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SOCCER GOVERNANCE & LAWS OF THE GAME

GOVERNANCE OF SOCCER

FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) is the highest governing body of soccer worldwide and establishes the official rules of the game.

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In the United States, soccer is governed by the US Soccer Federation (USSF). Each state has its own soccer association, and most states also have youth soccer associations. For Washington State, Washington Youth Soccer (WYS) oversees much of the youth club soccer. WA Youth Soccer organizes competitions through local districts and supports regional associations such as the Eastside Youth Soccer Association (EYSA).​

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Individual clubs within EYSA provide referees for their EYSA- and club-sponsored home games. Referees come from two organizations:

  • U08–U12 Recreational games are officiated by referees assigned through EYSA. Visit eysareferees.org for more information.

  • Select, Premier, and U13+ Recreational games are officiated by the East King County Soccer Referees Association (EKCSRA). Visit EKCSRA.org for details.

 

LAWS OF THE GAME

FIFA has established 17 "Laws of the Game" to ensure fair and orderly play. These laws, originally introduced by England’s Football Association in 1863, govern all soccer matches worldwide. They are adapted as needed to accommodate players of different ages, developmental levels, and abilities.

 

Possible modifications include:

  • Size of the playing field

  • Size, weight, and material of the ball

  • Width between goalposts and height of the crossbar

  • Duration of play periods

  • Substitution rules

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US Youth Soccer, Washington Youth Soccer, and EYSA may modify FIFA’s rules for their leagues and tournaments to provide clearer guidance where FIFA rules are broad, and to help keep youth soccer safe, fun, and fair.

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LINKS TO RULES

 

Additional rules for some of the leagues in which our EYSA teams play, can be accessed from the following pages:

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