SPECIAL NOTICES

Notice to Players and Coaches

FIFA has made several important changes to the Laws of the Game effective for the 1997/1998 season. Below is a short synopsis of these changes for players and team managers. If you would like to get more information, ask a referee or contact the State Referee Committee office at (303) 456-8810 / (303) 456-8811 (FAX) for the complete USSF Memorandum 1997.

FIFA Law Changes

Law 4 - Players Equipment: Thermal shorts, if worn, must be the same color as the dominant color of the uniform shorts.

Law 5 - The Referee: The referee must send off the field any player who is bleeding and not allow him/her to return until the bleeding is stopped.

Law 8 - The Start of Play:

• The team that wins the toss must decide which goal they will attack in the first half.
• A goal may be scored directlv from a kick-off.
• The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward any distance.

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct
If the goalkeeper handles the ball from a throw-in by a teammate either by catching the ball or receiving it to his feet then picking it up, an indirect free kick shall be awarded where the goalkeeper handled the ball.

Wording has been changed such as unsporting behavior replaces ungentlemanly conduct and using offensive, insulting or abusive language has replaced foul or abusive language. Neither change effects the intent of the law. More emphasis has been placed on moving back ten yards on free kicks by the language failing to respect the required distance on free kicks and comer kicks.

Law 13 - Free Kick: The ball is in play when it is kicked and moved any distance. This essentially allows the practice of merely stepping on a ball on an indirect free kick before it is struck by another player.

Law 14 - The Penalty Kick:
The goalkeeper may now move along the goal-line before the ball is kicked. He/she cannot leave the line. If the goalkeeper persists in coming off the line before the ball is kicked, he/she should be cautioned.

It is no longer mandatory for the referee to caution a player who encroaches into the area before a kick is taken. However, if the same player persists in doing so, the referee should issue the caution.

Law 16 - The Goal Kick: A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick (over 100 yards long kick).

Mandatory Instructions to the Referees

Referees must not permit goalkeepers to take four steps while holding the ball.
If the goalkeeper holds the ball in his/her hand(s) for more than 5 - 6 seconds, he/she shall be penalized by an indirect free kick at the point of the infraction, i.e. where he/she was when the 5 to 6 seconds possession was exceeded.

Both of these instructions are designed to speed up the return of the ball to play.

HALL OF FAME NOTICE

You are invited to nominate those individuals that you believe should be inducted into the Colorado Soccer Hall of Fame. These nominations will be reviewed and voted upon by the Hall of Fame Committee. Those inducted will be acknowledged with the presentation of a plaque and plaques displayed in the Colorado State Soccer Association office and the Colorado State Youth Soccer Association Office.

Nominees should be those who have demonstrated a long time devotion and contribution to the game of soccer as a player, coach, referee, administrator or benefactor at the local, state or national level. A nomination may be made posthumously. As in any sport, the rich tradition and histro of the sport should be a constant reminder to those now participating that the game must be conducted with respect and appreciation for the spirit of the game.

Please submit a resume of the nominee with chronological highlights and a short write-up on why you believe that your candidate should be considered for this honor.

Please submit nominations to: