Question Number: 22572

League Specific 11/23/2009

RE: competitive and below

Peiffer of Naples, Fl usa asks...

Why is it, that when we do the level 8 courses nothing is said of the small sided rules. I recently asked this at my last recert and the response was scorn. I fully understand that it's a FIFA program, but the chances of most level 8 referees doing a FIFA game is nill. But the chances of doing a U-12 USSF game is the complete opposite. I don't know the last time I seen a referee other than myself call the Indirect kick that is required the the ball travels from inside the penality area to inside the other penality area when the goalkeeper distributes the ball (punt) Law 12

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

1. There is no one set of short sided rules throughout the country, and even within a specific region, the rules differ depending on the age.

2. There barely is enough time in a 16 hour course to cover the laws of the game and the mechanics for a referee.

3. The questions on the referee exam are on the laws of the game.

4. Referees should learn the rules of the competition when they accept assignments. What are the substitution rules for an U10 match? We have to check, as each tournament/league may differ.

5. In our local association meetings, we find there is a great desire for additional information about the specific rules/mechanics/procedures for the matches we actually cover. You may find your local association similarly focuses on this as well as national directives.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Your example of a local rule is precisely why certification classes only teach the Laws of the Game. I have not heard of such a rule before; we certainly don't have it here in Michigan*. Is it just in Naples, or do they follow it in Ft Myers as well? What about Miami or Orlando? All the referees in the clinic would have to be from your local area in order to cover local rules. It would be an impossible task to compile instruction materials.

The proper authority to give you the local league rule modifications is your assignor. You probably also could find them posted on the league website. It is up to the referee to learn and observe the local league modifications, if he accepts an assignment in that league.

* - Although one of our U10 leagues does not allow the goalkeeper to distribute the ball across the half line in the air. But that league also did away with goal kicks and throw-ins.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Small sided soccer has no universal 'rules'. Every locality makes up their own. Your Grade 8 certification course was to teach you the LOTG. If you choose to accept assignments for ANY game, you should check for modifications of LOTG

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 22588