2024-2025 Laws of the Game Update
Every year the International Football Association Board (IFAB) reviews possible changes to the Laws of the Game (LOTG). Their decisions are responses to trends or unique events in professional matches, and often do not directly apply to AYSO matches. The goal of the IFAB is to keep the game equitable, safe, and enjoyable. The AYSO National Referee Council believes one of the ways we continue to deliver a quality referee program is to emphasize continuing education for our referees, instructors, and assessors. Each year when the IFAB modifies the LOTG, the National Referee Council oversees the review and updates all training materials and supporting documentation to ensure that we are aligned with the new Laws and any updates from the AYSO National Rules and Regulations. Below are the seven changes which apply to our games.
As with all LOTG changes, these will be in effect on August 1, 2024.
Law 3 -The Players
Each team must have a team captain who wears an identifying armband. Players are responsible for the size and suitability of their shin guards, which remain a compulsory part of their equipment. Reference to gloves to be included under “Other equipment” Reference to tracksuit bottoms for goalkeepers to be removed from “Compulsory equipment” and included under “Other equipment”
Law 4 –The Player's Equipment
1. Clarification that players are responsible for the size and suitability of their shin guards. The referee still determines if they are safe to play.
2. Clarification of the requirements for the captain’s compulsory armband
3. Reference to gloves to be included under “Other equipment”
4. Reference to tracksuit bottoms for goalkeepers to be removed from “Compulsory equipment” and included under “Other equipment”.
Reminder-Jewelry:
Recent Jewelry Trend: permanently ”welded” together thus making it nonremovable (e.g., bracelets, earrings, necklaces). Referees should be cognizant of these trends and not allow jewelry to be worn or taped. The player can choose to either remove the item or not play that day and should be encouraged to use removable jewelry during the season. Parents and Program Administrators should be made aware of this at the start of the season to avoid any conflicts on game day.
Law 12 -Fouls and Misconduct
Clarification that non-deliberate handball offenses for which penalties are awarded are to be sanctioned in the same way as other fouls which are an attempt to play the ball or a challenge for the ball.
SPA and DOGSO Cautions-Reminder!
The Laws have added that a “challenge for the ball” is the same as an attempt to play the ball. So, for Denying an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO) and Stopping a Promising Attack (SPA) situations where a penalty kick is awarded the same principle applies. This now includes a non-deliberate handball resulting in a penalty kick.
AYSO Guidance: The referee is discouraged from displaying a card to 10U players. The referee should approach the offending player's coach, explain the misconduct to the coach while showing the coach you are recording the misconduct on your match report. The misconduct should also be recorded on the back of the game card and a misconduct form completed as required by the competition authorities.
Law 14 –The Penalty Kick
1. Part of the ball must touch or overhang the center of the penalty mark
2. Encroachment by players will be penalized only if it has an impact on the play (same philosophy as goalkeeper encroachment)
The remaining minor changes involve the additional duties of the reserve additional referee and goal line technology. Those interested can read about them in the IFAB documents available online at theifab.com.
Please be sure to review and apply the new rules prior to your first match this fall. Our Region offers an Annual Review for returning referees prior to the start of the fall season. This is a good time to review the Laws and reconnect with your referee community, so please consider attending. At any time, you can also go to theifab.com to download official documents as well as, adding the IFAB app to your phone.
2024-2025 AYSO Laws of the Game and Rules of Competition Updates
2024-2025 IFAB Laws of the Game updates
2024-2025 Laws of the Games updates presentation/video
Buildout Line: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EzEzKCLzGk0wjPNMorsCLHTIIDBkY9ps/view