Playing Rules for
FC Southland
Recreational League
.
FIFA Laws of the Game shall apply except as amended within this document.
AGE SPECIFIC RULES: See section on Playing Requirements/Modifications
CANCELLATIONS: see also "Weather Cancellations"
1. FC Southland is responsible for rescheduling the game.
2. If due to weather a game is suspended in the first half, it shall be replayed from
the start. If the game is suspended after the kick-off for the second half has
occurred, it shall be recorded as a completed game.
3. If found before the start of the game that the FC Southland requirements cannot
be met, other than the number of players, the game may be postponed.
4. Both teams must be present with the minimum number of players needed to start
a game before a postponement can be requested.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS: see "Protest"
EQUIPMENT:
1. Only peel-n-stick line up cards and referee fold cards issued by FC Southland will
be accepted for FC Southland games.
2. If the correct game/line up card is not completed, the time will count towards that
teams forfeit time to complete the correct one. Players should be listed in shirt
(jersey) number order with the full first and last name of each.
3. In the recreational and developmental (B & C) levels, the shorts and socks do not
have to match.
4. Goalies must wear a color that distinguishes them from the rest of the players and
referees.
5. No players at any level will be penalized or prevented from playing for slight color
differences, extra stripes on shorts, etc.
6. Earrings, jewelry, hair beads, braids, dreadlocks, headbands, bandanas, ponytails,
etc. being allowed each game is left up to the discretion of the center referee. If
he deems it to be dangerous, unnecessary or possibly being used as a weapon, the
referee may instruct the item to be removed, taped, or pinned up. Failure to
comply will result in that player being removed from the game until the problem is
corrected.
7. Toe cleats (i.e.: baseball/football shoes) are not allowed unless the cleat is
removed to the referees satisfaction. No metal cleats allowed.
8. Shin guards are required and must be under and covered entirely by the socks.
9. Goalies may wear baseball caps.
10. Players are allowed to wear gloves and stocking hats on those days when the
weather would require them.
11. Full length jogging pants, sweatshirts or jackets may be worn on days the weather
require them. Jogging pants should be worn over the shorts. Sweatshirts or
jackets must be under the shirt (jersey) so the number is visible.
12. Sliding pants must be above the top of the knee. Color is of no bearing.
13. Cast, knee braces, anything except shin guards made of rigid material must be
covered with at least � inch of foam and also be approved by the center referee.
All edges must be completely covered so they do not show.
14. Players must have shirts tucked in at the beginning of each quarter or half.
Referees are to remind players if they do not. If a player refuses to tuck in the
shirt as instructed they will be cautioned (carded) for dissent.
15. Should a player be sent off the field to correct, get, or change any part of their
uniform, equipment, etc., they shall not be allowed back onto the field until
approved by the referee.
16. Play will not be stopped for the uniform/equipment changes or corrections to be
made. Player may re-enter the game on the next substitution opportunity. No
substitution will be allowed for this infraction.
17. Though pinnies are normally available at FC Southland locations, it is still
advisable to have an alternate shirt in case of color conflicts.
18. Home team is responsible for color change.
19. Foam goalie helmets are optional.
FORFEITS: see also "Schedules"
1. Forfeits are subject to review by the program Board of Directors.
2. Forfeited games will not be rescheduled unless the forfeiting team prepays the
referee fees due for the game to be rescheduled and the team that received the
win wishes to replay. Standings stay the same.
3. Games are not forfeits if found there was a scheduling error.
4. If a team wishes to reschedule a game due to personal conflict, a reschedule
fee must be paid forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the rescheduled game
or the game will be canceled. Fee will be cost of ref fees.
5. Teams have ten (10) minutes past the scheduled game time to properly man the field
before a forfeit will be called.
6. If games are running late it shall be ten (10) minutes from the time designated by
the referee.
7. Failure of a coach/team official to remain out of sight and out of sound after
being sent off or receiving a Red Card may result in a forfeit.
GAME CONDUCT
Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players and spectators. If a spectator's
conduct warrants the issuance of a Yellow and/or Red card, it will be considered as awarded
to the coach.
Coaches may be suspended for up to a full soccer year for behavior in direct conflict of the
MYSA Coach Code of Conduct.
Physical violence, foul and/or abusive language, or harassment will not be tolerated. Such
conduct will be reported even in situations where cards were not issued. Any incident of a
player or coach issued a Red Card for physical violence, assault, or abuse directed against a
referee or assistant referee will be subject to an automatic review by the FC SOUTHLAND
Board of Director. Carded team officials are prohibited from smoking on the sidelines during
a scheduled FC SOUTHLAND game.
The referee(s) are in complete charge of the field and adjacent areas from the time they
arrive at the game site until they depart. The referee(s) is (are) empowered to:
- Rule on what equipment or accessories are considered dangerous;
- Issue Yellow or Red cards during that entire period;
- Terminate a game for coach, players, or spectator misconduct.
- Refuse to allow the game to be played if, in the referee's judgment, the field is
unplayable.
INJURIES
1. For safety reasons, any injured players, excluding the goalie, that causes the game
to be stopped due to injury, must be removed from the game but may re-enter on
the next substitution opportunity.
2. A 1-for-1 substitution will be allowed on injuries meaning both teams may sub one
(1) player.
3. If blood is present on the player, shirt (jersey), or any clothing worn by the
participant, the blood must be removed. The participant may replace that article
of clothing in order to re-enter the game. Clothing substitutes do not have to
match the uniform but should distinguish them from the other team. Again, pinnies
are normally available at the fields.
4. Open injuries/wounds must be covered to the referees satisfaction. Blood must
not be showing.
LINE UP CARDS
1. FC Southland will provide peel-n-stick line up cards to all teams involved in the
program. These are the only line up cards that will be accepted. These cards will
be provided to each league via their FC Southland Representative (division/club
manager).
2. All teams will receive at least eight (8) lineup cards per session.
3. Line up cards are to be completed as instructed at the top of each card.
4. The team name, team number and coach's name must be the same as shown on the game schedule for that session.
5. FC Southland will provide the game cards.
PLAYING REQUIREMENTS (Modifications)
1. Field markings will conform to the US Youth soccer guidelines.
2. All teams U12 and younger, must be playing small-sided games.
3. The following guidelines have been established for the age based divisions
participating in the FC Southland program.
|
DIVISION |
MAX # |
MIN # |
ROSTER limit |
# OF REFS |
OFF-SIDES |
FIELD SIZE |
GOAL SIZE (or smaller) |
BALL SIZE |
DURATION OF GAME |
|
U5&6 |
3 |
2 |
6 |
1 |
NO* |
15-20 x 20-30 YDS |
4 x 6 FEET |
3 |
(4) 8 MIN QTS |
|
U7&8 |
5 |
3 |
10 |
1 |
NO* |
20-30 X 40-50 YDS |
6 X 12 FEET |
3 |
(2) 20 MIN HALF |
|
U9 & 10 |
6 |
4 |
11 |
2 |
NO* |
40-50 X 70-80 YDS |
7 X 21 FEET |
4 |
(2) 25 MIN HALF |
|
U11 & 12 |
8 |
6 |
14 |
3 |
YES |
45-55 X 75-95 YDS |
8 X 24 FEET |
4 |
(2) 30 MIN HALF |
|
U13,14& 15 |
11 |
7 |
18 |
3 |
YES |
65-75 X 100-120 YDS |
8 X 24 FEET |
5 |
(2) 35 MIN HALF |
|
U16-19 |
11 |
7 |
18 |
3 |
YES |
65-75 X 100-120 YDS |
8 X 24 FEET |
5 |
(2) 40 MIN HALF |
4. All referees are USSF Licensed. For U8 and below games, referees can do a one-
man system. All other games will be a three-man system.
5. If a 3rd USSF referee cannot be found, a club linesman will be used for all U12
and up games.
6. There shall be a five-(5) minute half time between the 2nd and 3rd quarters or
between the 1st and 2nd half.
7. Length of games may be shortened to accommodate weather or light conditions.
This should be done equally for each quarter or half and declared before the
start of the game.
8. Mercy Rule: If in the 2nd half one team is ahead of the other by ten (10) or more
goals, the referee is to ask the losing team if they want the game stopped thus
awarding the win to the other team. This is a one time offer. If the losing team
refuses the offer, the game is to be played to its completion. See also
"Suspension of Game".
MODIFICATIONS
9. U5/6: 3v3
a. There is no off-sides unless a player is intentionally "camped" inside the
penalty area. If so, the opposing team shall receive an indirect kick.
b. All kicks shall be indirect.
c. All U6 players are allowed a 2nd attempt on all kick-offs, corner kicks, etc.
if the 1st attempt was incorrect. If the 2nd attempt is still incorrect, the
ball will be considered "in play" provided it is on the playing field. Goal
kicks must clear the penalty area.
d. There are NO goalkeepers.
e. Kick-ins will be allowed.
f. Goal box for U6 is 3 yards out from each goal post and extends two yards
in from goal line.
10. U7/8: 5v5
a. There is no off-sides unless a player is intentionally "camped" inside the
penalty box area. If so, the opposing team shall receive an indirect kick.
b. All free kicks shall be indirect.
c. 5v5 includes a goal keeper.
d. Indirect kicks do not receive a 2nd attempt.
e. Goal kicks will be allowed anywhere inside the goal area.
f. Kick-ins, a ball leaving play on either touchline will be restarted outside the
touchline with a throw-in from the spot the ball crossed. A 2nd attempt will
be allowed if the 1st attempt was incorrect.
g. Goal box is 2 yards out from each goal post and extends 4 yards into the
field from goal line.
h. Penalty box is 6 yards out from each goal post and extends 6 yards into the
field from goal line.
11. U9/10; 6v6
a. 6v6 includes a goal keeper.
b. Goal box is 6 yards out from each goal post and extends 6 yards in from
goal line.
c. Penalty spot is ten (10) yards out from the center of goal line.
d. Penalty box is 14 yards out from each goal post and extends 14 yards into
the field from the goal line.
e. There shall be no offside. Intentional camping out will result in an indirect
free kick for the opposing team.
12. U11/12; 8v8
a. 8v8 includes a goal keeper.
b. Goal box is 6 yards out from each goal post and extends 6 yards in from
goal line.
c. Penalty spot is ten (10) yards out from the center of goal line.
d. Penalty box is 14 yards out from each goal post and extends 14 yards into
the field from the goal line.
13. U13 and above; 11v11
a. High school teams (U16-U19) will play by FIFA not high school rules.
b. Goal box for is 6 yards out from each goal post and extends 6 yards in
from goal line.
c. Penalty spot is twelve (12) yards out from the center of goal line.
REFEREES: see also "Playing Requirements"
1. Shall abide by the guidelines set by this program for games played within this program.
2. Unless otherwise approved by the FC Southland board, all referees including assistant
referees, are to be older than the age division that is playing.
3. SCORES
1. FC Southland shall have one (1) person in charge of logging and reporting scores on
the website location provided.
2. These scores should be for all games played Monday through Sunday of the
previous week.
3. Scores that need to be recorded as forfeits need to be noted as such with a 1-0 score.
SPECTATORS
1. Coaches are responsible for and will be held accountable for their players, parents, and spectators' actions.
2. Parents and spectators are to remain on the same side of the field as their players
and coach. They are to be on the other half of the field from the team bench. They
must remain at least three (3) feet back from the sidelines and not go past the top of
each team's penalty area.
3. Home team will be on the North/West sideline.
4. The use of noise making or amplifying devises is prohibited
5. No pets are allowed at the fields during Game Days.
START of PLAY: see also "Equipment" and "Referees"
1. The minimum number of players are required before the start of the game.
2. Referees will attempt to check teams in fifteen (15) minutes before the start of
the game so arrive early.
3. Players not able to be checked before the start of the game, may not enter the
game until they have been properly checked in by one of the referees involved with
that game.
4. Games will not be stopped to check players in.
5. Required line up cards are to be completed as explained at the top of the card.
6. Teams are required to have a copy of the league roster with them at all games.
SUBSTITUTIONS
1. When a player receives a yellow card they must be substituted. The
1-for-1-substitution rule, which allows the opposing team to also sub, will apply.
2. Teams are not allowed to put a substitute in for a player that's been suspended
(ejected) during the game.
3. Free and unlimited substitutions shall apply to all games.
4. Substitutes may not enter the field of play during the game without the permission
of the referee.
5. Substitutions may be made on any goal kick, after a goal, between halves, when
their team possesses the ball prior to a throw in or when the opposing team does a
substitution on their throw in.
6. U-06 teams may substitute at any time the ball is out of play with the permission of
the Referee.
7. If the game is stopped for an injury, the injured player (except the goalie) must be
taken off the field and a substitute be played. Again, the 1-for-1 rule applies.
8. Coaches must inform the referee of a goalie substitution.
SUSPENSION of GAME
1. Games may only be suspended by an adult referee, head referee or member league
official associated with the club.
2. If the game is being officiated by a minor under the age of eighteen (18), they
must confer with someone listed in #1.
3. Once a decision has been made, the center referee, even if a minor, is the only one
that can announce the suspension. The referee is to note this information on the
game card at the time of the suspension.
4. Mercy Rule: If in the 2nd half one team is ahead of the other by ten (10) or more
points, the referee is to ask the losing team if they want the game stopped thus
awarding the win to the other team. This is a one time offer. If the losing team
refuses the offer, the game is to be played to its completion. See also "Playing
Requirements", item # 9.
SUSPENSIONS (RED CARD EJECTIONS)
1. Suspensions are to be served immediately and apply to the next game played for
the team that suspended person played for when they received the suspension.
The suspension does not apply to other teams the suspended person may participate
with.
2. Suspended person must leave the playing field area immediately or risk causing
their team to forfeit.
3. Referees may instruct the suspended person to leave the playing complex.
4. Suspensions apply to the next game played.
5. If the game the suspension applied to be canceled, the suspension carries over to
the next scheduled game for the team the suspended person was participating with
then the suspension was issued.
6. If a suspended player's name appears on the line up card, it must be marked out be
fore the team is checked in and the game begins. If not, it will be assumed the
suspended player participated which will result in a forfeit being declared.
7. Any suspended person participating in a game will receive an additional suspension
of at least one (1) game. Additional penalties may be imposed.
8. Any coach playing a suspended player will receive a suspension of at least one (1)
game. Additional penalties may be imposed.
9. Any suspended coach, manager, trainer, or assistant participating in a game will
receive an additional suspension of at least one (1) game. Additional penalties may
be imposed.
10. A player receiving a 2nd red card in a session shall be suspended from FC
Southland for the rest of that session. This suspension does not carry over to the
next session.
11. A red card means suspension of the next schedule game. If red card is
given during the last game of the season the suspension will be served at the
first schedule game of the following season.
TEAMS
1. A maximum of two (2) coaches registered to the team will be allowed on or in the
player's area of the sideline during the game.
2. Though players may be registered to two (2) or more teams, they may not
participate with more than one (1) team in the same playing level.
3. A competitive player that wishes to play with a recreational team shall do so in the
age division above the one in which he/she plays competitively.
4. Teams are bracketed each session according to their standings from the previous
session, known strength, or per teams request if it's reasonable.
5. Teams shall consist of any player registered with their home state association that falls within the age guidelines set by USSF and USYS and have met the member clubs/leagues
6. Guest players are not allowed.
WEATHER CANCELLATIONS
1. Coaches are responsible for calling the rain out number of the host member league
their game is scheduled to be played at that day.
2. If no message or not updated, then assume the games are still being played.
3. Listen to the complete message. At times, depending on conditions, only certain
games may be canceled.
