RULES AND REGULATIONS - UPDATED August 2005

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-19 (under nineteen).

The following clubs are members of the Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League for the 2000 season, and agree to abide by the following rules: BACK MOUNTAIN, BEAR CREEK,COSMOS, FORTY FORT, HANOVER, JCC, KINGSTON, MT TOP, NANTICOKE, PLAINS, PLYMOUTH, SKYHAWKS, STONERS, WILKES-BARRE STORM.

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. The field must have a coaching box on each touch line, extending twenty yards on each side of the halfway line and be a minimum of one yard deep. 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.

IV. BALLS

The designated home team is responsible for providing two (2) suitable game balls for each game.

A. BALL SIZES

U-8 (under eight) and lower, will use a size three (3) ball.
U-9 (under nine) through U-12 (under twelve) will use a size four (4) ball.
U-13 (under thirteen) and older will use a size five (5) ball.

V. PLAYERS

A. All players must be properly registered through EPYSA and must be registered on that team's roster.

B. U7(under seven may roster 8 players 4 v 4 small sided game and U-8 (under eight) teams may roster a maximum of ten (10) players per team. Maximum number of players on the field is five (5) and a minimum of three (3) are required to start a game. No exceptions.

C. 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.

D. U-11 (under eleven) 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.

E. 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.

F. Every rostered player present must play a minimum of two quarters (half the game). Exception: See rule "H".

G. Substitutions of players may only be made at the end of each quarter. Exception: See rule "I".

H. U-15/16 and U-17/18.............Very definite attempts are to be made by the coach to fairly play each player an equal, or very near equal amount of time.

I. 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 your advantage only,... After an injury stoppage, both teams may sub on a player for player basis,......at the start of a quarter. Substitutions are to be made from the half way line.

VI. EQUIPMENT

A. The use of shinguards 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 will be allowed. No hard hair clips will be allowed.

VII. LENGTH OF GAMES

A. U-7: Six 5 Minute Periods

B. U-8: Six 6 Minute Periods

C. U-9 and U-10:
Forty minutes ....(four, ten minute quarters)

D. U-11 and U-12:
Forty-eight minutes..... (four, twelve minute quarters)

E. U-13 and U-14:
Fifty-six minutes...... (four, fourteen minute quarters)

F. U-15 and U-16:
Sixty minutes .......(four, 15 minute quarters)

G. U-17 through U-19:
Sixty minutes ......(four, 15 minute quarters)

H. The time between each quarter is two minutes and the time between halves is five minutes.

VIII. 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 who referee's the game. If an agreement cannot be reached they may choose not to play the game.

B. During U-16 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.

IX. CONDUCT

A. All players, coaches, parents, spectators, etc. are expected to demonstrate proper sporting behavior at all times.

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.

D. There will be no smoking by Coaches or Referee's on the game field and/or sidelines.

E If complaints are received, A Wyoming Valley sanctioned representative picked by the league would be sent weekly to evaluate games with complaints against coaches/parents. This Wy. Val. official has the right to enter the field of play any time at his or her discretion to advise the official.

X. CLUB ATTENDANCE AT LEAGUE MEETINGS

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.
It is the responsibility of the individual clubs to make sure they know when and where the meetings are to be held.

XI. SPONSORSHIP

Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer clubs may secure sponsorship for their teams. Sponsor names may be printed on player uniforms at the discretion of the club, in a tasteful manor, so as not to overshadow, and / or, be more prominent than the soccer logo itself. Uniforms must continue to display the league logo.

XII. 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 during game day.

B. 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 Wyoming Valley, via a personal phone call, or a phone call
from you clubs president, that team's parent club will be fined $20.00 for each offense.

XIII. 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 fined $25.00 for each offense.

XIV. 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 Wyoming Valley.

RULE CHANGES FOR U-7 GAMES (4 V 4)

A.The Field – 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. This goal area is optional.

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.

B. The Ball required – size 3. Larger balls are heavier and take the fun and safety out of the game. Make sure there are plenty of balls to go around – but only one is needed for the game!

C. Maximum number of players will be determined by your local association. US Youth Soccer recommends that U7 play 4 v 4. Teams and games may be coed and EVERYONE plays a minimum of 50% of the game. Substitutions are allowed any time the ball is out of play. There are NO Goalkeepers.

D. Players Equipment-Players will want to wear a T-shirt, shorts, socks and a good pair of running shoes. Some may wear soft-cleated soccer shoes. Shin guards are required for safety reasons and should be covered by a pair of high socks. Clothing should not be restrictive.

E. 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.

F. Assistant Referees-Not used in the small-sided game.

G. Duration of the Game is six 5 minute periods of play with two OR three minute between periods.

US Youth Soccer recommends substitution between periods to ensure that all players present play a minimum of 50% of the game.

H. 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.

I. 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. Putting the ball back into play will be discussed later. Remember, the FUN of the game is movement of the ball. When everyone has to stop to restart the game, the FUN has left the game for the moment. Try to keep the ball moving and not be too eager to call the ball out of play.

J. 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.

K. Offside-Offside is not used in the small-sided games.

L. 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.
• Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
• Trips or attempts to trip an opponent
• Jumps at an opponent
• Charges an opponent
• Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
• Pushes an opponent
• Tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball
• Holds an opponent
• Spits at an opponent
• Handles the ball deliberately
• Plays in a dangerous manner
• Impedes the progress of an opponent

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.

M. 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.

N. Penalty Kick-Not used in small-sided games

O. 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.

P. 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.

RULE CHANGES FOR U-8 GAMES

A. FIELD OF PLAY: 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 a minimum of five feet to a maximum of six and one half feet in height. The goal area will be four yards from the end of the goal post and four 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).

B. BALL: U-8 games will use a size three ball.

C. 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.

D. 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.

E. FOULS: Every foul will result in an indirect kick. There will be no direct kicks or penalty kicks during U-8 games.

F. 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.

G. LENGTH OF THE GAME: U-8 will play six 6 minute periods.

H. GAMES ARE TO BE USED AS A TEACHING EXPERIENCE AND NO STANDINGS ARE TO KEPT.

RULE CHANGES FOR U-9 AND U-10

A. FIELD OF PLAY: 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.)

B. BALL: U-9 and U-10 will use a size four ball.

C. 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.

D. OFF-SIDES: Off-sides rule WILL BE enforced for U-9 and U-10 levels.

E. 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.

F. 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.

G. LENGTH OF THE GAME: U-9 and U-10 will play ten minute quarters.

H. GAMES ARE TO BE USED AS A TEACHING EXPERIENCE AND NO STANDINGS ARE TO KEPT.