This page provides training and developmental materials to the members of our unit.  Please check back often.  If you have any suggestions or information that you would like included here, e-mail us.

FIFA Laws of the Game Documents

Click here for the FIFA documents on the Laws.

USSF Laws of the Game Documents

Click here for the USSF documents on the Laws.

Position Papers from USSF

Go to the USSF site for the latest list of their papers.
show position paper links »

  • Impermissible Behavior by Team Officials in Professional Matches (.pdf)
  • Restarts after Striking, Throwing or Spitting (.pdf)
  • Abandoning a Match Due to Insufficient Number of Players (.pdf)
  • Automatic Suspension Following an Expulsion from a Match (.pdf)
  • Availability of Water During a Match (.pdf)
  • Behavior in the Technical Area (.pdf)
  • Cardable Offenses and the Restart of Play (.pdf)
  • Ceremonial Restart after Misconduct (.pdf)
  • Changes in the Laws of the Game for 2005 (.pdf)
  • Contact with Game Officials (.pdf) (Clips Available for Download via Google Video)
  • Dealing with Severe Weather (.pdf)
  • Electronic Flags (.pdf)  
  • Feinting at the Taking of a Penalty Kick (.pdf) 
  • The Field of Play (Equipment and Devices) (.pdf)
  • Fouls, Misconduct and Restarts (.pdf) (Clip Available for Download via Google Video)
  • Gesturing for a Card - Misconduct (.pdf) - added 4/5/2007
  • Handling Offenses (.pdf)
  • Increasing the Communication Effectiveness of The Officiating Team (.pdf)
  • Instructional Documents (Memoranda and Position Papers) (.pdf) - 1/13/03
  • Instructions to Referees & Resolutions Affecting Team Coaches and Players (.pdf)
  • Jersey Sleeves Rule Suspended (.pdf)  - This position paper refers to this previous announcement
  • Kicks from the Penalty Mark (.pdf)
  • Kicks from the Penalty Mark, The “Reduce to Equate” Principle (.pdf) - added 6/11/02
  • Law 11 - Offside - Interfering with Play and an Opponent (.pdf) (Google Video)
  • Law 15 - Throw In (.pdf)
  • Law 4 - Players’ Equipment (Jewelry) (.pdf)
  • Managing Match Time (.pdf)
  • Mandatory Suspension Following Dismissal (.pdf)
  • Mass Confrontation (.pdf)
  • Medical Alert Jewelry and Law 4 (.pdf)
  • Misconduct and Display of Cards (.pdf) - added 8/26/02
  • Misconduct Involving Language/Gestures (.pdf)
  • Misconduct by Attackers at a Free Kick (.pdf)
  • No Replacement for Player Sent Off after the Game Has Started (.pdf)
  • Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity Denied - The 4 Ds (.pdf) - added 9/16/02
  • Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity - Advantage (.pdf)
  • Offside - Law 11 (.pdf)
  • Offside - (.pdf)
  • Penalty Kicks and the 2005-2006 Law Changes (.pdf)
  • Player Dress (.pdf)
  • Player's Equipment (.pdf)
  • Players Temporarily off the Field Involvement of Fourth Official (.pdf)
  • Players Wearing Non-Compulsory Equipment (.pdf)
  • Positioning at Free Kick Restarts (.pdf)
  • Removing the Jersey While Celebrating a Goal (.pps) 
  • Rescinding a Displayed Card for Misconduct (.pdf)
  • Restarts after Striking, Throwing or Spitting  (.pdf)
  • Sequential Infringements of the Law (.pdf)
  • Send-Offs for Receiving a Second Caution (.pdf)
  • Shinguards (.pdf)
  • Status of Sent Off Players (.pdf)
  • Throw-In to Keeper by Teammate (.pdf)
  • Use of Elbow (.pdf)
Note: Many files in the Referees section of ussoccer.com are in the Adobe Portable Document Format - .pdf files. For more information on .pdfs, please visit http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Test Training Information more info »

Training Information for Rochester Referees

The difference between fouls and misconduct remains confusing for some people. Even more confusing is the proper restart. Click here for a matrix that explains the proper restarts in various situations.

Current USSF Position Papers

USSF "You make the call" videos

Laws of the Game, USSF Memorandum and other resources

Click here to go to the state website and download study guides for the recertification tests.

There's now an on-line registration link at the state web site for entry level classes. Click here to go to this page on the state site and get the information on all these classes.

Click here for On-Line Registration Instructions

REFEREE 101 INFORMATION - click the link for some of the materials used in the recent Referee 101 class, directed at those who have recently taken the entry level class.

2008 Additional Instructions and Guidelines for Referees and ARs - Issued May 12, 2008 by USSF. 

This new document of Additional Instructions and Guidelines for Referees and Assistant Referees (AIG) replaces the Instructions for Referees and Resolutions Affecting Team Coaches and Players, formerly issued for Regional and National Cup Competitions and Tournaments.  It will be updated annually to reflect changes in the Laws of the Game and memoranda, circulars, or positions papers issued by FIFA and the U. S. Soccer Federation.  The information is based on the Additional Instructions and Guidelines for Referees and Assistant Referees published in the FIFA edition of the Laws of the Game.
Various diagrams or charts referred to in this document will be found in the softcopy version of the Laws of the Game, which may be viewed or downloaded from the referee page at ussoccer.com.  References to “* (see page 3)” are intended to mark where a restart may be affected by the special circumstances described in Law 8.  The “page 3” reference is to page 3 of the Laws of the Game published by FIFA.
In some cases a “USSF Note” has been inserted to show clarification of the FIFA statement.
Some of the text in the AIG has been amended to reflect American usage and to remove possibly confusing information.  There has been no alteration of the substance or meaning of the original Additional Instructions and Guidelines for Referees.

Recent Position Papers - Click here to read the most recent position papers issued by National. 

Restart Matrix - Players and coaches - not to mention referees - are often unsure of the proper restart after a stoppage for a foul or misconduct.  This chart shows the appropriate restart depending upon the details of the stoppage of play.

Entry class note-taking outline - An optional tool for students taking the entry level referee class, or any referee who wants to review the basics.  Print the guide and bring it to class with you - it keys in on many points of the Laws that appear on the exam.

E-Mail Training Notes:

6/10/2008 - RDYSL Doubleheaders & thunderstorms; player off field -offside situation.

 

Links to sites of interest:

U.S. Soccer's "Official Take" Referee Blog - Contributors include top administrators, instructors and referees from USSF.

Frequently Asked Questions for new referees

You Make the Call - Video clips of game situations and explanation of proper call

Scottish Football Association - Referees in the Scottish league post explanations of decisions made in recent matches.  Many interesting points are raised.