Rules of the Game
• There is 10 minute grace period for the start of games.
o Teams may play with 2 players less than the required number without forfeiting. The opposing team must play down as well. If a team has 3 less than the required number, then a forfeit will be called, and the 2 teams can play for fun.
• Heading: Is not allowed for players under age 12 (i.e. U12). If a player heads the ball, play will be stopped by the official. The nonoffending team will receive an indirect kick from the spot of the foul.
• Offsides (U10+): A player in an offside position is only penalized if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his/her teammates, he/she is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by: interfering with play, interfering with an opponent (too close to, and thereby distracting the keeper, for example) or gaining an advantage by being in that position.
o For example: Player X may be in the offside position while his teammate dribbles in, shoots and scores from the center striker position. Player X was never part of that play and should not be penalized.
o A player cannot be offsides if they receive the ball directly from a goal kick, throw-in, or corner kick.
• Groups U10+ A legal throw‐in means both feet are on the ground until after the moment the ball is released. If the foot pops up immediately after the ball is released, it is not a foul throw. Additionally, the hands and ball must start behind the head and proceed directly over top of the head. Side spin on the ball does not mean a foul throw; however, throwing the ball sideways (not directly over top of the head) is a foul throw. Both feet must be either on or behind the touchline (half of either foot or both feet on the pitch is still legal). If one or both feet are completely off the line and on the pitch, it is a foul throw. Similarly, the entire ball must cross the entire touchline to be out of play and for a throw‐in to be awarded. If a throw‐in never enters the field of play, it is to be re‐thrown
Fouls
The following applies to U10 and above. U8 and below do not have boxes and all fouls (U8) will result in a free kick. Coaches should be mindful of fouls for U6 and under.
• Aggressive contact without intent of winning ball is NOT allowed.
• A player’s arm can be used to protect ball but not with a full extension or raised to shoulder level
• Shoving with full arm extension for offense or defense is NOT allowed
• Pushing in the back is NOT allowed, pushing the hip IS ALLOWED In a 50/50 challenge as long as the arm is not at full extension
• No slide tackling another player for U14 and under. The result is an indirect free kick (if fairly played).
• Fouls in the penalty box will result in a penalty kick.
• Fouls outside the penalty box result in an indirect free kick
o An indirect free kick awarded inside the goal area must be taken on the goal area line (6 yards) parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred, but no closer than 6 yards for younger leagues playing on smaller fields. The defending team may put their wall directly on the goal line.
o If a player is to receive a straight red card, they will automatically be suspended for the following game. The player who received the straight red card may be suspended for more than one game if the soccer coordinator/s deem it is warranted
Play Time & Substitutions
• All players are expected to arrive on time. Play time is subject to coaches discretion
o However, if coaches fail to any player without probable cause (i.e. disciplinary disruption), a parent can discuss with a league official
• Substitutions ‐ There is no limit to the number of players that may be subbed at one time. All substitutes must be standing at the midfield line and recognized by the referee before they will be allowed to enter the game. Teams may only substitute on throw ins (regardless of possession), goal kicks (regardless of possession), after a goal is scored or if an injury occurs (for the injured player).
• Any sub must be on the team’s roster.
Role of the Coach
• Coaches must remain on their half of the field and may not cross over the midfield line or go past the penalty box on their side while coaching.
• No more than 3 coaches are allowed on the sidelines during the game.
• Coaches are to keep their players under their immediate supervision while waiting for the game ahead of them to finish. Do not warm up on the sidelines while another game is in progress.
• Coaches are to move their team and equipment away from the field of play as soon as possible at the conclusion of their game so that the next teams can get on the field as soon as possible.
Role of the Player
• Player must be in uniform.
• Players are required to wear shin guards. While mouthpieces are optional.
• No foul language and be respectable of o players and referees
• No earrings (unless they are taped), bracelets, rings, watches, etc. will be permitted during games.
Role of the Parent
• Parents must sit in the designated areas no parents are allowed on the field or by player benches
• Cheering is encouraged; unsportsmanlike conduct of coaches, spectators or players will not be tolerated and will result in ejection. Coaches are responsible for their team and parents. Any player, coach, or parent being ejected from a game will have to meet with a league coordinator before they are allowed to attend a game again. Additionally, coaches may not argue with the officials. Any arguing resulting from any call the official makes will result in a verbal warning followed by an ejection. Arguing with the official sets an unmistakably bad example for all of the players on the field. Asking the official to watch for certain infractions by certain players (“Sir/Ma’am, please watch #15’s pushing”) is acceptable.