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Laws of the Game / Reglas de Juego

Below are simple, clear explanations of the Spirit of the Law for each of the 17 Laws as sanctioned by FIFA and used by the World Cup, Premier League, and other international leagues around the world. These are documented within each Law description in the AYSO Guidance for Referees, Coaches Other Volunteers and Parents.

Law 1: The Field Of Play - The field of play must be safe for players. The goals and markings must be adequate for the referee to perform his duties and should not be confusing to the players.
Law 2: The Ball - The ball must be safe for the players and of appropriate size and weight. 
Law 3: The Number Of Players - Each team is entitled to begin play with a maximum of eleven (11) players and shall not continue play with fewer than seven (7). Exceptions in AYSO are permitted for small-sided games (see Short-Sided Games Guide for Referees). 
Law 4: The Players' Equipment - The players of each team must be safely equipped and easily distinguished from the opposing team. 
Law 5: The Referee - The referee's duty is to ensure the match is fun, fair and safe for the players. 
Law 6: The Assistant Referees - The assistant referees assist the referee in officiating the match. 
Law 7: The Duration Of The Match - The players are entitled to the entire designated playing time. 
Law 8: The Start And Restart Of Play - Neither team shall have an unfair advantage at the start of play. 
Law 9: The Ball In And Out Of Play - The ball remains in play even if an assistant referees has signaled, unless the referee has signaled it out of play or has stopped play. 
Law 10: The Method Of Scoring - The referee will award a goal when the entire ball enters the goal except as otherwise provided by the Laws of the Game. 
Law 11: Offside - A player may not participate or interfere with play from an offside position. 
Law 12: Fouls And Misconduct - Teams that fail to play in a sporting, fair and safe manner will be penalized. 
Law 13: Free Kicks - Free kicks are to be taken without interference from the opposing team. 
Law 14: The Penalty Kick - A penalty kick is awarded the offended team when a defending player commits a direct free kick foul within his own penalty area. 
Law 15: The Throw-In - When the ball completely crosses the touchline, it shall be thrown back into the field of play by a player of the team opposite to that of the player who last touched it. 
Law 16: The Goal Kick - A goal kick is awarded to the defending team when the ball crosses the goal line last touched by a member of the attacking team, without a goal being scored. 
Law 17: The Corner Kick - A corner kick is awarded the attacking team after the ball crosses the goal line last touched by a member of the defending team, without a goal being scored. 

Referees who are students of the game and continue to learn how to best apply the Laws that will successfully provide safe, fair and fun environments for games to be played.

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AYSO Region 1631

AYSO Region 1631, PO Box 486
San Jose, California 95103

Email Us: [email protected]
Phone : 669-247-7199
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