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Playoff RulesRef Training & Events Summer-Fall 2009What does it take to Referee?Sign-Up for Ref Training e-AYSOMentoringU6-U8 RulesU10-U12-U14 RulesRain Guide

OVERTIME RULES FOR PLAYOFF GAMES

Ties at the end of regulation time for playoff games will be broken as follows:

Two Overtime Periods –

Two overtime periods will be played in full (no golden goals or sudden death). For U10 and U12, the overtime periods are five-minutes each. For U14 the overtime periods are seven-minutes each. After the end of regulation time, if the score is tied, the referee will request that the team captains and coaches come to the center circle to explain the overtime procedures. The referee will conduct a coin toss, similar to the coin toss at the start of the game. The team that correctly calls the toss of the coin will choose which goal to attack and the other team will kick-off. After the end of the first overtime period, the teams will change sides and the game will be restarted with a kick-off by the team that did not kick off for the first overtime period. The teams are not required to make any substitutions during the overtime periods and the three-quarter playing time rule does not apply. If a team wants to make any substitutions, such substitutions may only be made before the start of each overtime period or to replace an injured player. Free substitution is not permitted. The referee will permit a short break (no more than three minutes) between overtime periods. For time purposes, the first overtime period shall be treated as the first half and the second overtime period shall be treated as the second half. Time will not be extended or added for either overtime period for any reason except for the taking and completion of a penalty kick, except that the referee may add time, in his or her discretion, in the event that a serious injury results in a stoppage of play the exceeds one minute.*
If a player has been sent-off during regulation time, that sanction will continue through the overtime periods and the team will be required to play with only the number of players permitted after the send-off(s). If the score is still tied after completion of both overtime periods, the winner shall be determined by Kicks from the Penalty Mark.

Kicks from the Penalty Mark –

The Laws specify the procedures to be followed in the event a game must be determined by Kicks from the Penalty Mark. All of those procedures shall be followed with two exceptions: (1) All substitutes shall be permitted to join the players on their team in the center circle, but the referee must note that such players are substitutes and will not be permitted to participate in the kicks; and, (2) two coaches from the team may join the team in the center circle. Referees must read and be familiar Procedures to Determine the Winner of a Match

http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/federation/81/42/36/lawsofthegameen.pdf

(pages 53-55 of the Laws of the Game 2009/2010 also review 124-125).

* The same rule shall apply during regulation time. During regulation time, the referee may not add or extend time (i.e., stop the clock) for quarter/substitution breaks. The referee, in his or her discretion, may add time for serious injuries that result in a stoppage of play for more than one-minute. The referee shall, in accordance with the Laws, add time to permit the taking and completion of a penalty kick at the end of the fist half or at the end of the game.

REFEREE MENTORING PROGRAM

1. Referee Mentors. The Regional Director of Referee Assessments (“RDRA”) will select experienced referees to serve as referee mentors. Those selected will be notified of their selection and provided with a copy of these guidelines. Mentors will earn service units (required for upgrading their badge level). For the first two games mentored during the season one service unit will be earned per game. Thereafter, the region will credit the mentor with one additional service unit (up to a maximum of three additional service units) for every two mentored games.

2. Mentoring Assignments. On a rotational basis, approximately once every five weeks during the fall season, each mentor will be assigned the responsibility for providing on-site referee mentoring for two back-to-back Saturday U10 games. Prior to the start of the fall season, the RDRA will request that the mentors provide a list of those dates and times during the first half of the season that they will not be available to mentor. Prior to the start of the fall season, the RDRA will prepare and publish a schedule of mentoring assignments for the first half of the season. The same procedure will be employed prior to the start of the second half of the season. It is not anticipated that any mentor will be asked to mentor more than two games during the first half of the season and two games during the second half of the season. Mentoring assignments will not be part of the region’s Arbiter Scheduling Program and mentors will be free to schedule themselves to referee games on the same dates that they are scheduled to mentor.

3. Volunteering to Mentor Additional Games. Due to the limited number of mentors, and the fact that mentors also need to fulfill refereeing assignments on the days that they are not scheduled to mentor, mentors may only be provided for two of the region’s four U10 fields. If, without interfering with his or her referee assignments, a mentor wishes to volunteer for additional mentoring assignments that would be appreciated because it will permit us to mentor additional games that otherwise will not be covered. Mentors who are available for additional mentoring assignments may contact the RDRA (RandallFowler@yahoo.com) or they can sign-in to mentor any unassigned games by checking the referee assignment sheet that will be posted at the referee tent near the U10 fields on game days.

4. Principles of Mentoring. The following is a summary of the principles of mentoring (adapted from various sources). More specific details on the Referee Mentor’s duties and responsibilities are set forth in Section 5.

· Mentoring is an extremely effective “friendly” way to impart knowledge. Mentoring is predominantly on-the-job training with advice and assistance to facilitate improvement in performance. During the process, the mentor learns almost as much as the referees being mentored.

· At least 50% of the conversation in the referee tent involves “mentoring” in one form or another. [We will have a referee tent at the U10 fields on Arroyo North/Middle, with water and other amenities for both experienced and new referees. We will encourage all referees to drop by the tent and spend some time observing and chatting with other referees. That will also be part of our mentoring program].

· The referee mentor is a coach, a guide and a teacher to the new referee. The mentor is there to guide the referee through the initial steps of a match and help him or her get comfortable with refereeing games. The mentor provides sound, simple advice as well as being a good listener and coach. The mentor should be very visible on the sideline, ready to handle parents and coaches who do not understand that the referee is a volunteer and needs time and encouragement to develop, not criticism and abuse. The mentor should be ready at the quarters, half time, and the end of the match to assist the referee, to listen, to answer questions, to respond to concerns, to provide advice and, most important, to provide encouragement and support.

· The mentor’s duties are fairly simple. The mentor takes few, if any, notes. The mentor is not there to list all the “mistakes” the referee makes. Rather, the mentor is ready to help the referee get the match started by meeting with the coaches, collecting the line-up cards and making sure they are completed correctly, and inspecting the field to ensure there are no safety issues. During the match, the mentor’s duties include helping the referee with foul recognition, proper restarts, good signaling and proper positioning.

· The mentor is not there to referee the game and should limit his or her advice during the match, which advice should never be critical, to the quarter and half time breaks. At an appropriate stoppage in play, if the referee signals the mentor that he needs help or advice right away, the mentor may enter the field to talk with the referee, but the mentor should gently try to discourage that because it disrupts the flow of the game. Otherwise, the mentor should never enter the field of play during the game except when it is necessary to help the referee control a serious problem that it appears the referee cannot control. The mentor is not there to make or change judgment calls (although he or she may talk with the referee about them at the quarter or half time breaks or after the match). All conversations and communications between the mentor and the referees must be held out of the hearing of players, coaches and spectators.

· After the match, the mentor must congratulate the referees: “Well Done! A fine performance. You did three things particularly well, and I’d like to suggest just one or two things for you to think about before your next game.” The mentor then briefly expands upon those points, but also ensures that the referees have the opportunity to raise their concerns and issues. The mentor should not dictate to the referees. It should be a conversation among colleagues allowing for discussion and communication in both directions. A mentor is not acting as an assessor. Therefore, a mentor should never list down and discuss everything that the referees may have done wrong or could have done better. That will have a negative effect. By focusing on two or three areas, the mentor will be able to coax and encourage the referee into doing better the next time, but without sounding like a “school teacher!”

5. Duties and Responsibilities of the Referee Mentor. The following is a list of the specific duties and responsibilities of our Referee Mentors.

· The mentor will be responsible for checking his or her mentoring schedule and being at the assigned field at least 15 minutes before the first assigned game.

· The mentor should be in full uniform (blue referee shirts will be given to all mentors) and should have his or her referee kit just in case it becomes necessary for the mentor to assist in refereeing the game.

· The mentor should locate all three of the referees assigned to the game and conduct a brief pre-game conference with them, in which he should go over a few pre-game details (such as the length of the match, getting the line-up cards, inspecting the players and the field, and conducting the pre-game ceremony). In the pre-game discussion with the referees, the mentor should also discuss with them his or her role as mentor and what they should expect (placing emphasis on the fact that they are the referees and that the mentor is only there to provide help, advice and support). The mentor should discuss that he will assist them in getting the game started, but then will retreat to the sideline and will not enter the field or otherwise talk with them except at the quarter and half time breaks. However, the mentor should also tell them that if, during a stoppage when the ball is out-of-play, they have a really serious question (related to an interpretation or application of the Laws), that they believe may affect the outcome of the game, they may signal you and you will come onto the field to talk with them. Nonetheless, the mentor should try to discourage that from happening because it will seriously disrupt the flow of the game. The mentor should tell the referees before the game that if they make some mistakes “that is ok, because we all do, and we can talk about them at the quarters or half time break.” The mentor should also tell the referees that he is not there to make judgment calls and that they should not signal him during the game to help them with judgment calls.

· The pre-game conference with the referees should take no more than five minutes and should be conducted while the mentor and referees inspect the field. Always do a pre-game conference and field inspection with the referees even if there is a timing problem. If that results in games running a bit late, we will have to live with that as an appropriate trade-off for properly training our referees.

· Following the pre-game conference, the referees and the mentor should go to the center circle and the mentor should observe, and help if needed, with the pre-game ceremony, including inspection of the player’s equipment. Player equipment inspections for these games should always be done at the halfway line so that the mentor may observe. Discourage the center referee from making any pre-game speeches or giving pre-game instructions to the players (the players don’t need it and generally resent it). The referee should introduce himself or herself, as well as the two assistant referees, and can, of course, respond to any questions that the players may have. The team coaches should be asked to stay in the center circle after the coin-toss so that you can briefly (one minute or less) explain to them, in the presence of the referees, your role and what you expect from them. The coaches will be told about the mentoring program at the pre-season coaches meeting, but not all of the coaches attend that meeting and a few just need to be reminded about what is happening.

· During the match, the mentor should try to maintain as much eye contact with the referee and the ARs as possible. The mentor should be highly visible on the sideline to help control over-enthusiastic coaches and spectators, but should try to stay out of the technical area. If the teams are sitting on opposite sides of the field, the mentor should switch sides before the second half kick-off. The mentor may also walk around the field to the other side without waiting for half time.

· The mentor may briefly meet with the referee and the ARs on the field at the quarter breaks. The mentor should meet with the referee and the ARs during half time. All discussions should be held outside of the hearing of the players, coaches and spectators.

· The mentor should never make any comments to players, coaches or spectators about the referees that is anything other than general and supportive of the referees.

· At all times the mentor should apply the principles of mentoring set forth in Section 4 above.

After the conclusion of the match the mentor should briefly meet with the referees to discuss the match and help them to complete and take care of the necessary paperwork. If the match was the last game that the mentor was assigned to that day, the mentor should take as much time as necessary. If the mentor has another game, the mentor should still take a few minutes before meeting with the next referee team. Again, if that results in games running a bit late, that is an appropriate and necessary trade-off. Nonetheless, mentors are encouraged to try to keep the games running relatively on time. We encourage mentors to provide the referees that they mentor with their telephone number and email for further follow-up. Whether to do that or not is left up to the mentor’s discretion.

Special Rules for
Divisions U6 & U8

Section 9 -- SPECIAL RULES FOR DIVISIONS U6 &U8

SECTION 9--SPECIAL RULES FOR DIVISIONS U6 & U8

All games for divisions U6 and U8 shall be conducted in accordance with the current FIFA Laws of the Game and decisions of the International Board in effect as of September 1, except as amended by the AYSO National Rules and Regulations, the rules and regulations of Region 214 set forth in the section of this manual entitled “Rules of Play,” and the special rules for divisions U6 and U8 that are set forth in sections 9 through 11.

Section 9.1 -- Statistics, Standings and Awards

9.1.1 Statistics and Standings. Region 214 does not record individual statistics, game results or team standings for divisions U6 and U8. Therefore, coaches are encouraged not to keep individual statistics, games results or team standings.

9.1.2 Awards. All U6 and U8 players receive participation awards from Region 214. In accordance with AYSO National Rules and Regulations, therefore, no trophy, medal or other award may be distributed to any team or to any individual player or players other than those provided by the region.

Section 9.2 -- Playing the Game

9.2.1. Heading. Region 214 discourages the instruction and use of heading for players in divisions U6 and U8. Because of potential danger of neck injuries and the age and maturity of the players, please avoid the use of heading in these divisions both in practice and games and instruct your players not to head the ball.

9.2.2. Method of Scoring. Score shall not be kept.

9.2.3. Restarts. Restarts shall conform to FIFA laws, except for the following:

· Free Kicks. (1) All free kicks shall be INDIRECT FREE KICKS; and (2) no free kick shall be taken by the attacking team within the defending team’s goal box.

· Penalty Kicks. No penalty kicks are to be taken during division U6 and U8 games.

· Throw-Ins. (1) Opponents must be 5 yards away from the ball. (2) A second throw-in must be allowed if the player commits a foul on the initial attempt. (3) Referees shall explain the proper method before allowing the player to re-throw.

· Corner kicks. No corner kicks allowed for U6 games. All restarts in U6 games when the ball crosses the goal line, but a goal is not scored, will be goal kicks.

ction 10 -- DION U8 RULES

SECTION 10--DIVISION U8 RULES

Section 10.1 -- Team Formation

10.1.1. Division U8 is open to players who are age 6 and 7 as of July 31.

10.1.2. Division U8 girls play in the GU8 Division; boys in BU8. No co-ed teams or games allowed.

Section 10.2 -- Field of Play

10.2.1. Dimensions. The field of play should be no more than 80 yards long and no more than 50 yards wide. In all cases the length shall exceed the width.

10.2.2. Markings

· Distinctive lines not more than 5 inches wide.

· A halfway line shall be marked out across the field.

· A center circle with an 8-yard radius.

· Four corner arcs with a 2-foot radius.

· Goal area - 6 yards from each goal post and 6 yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.

· Penalty area -- 14 yards into the field of play, joined by a line drawn parallel to the goal line.

10.2.3. Goals. The maximum size should be 7 feet high and 21 feet wide. The minimum size should approximate a hockey goal.

Section 10.3 -- Players and Coaches

10.3.1. A division U8 team roster shall have not more than 9 players.

10.3.2. The maximum number of players on the field for one team at any one time is 7, one of whom may be a goal keeper. The minimum number of players is 6.

10.3.3. No player may play goal keeper for more than 2 quarters in any game.

10.3.4. Coaches are not allowed on the field of play during play. Coaches, spectators and players shall not enter the field of play unless requested by the referee.

Section 10.4 – Referees

10.4.1. The coach shall assign an assistant neutral referee to officiate each game and to complete referee training prior to Opening Day.

10.4.2. Each team shall provide one parent to be a “club assistant referee.” Because these volunteers probably lack official training, club assistant referees are only permitted to assist the referee by signaling when the ball has gone out of play.

10.4.3. All rule infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending player.

Section 10.5 -- Playing the Game

10.5.1. Duration of Game. The game shall be divided into four equal 10 minute quarters. There shall be a 2 minute break between quarters one and two, and another 2 minute break between quarters three and four. There shall be a 5 minute halftime break.

10.5.2. Start of Play. The start of play (i.e. kickoff) shall conform to FIFA, except that opponents must be 5 yards from the center mark while the kickoff is in progress.

10.5.3. Fouls and Misconduct. Player fouls and misconduct shall be treated in conformity with FIFA laws, except that: (1) all fouls will result in an INDIRECT FREE KICK with oppponents at least 8 yards away; (2) referees should explain the foul or infraction to the offending player; and (3) no yellow or red cards shall be issued to players.

10.5.4. Offside. There shall be no offside called. However, players should be encouraged to move up

and down the field with the flow of play as opposed to taking a stationary offensive position in

front of the opponents goal (i.e. “cherrypicking”).

10.5.5. Restarts. Restarts shall conform to FIFA laws, except for the following:

· Goal Kicks. Goal kicks may be taken from any point inside the goal area. Opponents must be outside the penalty area.

· Corner Kicks. Opponents must be 8 yards away from the ball.

Section 11 -- DIVISION U6 RULES

SECTION 11-- DIVISION U6 RULES

Section 11.1 -- Team Formation

11.1.1. Division U6 (Under 6) is open to players who are age 4½ and 5 as of July 31.
11.1.2. Division U6 girls play in the GU6 Division; boys in BU6. No co-ed teams or games allowed.

Section 11.2 -- Field of Play

11.2.1. Dimensions. The field of play should be no more than 50 yards long and no more than 30 yards wide. In all cases the length shall exceed the width.

11.2.2. Markings

· Distinctive lines not more than 5 inches wide.

· A halfway line shall be marked out across the field.

· A center circle with a 5-yard radius.

· Four corner arcs with a 2-foot radius.

· Goal area - 6 yards from each goal post and 6 yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.

· No penalty area.

11.2.3. Goals. The maximum size should be 6 feet high and 12 feet wide. The minimum size should approximate a hockey goal.

Section 11.3 – Players

11.3.1. A division U6 team roster shall have not more than 8 players.

11.3.2. The maximum number of players on the field for one team at any one time is 6. The minimum number of players is 5.

11.3.3. There will be no goal keeper in division U6 games. Players may be assigned to defensive positions on the field. However, a player should not be assigned to stay put in front of the goal.

Section 11.4 -- Coaches and Referees

11.4.1. Game Referees. Each team shall assign an assistant coach or parent to attend referee training by September 30. It is the responsibility of the team coach to recruit a volunteer to attend the U8 Referee course. If a team does not recruit a referee, and if the volunteer does not referee at least 7 games, then the team will not receive participation trophies at the end of the season. Referees may be a parent of a player in the game, and may be the

team coach or assistant coach. The Referee’s main role is to ensure that the players have a fun, safe and fair game experience.

11.4.2. Two-Referee System. The two-referee system should be used (i.e. the two aligned diagonally on the field with each primarily responsible for one half of the field, one touchline and one goal line. Linespersons are unnecessary. Prior to the start of the game, the two referees shall agree on who will keep time.

11.4.3. Referee. The region shall provide an experienced neutral referee at the fields where Division U19 –U10 games are played. The neutral referee is available for consultation with the game referees should either of the game referees request such consultation.

11.4.4. Coach/Referees. Coach/referees are allowed to provide instruction and direction to players during the game. However, the coach/referees should allow the players to play the game and should take care not to impede, obstruct or participate in the flow of play.

11.4.5. All rule infractions may be briefly explained to the offending player.

Section 11.5 -- Playing the Game

11.5.1. Duration of Game. The game shall be divided into 4 equal 8 minute quarters. There shall be a 2 minute break between quarters one and two, and another 2 minute break between quarters three and four. There shall be a 5 minute halftime break.

11.5.2. Start of Play. The start of play (i.e. kickoff) should conform to FIFA laws, except that opponents must be 5 yards from the center mark while the kickoff is in progress.

11.5.3. Offside. There shall be no offside called. However, players should be encouraged to move up and down the field with the flow of play as opposed to taking a stationary offensive position infront of the opponents goal (i.e. “cherrypicking”).

11.5.4. Fouls and Misconduct. Player fouls and misconduct shall be treated in conformity with FIFA laws, except that (1) all fouls will result in an INDIRECT FREE KICK with oppponents at least 5 yards away; (2) referees should explain the foul or infraction to the offending player; and (3) no yellow or red cards shall be issued to players.

11.5.6. Restarts. Restarts shall conform to FIFA, except for the following:

· Goal Kicks. Goal kicks may be taken from any point inside the goal area. Opponents must be outside the goal box AND at least 5 yards away from the ball.

· Corner Kicks. Does not apply. All restarts in U6 games, when the ball crosses the goal line, but a goal is not scored, will be goal kicks.

RULES OF PLAY

Section 1 -- GENERAL

All games for all divisions shall be conducted in accordance with the current FIFA Laws of the Game and decisions of the International Board in effect as of September 1, except as amended by the AYSO National Rules and Regulations, and the rules and regulations of Region 214 that are set forth in the following sections 2 through 8. For divisions U6 and U8 some of the rules of play have been modified as set forth in the section of this manual entitled “Special Rules for Divisions U6 and U8.”

Section 2 -- PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

2.1

Player Eligibility. In order to comply with AYSO rules regarding balanced teams, only eligible players assigned to a team can participate in that team’s games. The assignment of players to a team can only be done by the Team Formation Committee. No players may be transferred or traded without the written approval of the Team Formation Committee AND Commissioner.

2.2

Player Registration Forms. Each coach must have in his or her possession at all games (both regional and inter-regional), practices, scrimmages, and at all other team gatherings, a registration/medical release form, as provided by the region, with the original signature of the player’s parent or guardian.

Section 3 -- STARTING THE GAME

3.1

Minimum Number of Players. Except for divisions U6, U8 and U10, a minimum of 7 players shall constitute a team. A scheduled game shall not begin or be continued if one or both teams cannot field 7 eligible players. U6 will play 6-a-side with a minimum of 5 players constituting a team. Players from the opposing team may be used for this purpose. U8 will play 7-a-side with 5 players constituting a team. U10 teams will play 7-a-side with a minimum of 5 players constituting a team.

3.2

Lineup Cards. At least 5 minutes before the scheduled starting time, the coach shall provide the referee with a completed lineup card for the game. The card shall list each player on the team in numerical order by jersey number. Absent players shall be noted on the card, along with the reason for their absence. The card should also show the team number, the division, the name of the coach and assistant coach, the game date, the game time and the game site. Divisions U8 will use lineup cards beginning the third game of the season. Divisions U6 will use lineup cards in the second half of the season.

After the completion of a game, the referee shall complete the lineup cards, noting thereon the final score and the number of the winning team. The referee shall also complete the “sportsmanship” section on the reverse side of the card. The card shall be signed by the referee and the assistant referees and deposited by the referee in the appropriate box provided at the field.

3.3

Starting Time and Game Forfeitures. Teams must be present and ready for an equipment check by the referee at least 5 minutes before the scheduled starting time. At that time, the captain of each team should present to the referee a properly inflated game ball from which the referee may choose. If a team is not ready to play within 5 minutes after the scheduled starting time with at least 7 players for Divisions U12-U14 and with at least five players for Divisions U6, U8 & U10, the referee shall declare a game forfeiture with the team that is ready to play being declared the winner by a score of 1-0.

3.4

Commencement of Game without Referee. If the scheduled referee has not appeared by the scheduled starting time, and if a substitute cannot be found, each coach, or his or her designee, shall referee the game using a two-referee system. If the coaches agree, a single referee may be designated by the coaches, in which event each team shall provide a club assistant referee.

3.5

Cancellation of Game Due to Weather. Unless previously notified by the Commissioner or his designee, all teams must appear and be ready to play at the scheduled time. The referee shall have discretion to determine whether a scheduled game should be canceled (or terminated during play) due to weather or other conditions affecting the safety of the players. Rescheduling of canceled games shall be at the discretion of the Commissioner.

Section 4 -- DURATION OF GAMES

4.1

Division

U6   (Under 6)

U8   (Under 8)

U10 (Under 10)

U12 (Under 12)

U14 (Under 14)

U16 (Under 16)

U19 (Under 19)

Duration of Games

Two halves, not to exceed 16 minutes each

Two halves, not to exceed 20 minute each.

Two halves, not to exceed 25 minute each.

Two halves, not to exceed 30 minute each.

Two halves, not to exceed 35 minute each.

Two halves, not to exceed 40 minute each.

Two halves, not to exceed 45 minute each.

4.2.

Quarter Breaks. Approximately midway through each half the referee shall stop the game in order to permit substitutions to be made. The stoppage shall be made when the ball is not-in-play and prior to the appropriate restart (i.e., throw-in, goal-kick, corner-kick, kick-off, free-kick, penalty-kick or dropped ball). This stoppage of play is referred to as the “quarter break.”

The quarter break is only for the purpose of substituting players. No player is allowed to leave the field during the quarter break except for substitution purposes. Players may come to the touchline for water and coaches instructions. Coaches and spectators are not allowed on the field at quarter breaks.

The quarter break shall be approximately one minute and shall end when the referee signals to resume play. Unless the referee notifies the coaches in advance of the game (and due to time constraints) the referee shall not stop the clock during the quarter breaks. There are no quarter breaks for division U16 and U19 games, where the free substitution rule applies.

4.3.

Shortened Games. Prior to the start of a game, and after advising the coaches for both teams, the referee shall have the discretion to shorten the duration of the game if the referee believes that it is necessary in order to comply with the time schedule for games to be played on that field. This discretion should only be exercised in unusual cases where the game cannot be started any earlier than 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time due to no fault of either team (see “Game Forfeit” for the rule which applies when a team is not ready to play within 5 minutes after the scheduled starting time). This includes, but is not limited to, delays caused by serious injury.

Section 5 -- PLAYING TIME AND SUBSTITUTIONS

5.1

Three-Quarter Rule. Except for divisions U16 and U19 and late arriving players (see below), each player present at the start of the game must play at least three-quarters of the game. This rule applies to all Region 214 games. A two-quarter rule applies to games played between regions. The three-quarter rule does not apply to overtime periods during playoff games.

5.2

Division U16 and U19 Substitutions. For divisions U16 and U19, a free substitution rule applies. Each player must play one-half of each game. This means that players may be substituted, with the permission of the referee, at any time when there is a stoppage of play and the ball is in the possession of the team desiring to make the substitution (the other team may also make substitutions at that time). The coach will be required to maintain a substitution schedule (in a form provided by the region) showing the playing time for each player.

5.3

Substitutes Reporting to Referee. All substituting players must report to the referee at the halfway line before being substituted. No player may be substituted without recognition of the referee. The referee shall note all substitutions on the lineup cards.

5.4

Divisions U6 - U14 Substitutions. For divisions U6 through U14 games, substitutions may only be made at the quarter break and at half-time.

5.5

Substitution for Injuries. A coach may substitute for an injured player, in which case the injured player may not return until the start of the next quarter. Only the injured player is credited with play during that quarter regardless of the actual time played. The coach may choose to play short, in which case the injured player shall be allowed to return during the quarter in which he or she was injured. Returning injured players will only be allowed to enter the game during a stoppage of play when that player’s team has possession of the ball. No player is permitted to return without recognition and authorization by the referee.

5.6

Late Arriving Players. Except for division U16 and U19 games, if a player arrives during, but before the end of the first quarter, the player must play all of the remaining three quarters of the game. If the player arrives after the start of the second quarter, the player must play all of the remaining quarters of the game (beginning with the next quarter after the player arrives). For division U16 and U19 games, a player who arrives before the end of the first half must play a minimum of one-half of the remainder of the game; a player arriving after the start of the second half must play at least one half of the remaining game after the player arrives.

5.7

15 Player Rule U14 and U12. All players play 3 quarters when teams have 14 or 13 players at the start of play. If all 15 players show up at the start of play, one player is designated to play two quarters. Once a player plays two quarters they must play at least 3 quarters for the remainder of the season.

5.8

Time in Goal. Except for divisions U6 and U8, there are no limitations on how many quarters a player may play in goal. For division U8, no player may play goal for more than half the game. There are no goalkeepers for division U6.

Section 6 -- EQUIPMENT

6.1

Division

U6 and U8

U10 and U12

U14, U16, U19

Ball Size

Size 3. 23.0 to 25.0 inches in circumference and between 10 and 12 ounces in weight

Size 4. 25.0 to 26.5 inches in circumference and between 12 and 14 ounces in weight

Size 5. 26.5 to 28.0 inches in circumference and between 14 and 16 ounces in weight.

6.2

Uniforms. At all games players shall wear the uniforms given to their teams by the region. For Region 214 games only, the referee shall have discretion to permit a player to wear different colored socks and non-regulation shorts. The referee shall be liberal in allowing such differences provided that they will not cause any confusion in identifying players.

Goalkeepers may wear different colored socks provided that if they play on the field the referee must approve the use of different colored socks in accordance with the rule above. The goalkeeper must wear a jersey that is a different color from that worn by his or her team, from the color jersey of the other team, and from the color of the referees’ jerseys.

In the event that the uniforms of both teams are similar in color, the referee shall have the discretion to require that the home team (first team listed on the schedule) wear pennies over their uniform jersey.

6.3

Shoes. Regulation soccer shoes (no toe cleat), gym shoes, or sneakers (with or without rubber cleats) are permissible in all AYSO games.

6.4

Shinguards. No player is permitted to participate in any game, practice or scrimmage unless the player is wearing shinguards.

6.5

Casts and Splints. Players are not permitted to participate in any games, practices, or scrimmages if the player is wearing a cast or splint, regardless of whether the cast or splint is hard, soft, or wrapped.

6.6

Other Items. Players may not wear any type of jewelry during games, practices and scrimmages. Players may not wear during games, practices, and scrimmages anything which may be dangerous to either themselves or other players. The referee has the discretion to determine whether an item that a player may be wearing must be removed before that player is permitted to play. Although the region encourages the use of safety glasses (i.e., sports goggles), there is no rule precluding a player from playing with regular prescription glasses (non-prescription sun-glasses are not, however, permitted). Goal keepers may, with the referee’s permission, be permitted to wear baseball type hats.

Section 7 -- COACH’S CONDUCT

7.1

Sideline Participation. Coaches shall limit their sideline participation during games to positive instruction and encouragement. Sideline participation shall be limited to 2 coaches from each team who shall remain on the same side of the field. Except for Division U6, no coach shall be permitted to coach except within the coaches’ area, whether or not the field is marked with a coaches’ area. This area is defined as follows: one yard back from the touch-line and extending 10 yards on both sides of the halfway line,

7.2

Negative Comments. Negative comments and complaints about refereeing are not permitted and the coach is subject to disciplinary action for violations of this rule.

7.3

Field of Play. Coaches, other game officials, spectators, and players who are not currently playing shall not enter the field of play unless requested by the referee.

7.4

Spectator Control. The team coach is responsible for controlling the spectators on his or her team’s side of the field. The referee has the power to caution or eject a coach for failure or refusal to control the actions of spectators after the coach has been requested to do so by the referee.

It is not the referee’s responsibility to deal with spectator problems – that is the coach’s responsibility. In addition to cautioning or ejecting the coach, the referee has discretion to either suspend or terminate the game if in his or her discretion such stoppage is necessary due to the misconduct of spectators and the failure or refusal of the coach to effectively control that misconduct. The referee’s decision to caution or eject the coach, or to suspend or terminate the game is final and is not subject to protest.

7.5

Discipline. The Laws of the Game do not provide that coaches may be carded. Only players may be issued yellow or red cards by the referee. Nonetheless, the Laws permit the referee to deal with misconduct by coaches and spectators. In the event of such misconduct, such as, for example, the expression of negative comments or dissent, entering the field of play without the referee’s permission, coaching outside the coaches’ area, using foul or abusive language, or engaging in violent conduct, the referee has discretion to eject the coach from the game, and/or to suspend or terminate the game and declare a forfeiture.

In most instances, except in the case of violent conduct or the use of foul or abusive language, the referee is requested to warn the coach that continuation of such conduct may result in ejection, suspension or termination of the game. However, the referee’s decision to eject a coach, or to suspend or terminate a game is final and is not subject to protest.

If a coach is ejected from a game, or if the game is terminated as a result of the misconduct of a coach, the coach is automatically ineligible from coaching the team’s next scheduled game. In addition, the coach may be subject to further disciplinary action at the discretion of the Regional Coach Administrator and Commissioner.

Section 8 -- GAME PROTESTS.

Any protest must be submitted in writing to a member of the Games and Adjudication Committee (which is comprised of the Assistant Commissioner, Secretary, Regional Coach Administrator, Regional Referee Administrator, and the Director of Games and Statistics) within 72 hours after the end of the subject game. Protests related to the judgment of the referee will not be considered, nor will protests related to any disciplinary action taken during the game. Only protests resulting from the referee’s error in application of the Laws will be considered. The Games and Adjudication Committee will rule on any protest within 7 days after the receipt of the written protest. The decision of the Games and Adjudication Committee shall be final and shall not be subject to further review.

Rain-Out Guide

If the Regional Commissioner decides to cancel games, he/she would make that announcement on the Region 214 web page (see Weather tab). The announcement might indicate that all games are cancelled on one field but on a different field leave the final decision for each game to the referee. Whether or not an announcement appears, if wet weather conditions arise, the referee is expected to make the call.

Law 5 (The Referee) states that, among other powers, the referee “stops, suspends or terminates the match because of outside interference.”

Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game, Section 5-11 (Terminating a Match), expands on this, “The referee may terminate a match for reasons of safety (bad weather or darkness), for any serious infringement of the Laws, or because of interference by spectators. …”

The following weather related conditions are traditionally given as reasons for abandoning, terminating, or suspending a game. The #1 is mandatory according to Safe Haven, #2-4 require the referee to evaluate the degree of degradation.

1. Lightning (if you hear thunder or see lightning, terminate immediately)*

2. Large pools of standing water (the ball no longer rolls or bounces but slides)

3. VERY soft, deep mud which would deny players good footing

4. Fog so thick you cannot see the other side of the field.

Hard rain, cold rain, or messy shallow mud are NOT by themselves considered reasons to cancel. As always, if the referee feels anything becomes a safety hazard then the referee is empowered to terminate the match.

Terminating a game should be a choice of last resort: our ultimate goal is for the kids to play a safe, fair, and fun game. The referee should use judgment and mark off isolated problem areas when possible. (Check if safety cones are stored with the nets or if coaches have cones.) Make sure the coaches are advised of any special procedures in force (e.g., if one corner is not playable, all corner kicks should be taken from the playable side).

Should a referee terminate a match already under way, the referee must report the conditions, including time remaining and the score. The Regional Commissioner will decide whether to reschedule the match.

* If a game is abandoned or terminated due to lightning, play for the next game should not start until 30 minutes after the last indication of lightning. Our regular season games are run on a strict schedule which does not allow a suspended or delayed game to end beyond the start of the next scheduled kick-off.