Last updated 6 January, 2008
A nice, intermediate to advanced refereeing book that concentrates on the techniques and practice of match control, referee positioning, and (most importantly) communication.
Good beginning paperback book that textually describes some nuances of the FIFA laws. Puts the law material in a good order for learning and reading. Lots of diagrams and photos. Note that it does not cover all the law material explicitly; it assumes you have read the FIFA law book or have it as a reference. The questions at the end of each section assume you have read the FIFA laws as they cover items not covered in the book.
A nice walk through soccer from its early organization days at English schools and leading up to the 1994 World Cup in USA. Significant in that it lists the 1863 London Football Association Rules (or Cambridge rules) that are very different form those listed on Wilipedia. See my historical page for more information.
Some additional, nice historical walk through's of the early days of organized soccer. Includes a passage in the early days of what about the different schools gave rise to their different rule sets.
A complete handbook covering everything needed to know about soccer rules, youth soccer variations, and specific refinements in the Palo Alto regional play. Includes useful things for the new referee like filling out a game card, what to carry in a bag to the field, and more. Written by Section 2 Referee Administrator Roy Levin (a National 1 Referee) who has many years experience with the program. Sunnyvale has adapted it for their region and posted it online.
A companion to the video and course instruction materials from AYSO. A beginners guide. This is not a standalone reference. Most of the questions are preparing you for the regional referee exam and are testing you on your interpretation as well as fact memorization. The answers are available in the back but the answers are not found in the textual summary -- hence why this is a companion book to other resources.
A little bit dated but lots of diagrams and drawings. Nice overview history of the game, how referees were gradually introduced, and therefore explaining some of the terminology. Chapters on how referee's are evaluated, one by Ken Aston on differences around the world. Some material on FIFA matches and how they are handled. Definitely a book for the semi-professional to professional referee.
Great for the new referee doing U8 games (before fouls become a real issue, before learning linesman techniques and using linesman). Glosses over just enough of the finer points of the laws to avoid the confusion and exceptions to rules. Focuses on the important elements as play at that level is best managed (when the players are just being introduced to rules in soccer). Best is they found the same simplification I did to codify the two touch rule (added to Law 8 for them) which then greatly simplifies all the restart laws (Laws13-17).
A good overview of the all aspects of youth soccer to make it a rewarding and life building aspect for the kids and parents participating. Has special sections for coaches, referees and others.
Likely what every parent who is involved in AYSO should already know being a parent already but a nice reminder of child psychology and development.
Not yet reviewed but looks interesting and focused on the developing referee. (amazon.com)
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