September 2009                          Revision 2

Game Rules Simplified

 

1. Goal Keeper playing with his knee high

          This type of play, when a goalie places his knee in front to “protect” himself, is not permissible.  The first time this happens the referee must tell him not to.  And if it happens that he hits an opponent, he will be sent off immediately.  If the goal keeper continues to play in this dangerous fashion, the official must deal with it based on whether he believes it deserves a caution or ejection.

1. Offside Play Interference

          When a player shoots a goal, and the referee believes the goal keeper had a kicked ball with its path of travel in sight at all times, this score must stand even if some of the attackers are in an offside position.  The official will judge if some, not stated here, unsporting conduct was involved, and decide if the scored goal will be cancelled.  As far as Play Interference is concerned, the goal will be cancelled only if the attacker in an offside position dodged the kicked ball in order to avoid blocking it while an instant earlier he was obstructing the goal keeper’s view of the ball.  We support the interpretation that the goal keeper is supposed to keep his eyes on the ball (and actively in play) at all times.  This type of play must not be mixed with a “gaining advantage” situation in which  it is in an offside position the instant the ball is kicked.

1. Distance at taking the free kicks  
   NEW INTERPRETATION

           In the case of free kicks, the attacking team may ask for ten yards distance set by the official.  This also means that when a call is made, if the attacking team chooses, they can quickly put the ball down and play it.  However, any defender in the area must be moving away from the ball since he is to give ten (10) yards distance from the spot where the ball is placed.  Now, when the ball is kicked, if it hits the player who is moving away, nothing is improper and this defender can continue to play the ball.  But, when this “quick” free kick is taken and “ the moving back or walking away” defender  makes an effort to play the kicked ball which had its path of travel several feet away from him, the official will allow the play to continue.  The only

time that a call will be made is if defender moves towards the kicker and affects the play, which is now considered to be encroachment by defender.  The officials must call for a free kick retake and, depending upon the circumstances, possibly caution this defender.

 

1. Distance at taking the free kicks  
   OLD INTERPRETATION

           In the case of free kicks, the attacking team asks for ten yards distance set by the official.  This also means that when a call is made, if the attacking team chooses, they can quickly put the ball down and play it.  However, any defender in the area must be moving away from the ball since he is to give ten (10) yards distance from the spot where the ball is placed.  Now, when the ball is kicked, if it hits the player who is moving away, nothing is improper and this defender can continue to play the ball.  But, when this “quick” free kick is taken and “ the moving back or walking away” defender  makes an effort to play the kicked ball which had its path of travel several feet away from him, the official must call for a free kick retake and, depending upon the circumstances, possibly caution this defender.

 

1.  Throw in distance

          A player taking the throw should be 3 feet maximum from the spot where the ball went out from the field of play.  On the other side, a defender can stand 6 feet from the thrower, but we recommend that he doesn’t get closer than 7-8 feet from the thrower.

1.  Fair Charge

           Pay attention to this type of play. A player can be fairly charged as long as the ball is within playing distance and the opponent is having at least one foot on the ground. Basically, both players have a chance to play the ball.  Leaning on the opponents shoulder or giving him slight bump is O.K., but when the player challenging the attacker uses his hip to bump (hip to hip contact and pushing) this opponent controlling the ball it should be called as a charge or pushing.  When this happens usually one of the players is bent forward, or excessively leans forward as he would attempt to get in front of the other player in order to kick a ball.

 

 

1. Miscellaneous

 

          Meaning of Abusing, Assaulting, and Insulting  the game officials will be posted on our website at a later date.  No games should be terminated unless there is a grave disorder on the field.

 

1. LVOTSL Over 40

 

          No slide tackles are allowed.  Call an Indirect Free Kick, or Direct Free Kick where appropriate.

 

 

 

 

Note: Any questions or suggestions to be sent (addressed) to   

Hamdija Todorovac,  LVOTSL Referee Assignor, or our webmaster

USSF Referee            
E-mail: httt@verizon.net                                             www.lvotsl.org