2025-2026 Laws of the Game Update
Every year the International Football Association Board (IFAB) reviews possible changes to the Laws of the Game (LOTG). Their decisions are responses to trends or unique events in professional matches, and often do not directly apply to AYSO matches. The goal of the IFAB is to keep the game equitable, safe, and enjoyable. The AYSO National Referee Council believes one of the ways we continue to deliver a quality referee program is to emphasize continuing education for our referees, instructors, and assessors. Each year when the IFAB modifies the LOTG, the National Referee Council oversees the review and updates all training materials and supporting documentation to ensure that we are aligned with the new Laws and any updates from the AYSO National Rules and Regulations. Below are the seven changes which apply to our games.
As with all LOTG changes, these will be in effect on August 1, 2025.
Law 3 -The Players
Competitions may choose to implement the "Only the Captain" guidelines to prevent mass confrontations of the game officials. This new guideline is designed to improve on-field behavior. The belief is that a stronger collaboration between the referees and team captains can help to instill fairness and mutual respect.
Law 5-The Referee
Provides the approved signal for referees to countdown (no longer counting up to 6) the last 5-seconds of the 8-second restriction on goalkeeping controlling the ball with their hand(s)/arm(s). Starting at 5-seconds, the referee will vocally and visually count down from 5 seconds to Zero. If the ball is not put into play by the time the referee counts to Zero, the whistle is blown and the restart is now a Corner Kick.
Law 9 –Dropped Ball
To be fairer to teams that had or would have had possession when the game is stopped for a dropped ball restart. The language changed to include: Team that had or would have gained possession would restart play with a dropped ball.
Law 9-Ball in Play
To reduce the consequences for players/subs temporarily off the field and coaches/staff in the technical area who touch the ball before going completely out, in an honest attempt to restart the game quickly. The restart is with an Indirect Free Kick for the opponent and no disciplinary actions are needed.
Law 12 -Fouls and Misconduct
8-Second Goalkeeper Control: When a goalkeeper holds on to the ball for longer than 8 seconds, the restart is now a Corner Kick rather than and Indirect Free Kick for the opponent. This change in the LOTG is designed to reduce time wasting by the goalkeeper, promote continuous play, and enhance the overall experience for spectators. (See Law 5 change above for the new counting down procedure for the referee). Persistent abuse of this law should result in a Caution to the Goalkeeper for Persistent Offenses.
The remaining minor changes involve the additional duties of the reserve additional referee and goal line technology. Those interested can read about them in the IFAB documents available online at theifab.com.
Please be sure to review and apply the new rules prior to your first match this fall. Our Region offers an Annual Review for returning referees prior to the start of the fall season. This is a good time to review the Laws and reconnect with your referee community, so please consider attending. At any time, you can also go to theifab.com to download official documents as well as, adding the IFAB app to your phone.
2025-2026 AYSO Laws of the Game and Rules of Competition Updates
2025-2026 IFAB Laws of the Game updates
2025-2026 Laws of the Games updates presentation/video
Buildout Line: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EzEzKCLzGk0wjPNMorsCLHTIIDBkY9ps/view