The Soccer Referee's Manual

This is by far the best rules/referee book out there. It has "test your knowledge" in every section that test basic and advance knowledge, including good examples that sound like gray-area interpretations, but are well explained. The book covers all aspects of FIFA rules, but presents them in a different order than an "official rules" book.The book also includes the Rules of the Game, discussion of the Cooper Fitness Test, and advice for pre-game preparation, completing post-match paperwork, and what assessors are looking for. Also has great advice for dealing with coaches, pre-game instructions, and working the diagonal system of control.The book is applicable for US referees, although it does deal with the duties of the club assistance ref differently than US Soccer Federation (minor in nature).Not just a dry rules book, the author writes well and interjects good advice based on years of experience. This is one of my two primary reference books for soccer referee material.NOTE: This manual does not include any organizational specific rules (e.g., AYSO, USYS, etc) or guidance on smaller-sided field dimensions.

I have coached AYSO for 8 years to include at the Allstar level. I found this book clear and complete. The Q & A sections are very stimulating for standard field events and some esoteric challenges as well. Where appropriate, drawings are included.This book can be read over a couple of days and is an excellent reference. It's the best I have seen so far.

This is a great resource for soccer referees at all levels. It covers all of the Laws of the Game and how to interpret them. There are excellent self-test questions for each topic covered. This is a book that you will consult time and time again, often learning or realizing something new each time you pick it up. Reasonably priced for all that it covers. I found it to be much better than other books, such as those by Lover, etc. If you're looking for just one book for yourself, or as a gift, pick this one - it's fun and superbly done.

This book is well-organized and easy to read. I learn something new every time I read it, which is often. Thought-provoking, quiz-type questions are sprinkled throughout, followed by answers complete with the logic underlying them. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their knowledge of the laws of soccer.

If you are a parent, spectator or just a fan of soccer I strongly recommend that you read this book. If you are studing to become a referee it is a must. Understanding the laws of soccer will enhance your enjoyment of the game and will probably keep you from yelling at the referee for a bad call that really wasn't. I recently went through soccer referee training for our local and state matchs. David's book was a big help and probably the main reason I passed with flying colors. He explains the laws of soccer through examples and then has "quiz" questions throughout to test your understanding.