Soccer is very popular all over the world and those who want to enter the world of soccer need to be familiar with the laws of soccer.  In this age of digital and internet technology, it is easy to get hold of the updated version of soccer rules and other helpful soccer resources.  Since the laws of soccer are periodically updated, here are the 17 basic laws of soccer every soccer enthusiast must be aware of:

Law 1: Playing Field.

Law 2: Ball.

Law 3: Players.

Law 4: Equipment.

Law 5: Referees.

Law 6: Linesmen.

Law 7: Duration.

Law 8: Start of Game.

Law 9: Ball In and Out.

Law 10: Scoring.

Law 11: Offside.

Law 12: Foul and Misconduct.

Law 13: Free Kicks.

Law 14: Penalty Kicks.

Law 15: Throw Ins.

Law 16: Goal Kicks.

Law 17: Corner Kicks.

Considered as the most popular sports in the world, soccer is governed by the basic laws of soccer.  The laws of soccer being followed by various soccer leagues all over the world does not differ that much from the original soccer rules promulgated way back in 1863.

The basic laws of soccer, in actuality, are very brief as compared to the rules of other games.  These soccer rules are used as basis for any decision and other game technicalities.  Serving as guidelines of the game, these rules are important in ensuring an orderly game and in promoting discipline and sportsmanship among players.

Soccer enthusiasts and those who plan to enter the soccer world can easily find the latest soccer rules from the internet.  One can also easily find various helpful soccer resources.  SoccerU is one such resource that helps educate people on the laws of soccer and various skills with its extensive technical training series.

SoccerU is a one-stop extensive resource for soccer players, soccer coaches, and soccer parents.  SoccerU’s 2011 Full DVD Series, a 6-disk series of over 11 hours, focuses on the teaching and learning of raw technical skills ranging from beginner’s level to advanced technical training.

Those who want to enter the exciting world of soccer need to know not only the necessary skills but also the governing laws of soccer.  Though the soccer rules used by various leagues vary from year to year, here are the basic laws of soccer:

Law 1: Playing Field. The first soccer law details the shape and measurement of the playing field.  It also describes the location of the goals, the penalty spot, and the center circle.

Law 2: Ball. It details the shape, circumference, and weight of the soccer ball based on regulations.  Currently, the soccer ball must a circumference of 68 to 70 centimeters and should weigh between 410 to 450 grams.

Law 3: Players. This law specifies the number of players who can play in a soccer game.  According to regulations, a team should have 11 players on the field, a goalkeeper and 10 outfield players.

Law 4: Equipment. Each player must have the five S:  shirt, shorts, shoes, socks, and, most importantly, shin guards.  This law emphasized that shin guards are required and that the players’ shoes should not contain metal spikes.  Players are also prohibited to wear any jewelry of hard hair clips.

Law 5: Referees. There is only one official referee for every soccer game.  The referee controls the game and all referee decisions are considered final.

Law 6: Linesmen. There will be two linemen who are tasked to assist the referee.  The linesmen will indicate the offsides, which team should be take a corner kick, and which team will have ball possession after it goes out of play.

Law 7: Duration. A soccer game is played in two 45-minute halves.  Additional time may be added for injuries.  In the event of a tie, the game duration can be extended with two 15-minute sessions.

Law 8: Start of Game. A coin flip is done before the start of each game to determine which team kicks off.  Law 8 describes the position of each team during the start of the game.  It also details the eight situations when the game can be stopped and restarted.

Law 9: Ball In and Out. The ball is considered out of play when the referee stops the game or when the ball crosses the touchline or goal line.  Any substitution can only be done when the ball is not considered in play.

Law 10: Scoring. A goal can be scored when the ball is in play and completely crosses the goal line under the cross bar or between the goal posts.

Law 11: Offside. This soccer rule defines what an offside position is and states when a player could be penalized for being in offside position.  It also specifies the exceptions to this law.

Law 12: Foul and Misconduct. Law 12 contradistinguishes foul from misconduct and the corresponding penalties.  It also specifies the offenses that are punishable by a red card or a yellow card.

Law 13: Free Kicks. Free kicks, either direct free kicks or indirect free kicks, are awarded for any violations stipulated in Law 12.  The opposing team must be at least 10 yards away from the kicker and the ball during all free kicks.

Law 14: Penalty Kicks. These are direct free kicks made at the penalty mark in front of a team’s goal.  In this situation, it is just between the kicker and the goalkeeper.  Penalty kicks result from intentionally committing any of soccer’s nine major offenses.

Law 15: Throw Ins. Law 15 specifies what comprises a throw in.  It also stipulates that there is no offside offense in a throw in and that a goal resulting directly from a throw in cannot be scored.

Law 16: Goal Kicks. This law states that a play should be restarted with a goal kick, which is done from the goal area of the defending team, after the ball has passed wholly over the goal line and was touched last by any player from the attacking team.

Law 17: Corner Kicks. In the event the ball entirely crosses the goal line and was last touched by a player from the defending team, a corner kick is taken by a player from the attacking team.  Corner kicks are done from the corner of the side of the field where the ball went out.

To perform their job well, goalkeepers need Soccer Goalie Jerseys that can provide them the best protection, comfort, and flexibility.  However, female goalkeepers have different needs vis-à-vis male goalkeepers.  This is why there are soccer goalie jerseys that are specially designed for female goalies and there are those that are specially made for male goalies.  This article looks into the difference between the soccer goalie jerseys made for male and female goalkeepers in these areas:

-  Design
-  Sweat Management
-  Protection

Goalkeepers need special kind of soccer goalie jerseys that will protect them from possible injuries while performing their job.  Defending the goal and preventing the opponents to score can take its toll on goalkeepers so they need to have soccer goalie jerseys that will protect them.

The right jersey also helps ensure the comfort of goalkeepers so that they can concentrate on the game and give the best they can in defending their team’s goal.  Nowadays, many of the soccer goalie jerseys in the market use moisture management technologies in order to get the sweat away from the body.

Aside from being comfortable and protective, soccer goalie jerseys nowadays come in a wide range of designs and colors.  Though there are still the standard jerseys in basic colors, there are many goalkeeper jerseys available today that feature striking designs and vibrant colors.

When planning to purchase goalkeeper jersey for yourself or for a loved one, you need to know that there are 2 basic kinds of soccer goalie jerseys – those specially made for male goalies and those specially designed for female goalies:

Soccer Goalie Jerseys for Male GoalKeepers

There are soccer goalie jerseys that are specially made for men.  They come in various designs and colors.  There are men’s soccer goalie jerseys that are specially made for competitions while there are some that are designed for training like the Reusch Long Sleeve Soccer Goalie Training Jersey.

Design

Goalie jerseys for men can also come in short sleeves or long sleeves.  This includes the Uhlsport Mythos Men’s Longsleeve Soccer GK Jersey, Nike Men BLK GK Reversible Soccer Jersey,  Under Armour Men’s Promotion Longsleeve Soccer Goalie Jersey, and Uhlsport Sensor Men’s Longsleeve Soccer Goalie Jersey.

There are also goalie jerseys that come in unique designs like the Rinat Black Spider Goalkeeper Jersey, which features a sublimated web and spider design.  The Rinat Terminator Soccer GK Jersey is also popular because of its sublimated design with bold Terminator graphic.

Sweat Management

Many goalie jerseys also feature a kind of sweat management system developed by almost every brand.  The Reusch 19990013 Psyche Long Sleeve GK Jersey has Reusch’s Moisture Management System to keep the goalkeeper cooler, more comfortable, and drier.

Meanwhile, Adidas’s Climacool Flow Mapping technology is used in its Adidas Men Trofeo Red Football GK Padded Jersey.  The Adidas Men’s Precio and Adidas Parada ll GK Jersey, on the other hand, uses Adidas’ ClimaLite technology for incredible moisture control.

Protection

All goalies need both protection and flexibility and these can be given by the right jerseys like the Adidas Men Trofeo GK Padded Jersey, which has padded elbows and which used Formotion technology to boost athletic freedom and increased comfort.

Padded elbows are common features in goalkeeper jerseys like in the High 5 Icon Goalkeeper Jersey, Adidas Parada ll GK Jersey, Adidas Men’s Precio Black GK Padded Jersey, and Reusch 1990013 Psyche Long Sleeve GK Jersey.

The Adidas Men’s Freno Goalkeeping Jersey, on the other hand, has a relaxed fit with anatomical cutting lines that allows optimum comfort and freedom of movement.  This jersey also has pads that are specially designed and engineered to meet the needs of soccer goalies.

Soccer Goalie Jerseys for Females

Women goalkeepers need not wear men goalkeeper jerseys that are too big and with the pads in the wrong places.  There are many soccer goalie jerseys nowadays that are cut differently and are specially made for women.  This is a very welcome development since female soccer goalies have needs that are different from that of the male players.

Design

Many goalkeeper jerseys for women have beautiful designs.  The Rinat Roma Adult Goalie Jersey’s look is inspired by great Italian designers.  Meanwhile, the Rinat Women’s Evita Soccer GK Jersey is inspired by Evita Peron, the famous former first lady of Argentina.

There are also jerseys that come in feminine colors like pink.  The Nike Women’s Pasadena Goalkeeper Jersey is available in pink.  Goalie jerseys for women also come in various sleeve designs.  The Nike Women’s Solo Goalkeeper Jersey has ¾ sleeves designed to avoid the sleeves from interfering with ball control.

Sweat Management

Women goalkeeper jerseys are made of various materials.  The most common material is polyester just like in Reusch Women’s Matriko GK Jersey, Rinat Women Evita Soccer GK Jersey, Xara Women’s Avenger GK Jersey, Rinat Women’s Frida GK Jersey, and Reusch Women’s Long Sleeve Lucina GK Jersey.

To provide comfort, the Rinat Roma Goalie Jersey is made with breathable mesh polyester fabric. The Rinat Women Evita Soccer GK Jersey, on the other hand, is made of lightweight mesh fabric.

The Xara  Women’s Avenger Goalkeeper Jersey is made of moisture management fabric that helps keep female goalies cool while the Rinat Women’s Frida Goalkeeper Jersey has moisture wicking weave.

Protection

Aside from wearing the right sports bra, a female goalkeeper can wear goalkeeper shirts like the HexPad Short Sleeve Padded Goalkeeper Shirt with Rib Protection and the HexPad Long Sleeve Padded Goalkeeper Shirt with Rib Pads that protect the shoulders, ribs, and arms.

The Rinat Roma Goalie Jersey, on the other hand, is well sought not only for its beautiful but also for the protection that it provides.  This goalie jersey features a tacky soft gel that provides stopping power and gripping assistance.

Female goalies also need Soccer Goalie Jerseys with elbow padding like the Xara Women’s Avenger Goalkeeper Jersey, Rinat Women Frida Goalkeeper Jersey, Reusch Women’s Matriko Goalkeeper Jersey, and Rinat Women’s Evita Soccer Goalkeeper Jersey.

Also known as football in some parts of the world, Soccer has been played by millions of players in more than 200 countries.  As one of the most popular sports in the world, there is still no consensus on as to who invented soccer.  This is because various kinds of sports that are strikingly similar to soccer have been played in different parts of the world for the past two millennia:

• Tsu Chu (China)
• Kemari (Japan)
• Episkiros (Greece)
• Harpastum (The Roman Empire)
• Shalygah (Russia)
• Calcio (Italy)
• La Soule (France)
• English Mob Football (England)

Soccer, also commonly known as football, is one of the most popular and also one of the oldest sports in the world.  However, there is no answer as to who invented soccer because this game evolved from similar games that have been played in various parts of the world since ancient times.

Soccer is a game played by two teams composed of eleven players each.  A team scores by driving the soccer ball into the goal of the opposing team.  Generally, only the goalkeepers are permitted to use their arms or hands to touch the ball.  The field players, on the other hand, can only use their feet, head, and torso during the game.

Early Soccer

Some people said that soccer originated in England but they could not pinpoint the Englishman who invented soccer.  Moreover, there were games similar to soccer that were played in various countries even before it was played in England.

Tsu Chu (China)

Two thousand years ago, Chinese records state that a certain ball game called Tsu Chu, which literally means “football”, was played by emperors for entertainment.  During the Ts’in Dynasty, a version of Tsu Chu was used as physical exercises when training soldiers, in which all body parts except the hands can be used to drive the ball into the goal.

Kemari (Japan)

Historians believe that the Kemari was developed from a similar Chinese ball game way back in the 7^th century.  There were also similar records that in 50 CE, a game between Japanese Kemari players and Chinese Tsu Chu players was held.  In Kemari, the players need to juggle the ball with their feet and pass it around while keeping the ball from touching the ground.

Episkiros (Greece)

Around 2000 BC, the ancient Greeks played Episkiros, a game characterized by throwing and kicking the ball within an area that has been marked off by a boundary line.  In a game of Episkiros, 12 players, women or men, form a team.  Whatever the gender of the player, the Greeks are usually nude when they play.

Harpastum (Roman Empire)

In Harpastum, a team needs to keep the ball in their part of the playing field while the opposing team tries to steal it.  In this game, the only player that could be tackled is the one who has the ball.  The Roman legionnaires brought this game when they occupied England.

Shalygah (Russia)

In Shalygah, the players need to kick and force the kilu into the “city” or territory of the opposing team. The kilu is a ball made of leather and stuffed with feathers.

Calcio (Italy)

Calcio, a game that is very similar to Harpastum, was played in Italy during the 16^th and 17^th century.  This game was originally played by aristocrats during festivals.  The players, using both hands and feet, need to keep the ball moving and to force it into openings at either ends of the playing area.

La Soule (France)

La Soule is a game developed by French from the Harpastum game introduced by Romans into France in 50 BCE.  Since there were no regulations for La Soule, hundreds of people could participate and violence usually ensues.  Also known as Mob Football, this was brought to England by Norman invaders from France.

English Mob Football (England)

From 7^th to 9^th century, mob football became popular in England.  During festivities and celebrations, this game was played between villages, in which teams attempted to force the ball to the center square of the opposing village.  Since there were no restrictions and hundreds to thousands of players can play, the game was very violent that property damages, injuries, and even death results.

It was banned in 1314 by the Mayor of London Nicholas de Farndone.  From the reign of King Edward to that of Queen Elizabeth I, several laws were passed to prohibit people from playing soccer.  The term football was first used in England in the 15^th century.

Despite the bans, soccer became very popular in England.  It was also introduced in public schools to keep young boys fit.  The game also became more organized, with well defined positions, teams, coaches and referees.  The earliest known soccer rule in England was that of the Eton College.

Modern Soccer

The soccer that we know now can be traced back to England.  Soccer has been played in and among English public schools but it was only in the 19^th century when there arose the idea to hold an organized tournament.

Cambridge Rules

Since the schools have different games rules, it was quite hard to find a common ground in order to launch larger tournaments.  In 1848, the Cambridge Rules allowed elite English schools to compete under common rules.

Football Association

In 1863, under the leadership of Cobb Morley, some of Cambridge Rules were used when the Football Association promulgated its rules.  This time around, soccer was already played in Australia, Europe, and the Americas.  In 1871, the Football Association organized the FA Cup.

FIFA

It was in 1904 when several countries formed the international organization FIFA or Federation of International Football Associations.  By the 1930s, many American and European countries were already members of FIFA.

FIFA World Cup

The number of soccer enthusiasts has grown steadily in the recent years.  The most famous international Soccer competition is the FIFA World Cup, which is held once every four years.  Even if it still not resolved whether who invented soccer, the World Cup is one of the most watched international games in the whole world.

The right pair of Soccer Gloves can make or break your game.  With the wide selection of soccer gloves available and with the help of internet technology, getting the right fit and the right design for your needs and your position is not a difficult task.  Here are the 5 important things to consider when buying soccer gloves:

• Position

• Training vs. Competition

• Special Features

• Cut

• Fit

Soccer gloves are a must for soccer players, whatever the position they may be playing.  Durability and performance are very important considerations if you are a serious athlete.  When buying soccer gloves, here are some of the considerations you need to keep in mind:

Position

Are you a goalie or a field player?  Despite popular notions, goalies are not the only soccer players who need soccer gloves when playing.

The most common type of soccer gloves available in the market is the goalie soccer gloves and they are the ones with the most features.  Since goalies are the ones deflecting soccer balls going at very high speeds, they need the most protection for their delicate bones, tendons, and muscles.

For the Goalie

Goalie gloves need to allow the free circulation of blood and air in the hands while providing extra protection for the thumb, finger, and wrist.  One example of soccer gloves that allows greater flexibility and gives extra protection is the Sondico Pro Tech Soccer Gloves, which features HyperPro Tech non-removable finger braces and Giga Grip German 3.5 mm latex palm.

For the field Players

Field players, on the other hand, also need soccer gloves to keep their hands warm on or off the field.  With the likes of Adidas Field player Soccer Gloves and Uhlsport Soccer Field Players Glove, playing in cold weather is not a problem.

Training Vs Competition

There are also soccer gloves that are most suitable when training and there are those that are best suited for competitions.  If you are just into soccer for recreation, it would be okay to buy cheap soccer gloves.

Soccer Gloves for Training

When practicing or training, the chances of injuries are lesser vis-à-vis competitions.  Lightweight and flat soccer gloves like the Adidas Response Training GK soccer glove and the Nike Classic Soccer Goalkeeper Gloves are more advisable for practice or training sessions.

Soccer gloves like the Reusch Endurance Soccer Goalie Gloves, Adidas F50 Training Keeper Gloves, Puma Esito Latex Soccer Keeper Gloves, or the Primo Durasport GK ORG Practice GK Gloves are also ideal for training.

Soccer Gloves for Competitions

If you are playing in a competition, then you should look for soccer gloves that are durable and with the special features that you need.  For competitions or intense matches, soccer gloves that are hard-shelled and with a curved design protect the hands from hyper extension and give additional support.
The Nike T90 Confidence Glove features Nike’s pre-curved Bio-Align technology that helps reduce stress and positions the hand to be ready to deflect the ball.  The Sondico Pro Tech Soccer Keeper Gloves, on the other hand, has a padding of rubber latex that keeps the hand well protected especially during intense games.

SPECIAL FEATURES

There are certain special features that soccer players look for in soccer gloves.  Soccer glove brands have developed their respective technologies to give rise to features unique to their brand.  Most soccer players give importance to the grip of the gloves and the presence of the Finger Save system.

Grip

Many soccer goalies look for gloves that have superior grip so many soccer gloves now feature textured fingers and used special materials to improve grip. The quality of the grip, more often than not, depends on the quality of the latex used.

The Nike GK Vapro Grip3 Goal Keeper Glove, Adidas Response Pro, Nike GK Gun Cut Glove, and the Uhlsport Accurate Absolute Grip Soccer Keeper Gloves are some of the fine examples of soccer gloves with excellent grip.

Finger Save

There are also goalkeepers who prefer gloves that are equipped with the Finger Save system.  These gloves have plastic inserts that can be fitted into the glove in order to provide protection and to prevent the hyper-extension of the fingers while saving goals.

Some examples of finger saver gloves are the Adidas Finger Save Replique Soccer Keeper Gloves, NIP VKM Finger Saver Soccer Goalie Goal Keeper Gloves 7, Umbro Stealth Goalie Soccer Gloves, and the Reebok RBK Finger Save Soccer Goalie Gloves.

CUT

There are many kinds of cuts of the palm of soccer gloves that soccer players can choose from.  there are soccer players who certain kind of cut for their soccer gloves.

Surround Cut

One of these is the surround cut where the palm foams the backhand of the glove and envelops the hand’s outer side.  This kind of cut can be seen in Sells Goalkeeper Products Adhesion Plus Surround.

Flat Palm Cut

The flat palm cut, characterized by perimeter seaming and big latex to ball contact area, is the most common cut among soccer gloves in the market today.  This can be seen in Reusch Endurance Soccer Goalie gloves.

Protect from Gunn Cut, Roll Index, Roll, and Negative Cuts by Soccer Gloves

The other cuts include the Gunn cut like in the Reusch Tor Elite, the Roll Index cut like in the Sondico Wrap Supa, the Negative cut like in Sell’s Adhesion Puls Profile, and the Roll cut like in the Sondico Pro Tech Roll Soccer Keeper Gloves.

FIT

When buying soccer gloves, it is crucial that you get the right fit.  Aside from missed balls, soccer gloves that are loose fitting can slip and may lead to certain injuries.  Very tight gloves, on the other hand, restrict hand movement and flexibility.

For optimum performance, the gloves must be snug fitting.  Aside from consulting size charts, it would be best to fit the Soccer Gloves first before buying them.

SocRef has been conceived and designed to provide valuable resources and information to both licensed soccer referees and aspiring soccer referees alike.

It is our goal to help soccer referees, whatever their affiliation or association membership may be, to hone their potentials and to provide them the opportunity to improve and advance via up-to-date and accurate information.

In this site, a soccer referee who wants to learn more will find a valuable collection of links for known sources of soccer laws, leagues, advices, and training materials.

Since soccer is the most popular sport all over the world, referees are at the center of attention.  They have to make tough decisions from time to time and they usually earn the ire of fans.  This is why they need to be very knowledgeable about the laws of soccer so that they can make the right calls at the right time.

We at SocRef recognize that referees and their level of expertise and competency are very important.  Since a soccer referee’s job is really tough, a referee needs to be proficient of various soccer rules and should know the right refereeing techniques.

Since soccer rules are updated from time to time, soccer referees need to keep abreast of the developments.  Moreover, soccer referees also need to continually train and upgrade in order to be re-certified or to move up officiating level.

SocRef is not just a website that is about and for soccer referees.  This site is also designed for soccer fans, training instructors, players, coaches, and parents.  Here are some helpful resources for those who want to learn more about soccer:

Soccer Goalie Jerseys

To perform their job well, goalkeepers need soccer goalie jerseys that can provide them the best protection, comfort, and flexibility.  However, female goalkeepers have different needs so there are soccer goalie jerseys that are specially designed for them.  Find out the difference between the soccer goalie jerseys made for male and female goalkeepers.

Who Invented Soccer

Also known as football in some parts of the world, soccer has been played by millions of players in more than 200 countries.  As one of the most popular sports in the world, there is still no consensus on as to who invented soccer.  This is because various kinds of sports that are strikingly similar to soccer have been played in different parts of the world for the past two millennia.

Soccer Gloves

The right pair of soccer gloves can make or break your game.  With the wide selection of soccer gloves available nowadays, getting the right fit and the right design for your needs and your position is not a difficult task.  Find out the 5 important things to consider when buying soccer gloves.

Soccer Referee Training

The job of a soccer referee can get tough at times but a good soccer referee training can prepare a referee for the job.  Aside from being proficient with the various soccer rules to be able to make the right decisions, there are 3 important things about soccer referee trainings that aspiring referees should know about.

Laws of Soccer

Soccer is very popular all over the world and those who want to enter the world of soccer need to be familiar with the laws of soccer.  In this age of internet technology, it is easy to get hold of the updated version of soccer rules and other helpful soccer resources.  Find out the 17 basic laws of soccer every soccer enthusiast must be aware of.

Leagues

There are many soccer leagues all over the world.  However, it seems that almost every league is always short of referees.  So why do we constantly hear from referees that they are underutilized?  Basically, it is a problem of awareness and communication.  Check for Leagues here and let them know you are available!

Goalkeeper Jerseys

The goalkeeper is very important for any soccer team because his job is to defend the goal and prevent the opposing team to score.  Aside from having timing and the necessary defense skills, goalkeepers also need to have the right gear like goalkeeper jerseys in order to do his job. Find out the 3 important things to consider when buying goalkeeper jerseys.

Soccer Referee Uniforms

Soccer referee uniforms are a must for referees.  Aside from setting a referee apart from the players, these uniforms also have features that help referees manage their tough jobs.  Find out the 4 basic components of the basic soccer referee uniform used in all game levels.

Custom Soccer Jerseys

Soccer is one of the most popular and most watched sports in the world.  For soccer enthusiasts, wearing custom soccer jerseys demonstrate their passion for the game.  Custom soccer jerseys can also be specially made for the whole soccer team.

We are continually updating our site in order to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information that you need.  Please feel free to browse around and please let us know if there are any inaccuracies or if you have any suggestions.

A Soccer Referee can benefit a lot from a soccer referee training.  The job of a soccer referee can get tough at times but a good training can prepare a referee for the job.  Aside from being proficient with the various soccer rules to be able to make the right decisions, a referee should be also able to keep his calm at all times.  To prepare a soccer referee for the job, he needs to undergo the necessary soccer referee training.  You should be aware of these 3 important things about soccer referee trainings:

• Requirements
• Types of Soccer Referee Trainings
• Entry-Level Training
• College Level Training
• Grades 7-1 Training
• Certification

Being a soccer referee is not an easy job.  Aside from managing and keeping track of many people on the field, soccer referees often need to deal with irate coaches and being booed by displeased fans.  They are always under the pressure to make the right calls and decisions.

Soccer referees must also be physically fit as they have to run up and down the field all throughout the game.  They need to be close to the action and to pay close attention to what is happening on the field in order to be ready to make those importance split second calls and decisions.  This is why the physical conditioning of soccer referees to be close to that of the players.

All successful soccer referees gain their extensive knowledge on various soccer rules and regulations through an intensive and extensive training.  Here are the three important things that you should be aware of if you are planning to undergo soccer referee training:

Requirements

The requirements for a person to be admitted for a soccer referee training depend on the person’s officiating level.  The soccer level you are officiating determines the training and certification level that you need to undergo.  If you are refereeing for youth soccer, you would need to undergo lower training levels as compared to referees officiating in competitive leagues.

Aside from attending a compulsory classroom training session, soccer referees also needs to pass a written exam.  They also need to pass a physical fitness fit in order to demonstrate that they up to the physical demands of the job.  The physical tests evaluate their endurance, speed, mobility, and agility in the field.

Types of Soccer Referee Trainings

There are different kinds of Soccer Referee Training courses offered for referee wannabes at different levels.

Entry-Level Soccer Referee Trainings:

Grade 12 Level: This entry-level training is composed of 8 hours of classroom instruction and prepares a person to be an assistant referee.  Aspiring assistant referees should undergo a written exam and gain a score of at least 75 percent in order to pass.

Grade 9 Level Soccer Referee Training:  This is  also a beginner level training.  It usually includes eight hours of classroom instruction and training.  Aspiring soccer referees need to pass a written exam upon completion of the training.  Referees who complete and pass this training can officiate in local and recreational games that are rated U-14 and below.

Grade 8 Level Soccer Referee Training: Grade 9 level referees who have been refereeing for a year can attend a training class in order to upgrade to Grade 8 level.  The Soccer Referee Training for this level usually consists of a 16-hour classroom session and a 2-hour field session.  Referees who have successfully completed this training can officiate in games played by players up to 18 years old.

Soccer referees who have completed this training can officiate in most recreational and competitive youth level soccer games.  They can also be eligible to be assistant referees in adult soccer games.

College Level Soccer Referee Training

In the US, the college level soccer referee trainings are conducted by the National Intercollegiate Officials Association.  This kind of training seminar lasts for 4 days and includes classroom lectures, physical fitness program, and field sessions.  Referees who can undergo this training level need to have 3 years of experience in officiating high school level games.

Grade 7 to Grade 1 Levels

There are various referee trainings for various referee grades.  In the US, referees who finished Grade 7 training level are experienced state level referees who can officiate in all games except in the highest levels of amateur soccer.  Referees who pass Grade 6 and Grade 5 levels can officiate in the high level competitions within a state.

Those who finish the Grade 4 and Grade 3 level trainings can officiate in national games.  Meanwhile, Grade 1 referees are those who can officiate in international soccer matches like the World Cup and Grade 2 referees are assistant referees of Grade 1 referees.

Certifications

After successfully completing whatever level of soccer referee training, referees will be awarded a certification.  The certified referee can seek license to officiate in soccer games from the appropriate soccer association.

Even as soccer referees advance to higher levels, they must demonstrate that they are qualified for their referee grades though experience and passing maintenance assessments.    Periodic physical testing is also needed and the results are recorded as part of the yearly registration or re-certification qualifications.

Soccer Referee Training Materials & Equipment

Certifying Bodies, Soccer Referee Associations

(Note: these are the referee specific links. See the Leagues for general organization links.) These are the organizations you need to seek out for training, certification, and continual mentoring and networking.

Youth leagues tend to be organized by school district (AYSO) or city area (USYSA). Above that, the youth organizations tend to follow their own structure with USYSA showing its close affiliation to USSF in organizing by county and state borders.

Every league everywhere is always short of referees. So why do we constantly here from referees that they are under utilized? Basically, it is a problem of understanding and communication. There is no central list or directory of referees with their experience and skills. So you as a referee must get to know who is assigning in each particular league and then make them aware of your availability, ability, and contact info.

The style and quality of assignors varies greatly. Some assignors simply want to fill the slots without regard to who they get to fill it. Others are looking to be cautious and only fill games with known entities that are more than qualified for the game level. The best assignors seem to be the most senior referees in the league they are assigning for. This varies greatly across the many types of leagues out there.

There are a few key things to know when dealing with assignors. Get to know the assignor and what their goals and needs are. Make assignors aware of what games you are experienced with. Do not ask or accept games that are above your skill level. When you want to move up to more skilled games, tell the assignor this and ask to be assigned with more senior officials for the first few games. And key to it all, do not back out of game assignments. Otherwise you will be dropped from their list. So only make yourself available to a few leagues at a time and be flexible and forthright about your availability. If you have not found a mentor as a referee yet, do so and let them lead you into your next level or league.

National: Multi-state	State: Region: County	City / School District
AYSO : Section 2 :	Area A: Northern Santa Clara County Area J: San Jose and Southern Santa Clara County	Atherton (109) East Palo Alto (1149) East Menlo Park (1149) La Honda (25) Los Altos, LA Hills (43) Menlo Park (109) Mountain View (45) Palo Alto (26) Portola Valley (25) Sunnyvale (44) Union City (1433) Woodside (25) U19-U15 Area Play (Area 2A/2J) Cupertino (35) Saratoga (27) West San Jose (64)
	Area N,/a>: San Mateo County Pacific Coast Spring Soccer League PCSSL (formerly the AY/CY Spring League) Complete listing no longer available, find a region here	Redwood City (1,) San Mateo(36)
USYSA: Region IV:	California North (CYSA-N): District 2 See here for a more complete listing of State associations.	League 3: Redwood Junior Clubs: Palo Alto, Stanford, Union, Alpine / Menlo Park, Juventus (RC) League 5: Foothill Youth Soccer League (FYSL) Clubs: Sunnyvale Alliance, Mountain View / Los Altos (MVLA) League 18: De Anza Youth Soccer League Clubs: De Anza Force See here for a complete listing of CYSA-N District 2 Leagues
US Club Soccer:	Soccer: Region J: San Francisco Bay Area
USL	Super-Y League	Santa Clara Sporting Ruckus Generally requires USSF Grade 7 or higher.