Soccer Association
Referee's Signals
On-Line Course and Helena Area In-Person Session for New Referees
On-Line Course: start now in preparation for In Person Session
In Person Session: Salvation Army Gym Sunday March 3rd from 11am to 3pm
Contact Local Assignor
The assignors are here to help you navigate your referee journey.
IFAB 23/24 Law Changes
Law 3. The Players
- Clarification relating to extra person(s) on the field of play when a goal is scored
Law 10. Determining the Outcome of a Match
- ‘The term ‘kicks from the penalty mark’ to be replaced by ‘penalties (penalty shoot-out)’
- Clarification that warnings and cautions for team officials, as well as for players, are not carried forward into penalties (penalty shoot-out)
Law 11. Offside
- Clarification of guidelines to distinguish between ‘deliberate play’ and ‘deflection’, as outlined in circular 26 (July 2022)
Law 12. Fouls and Misconduct
- Clarification that if the referee awards a penalty kick for an offence which involved a defending team player challenging an opponent for the ball (excluding holding, pulling, pushing, no possibility to play the ball etc.), the same sanction should be issued to the player as for an attempt to play the ball, i.e. if the offence stops or interferes with a promising attack – no caution (no yellow card); DOGSO offence – caution (yellow card)
- Clarification that the senior team coach present in the technical area cannot be sanctioned for an offence committed by an ‘unidentified’ player
Law 14. The Penalty Kick
- Clarification that the goalkeeper must not behave in a manner that fails to show respect for the game and the opponent, i.e. by unfairly distracting the kicker
MYSA Local Law Updates
From State SRA/SYRA: U10 Slide Tackles: For those not at the meeting, the board elected to give U10's a "No Slide Tackles" rule a try. This would apply to any sanctioned friendly, match or tournament. A "Slide Tackle" is an attempt to win the ball from an opponent by going to ground, from any direction. Education of coaches, parents and players will be needed. Sliding to save a shot on goal or a ball from going out, is not a tackle on an opponent and is still allowed. The sanction for a slide tackle would be an Indirect Free Kick, as long as the slide did not result in a foul. A foul is defined in the LOTG as a challenge that is considered careless, reckless or using excessive force, and contact with an opponent is made.
