We encourage parents and other spectators to acquaint themselves with soccer laws to better enjoy the game. For a more thorough understanding of them, read The Laws of the Game for referees, Simplified Rules of the Game for Coaches, or attend one of the clinics in our Region. Or check FIFA's Laws of the Game and 2004 Law Change Summary.

Goal
A score occurs if the ball passes under the crossbar, between the goal posts, and all of the ball passes completely over the outside edge of the goal line.

Throw-in
If all of the ball passes completely over the outside edge of the touchline (sideline), the restart is a throw-in. The throw-in is taken by the team that did not last touch the ball. An improper throw-in or a throw-in taken from the wrong spot results in a throw-in for the opposing team.

Goal Kick
If all of the ball passes over the goal line, it was last touched by an attacking player, and a valid goal was not scored, the restart is a goal kick. The ball is placed in the goal area and kicked by a member of the defending team. All attacking players must remain outside the penalty area until the ball leaves the penalty area. A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team (you can't accidentally kick the ball into your own goal and score a goal for the opponent, because the ball isn't in play until it leaves the penalty box).

Corner Kick
If all of the ball passes over the goal line, it was last touched by a defending player, and a valid goal was not scored, the restart is a corner kick. The ball is placed in the corner arc and kicked by an attacking player.

Drop Ball
When the game is stopped while the ball is in play, for reason other than an infraction of the Laws, the game is restarted with a drop ball.

Penal Foul
A direct free kick is the sanction awarded at the point of infraction for any one of the ten penal fouls. For the complete working and understanding of these infractions you must read the actual laws of the game. This is but an overview:

1. Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent
2. Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent
3. Jumping at an opponent
4. Violently charging an opponent
5. Striking or attempting to strike an opponent
6. Pushing an opponent
7. Making contact with opponent before contacting the ball when making a tackle
8. Holding an opponent
9. Spitting or attempting to spit at an opponent
10. Deliberately handling the ball (except by goal-keeper in penalty area)

Penalty Kick
If one of the ten penal fouls is committed by the defense in their own penalty area, the sanction awarded to the attacking team is a penalty kick. The ball is placed on the penalty mark, the kicker is identified, the goal-keeper is positioned on the goal-line and all other players must remain outside the penalty area and penalty arc and not closer to the goal-line than the penalty mark until the ball has been kicked. The goal-keeper may move laterally along the goal line. Time is extended for a penalty kick taken at the end of half-time, full-time, or over-time.

Non-Penal Foul
An indirect free kick is the sanction awarded at the point of infraction for any non-penal foul. Again, this is an overview. The law book must be consulted for a complete working and understanding.

1. Dangerous play
2. Impeding the progess of an opponent and not playing the ball
3. Preventing the goal-keeper from releasing the ball
4. Goal-keeper touching the ball a second time with hands after releasing it and before it has touched any other player
5. Goal-keeper touching the ball with hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him/her by a team mate
6. Goal-keeper handling a throw-in with hands
7. Goal-keeper wasting time

Free Kicks: