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JUNE 2014 -
SEXY GLAM
MAGAZINE -
11
The 17 laws described below are the
basic laws of soccer accepted throughout
the world. These laws are usually altered
slightly so the game is more fun and
beneficial for young players. Each league
should have a specific set of rules it will
follow. These rules should be distributed
to the coach. Look over the rules of your
league to make sure you fully understand
them.
LAW 1 - The Field of Play
This is the basic layout of a soccer field.
The size of the field will vary from league
to league, usually depending on the age of
the players.
LAW 2 - The Ball
A regulation size soccer ball is a No. 5
ball. Youth leagues may use different size
balls, such as a No. 3 ball or a No. 4 ball,
depending on the age of the children.
LAW 3 - Number of Players
There must be no more than 11 players
on the field of play for either team. A
minimum number of players are usually
7. Some youth leagues encourage games
with less than 11 players to help in the
development of young players. One player
from each team must be designated as a
goalkeeper. The goalkeeper must wear a
different color shirt from his teammates
so that everyone can easily distinguish the
goalie. The goalie can only use his hands
inside the penalty area.
LAW 4 - Player’s Equipment
Players must wear the same colored jersey
or shirts. All youth programs require shin
guards to be worn by all players. If your
players will be wearing cleats, make sure
they are soccer cleats. A soccer cleat
does not have a cleat at the front edge of
the shoe like a baseball cleat. This is for
safety.
LAW 5 - Referees
The referee enforces the 17 laws. There is
one difference between soccer and most
other sports played in America. In soccer,
the referee may let play continue and not
call a foul if he or she thinks that stopping
play would give an advantage to the team
committing the foul. This is called the