Most of the changes for 2016/2017 are clarifications to existing Laws or things that don’t really apply at the youth game level.

The most impactful changes to us at AYSO is on the Kick-off,  Rule 8.3.  The ball NO LONGER has to go forward on the kick-off.  Players can start play by kicking the ball in any direction.

Also, for ALL restarts, the ball is only in play if the ball CLEARLY moves.   So, for example, on indirect free kicks it is not ok for a player to just “tap” the top of the ball so a teammate can take a shot on goal.  The ball must move to be considered in play.

The complete set of changes are detailed here: IFAB_laws_of_the_game_changes

The full Laws are here:  Laws of the Game 2016/2017

This year’s book includes a helpful guidance section for Referees with illustrations, so check it out!