[Soccer Glossary] [Codes of Conduct] [AYSO National]
Here is a FIFA Press Release about a meeting on March 1, 1997 of the International Football Association Board, an organization which makes the laws of the game. These rule changes will be in effect in the next AYSO season (actually starting July 1, 1997).
BACKPASS RULING EXTENDED - NEW VERSION OF THE
LAWS OF THE GAME
Z�rich, 3 March 1997 - At its 111th meeting, held on 1 March
1997 in Belfast, the International Football Association Board took several far-reaching decisions.
Most notably the Board decided to finalise the draft for a revised version of the Laws of the Game. Much simpler and edited in contemporary language, the new version will
contribute to a better understanding of the Laws governing the game.
Examining various specific issues the Board also decided to further extend the backpass ruling. As of 1 July 1997, when all amendments will enter into force, an indirect free-kick will be awarded if the goalkeeper handles the ball after receiving it directly from a throw-in from his own team. For his part, the goalkeeper may move on the goal line before a penalty-kick is taken.
The Board also refused unanimously to authorize experiments with video systems to assist the referee, including that requested by the French Football Federation for the friendly international match France - Sweden on 2 April 1997.
Law 4 - Players' Equipment:
Now includes the statement: "If thermal shorts are worn they must be of the same main colour as the shorts."
Law 5 - The Referee:
