RULES OF COMPETITION FOR 2024/2025
RECREATION DIVISIONS
I. GAMES:
Games will consist of two 25-minute halves. All games should start and end on time. If conditions warrant, the games may be divided into quarters.
II. NUMBER OF PLAYERS:
● MLS will play 7v7. Teams must field a minimum of 4 players. Goal size is 6.5'x18', ball is size 4.
● Premier will play 9v9 and must field a minimum of 6 players. Goal size is 7'x21', ball is size 4.
● Champions will play 11v11. Teams must field a minimum of 8 players. Goal size is 8.5'x24', ball is size 5.
If teams have less than the stated number of players, they can borrow players from other teams in the same division or one lower provided the other head coach agrees. The idea is to have a competitive game and better experience for the players on both teams, and not to stack one team. Coaches can borrow enough players to give them a maximum of 2 substitutes and borrowed players SHOULD NOT take playing time away from rostered players.
In all divisions, if one team is not able to field full number of players, the opposing team can only play up one player. EXCEPTION: In playoffs for Champions League, teams can field 11 players, even if opposing team can only field 8, 9, or 10 players. Teams with full roster in playoffs should not be penalized if opposing team can’t field proper number of players.
III. BUILD OUT LINE
The build-out line as defined by US Soccer promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting. Build-out lines will be used in MLS Division only.
OFFSIDE: The build out line on the attacking part of the field replaces the halfway line as the point behind which a player cannot be in an offside position.
GOAL KICKS/KEEPER SAVES: Opposing team must retreat behind the build-out line on a goal kick/keeper save. The opposing team may not come past the build out line until the ball is in play.
VIOLATIONS BY OPPOSING TEAM: If an opponent violates the prohibitions above on a goal kick or keeper release, the referee must stop play and award an IFK at the spot of the infraction to the team entitled to the protections of the build out line rule.
IV. FIELD DIMENSIONS/RESTRICTIONS
● MLS = 55 yards long by 30 yds wide
● Premier = xx yards long by xx yds wide
● Champions = xx yards long by xx yds wide
V. SUBSTITUTIONS:
All players must play at least one half of every game. It is the coaches’ responsibility to make sure all players are substituted for if needed to get proper playing time for players of all abilities. Coaches will monitor this themselves. If there is a problem, it should be reported to the Division Head so it can be corrected.
All substitutes must be off the bench and at the center line ready to enter the field of play. They can only enter when a substitution is REQUESTED, and then GRANTED by the referee.
1. Either team can substitute an unlimited number of players at the beginning of a period, on goal kicks, after goals, and after an injury replacement.
2. The team in possession of the ball can substitute on its own throw-ins and corner kicks. The team not in possession can also sub on throw-ins and corner kicks if the team in possession subs.
VI. OFFSIDE:
Offside will be called in ALL DIVISIONS
VII. HEADING THE BALL:
As per guidelines of US Soccer Federation, heading the soccer ball will not be allowed in practices or games for all players on U11 teams or younger. There will be no heading in any division except for Champions. The result will be a whistle to stop play for safety reason. The restart will be an indirect kick. It is not considered a foul. The referee must also determine that this was done intentionally.
VIII. REFEREES:
All recreation games shall be officiated by Grassroots USSF referees, who will be assigned by the association.
ONLY HEAD COACHES ARE TO CONVERSE WITH REFEREES AND ARE NOT TO ARGUE WITH REFEREES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. There is NO DISSENT! They may ask for interpretation of a call. If not happy with the response they should inform the division head, who will try and resolve the situation. Coaches that argue will be cautioned (Yellow card), and/or ejected (Red card). Coaches that receive a yellow card or red card will have their situation evaluated upon receipt of the referee’s report and possible disciplinary action may be taken, including suspension or loss of coaching privileges, which will be determined by a meeting of the Executive Board.
Referees will abide by all FIFA laws of the game that are not specifically excluded in this document, such as slide tackling.
Cautioned players will be instructed to leave the field but NOT shown a card. Player can return
on the next substitution provided the coach and ref is convinced the player is now under control.
IX. SCORE:
Teams should not win by more than 5 goals. Running up scores shows poor sportsmanship and does influence players during, after, and between games. Coaches may be disciplined if their team shows a pattern of poor sportsmanship and winning by more than 6 goals will result in the loss of 1pt in standings. Standings will be kept in Champions, Premier and MLS Leagues, any scores above a 5-goal differential will be entered as 5. Example, 8-1 will be entered as 6-1. We are here to develop players not to win games.
X. INJURIES:
1.Referees will stop the game if they feel a player is injured and needs attention. If play is stopped for a re-start and the referee feels the player can continue without treatment, the player can remain in the game. If the referee stops for the apparent injury or calls for coach to come on the field to attend to the player, that player MUST be removed from the game. This includes goalkeeper. That player can return during a normal substitution opportunity ONLY after the coach is sure the player is OK. It is strongly recommended that lower division players be removed any time there looks to be an injury.
2. Possible Concussions: Any player who exhibits symptoms of a possible concussion shall be removed from the game and not permitted to play for the remainder of the day, including a possible travel game later that day. A report will be filled out and the player’s parent will be advised of the situation and told they should see a doctor to have the child checked out. ALL COACHES AND REFEREES will have taken the Sideline Sports Doc(concussion) certification course, so there should not be any question.
3.The decision of the REFEREE to remove a player for his/her safety is FINAL.
XI. LIGHTNING OR THUNDER:
If thunder is heard or lightning seen, the field shall be evacuated IMMEDIATELY and all players, coaches, referees, and spectators should seek shelter. Because of lack of suitable structures at the fields, it is recommended that cars are used for shelter. Games can only continue if there is a full 30 minutes from the last thunder sound or lightning sighting. If there is less than 30 minutes remaining in the game, the game shall be declared over.
NOTE: The fields are equipped with lightning detection systems. If these detectors go on, the fields will be evacuated even if lightning or thunder was not witnessed. DO NOT rely solely on the detection systems. If you witness thunder or lightning, you must evacuate the fields, whether the detectors go off or not.
XII. SLIDE TACKLES:
A slide tackle is diving or sliding feet first to knock a ball away from a player in possession or nearly in possession. Slide tackles are not allowed. Most recreational players do not know how to properly execute one, nor are they prepared to have one performed on them.
1. If a slide tackle is performed and is “clean” (no contact with dribbler), a dangerous play will be called, the player will be told slide tackles are not allowed and will result in an indirect kick for the offended team.
2. If a foul is committed on a slide tackle, the player will be told slide tackles are not allowed and the player will be removed from the field until next available time to substitute.
A player may slide feet first to kick a ball (save a goal, score a goal, etc.) provided it was not in possession of an opponent and there was no apparent danger.
XIII. THROW-INS:
Throw-Ins will be used in all divisions; the throw must be taken within 5 seconds of the ball being picked up. Failure to make the throw within the allotted time will result in possession to the opposing team.
XIV. PUNTING:
Punting will only be allowed in Champions and Premier League. If the ball is punted in MLS, play will be stopped, and the opposing team awarded a free kick from mid field.
XV. PLAYOFFS:
Playoffs will be held in the Champions League only. The last three weeks of the Spring season will be used to determine 1-4 seeding. Tie Breakers for determining the winners will be based on statistics of the three playoff games and be decided in the following order.
Note: A team that wins a game by more than 6 goals only receive 2 points for the win.
1. Head-to-head results
2. Least goals allowed
3. Goal differential (maximum of 5 per game)
4. Most shutouts
5. Penalty shootout (3 players)
XVI. DAY CAPTAINS: When using them
Day Captains (DC) are responsible for making sure the field they are assigned to is set up, meaning goals and flags are in place and fields are properly lines. Match balls, pinnies and First-aid kits are out at each field, games start and end on time, confirming with teams responsible for field setup prior to match day, supervising concession stand, paying referees, and supervising cleanup and lockup at end of day. The day captain may be asked to fill in as a coach should the scheduled coach of a game not be present.
Day Captains must arrive at the field one hour before start of first game. In the event of bad weather or field conditions, DC should check with Kyle or Conrad to see if games can be played. If not, the DC
will contact all coaches, refs, etc. that need to be notified.
Day Captains are responsible for daily enforcement of the rules as they are stated in this document. Because referees are not always aware of our special rules, the DC will advise referees if the referees are incorrect on rules that are stated in our Rules of Competition.
XVII. FIELD SET UP:
FALL:
Teams playing in the 12:30pm MLS games shall arrive 30 minutes prior to help set up field. This includes setting up goals and flags and taking out balls and first-aid kit.
Teams playing in the 2:00pm PREMIER games will lock up the goals and remove the flags, balls, and first-aid kit upon completion of matches, and ensure they are locked up in the container nearest the basketball court in Veterans Park.
Teams playing in the 9:00am CHAMPIONS games shall arrive 30 minutes prior to help set up field. This includes setting up goals and flags and taking out balls and first-aid kit.
Teams playing in the 10:30am CHAMPIONS games will lock up the goals and remove the flags, balls, and first-aid kit upon completion of matches, and ensure they are locked up in the container next to the concession stand.
SPRING:
Teams playing in the 2:30pm MLS games shall arrive 30 minutes prior to help set up field. This includes setting up goals and flags and taking out balls and first-aid kit.
Teams playing in the 4:00pm PREMIER games will lock up the goals and remove the flags, balls, and first-aid kit upon completion of matches, and ensure they are locked up in the container nearest the basketball court in Veterans Park.
Teams playing in the 12:00pm CHAMPIONS games shall arrive 30 minutes prior to help set up field. This includes setting up goals and flags and taking out balls and first-aid kit.
Teams playing in the 1:30pm CHAMPIONS games will lock up the goals and remove the flags, balls, and first-aid kit upon completion of matches, and ensure they are locked up in the container next to the concession stand.
XVII. COVID19 Protocols
When in place, coaches will ensure all players are administered our safety protocols as listed on our website.