GAME RULES

1. KICKOFF: The ball must be kicked forward and complete one revolution to be in play. The referee will rerun the kickoff if this is not accomplished. Once the ball is properly kicked-off, the kicker may not kick the ball again until it has come in contact with another player. This is also true for corner kicks, direct kicks, and indirect kicks.
2. All games are played with running time. The only exception to this rule is for serious injury. Free substitution should be used for minor injuries and time will not stop. All other substitutions will be allowed during throw-ins or goal kicks.
3. Each game will have four quarters, 12 minutes running time each, with a 5 minute break at each quarter.
4. All players MUST wear their colored team shirts in order to play in the game. In case of cold or inclement weather, the child should wear her team shirt over whatever protective clothing is worn. The only exception to this rule is for the goalkeeper, who must wear a different colored shirt from the rest of her team and the opposing team.
5. Coaches and parents are not permitted on the field. Games will not restart until the coach/parent leaves the field. Coaches are not permitted behind the goal. Referee’s will be positioned on the field. Coaches (and assistant coaches) should remain on the players side of the field. Although coaches are expected to provide instruction to their players on the field, they are asked not to over-direct the players. Part of the learning process is for the players to figure out (on their own) where they should be, who to pass to, etc. The coaches are there primarily to provide corrective instruction and positioning assistance, as well as moral support. Too much instruction during the game can be distracting and confusing and therefore should be minimized.
6. Possession of the ball by the goalkeeper with one hand constitutes a stoppage of the attack, and a change of possession. Goalkeeper safety should always be a major concern in this league.
7. The goalkeeper has 6 seconds to put the ball back into play upon gaining possession. The goalkeeper may only use hands inside the penalty box area or a handball is called.
8. GOAL KICKS: Goal kicks may be taken by any player on the field from the kicking team, usually a defender. Opposing players must be out of the penalty box when the kick is taken, and the ball must completely pass outside of the penalty box when the kick is taken, before either team can touch the ball.
9. THROW-INS: Improper throw-ins are done over. The player should be instructed with the proper throw-in technique (both feet behind the line, both hands over head).
10. OFF-SIDES: Off-sides will be called in this league. A player is off-sides if she is nearer to her opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent (the goalie or a defender would be the last opponent), and, if at the moment the ball is played by one of her teammates, she is actively involved in the play (note "active in the play" is defined as interfering with play or an opponent, or gaining an advantage by being in that spot). If the player is not active in the play, and no advantage is created, then off-sides will not be called. There is no off-sides for the direct receiver of a goal kick, corner kick or throw-in. Play resumes with an indirect kick at the point the infringement occurs. Remember, THE REFEREE’S CALLS ARE FINAL.
11. PENALTY SHOTS: Penalty kicks are not awarded in this league.
12. INDIRECT KICKS: Indirect kicks are called for dangerous plays.
13. DIRECT KICKS: Direct kicks are awarded as a result of pushing, intentional tripping and handballs. In all cases the player should be instructed at the time of infraction to insure the youngster understand the rule. On all direct kicks opposing players are positioned 10 yards away from the ball and may use their fists (positioned close to their body) to protect themselves from the ball.
14. CORNER KICKS Corner kicks are awarded when an opposing player kicks the ball over the goal line. All corner kicks should be taken and the players instructed on the rule.
15. SPORTSMANSHIP: All players and coaches must end game with line-up for handshake/high-five.