CHICAGO (May 12, 2008) - This new document of 2008 Additional Instructions and Guidelines for Referees and Assistant Referees (AIG) replaces the Instructions for Referees and Resolutions Affecting Team Coaches and Players, formerly issued for Regional and National Cup Competitions and Tournaments. It will be updated annually to reflect changes in the Laws of the Game and memoranda, circulars, or positions papers issued by FIFA and the U. S. Soccer Federation. The information is based on the Additional Instructions and Guidelines for Referees and Assistant Referees published in the FIFA edition of the Laws of the Game.

Various diagrams or charts referred to in this document will be found in the softcopy version of the Laws of the Game, which may be viewed or downloaded from the referee page at www.ussoccer.com. References to “* (see page 3)” are intended to mark where a restart may be affected by the special circumstances described in Law 8. The “page 3” reference is to page 3 of the Laws of the Game published by FIFA.

In some cases a “USSF Note” has been inserted to show clarification of the FIFA statement.

Some of the text in the AIG has been amended to reflect American usage and to remove possibly confusing information. There has been no alteration of the substance or meaning of the original Additional Instructions and Guidelines for Referees.