Understanding Soccer Laws: A Parent's Guide

Understanding Soccer Laws: A Parent's Guide

Soccer’s Laws of the Game are written to be simple, but how those laws are applied during a live match can sometimes feel confusing from the sidelines. Many decisions are made “in the opinion of the referee,” which means referees must interpret what they see in real time to keep the game safe, fair, and flowing.

This guide is designed to help parents better understand:

  • Why referees make certain decisions

  • What referees are trained to look for

  • Why some calls may look different from the sideline

A better understanding of the game helps everyone enjoy it more and supports a positive environment for players.

Topics Covered

  • Pre-game inspection

  • Ball in and out of play

  • Offside

  • Playing in a dangerous manner

  • Goalkeeper possession

  • Stopping play for injuries

  • Contact with hands and arms

  • Fair challenges vs. fouls

  • How fouls are identified

  • Timekeeping

  • Who may enter the field

How Referees Make Decisions

All players, coaches, and spectators see the same action, but the referee must:

  1. Observe the play

  2. Evaluate safety, fairness, and advantage

  3. Decide whether stopping play benefits the game

This process happens in seconds. The whistle may sound after the action occurs—not because the referee is late or influenced, but because they are ensuring the decision is correct and appropriate.

Referees are also instructed to keep the game moving whenever possible.

Pre-Game Inspection

Before every match, referees inspect:

  • The field and goals

  • The ball

  • Player equipment

Equipment Rules (Current Standards)

  • Jewelry is not allowed, including taped earrings

  • Medical alert jewelry is permitted if safely secured

  • Head coverings are allowed for religious or medical reasons

  • Soft-shelled protective headgear is permitted

  • Casts or hard splints are not allowed, even if padded

These rules exist for player safety, not convenience.

Ball In and Out of Play

The ball is out of play only when the entire ball crosses the outside edge of the touchline (sideline) or goal line.

Assistant referees (when used) are positioned in line with the ball, making them best equipped to judge these calls.

Important reminder:
Throw-ins are part of the game and rarely determine outcomes. Missed or disputed throw-in calls are normal and unavoidable.

Offside: Position vs. Offense

A player is not penalized for being in an offside position alone.

A player is penalized for offside only if:

  • They were in an offside position at the moment the ball was played by a teammate, and

  • They become involved in active play

Key points parents often miss:

  • Offside is judged when the ball is kicked, not when it is received

  • The assistant referee must watch both the second-to-last defender and the attacker at the same time

  • Offside decisions cannot be judged accurately from the halfway line

These decisions are among the most difficult in soccer.

Playing in a Dangerous Manner

“Playing in a dangerous manner” is an action that threatens injury, even if no contact occurs. This results in an indirect free kick.

Common examples:

  • High kicks near an opponent’s head

  • Attempting to head the ball near a raised foot

  • Kicking the ball while lying on the ground with opponents nearby

Goalkeepers are protected, but they cannot create danger and expect the referee to penalize the opponent automatically.

Goalkeeper Possession

A goalkeeper is considered in control when they have secure possession, such as:

  • Holding the ball with hands

  • Pinning it against the ground or body

Attackers may challenge until clear control is established, but:

  • Charging or kicking at a goalkeeper is not allowed

  • Referees prioritize player safety in these situations

Stopping Play for Injuries

Referees do not stop play for every fall.

Play is stopped immediately if:

  • A player appears seriously injured

  • A head injury is suspected

Otherwise, referees may wait until a natural stoppage to check on a player.

Falling is part of soccer, and referees monitor players closely before stopping play.

Hand Contact vs. Fouls

Not all contact with hands or arms is a foul.

A handball offense occurs only when the action is deliberate, such as:

  • Moving the hand toward the ball

  • Making the body unnaturally bigger

A common referee guideline:

“If the ball plays the hand, it’s usually not a foul. If the hand plays the ball, it may be.”

Fair Challenges vs. Fouls

Soccer allows legal physical contact.

A fair challenge:

  • Is shoulder-to-shoulder

  • Happens while both players are playing the ball

  • Does not involve excessive force

A foul occurs when a player:

  • Pushes

  • Charges carelessly or recklessly

  • Uses arms, elbows, or lowered shoulders

Size difference alone does not make a challenge illegal.

How Referees Identify Fouls

A foul must:

  1. Occur on the field

  2. Be committed by a player

  3. Happen while the ball is in play

Many fouls depend on the referee’s judgment of whether the action was:

  • Careless

  • Reckless

  • Using excessive force

Not every collision is a foul.

Timekeeping

The referee is the official timekeeper.

They may add time for:

  • Injuries

  • Delays

  • Time-wasting

When the referee whistles to end a half or match, play is over immediately, regardless of where the ball is.

Who May Enter the Field

No one may enter the field without the referee’s permission, including:

  • Coaches

  • Parents

Injury protocol:

  • Referee stops play

  • Referee calls coaches/trainers on if needed

  • Parents may be invited in serious cases

Spectators may never enter the field without approval.

Final Note

Referees are trained to protect players, apply the Laws fairly, and keep the game enjoyable. It is a challenging role requiring quick judgment, strong communication, and constant movement.

Players, coaches, and spectators all share responsibility for maintaining a positive, respectful soccer environment.

Understanding the game helps everyone enjoy it more—and supports the values of fun, fairness, and safety that youth soccer is built on.