CONCORD YOUTH SOCCER
2020 RULES
INTRODUCTION
The following is a short explanation of CYS rules and different individuals’ responsibilities. CYS applies the IHSAA soccer rules with some modifications. CYS rules will supersede IHSAA whenever the two are in conflict. If modified during the season, coaches will receive new rule books prior to implementation.
RULES EXCEPTIONS FOR PWEE, PREK AND KINDERGARTEN
1. No referees will be used for these divisions. Coaches will each be given a whistle and will referee their own games.
2. Whistle should only be blown for out of bounds and for a need to stop the game based on a kick or trip of a player, or for dangerous play.
3. The overall goal for these two divisions is to introduce the players to soccer: the ball, the field, team play, etc.
4. There will be no tournament for these two divisions.
RULE 1: THE FIELD OF PLAY
1. Fields at CYS are sized for short sided, age-appropriate play. Fields are bounded by two long parallel lines called touch (side) lines and two shorter parallel lines called goal (end) lines. Field markings also include a center line and center circle, two goal areas, two penalty areas, penalty arcs and lines, corner arcs and flag posts.
2. Goals are placed at the center of each goal line and are sized for the divisions using the field.
3. No one, including spectators and coaches shall stand anywhere along the goal lines during a game. Coaches are expected to assist referees in keeping the goal lines free of all people.
RULE 2: THE BALL
PWEE, PreK, and Kindergarten divisions use size 3 balls. First Grade through Fourth Grade divisions use size 4 balls. Fifth Grade through High School divisions use size 5 balls.
RULE 3: THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS
1. A game will be played by two teams, each consisting of (see chart below for each age group). All divisions are required to play each player for at least three quarters of each game. Failure to follow the three-quarter rule will cause forfeiture of the game. An exception may be made due to a child’s unwillingness to play. Preferably, a Board member will be notified prior to play beginning. At the very least, the coach will notify the referee and opposing coach that there is a player who refuses to play and notify a Board Member as soon as practical.
|
Division |
Team Size |
Field |
Minimum |
|
PWEE |
8 players |
6 v 6 NO GOALIE |
4 players |
|
PreK |
8 players |
6 v 6 NO GOALIE |
4 players |
|
Kindergarten |
9 players |
6 v 6 |
4 players |
|
1 & 2 |
12 players |
7 v 7 |
5 players |
|
3 & 4 |
12 players |
9 v 9 |
7 players |
|
Boys 5/6 |
12 players |
9 v 9 |
7 players |
|
Girls 5/8 |
12 players |
9 v 9 |
7 players |
|
High School |
12 players |
9 v 9 |
7 players |
2. Only those players listed on the master team roster may play on that team. Penalty - will be forfeiture of the game in which violation occurs.
3. A team must field the minimum number of players at the scheduled start time. Teams are allowed a ten-minute grace period and must then field the minimum number of players. If the above requirement is not met by one team, the game is recorded as a forfeit to the other team. If neither team meets the requirement, it is considered “no contest”, and the reportable score will be 0-0. If a coach is aware that (s)he will be unable to field the minimum number of players for a game a forfeit will be declared.
4. All divisions may only substitute at the quarter breaks except in the case of an injury, where an injured player may be substituted.
5. Coaches in all divisions are required to play each player for at least three-quarters of each game, THIS INCLUDES THE TOURNAMENT GAMES. Coaches are expected to have their players participate in all positions on the field.
6. Exceptions are made to the three-quarter rule only for:
a. Late arrival or early departure from the game.
b. Illness or injury.
c. Player refusal to play, MUST BE REPORTED TO A BOARD MEMBER AT THE FIELD THE DAY OF PLAY.
d. Physical limitations previously cleared with Concord Youth Soccer.
7. PWEE, PreK, and Kindergarten divisions: One coach from each team will be permitted on the field for the purpose of instruction during the game. Coaches may wander the entire field and must stay out of the goal area when the ball is being played near the goal.
8. First Grade division: One coach from each team will be permitted on the field for the purpose of instruction during the game. Coaches must remain in their own half of the field and must try to stay out of the goal area when the ball is being played near the goal. During Tournament play, coaches must remain on their sidelines, no coaches will be allowed on the field.
9. Second grade thru High School divisions: Coaches are not allowed on the field and must stay in their designated areas on the players’ bench side of the field only.
RULE 4: PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT
1. A player shall not wear anything which is dangerous to another player. Players in all divisions shall wear gym, tennis, or molded soccer shoes only. Steel type cleats are not permitted. (Note: Soccer shoes do not have a square or rectangular cleat. Also, baseball or football type shoes will not be permitted unless the toe cleat is cut off flush with the sole.) Players shall not wear face or spectacle guards or helmets of any kind. No player shall wear a hat. (Stocking caps may be worn in cold weather on the approval of the referee.) Jewelry of any kind is prohibited, including any type of pierced earring (Note: New piercings ARE included in this rule. The jewelry must be removed.) Non-compliance is assumed the player does not want to play and will disqualify the player from the game.
2. All players are required to wear shin guards during games. Rigid guards are recommended. A player’s socks must completely cover his/her shin guards, regardless of the type of shin guard worn. Non-compliance is assumed the player does not want to play and will disqualify the player from the game.
3. No player shall play with any kind of rigid cast or splint on any part of his/her body unless approved safe by the referee. The cast must be entirely covered in ½” foam and then wrapped with soft cloth in order to comply.
4. All field players’ shorts must be black or dark blue.
5. All field players must wear uniform shirts and socks provided by CYS.
6. At all times players must wear a uniform for the game and must wear appropriate clothing during warm-ups or practices, no “skins” at any time.
RULE 5: THE REFEREE
1. At least one referee will be assigned to each game. If two referees are assigned to one game, no linesmen will be used.
2. The authority and exercise of the powers granted by the Rules of the Game commence as soon as the referee arrives at the field of play and extend until they leave the CYS complex. The power of penalizing shall extend to offenses committed when play has been suspended, or when the ball is out of play when a foul is committed or ensuing arguments. This includes players, coaches, and spectators.
3. A referee’s decision on points of fact connected with the play shall be final.
4. The referee shall report to the game site with enough time to determine whether playing conditions are suitable. If one team is either not present or does not have the minimum number of players, the referee will then award the forfeit to the team that is present.
5. The referee shall enforce the rules of the game.
6. The referee shall refrain from penalizing in cases where doing so would give clear advantage to the offending team (Advantage Rule).
7. The referee shall act as timekeeper. Allowance for time lost through accident or other cause, shall be at the discretion of the referee. Time is extended for the taking of penalty kicks, but not for other free kicks.
8. The referee shall have the authority to stop the game for any infringement of the rules and to suspend the game if weather indicates stoppage is necessary. The reasons for such stoppage shall be reported to a CYS Board Member following the stoppage of the game. If the game is terminated by the referee or a CYS Board Member due to weather before the completion of the first half, the game will be considered a tie. If the stoppage occurs due to weather after halftime, that is considered a Game and is recorded with the score at the time of the stoppage. If the stoppage is due to the actions of players, coaches, or spectators, the CYS Board will make the decision as to the outcome of the game.
9. Only a Board member in consultation with the Referee may terminate a game.
10. The referee shall hold up a YELLOW CARD and point to the player or coach who is cautioned for misconduct or unsportsmanlike conduct. If it is a player, the referee will then notify the coach of which player has been cautioned.
11. The referee shall hold up a RED CARD and point to the player or coach who is disqualified for persistent misconduct or unsportsmanlike conduct. If it is a player, the referee will notify the coach. Ejections shall be reported to a Board member at the end of the game. Any person ejected must leave the area of the field and the parking lot adjacent to the field. If there is no parent or responsible party of the player, the player will remain on the bench with the coach.
12. The referee shall allow no one other than the players to enter the field without permission.
13. The referee shall stop the game if a player is injured, but not during a drive on goal unless the injury appears to be serious. The referee is obliged to quickly check the condition of the injured player. With the referee’s approval a coach may be allowed to enter the field to check the condition of the injured player,
14. The referee shall signal for the restarting of the game after an injury stoppage with an indirect free kick to the team in possession of the ball when the whistle was blown.
15. A referee may reverse a decision if play has not been restarted.
16. If the Advantage Law has been applied, this decision can be reversed if the advantage is not realized.
RULE 6: THE ASSISTANT REFEREE
Concord youth soccer does not use assistant referees (ARs). When two referees are used, both referees have full authority to administer all aspects of the game.
RULE 7: THE DURATION OF THE MATCH
1. PWEE and PreK divisions shall play four six-minute quarters with a two-minute break after each quarter and a ten-minute break at half-time.
2. Kindergarten through Fourth grade divisions shall play four ten-minute quarters with a two-minute break after each quarter and a ten-minute break at half-time.
3. Boys 5/6 and Girls 5/8 divisions shall play four twelve-minute quarters with a two-minute break after each quarter and a ten-minute break at half-time.
4. High School division shall play four fifteen-minute quarters with a two-minute break after each quarter and a ten-minute break at half-time.
5. Completion of the first half of the game will be considered a full game if it is stopped due to weather or unsafe playing conditions.
6. Time will be kept by the referee only.
7. Allowance for time lost through accident or other cause shall be at the discretion of the referee. Time is extended for the taking of penalty kicks, but not for other free kicks.
RULE 8: THE START AND RESTART OF PLAY
1. At the beginning of the game, by the toss of a coin, the team winning the toss will decide to Kick first or select the goal they will attack. If choosing the ball, the other team will then select the side. Kickoffs will alternate each quarter and teams will exchange sides at half-time.
2. Play is started at the beginning of each quarter and after each goal by a kickoff from the center of the field.
a. Each team must be on its own half of the field (except for the player kicking off).
b. Each player on the opposing team must be at least ten yards from the ball (outside the center circle).
c. The ball may be kicked in any direction.
d. A goal may be scored directly from a kickoff.
RULE 9: THE BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY
1. Should a player cause the ball to go out of bounds, the ball is awarded to the other team.
2. If the ball is caused to go out of bounds over the touch lines, a throw-in is taken at the spot where the ball went out.
3. If the ball is caused to go out of bounds over the goal line by the offensive team, a goal kick is awarded to the defensive team to be taken from anywhere inside the goal area. A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick only against the opposing team.
4. If the ball is caused to go out over the goal line by the defensive team, a corner kick is awarded to the offensive team.
5. If the ball touches the referee and directly enters the goal, changes possession, or results in an attacking move, the result will be a dropped ball to the team that last touched the ball.
6. The ball is out of play if the ball touches an official and remains on the field of play.
7. A dropped ball is awarded to the team that last touched the ball from where the infraction was, only one player will be involved in the dropped ball and all other players must be 4.5 yards from the location of the dropped ball.
RULE 10: THE METHOD OF SCORING
1. A goal is worth one point. The winning team is the team with the greater number of goals at the end of the game.
2. A goal is scored when the whole ball passes between the uprights, beneath the crossbar, and completely crosses the goal line.
TIES
1. During the regular season, games can end in a tie. In the tournament at the end of the season, tie games will be decided by the following:
a. All divisions will play two additional 5-minute overtime periods. The full two periods will be played whether or not either team scores a goal.
b. Five minutes will be allowed between the end of the fourth quarter and the beginning of the first overtime period, and two minutes between the two overtime periods. Teams will alternate kickoffs at the start of each period and teams will change ends of the field between periods.
c. A coin toss will determine which team controls the kickoff and defends each goal, per the format for the beginning of a game.
d. If the score is still tied at the end of the second overtime period, the winner will be determined by a shootout:
i. All team players both on and off the field at the end of the second overtime period are allowed to participate in the shootout.
ii. If the teams do not have an equal number of players on the field at the end of the last overtime period, the team with the larger number of players will eliminate players until both teams have an equal number of players. This includes an unequal number due to a Red Card.
iii. Each team will designate one player as goalkeeper. This player will be goalkeeper until a winning team has been determined.
iv. Each team will line up in the order in which they will shoot (Goalkeepers will shoot last). All players, except the goalkeeper actually defending against a shot and the player taking the shot will remain in the center circle.
v. The first team to shoot will be determined by a coin toss. The team winning the toss will shoot first.
vi. Shots will be taken by alternating teams until all participating players (including the goalkeepers) have taken a shot. The referee shall indicate when (s) he is ready for each shot by blowing the whistle.
vii. If the score is tied at the end of the first shootout, a golden goal shootout will be taken.
e. If a tie still exists after the first-round shootout, a golden goal shootout will be conducted as follows:
i. The teams shall continue to use the same goalkeepers.
ii. Both teams may change the order in which their players shoot before the golden goal shootout begins.
iii. The teams shall alternate taking shots as determined by the first shootout round.
iv. Shots will be taken in pairs (one for each team), until one player scores and the other does not and a winner is declared.
f. In the case of a championship game:
i. 1st - 3rd grade divisions will not use golden goal shootout. The teams will be declared co-champions.
ii. All other divisions will use golden goal shootout to resolve the contest.
g. A designated member of the Concord Youth Soccer Board must be present to conduct the shootout. Shootouts can be touchy and having a Board member present is intended to ensure that all shootouts are conducted in a like manner, and that any possible protests are avoided.
RULE 11: OFFSIDE
1. A player is in an off-side position if (s) he is nearer to the opponent’s goal line than the ball, unless:
a. (S) he is in his/her own half of the field or
b. (S) he is not nearer to the opponent’s goal-line than at least two of the opponents.
2. A player shall only be declared off-side and penalized for being in an off-side position if, at the time the ball touches or is played by one of his/her team, (s) he is in the opinion of the referee:
a. Interfering with play or with an opponent, or
b. At an advantage by being in that position.
3. A player shall not be declared off-side by the referee:
a. Merely because of being in an off-side position.
b. If (s) he received the ball directly from a goal kick, or a corner kick, or a throw-in.
4. In the 1st and 2nd grade divisions, off-side shall only be called when an offensive player is consistently posted deep in his/her offensive end of the field waiting for a pass (i.e. cherry picking). Therefore off-side traps will not be called in these two divisions.
RULE 12: FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
DIRECT FREE KICK
1. A direct free kick is awarded for certain infractions listed below . A goal can be scored by the player taking a direct free kick. The ball is kicked from the point of the infraction. The player taking the kick may take a quick kick; however, the defense must retire to at least ten yards from the ball. Defenders who do not retire to the proper distance could be cautioned, and on any repetition, could be ordered off.
2. If the kicker requests the ten yards, the kicker must wait for a (signal) whistle from the referee prior to taking the kick.
3. The following fouls result in the offended team being awarded a direct free kick: (If offense occurred by the defending team player against an opponent inside the penalty, the restart is a penalty kick awarded to the attacking team)
a. Handling the ball, except for the goalkeeper within their own penalty area. A goalkeeper is considered to have handled the ball outside their penalty area. (See CONTROLLING THE BALL section for more information on “hand ball”.)
b. Holding an opponent.
c. Pushing an opponent.
d. Striking or attempting to strike an opponent this includes kneeing an opponent.
e. Spitting at or attempting to spit at an opponent.
f. Jumping at an opponent.
g. Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent.
h. Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent.
i. Charging from behind and or charging violently.
PENALTY KICK
A Penalty Kick is a Direct Kick that has been awarded into an attacking team in the attacking penalty area. Penalty Kicks are described in RULE 14.
INDIRECT FREE KICK
1. An indirect free kick is awarded for certain rule infractions listed below.
2. A goal cannot be scored from an indirect free kick without touching another player prior to going into the goal. The ball must be touched by another player besides the kicker (either team) before a goal can be scored. The kick is taken from the point of infraction.
3. The following fouls result in the offended team being awarded an indirect free kick:
a. A player playing the ball a second time on a free kick before it has been touched by another player (either team).
b. Illegal substitution.
c. Dangerous play including slide tackling, scissor (bicycle) kicks, and deliberate head balls in the younger divisions.
d. Offside.
e. Repossession after intentional parrying by the goalkeeper.
f. Impeding the progress of an opponent.
g. Goalkeeper infractions:
i. Controlling the ball for more than 6 seconds before releasing it.
ii. Touches the ball with his/her hands a second time after releasing it from his/her possession.
iii. Touches the ball with his/her hands after it has been deliberately passed by a team-mate. If the ball is passed back to the goalkeeper by means of the head (in divisions where using the head is allowed), the goalkeeper may touch the ball with his/her hands.
iv. Touches the ball with his/her hands after receiving it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate.
CAUTIONABLE OFFENSES (YELLOW CARDS)
1. A player is cautioned if (s)he commits any of the following offenses:
a. Unsporting behavior.
b. Dissent by word or action.
c. Persistent infringement of the rules of the game.
d. Delaying the restart of play.
e. Failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted (10 yards).
f. Entering or reentering the field of play without the referee’s permission.
g. Deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission.
SENDING OFF OFFENSES (RED CARDS)
1. A player is sent off the field of play is (s)he commits any of the following offenses:
a. Serious foul play.
b. Violent conduct.
c. Spitting at an opponent or any other person
d. Denying the opposing team, a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
e. Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offense punishable be a free kick or a penalty kick
f. Using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
g. Receiving a second caution in the same match
2. Any coach or player given a red card shall be removed from the remainder of the game, as provided for in the rules. If a player is given a red card during play the team will play short one player for the remainder of the game.
3. Any coach or player receiving a red card will not be allowed to attend the next game.
4. Any coach or player given his/her second red card shall be removed from the League as player or coach for the remainder of the CYS season.
5. Any player or coach given a red card before a game starts shall not be allowed to participate in the upcoming game. If a player, the team shall play with a full team.
6. Any person given a red card after a game is concluded shall not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled game.
7. Any suspended person who refuses to leave the field and/or parking lot adjacent to the field shall be given five minutes to leave. If they still have not left the vicinity of the game, the team they represent shall forfeit the game 0 – 1, and the Sheriff will be called for endangerment of the players at the site.
RULE 13: FREE KICKS
All Free kicks are either Direct Kicks or Indirect Kicks. Direct and Indirect kicks are described in RULE 12.
1. At the taking of a free kick, when there is a “wall” of three or more defenders, the attackers are not allowed within 1 yard of the wall.
2. When the defending team is taking a free kick in their own penalty area, the ball is in play when it is kicked and does not need to leave the penalty area before it can be played. Opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.
RULE 14: THE PENALTY KICK
1. If an infraction requiring a direct free kick is against the defensive team in their penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded to the offensive team.
2. A penalty kick is a direct kick taken from the penalty mark.
3. All players, other than the player taking the kick and the defending goalkeeper, must be outside the penalty area, behind the ball and at least ten yards from the ball. Players must also be behind the line and outside the penalty arc.
4. On penalty kicks, the goalie must have at least part of one foot on or above the goal line.
RULE 15: THE THROW-IN
1. When the ball passes completely over the sideline, whether in the air or on the ground, the ball shall be thrown in from the point it crossed the line, in any direction, by a player on the team opposing the player who last touched the ball.
2. The thrower must:
a. Face the field of play.
b. Keep part of each foot on the ground either on or outside of the touchline.
c. Keep both hands on the ball as the throw is made.
d. Deliver the ball from behind and directly over his/her head.
3. The defending players must be at least two yards from the spot of the throw-in.
RULE 16: THE GOAL KICK
1. A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking team, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10. A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team.
2. Procedure:
a. The ball must be kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team
b. Opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play
c. The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player
d. The ball is in play when it is kicked, it can be played before leaving the penalty area. Opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.
e. Once kicked the ball can be played by either team, except for the person who kicked the ball.
RULE 17: THE CORNER KICK
1. A corner kick is a method of restarting play. A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the defending team, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team.
2. Procedure:
a. The ball must be placed inside the corner arc nearest to the point where the ball crossed the goal line
b. The corner flag post must not be moved
c. Opponents must remain at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the corner arc until the ball is in play
d. The ball must be kicked by a player of the attacking team
e. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves
f. The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player
SEVERE WEATHER
Concord Youth Soccer will post weather related delays and cancellations to its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Concord-Youth-Soccer-144524152284662/)
At no time should a team be practicing or playing soccer if lightning is seen or a CYS Board member has given a signal to leave the field. In case of bad weather a board member will make a long blast of the horn, this will mean lightning (or other foul weather) is seen and all games at that moment are suspended, and all players, parents and other personnel are asked to leave the field (not the CYS complex unless they chose to for safety reasons) and go to safety. When condition is better there will be a signal given to return to the field for the completion of the game, there will be three blast together given to indicate play may resume. If there are games following your game, the next game will start on time, if your game was stopped after the first half the game is over and the team with the most points wins. If time allows, the second half will be played, but will end 10 minutes before the start of the next game. Any game terminated during a delay in the game due to severe weather will not be rescheduled by CYS. If no winner can be determined using the above guidelines, then the game will end with a score of 0 – 0. If after a signal is given by a CYS Board member to return, and a team is unable to field enough players to finish the game then a forfeit will be declared.
