Question Number: 30473

League Specific 6/2/2016

Larry of Danville, CA USA asks...

Is IFAB's new rewrite of the Laws currently in affect in the USA? I was just at a training seminar and was told USSF has not yet accepted them, but when I went to the USSF web page the new Laws are provided, so I assume we should be following them.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Larry
My understanding is that all FIFA competitions commenced after the 1st June will use the new laws. Existing competitions underway before 1st June will continue with the old laws until they end.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Larry,
we do not speak for the USSF. However, our understanding is if the association playing has been using the older version of the LOTG early in this year as a starting venture then if the season ends before the year these older LOTG apply . If the season begins AFTER June 1st then the new LOTG take effect.
That is but an opinion not a fact! Check with the local authorities to be sure! USSF has said that they would have instructional materials available after June 1. They didn't say how long after.

Copa America is being played by the updated version of the LOTG. Leagues/tournaments that started before June 1, like MLS, will continue under the previous version.

Due to the short time available since the IFAB posted the new Laws on their new website, many state referee committees decided they will not use the new version until the start of the fall season. That likely means most summer youth tournaments will be played under the old version.
cheers