All FIFA and USSF Laws of the Game apply to NCSL and WAGS games except as modified by the leagues.  These modifications are permitted for youth matches and are mandatory for referees working games in these leagues.  Acceptance of assignments in these leagues implies agreement to abide by their modifications. 

Each league's specific rules are provided at NCSL RULES and WAGS RULES.  While these rules are generally the same for both leagues, there are some differences, so that referees should review both once or twice a season.

There are two major rule differences which referees must be familiar with:

1.  WAGS requires referees to check player passes before the game.  The referee must abandon the match if a team fails to produce passes and the state roster within 15 minutes of kick-off.  (NCSL only requires referees to check passes if requested by either coach.)

2.  NCSL requires referees to show cards to team officials when cautioning or ejecting.  WAGS permits but does not require referees to show cards.

Both leagues now use the STAR -- Special Team Assistant Referee -- program to help relieve the critical shortage of assistant referees.  Referees must use STARs on all applicable games if two assigned ARs are not present.

    -  Applicable games are all NCSL U-12 through U-14 and all WAGS U-12 and U-13. ( WAGS will extend the program to U-14 Fall 2007.)

    -  Instructions for use of STARs are at Special Team Assistant Referee Program.

Team Sportsmanship Liaison (TSL).  Both leagues also recognize the difficulty of controlling sideline behavior of up to a hundred spectators, many of whom may be literally standing on the touchlines.  Therefore, each team in both leagues will have a  TSL to assist you with sideline management.  See Team Sportsmanship Liaison for how to use them.

Half Length, Ball Size, and Number of Officials

Substitutions.  From midfield with consent of the referee: 

• Before a throw-in by the team in possession.  Other team may sub at same time.
• Before a goalkick by either team
• After a goal by either team
• For an injured player.  Other team may sub one for one
• At beginning of 2nd half by either team
• For a cautioned (yellow carded) player.  Other team may not sub.
• Note: No substituting on corner kicks

SPECIAL RULES FOR SMALL-SIDED GAMES

• NCSL and WAGS play small-sided through U-12 on a smaller field with smaller goals.  All normal rules apply; throw-ins, corner kicks, goal kicks, offside, even an occasional penalty kick.
• Referees should call more rather than fewer fouls at these age groups.  This is to convey to the players even at this young age that they are responsible for their actions and the consequences of their actions during play.  It also conveys the important message to coaches and parents that the referee shares their concern for the safety of the players.
• Referees are reminded that not only are the players younger, very often so are coaches and parents.  Patience and understanding are very important at these age groups.  Referees are "teaching" the game from the perspective of the Laws of the Game and common soccer practice.
• While serious dissent and disrespectful behavior should not be tolerated from coaches or parents (whose previous experience may stem from the "Kill the ump" mentality), referees for these age groups should make every effort to "keep them in the game".