportunity for you to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one yourself! Before you complain, learn the rules!

HANDBALL

It is illegal if a player handles the ball deliberately, except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area. This means that it is not a foul for the ball just to touch a players hand. When a defender kicks the ball right into a players hand or the ball bounces up and hits someones arm, or someone accidentally falls and their arm touches the ball, these are not fouls and should not be called but it is up to the referee to make the call.

OFF SIDES

An offsides position is when the attacking player is nearer to his opponents goal line than both the ball and the second to last opponent. It is not an offense to be in an offside position. It is only a penalty if at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play. It is up to the assistant referees, linesmen, or referee, to determine if the player was involved in the play and an offsides penalty should be called. Parents and players should NOT try to make these calls. There are no offsides on throw ins or corner kicks.

BALL OUT OF BOUNDS

The ball is out of play when it has WHOLLY crossed the touch line whether on the ground or in the air. This means the WHOLE ball has to be TOTALLY over the touch line. A ball that touches the line or is on top of the line is NOT out of play. A goal is scored when the WHOLE of the ball passes over the goal line. It is not a goal unless the WHOLE ball has passed over the goal line.