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DIVISION RULES
*** ABOVE ALL, REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN! ***
SAFETY
- All players MUST wear shin guards with the solid plastic insert guard pieces as opposed to the all foam shim guards. The children will not be permitted to play or practice without them.
- Soccer cleats are recommended. No baseball cleats (they have a spike in the toe).
- No jewelry (necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc.) may be worn during practices or games. Players may not wear baseball hats. Tiebacks (scrunches) for hair are allowed, although they should be of a type that will not cause injury if contacted by another player or the ball. No barrettes or metal clips should be worn.
- Coaches should check the condition of the fields, goal posts, balls, etc. at the start of the game and practices. Balls should not have any loose panels, which could cause injury. Balls should be inflated to the recommended pressure.
POLICIES
- In keeping with the spirit of the non-competitive and instructional nature of the league, it is expected that each child will be given equal playing time. The general idea is to give each child the most time possible on the field. Players should be provided the opportunity and encouraged to play all positions during the course of the season. All players should be provided with equal opportunity to make a goal, to try their hand at goal keeping, etc. Coaches should not allow one or two players to dominate play at those positions, but should instruct their other players in these areas and make sure they all have equal opportunities.
- There are no championship or team won/loss records kept. The emphasis at all time should be directed towards understanding the rules of the game, basic skills, fields positions, good sportsmanship and having FUN.
- During the course of play, DO NOT REPRIMAND OR EMBARRASS INDIVIDUAL CHILDREN ON THE FIELD. Since free substitution is used, the player should be called off the field for individual instruction or instruct the entire team between halves.
- Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their players and their spectators. Good examples of sportsmanship are expected from all coaches, parents, fans and players.
- Teams will player eleven per side.
GAMES RULES
- KICKOFF: The ball must be kicked forward and complete on revolution to be in play. 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.
- 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.
- Each boy’s games will have two halves, 30 minutes running time each half with a 10-minute half time. Each girl’s game will have four 15-minute quarters with a 10-minute half time.
- 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 his 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 his team and the opposing team.
- Coaches are not permitted on the field. Referees will be positioned on the field. Although coaches are expected to provide instruction while on the filed, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- THROW-INS: Improper throw-ins are penalized by a change of possession. However, the player should be instructed with the proper throw-in technique (both feet behind the line, both hands over head).
- OFFSIDES: When a player receives a passed ball there must be a defender between him/her and the goalies. If not, the ball is awarded to the opposing team.
- PENALTY SHOTS: Penalties are awarded for defensive fouls committed in the penalty box.
- INDIRECT KICKS: Indirect kicks are called for dangerous plays.
- 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 understands 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.
- 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. Re-kicks are not allowed.
- SPORTSMANSHIP: All players and coaches must end game with line-up for handshake/high-five.
PLAYER SUBSTITUTIONS
Unlimited Substitutions - Player substitutions may be made with the referee’s permission by either team for the following events:
- After a goal.
- At a goal kick for either team.
- At a corner kick for either team.
- At a throw in by either team.
- At the end of a quarter or half.
Additional Substitutions - Can be made with the referee’s permission for the following events:
- If play is stopped for injury, a substitute may be made for the injured player(s) at the coaches discretion. The opposing team at this time may also substitute an equal numbers of players if desired.
- A player receiving a yellow card may be substituted for at the option of his coach during the stoppage in play when the caution is given.
- Any out-of-bounds condition, including Throw-Ins, Goal Kicks, and Corner Kicks.
No Substitutions - None are allowed for following events while the ball is in play:
- A Penalty kick (direct or indirect).
- A Free kick (direct or indirect).
- Any player receiving a red card will be dismissed from the field of play without substitution. Report any red card infractions to the referee coordinator immediately following the game.
Substitution Protocol - The following actions must be performed in order to substitute a player:
- The substitute player must be ready and standing by the Halfway Line, off field of play.
- The Coach must inform the Ref of proposed substitution.
- The Ref must acknowledge the substitution before any substitute player can go on field.
- The substitute player and can only enter the field from the Halfway Line after the player being replaced has left.
- The substitution is completed when a substitute enters the field of play and the Ref instructs that play can continue.
- The Ref may increase game time to account for extra stoppages with increased substitutions.
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