Official Soccer Rules Illustrated: A Quick Reference for All Coaches, Players, and Fans

by Stanley Lover, Sepp Blatter, Joseph S. Blatter (Foreword)

With over 100 easy-to-follow illustrations, this completely updated Official Soccer Rules Illustrated answers all the frequently and not-so-frequently asked questions about the rules of soccer, providing fans, parents, and coaches with easily understood explanations of the rules of play, and imparting a quick and clear understanding. Soccer has been described as “the people’s game,” and to make the most of each game, it is important to have a basic knowledge of the rules, and this is the perfect book for the job! While the game of soccer does not need elaborate equipment, this helpful book is certainly a must-have for soccer players who want to play in friendly team games or in organized matches in competition. This simple, clear, authoritative approach will broaden your knowledge and increase your enjoyment of the world’s most widely played sport.

134 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

Reviews

[Douglas Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a pretty good explanation of the rules of soccer. Loaded with illustrated examples for each rule showing both violations of the rule and apparent violations but which in reality are not. An explanation of why each example is or isn't a violation is also given.
There is a brief section at the end of famous referee calls from history that showcase odd or extreme examples of violations and missed violations.
There is even an illustrated quiz at the end to test your understanding.
Most of the rule descriptions are clear but a few are confusing. A case in point being the offside rule. Author Stanley Lover attempts to explain this rule clearly and even breaks down the rule into two parts showing how one part is easy and clear and the other part is subjective and prone to misjudgment. I came away understanding offside only partially. I also read elsewhere that the offside rule is the most misunderstood of soccer's rules and the one that draws the most argument from players and coaches post game.
Of course the referee's decision is final in every situation and any attempts to argue with the ref could elicit a yellow or red card for the player and the coach.

In summary I'm glad I read this because it gave me better understanding of the game of soccer but it also left me with some confusion and more questions as well.

[Jonathan M. Eisenberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is quite good at clearly and succinctly explaining the rules of soccer.

On the other hand, the book contains some passages that will make your jaw drop and make you question whether the book really was published in 2009, not 1909. As in:

"It is advisable to take special care in matches with young or women players to interpret physical challenges on the side of caution in order to reduce the risk of injuries." (P. 92.)

"According to some tales, Africa is a dark continent full of mysteries. Some even say that African soccer has a special ingredient: witchcraft... A team may refuse to play with a ball that has been touched by the manager of the opposing team because he may have put a magic spell on it to favor his own team. ...When witchcraft is about, Referees need to have special knowledge and diplomacy to keep their heads--literally!" (P. 106.)

The next page contains an unbelievably offensive illustration of what is supposed to be an African soccer player.

Oy, yoy, yoy! If that kind of stuff had not been in the book, it would have gotten a higher rating from me.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Studying to become a referee. It was cool, but I didn't really read this for fun.

[ஐ Katya (Book Queen)ஐ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book, with illustrations, to help you understand the official rules of soccer/football.