Laws of the Game

Niagara Soccer Association (NSA)

Last Updated: 01/12/2026

The Niagara Soccer Association (NSA) follows the Laws of the Game as established by FIFA, and as adopted and administered by Canada Soccer and Ontario Soccer, with approved modifications for age groups and competition levels where applicable.

These laws govern how soccer matches are played and officiated across all NSA-sanctioned leagues and competitions.

1. Governing Authority

The official Laws of the Game are set by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association).
Canada Soccer and Ontario Soccer adopt these laws and provide guidance for their application within Canada.
NSA applies these laws consistently across all leagues, subject to age-appropriate and competition-specific modifications.

Where conflicts arise, the official FIFA Laws of the Game take precedence unless explicitly modified by NSA.

2. Application Across Age Groups

NSA recognizes that different age groups require different approaches for safety, development, and fairness.

Youth (U7–U12)

Modified field sizes, goal sizes, and match durations
Emphasis on development, learning, and enjoyment
Simplified application of certain laws (e.g., offsides)

Competitive Youth (U13–U18)

Full Laws of the Game apply
Match duration and field size adjusted by age
Standard disciplinary procedures enforced

Senior (Men & Women)

Full FIFA Laws of the Game apply without modification

3. Match Officials

All matches must be officiated by NSA-approved officials
The referee is the final authority on the field of play
Decisions made by match officials during the game are final

Abuse of officials—verbal or physical—will result in disciplinary action under NSA Rules & Regulations.

4. Key Areas of the Laws (Plain-Language Overview)

4.1 The Field of Play

Matches must be played on approved fields
Field dimensions must comply with age-group standards
Unsafe field conditions may result in match postponement or cancellation

4.2 The Ball

The ball must meet size and safety requirements appropriate to the age group
Only approved match balls may be used

4.3 Number of Players

Team sizes vary by age group
A minimum number of players is required to start and continue a match
Failure to meet minimum numbers may result in a forfeit

4.4 Duration of the Match

Match length varies by age group and competition
Referees may add time for stoppages
Matches may be shortened or abandoned due to safety concerns

4.5 Fouls & Misconduct

Fouls are penalized with free kicks or penalties
Serious misconduct may result in yellow or red cards
Player safety is a top priority at all levels

4.6 Offside

Offside rules apply in accordance with the Laws of the Game
Modified or no-offside rules may apply in younger age groups

4.7 Restarts of Play

Includes kick-offs, throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks, and free kicks
Proper restart procedures must be followed

5. Disciplinary Sanctions

Yellow and red cards are issued in accordance with the Laws of the Game
Suspensions and further sanctions are governed by NSA’s Discipline & Appeals Policy
Accumulation of cards may result in additional penalties

6. Fair Play & Respect

NSA promotes:

Respect for opponents, officials, and teammates
Fair competition
Positive behaviour on and off the field

All participants are expected to uphold the spirit as well as the letter of the Laws of the Game.

7. Modifications & Local Rules

NSA may introduce competition-specific rules for:

Tournament play
Developmental leagues
Special events

Any modifications will be communicated in advance and published where applicable.

8. Official Reference

For the full and official Laws of the Game, please visit:
👉 https://www.theifab.com/laws/

This external reference remains the ultimate authority on the Laws of the Game.

9. Questions & Clarifications

If you have questions about how the Laws of the Game are applied within NSA competitions, please contact:

📧info@niagarasoccerassociation.ca
📍 Niagara Soccer Association – Ontario, Canada