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RULES AND REGULATIONS - UPDATED April 2008
PREFACE
The Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League exists to foster and perpetuate
the game of soccer where fair play and proper sporting behavior will be
displayed at all times. The following will be the rules and regulations
governing team play in the Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League for the
age groups U-6 (under six) through U-18 (under eighteen).
The following clubs are members of the Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer
League and agree to abide by the following rules:
I. LAWS OF THE GAME AND RULES GOVERNING PLAY
The laws of the game will be governed by the FIFA rule book except where
modified herein.
II.
BEGINNING OF THE SEASON
Practice may begin on August 1st.
III. FIELD OF PLAY
A. The designated home team (club) in any game is responsible for the
preparation of the field before that game. The field should be
distinctly lined and goal nets should be provided. Corner flags should
be provided where possible.
B. All lines should be adjusted appropriately for downsized fields. All
coaches and substitute players must remain within the designated area.
C. A spectator line of two yards deep must be provided parallel to each
touch line
D. Teams and players are to
be positioned on one side of the playing field and spectators
must be positioned on the
opposite side of the field when possible.
IV. PLAYERS
A.
All players must be properly registered through EPYSA and must be
registered on that team's roster.
B Permission must be obtained from WVYSA board in order to receive
approval to over roster players on
a team. A
written request is required and the reason for this request must be
given
C. Every rostered player present must play a minimum of half the game.
This pertains to players playing periods, quarters or freely substituted
during U-15/16 and U-17/18 games.
V. EQUIPMENT
A. The use of shin guards is mandatory.
B. Shirts must be tucked into shorts.
C. Socks must be pulled up over shin guards.
D. No metal spikes are allowed.
E. No rings, earrings, necklaces. bracelets or jewelry as well as hard
hair clips will be allowed.
Eye glasses and medical alert bracelets will be permitted however these
bracelets must be taped to players wrist.
F. The designated home team
is responsible for providing two (2) suitable game balls for each game.
VI. REFEREES
A. A licensed FIFA referee is highly recommended for all age levels of
play. However, if a licensed FIFA referee is not available, and the
assigned referee does not arrive to referee the game, the two coaches
must then agree upon whom referee's the game. If an agreement cannot be
reached, they may choose not to play the game.
B. During U-11 and up it is highly recommended to have two referees
where possible.
C. It is suggested that the referee of the game, when possible, be at
least two years older than the age level he/she is officiating.
VII. CONDUCT
A. All players, coaches, parents, spectators, etc. are expected to
demonstrate proper sporting behavior at all times. Reference the
B. Each team's coaches are responsible for insuring that their team's
parents, spectators, etc. follow the rules of conduct and that the rule
regarding the spectator line is followed.
C. Coaches and players must stay in the coaching box when provided. Once
sides are established, coaches and players should not cross mid field
line. There is absolutely no coaching from behind either goal.
D. If complaints are received, A
E.
If a red card is given to any player, a suspension of that game and next
scheduled game will be
given to that player.
F. Violent act (physical or verbal) directed toward a referee will be
reported directly to EPYSA.
VIII. CLUB ATTENDANCE AT LEAGUE MEETINGS
A. Clubs missing two consecutive Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League
meetings will be fined $25.00 per missed meeting. After the fourth
meeting missed the club's voting rights will be suspended. The club's
president will be informed of this action by way of a registered letter.
Their teams may continue to play in the league. To regain their voting
rights, the club must attend two consecutive meetings and pay all fines.
B. It is the responsibility of the individual clubs to make sure they
know when and where the meetings are to be held.
IX. GAME DAY
A. In the event that two teams are wearing similar uniforms, the team
wearing colors not previously registered with the Wyoming Valley Youth
Soccer League must provide alternate colored jerseys/pinnies during game
day.
B. When a club’s fields are closed due to weather conditions, 2 hour
notification of closure to club presidents before game time is required.
C. If a team in unable to roster the minimum number of players, a 2 hour
notification to club president and opposing coach is required.
D. In the event a team does not attend a scheduled Wyoming Valley League
game and does not notify the opposing coach, or the president of
from your clubs president, that team's parent club will be required to
pay for referees present.
X. PUBLICITY
Newspaper articles promoting youth soccer or publicizing intramural
teams will be permitted, provided team records and / or standings are
not included. Any club breaking this rule will be
fined $25.00 for each offense.
XI.
GENERAL
The Board of Directors; which includes the elected officers and club
representatives of Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer,reserves the right to
take whatever action it feels may be necessary to correct any violation
of the rules and regulations to ensure continued success of the soccer
program for the youth of
XII. RULES
A. Start of Play-All players must be in their own half of the field with
one team kicking off. Opponents must be 5 yards from the center mark at
the kick off. Before the game decide who will kick off to begin the game
and then change the kick off team at the beginning of each quarter. Kick
off is intended to ensure possession and must go forward to a teammate.
The ball is not kicked to the other team.
B. Ball In and Out of Play-When the WHOLE of the ball goes over the
WHOLE of a boundary line, the ball is out of play.
C. Method of Scoring-A goal is scored when the WHOLE of the ball goes
over the WHOLE of the part of the goal line defined by the cones or
actual goal. Scoring goals is possibly the MOST fun a soccer player has
during a game. Give players every opportunity to score a goal.
D. Goal Kick-If the team attempting to score a goal kicks the ball over
the goal line outside the goal posts, the opposing team puts the ball
back into play with a goal kick. The kick should be taken within 2-3
yards of the goal and opposing players must be 5 –6 yards away.
E. Corner Kick-Use an indirect free kick with the opponent 5 yards away.
If the team defending against a goal being scored kicks the ball over
the goal line outside the goal posts, the opposing team puts the ball
back into play with a corner kick.
U 7
I. BALL SIZE
three (3) ball
II. PLAYERS
A. U7 (under seven) may roster 8 players for a 4v 4 small sided game; no
goal keepers
B.
Substitutions of players may only be made at the end of each period
however
if an injury occurs,
player
must leave the field
but will be allowed to return on team’s advantage.
After an injury stoppage, both
teams may sub
on a player for player basis.
III.
LENGTH OF GAME
A. six, 5 minute periods
(thirty minutes)
B. The time between each period is two minutes and the time between
halves is five minutes.
IV. The Field
A. flat, grassy field; its
length no more than 50 yards nor less than 40 yards and its width not
more than 30 yards nor less than 20 yards. The field will have
distinctive markings called boundary lines. These lines make the field
into a rectangle as diagramed below. One additional line divides the
field in half (the half-way line). Goal Area: 3 yards from each goalpost
and 3 yards out from the goal line and penalty box six yards by six
yards.
B. The purpose of soccer is to score goals so goals must be placed on
either end of the field lengthwise. Goals can be two cones set a few
feet apart or a more formal goal that looks like a hockey goal (six feet
wide by four feet high). Cones, flags or discs can be used if goals with
nets are unavailable.
V. RULES
A. Officials- (Game Manager, Coordinator, Observer, Director, Parent
Volunteer/ Coach) Your job is to keep the playing environment FUN, SAFE
and focused on the child.
In addition you need to keep time, enforce the rules, stop and restart
the game. When you stop the game because of a foul, ball out of play,
goal or another reason, take the time to explain to the players why!
This is their first experience with soccer, too, and the BEST time to
educate all on the Laws of the Game.
B. Offside-Offside is not used in the small-sided games.
C. Fouls and Misconduct-Fouls can and will occur even at this level. All
fouls shall result in an indirect free kick with opponents at least 5
yards away. Soccer is a contact sport and each action is dealt with at
the time it occurs. Explain the foul in simple terms, restart and let
the game continue.
D. THROW INS: If a player incorrectly performs a throw-in on the first
throw, he/she should be instructed by the coach and/or referee, as to
the proper manner of throwing the ball in, and be given a second chance
to complete the throw-in. After the second attempt the ball is given to
the other team.
E. Free Kicks-All free kicks will be indirect. That means that a goal
may not be scored until the ball has been played or touched by a second
player of either team. All opposing players should be 5 yards away.
F. Penalty Kick-Not
used in small-sided games
G. No defensive player should be positioned inside of the goal box as a permanent position.
H. GAMES ARE TO BE USED AS A TEACHING EXPERIENCE AND NO STANDINGS ARE TO
BE KEPT.
U 8
I. BALL SIZE
three (3) ball
II. PLAYERS
A. U-8 (under eight) may roster a maximum of 10 players for a 5 v 5
small sided game. A minimum of 3 players are required to start a game;
no goal keepers.
B.
Substitutions of players may only be made at the end of each period
however
if an injury occurs,
player
must leave
the field but will be allowed to
return on team’s advantage.
After an injury stoppage, both
teams
may sub on a player for player basis.
III.
LENGTH OF GAME
A. six, 6 minute periods
(thirty-six minutes)
B. The time between each period is two minutes and the time between
halves is five minutes.
IV. THE FIELD
A. The touch line (length) will be a minimum of fifty yards long and a
maximum of sixty yards long. The goal line (width) will be a minimum of
thirty yards long and a maximum of forty yards long. The goals will be
six feet wide by four feet high. The
goal area will be three yards from the end of the goal post and three
yards into the field of play. The penalty area will be six yards from
the end of the goal and six yards into the field of play. The half line
will remain. The center circle will be a six yard radius from the center
spot. The corner areas will remain the same. The penalty spot and the
arc will be eliminated (no penalty kicks are taken at this level).
V. RULES
FIFA rules will be followed with the following exceptions:
A. START OF GAME, CORNER KICKS, AND FREE KICKS: The ball must travel
forward, and all opposing players must remain six yards away from the
ball when the kick is taken.
B. OFF-SIDES: There will be no off-sides in U-8 levels. Although the
off-sides rule will not apply, coaches must continue to give instruction
on this law and not attempt to use the off side position as an advantage
during the game. If in the referee's opinion a coach is blatantly
abusing the offside position, the referee shall give a warning and
explanation to the coach offending coach.
C. FOULS: Every foul will result in an indirect kick. There will be no
direct kicks or penalty kicks during U-8 games.
D. THROW INS: If a player incorrectly performs a throw-in on the first
throw, he/she should be instructed by the coach and/or referee, as to
the proper manner of throwing the ball in, and be given a second chance
to complete the throw-in. After the second attempt the ball is given to
the other team.
E. GAMES ARE TO BE USED AS A TEACHING EXPERIENCE AND NO STANDINGS ARE TO
BE KEPT.
F.
No defensive player should be positioned inside of the goal box
as a permanent position.
U 9 AND U 10
I. BALL SIZE
four (4) ball
II. PLAYERS
A. U-9 (under nine) and U-10
(under ten) teams may roster a maximum of sixteen (16) players per team.
The maximum number of players allowed on the field is eight (8), and a
minimum of six (6) are required to start a game. No exceptions.
B.
Substitutions of players may only be made at the end of each period
however
if an injury occurs,
player
must leave the
field but will be allowed to return on team’s advantage.
After an injury stoppage, both
teams may sub
on a player for player basis.
III.
LENGTH OF GAME
A. four , 10 minute quarters ( forty minute games)
B. The time between each quarter is two minutes and the time between
halves is five minutes.
IV. THE FIELD
A.
The touch lines will be a sixty yards long. The goal lines will be forty
yards long. The goals should be 61/2 to 7 feet in height, and 18 to 21
feet in width.. The goal area should be six yards from the end of the
goal post and six yards into the field of play. The penalty area will be
twelve yards from the end of the goal and twelve yards into the field of
play. The half line will remain. The center circle will be a six yard
radius from the center spot. The corner areas will remain the same. The
penalty spot and the arc will be eliminated (no penalty kicks are taken
at this level.)
V. RULES
FIFA rules will be followed with the following exceptions:
A. START OF GAME, CORNER
KICKS, AND FREE KICKS: The ball must travel forward, and is an indirect
kick. All opposing players must remain six yards away from the ball when
an indirect or direct kick is taken.
B. OFF-SIDES: Off-sides rule WILL BE enforced for U-9 and U-10 levels.
C. FOULS: Every foul will result in either a direct or an indirect free
kick, according to FIFA rules. There will be no penalty kicks during U-9
and U-10 games.
D. THROW INS: If a player incorrectly performs a throw-in on the first
throw, he/she should be instructed by the coach and /or referee as to
the proper manner of throwing the ball in and be given a second chance
to complete the throw-in. After the second try the ball will be given to
the other team.
E. GAMES ARE TO BE USED AS A TEACHING EXPERIENCE AND NO STANDINGS ARE TO
KEPT.
U 11 AND U 12
I. BALL SIZE
four (4) ball
II. PLAYERS
A. U-11 (under eleven) through U-12 (under twelve) teams may roster a
maximum of eighteen (18) players per team. Maximum number of players on
the field is eleven (11) and a minimum of seven (7) players are required
to start a game. No exceptions.
B.
Substitutions of players may only be made at the end of each period
however
if an injury occurs,
player
must leave the
field but will be allowed to return on team’s advantage.
After an injury stoppage, both
teams may sub
on a player for player basis.
III.
LENGTH OF GAME
A. four, 12 minute quarters
( forty-eight minute games)
B. The time between each quarter is two minutes and the time between
halves is five minutes.
IV. THE FIELD
The minimum and maximum dimensions are as follows:
50-70 yards in width and 90-120 yards in length
V. RULES
FIFA rules will govern each game.
U 13 AND U 14
I. BALL SIZE
five (5) ball
II. PLAYERS
A. U-13 (under thirteen) through U-14 (under fourteen) teams may roster
a maximum of eighteen (18) players per team. Maximum number of players
on the field is eleven (11) and a minimum of seven (7) players are
required to start a game. No exceptions.
B.
Substitutions of players may only be made at the end of each period
however
if an injury occurs,
player
must leave the field
but will be allowed to return on team’s advantage.
After an injury stoppage, both
teams may sub on a
player for player basis.
III.
LENGTH OF GAME
A. four, 14 minute quarters (fifty-six minute games)
B. The time between each quarter is two minutes and the time between
halves is five minutes.
IV. THE FIELD
The minimum and maximum dimensions are as follows:
50-70 yards in width and 90-120 yards in length
V. RULES
FIFA rules will govern each game.
U 15/16 AND U 17/18
I. BALL SIZE
five (5) ball
II. PLAYERS
A.
U-15/16 and U-17/18 teams may roster a maximum of sixteen (16) players
per team. Maximum number of players on the field is eight (8) and a
minimum of six (6) players are required to start a game. No exceptions.
B.
Substitutions at the U-15/16 and U-17/18 level will be made as follows
on any goal kick, after a goal is scored, prior to a throw in on your
advantage only. After an injury
stoppage, both teams may sub on a player for player basis. Substitutions
are to be made from the half way line. Coach should notify referee when
substituting during the game.
III.
LENGTH OF GAME
A.
four, 15 minute quarters (
sixty minute games)
B.
The time between each quarter is two minutes and the time between halves
is five minutes.
IV. THE FIELD
The minimum and maximum dimensions are as follows:
50-70 yards in width and 90-120 yards in length
V. RULES
FIFA rules will govern each game.
