FineSoccer Kids 31

Welcome to the Finesoccer Kids Newsletter. Today's newsletter will deal with a subject that, once understood, will allow you to play, coach and watch the games with a much more relaxed attitude.

The laws of the game of soccer are relatively simple. To understand the importance of learning them, please read the Soccer Newsletter I wrote on the subject a couple of months ago (http://finesoccer.com/soccer_edition_108.htm). However, the one law that players, spectators and coaches don't seem to understand is Law 5 and once Law 5 is better understood, it's so much easier to relax and enjoy the game of soccer.

Law 5 simply states "Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed". It also elaborates in more detail on what that entails BUT what it means to you, as a player, spectator or coach is that what the ref says goes with very few exceptions. If you, as a player, feel the opponent was offside but the ref didn't, you can argue all you want but Law 5 says that his decision is the one that matters. If you as a coach think that time has expired but the ref has added on some extra time because of injuries, stalling etc, than time has NOT expired. The game is over when the ref says it's over.

As soon as players, spectators and coaches start to understand that the refs decisions are final on the field, they are able to start concentrating on the things that ARE in their control (playing, coaching or watching) and stop concentrating on things that they can't control. This makes for a much more enjoyable experience for all.

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please send them to kidscomments@finesoccer.com 

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Have a great day!

Lawrence