LAWS OF THE GAME
Governance of Soccer
FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) is the highest governing body of soccer in the world, and establishes rules for the game. The US Soccer Federation, USSF, governs soccer in this country. Within the USSF, each state has a soccer association, and most states also have youth soccer associations. Washington Youth Soccer governs much of youth club soccer for our state. WA Youth Soccer runs some competition directly through districts throughout the state, and also recognizes and supports regional associations like EYSA.
The individual clubs within EYSA provide referees for their EYSA- and club-sponsored home games. Two organizations provide referees to EYSA clubs:
U08-U12 Recreational games are officiated by referees assigned through EYSA at www.eysareferees.org.
Select, Premier and U13+ Recreational games are officiated by East King County Soccer Referees Association (EKCSRA) at www.EKCSRA.org
Laws of the Game
There are 17 Laws of the Game to ensure order and fairness of play formulated by FIFA. The laws are based on those first introduced in 1863 by England's Football Association, and continue to govern all games, with modifications to accommodate players of different age groups, developmental levels, and players with disabilities. Modifications can be made concerning:
size of the field of play
size, weight and material of the ball
width between the goalposts and height of the crossbar from the ground
duration of the periods of play
substitutions
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US Youth Soccer, WA Youth Soccer and EYSA may modify the FIFA international rules for their leagues and tournaments. These rule changes provide specific instruction where FIFA rules are general, and/or are intended to keep youth soccer safe, fun and fair.
Rules for some of the leagues in which our EYSA teams play, can be accessed from the following pages: