Puget Sound Premier League Recreational Rules
General Governance
Rule 101 – Board
The league’s board is governed by the PSPL bylaws.
Rule 102 – Territories
Existing Club boundaries for purpose of recruiting/ advertising and access to training/ playing fields will be maintained for the Recreational League.
Rule 103 – Conditions for Termination of a Team
Club and team affiliation may be terminated because of violation of performance conditions set forth by the league.
Rule 104 – Conditions for Recreational Competition in Leagues
The Recreational competition committee will meet at the completion of each season to review team placement and club compliance with league standards.
Rule 105 – Conditions for Team Acceptance into the Recreational League
Any club in good standing with US Club Soccer may have their teams apply for acceptance into the Recreational league. Priority will be given to teams that are part of clubs that commit to participate in PSPL leagues. Please note that each league may have additional requirements. Please check the league descriptions on our website for additional information.
League Structure
Rule 201 – Governance
All competition in the PSPL is governed by regulations approved by the league office.
Rule 202 – Team Placement
The competition committee will review team applications to form competitively balanced divisions whenever possible based on best information available.
Rule 203 – Recreational Playing Rules
All games under league jurisdiction shall be played according to the rules and regulations recognized by the PSPL, which shall be the same rules set by FIFA/ U.S. Soccer (USSF) except for those exceptions authorized by the PSPL, FIFA or USSF.
Rule 204 – Recreational League Playing Season
The Recreational League will play in the fall season following a general guideline that U7-U14 play on Saturdays and U15 – U-19 play on Sundays.
Rule 205 – Recreational League Point System
The Puget Sound Recreational league (PSRL) shall operate under a point system. The point system shall award three points for a win, one point for a tie and no points for a loss for all divisions U7 and up.
In case of a tie in the standings, the following criteria will be used to determine final standing in the order listed below:
· Head-to-head competition against all teams involved in the tiebreaker
· Goal Differential
· Goals Against
· Goals For
· In the event all tiebreakers are equal, the winner shall be decided by coin toss.
Recreational League GD, GF and GA tiebreakers will be capped at 5 goals.
In the event where an unequal number of games have been played by teams within a division due to a schedule change driven by the league, the final standings will be determined by average points per match played.
Rule 206 – League Standings
Official standings of teams, the keeping of which is the responsibility of the league office, are tabulated on a regular basis, and displayed on the Puget Sound Premier League website. The reporting of scores is the responsibility of Winning team or Both in event of a tie. The web site will keep posted the standings of the league.
Rule 207 – Playing Venue & Game Lengths
The playing field used by each team must be lined according to FIFA standards with goals nets and corner markings. Home teams are responsible for marking the field of play, providing an adequate game ball (modified as follows):
|
Age |
Format |
Game Duration |
Ball Size |
Field Size- (w x l) |
Field Size-Range |
Goal Size |
|
U11 |
9v9 |
30 x 2 min halves, 5 min halftime |
4 |
55yds x 90yds |
50-60 yds wide to 80-95 yds long |
7' x 21' (8' x 24' and 6.5' x 18' allowed) |
|
U12 |
11v11 |
30 x 2 min halves, 5 min halftime |
4 |
70yds x 110yds |
50-100 yds wide to 100- 130 yds long |
8' x 24' |
|
U13 |
11v11 |
35 x 2 min halves, 5 min halftime |
5 |
70yds x 110yds |
50-100 yds wide to 100- 130 yds long |
8' x 24' |
|
U14 |
11v11 |
35 x 2 min halves, 5 min halftime |
5 |
70yds x 110yds |
50-100 yds wide to 100- 130 yds long |
8' x 24' |
|
U15 |
11v11 |
40 x 2 min halves, 5 min halftime |
5 |
70yds x 110yds |
50-100 yds wide to 100- 130 yds long |
8' x 24' |
|
U16 |
11v11 |
40 x 2 min halves, 5 min halftime |
5 |
70yds x 110yds |
50-100 yds wide to 100- 130 yds long |
8' x 24' |
|
U17 |
11v11 |
45 x 2 min halves, 5 min halftime |
5 |
70yds x 110yds |
50-100 yds wide to 100- 130 yds long |
8' x 24' |
|
U18 |
11v11 |
45 x 2 min halves, 5 min halftime |
5 |
70yds x 110yds |
50-100 yds wide to 100- 130 yds long |
8' x 24' |
Note: may be modified by PSPL board, to best suit current-league season schedule.
See Rule 601 for Mod specific rules.
Rule 209 – Recreational League Rosters
Recreational League team rosters will be submitted by separate form as part of team and club registration prior to Aug 1st deadline.
( Note: consult current PSPL Age chart)
· U11 teams - a minimum of 10 players maximum of 16 on game day roster.
· U12 teams and above - a minimum of 13 players and maximum of 18 on game day roster.
Rule 210 – Scheduling
210 A. League Schedules- It is the responsibility of the league office to post the leagues schedules two weeks prior to start of play on the PSPL Website. Once the time, date and location have been posted, changes cannot be made unless the other team agrees to the change. Every effort must be made to play all games. If teams are unable to reach agreement for a makeup game, the league office may intervene and re-schedule the game. Teams unwilling or unable to attend a game will forfeit points from the unattended game.
Note: Please see Rule 307A for more information on Forfeits
210 B. Team Scheduling The home team contact is responsible for posting the time and location of the game as soon as it is known but no later than 72 hours prior to the game. If no information is posted than the visiting team contact person should contact the home team contact to confirm match details. (Contact information will be posted on the PSPL website).
It is the expectation that games will not be scheduled earlier than 9 am on Saturdays or 10 am on Sundays unless agreed to by the visiting team.
If field and/or times are changed (because of unplayable field situations), the listed home team contact person is responsible to contact the opposing team listed contact as soon as possible.
Rule 211 – Rescheduling Games
Games can be rescheduled without the approval of the league. The league still must be informed of any agreed upon schedule change, within 72 hours of the revised schedule change. All charges related to fields and Referees are borne by the home team unless alternate arrangements have been made with visiting team.
Rule 212 – Uniforms
All teams should post their jersey colors on their team page or contact the visiting team no less than 72 hours prior to the game to confirm jersey colors. In the event of a jersey color conflict, the home team is required to wear or change to an alternate color. All team jerseys must have unique numbers minimum size of 6” tall on the back of the jersey.
Registration and Game Day Procedures
Rule 300 – Team Management Requirements
When registering each team must list a team manager (this may be the coach for Recreational League) and supply contact information including a current email address and phone number.
Both the phone and the email should be checked on a daily basis. The team manager is responsible for responding to all communications regarding teams and league business, reporting scores and communication with appropriate league officials. All teams must have access to email, and a telephone number connected to a 24 hour answering system during the season. All teams are responsible for maintaining their contact information with the league office.
Rule 301 – Recreational League Eligibility
A. Players, coaches and managers shall be registered according to PSPL Recreational League guidelines.
B. Registration will be available on line starting June 1st 2015 for fall league
Recreational league team rosters must be submitted to league office no later than July 15th 2015. Forms are provided on PSRL registration site for the league. Changes can be made during the season but an updated roster needs to be submitted to the league office prior to the player playing in a match.
C. Coaches will exchange their team roster with opposing coach prior to the start of the match. . The PSPL Game Day sheets must be presented to the referee at beginning of each game. (See sample enclosed) If a team is not able to produce a Recreational League roster sheet prior to the start of the game, it may be grounds for a forfeit and fine. Applies to U-11 and up only.
D. Any player that does not appear on the Recreational League roster shall be considered an illegal player. Any team using an illegal player shall forfeit any games in which the illegal player participated. In addition the guilty team may forfeit an additional three points in the standings. A fine may also be assessed against a team using illegal players. Any team found using illegal players may be expelled from the league.
E. Players may only play for one US Club Soccer club during any league season. All out-of-club transfers must be approved by Competition Committee. See PSPL Ethics Policy. There is no limit to the number of changes made to the roster provided the players are registered to the club, or have not played for another club in the League.
F. Players may not compete for more than two different clubs in a US Club Soccer league during one-designated season unless approved by the league office. Player requesting transfer between two clubs or teams must serve at least seven-day waiting period, before one is eligible to play with new team unless otherwise approved by the Competition Committee.
G. All Recreational League players can player pass to their clubs Rec league teams or Copa and above teams but must be noted on the game day sheet and provide a copy of the roster sheet of the team they are registered on as part of game day check-in.. There are, however, two exceptions: players must play with their own gender and players can play-up or play at their age. Younger players can play up in age as long as the club determines they are capable.
To be eligible to play, players must be printed on either their PSPL Recreational league roster for that team or another team’s Recreational league roster in that club. Any players within the club handwritten on the US Club Official roster may not be eligible to play. Eligibility is determined by the player’s name being printed on a PSPL Recreational League roster from that club along with a picture of the player. – The team must provide a copy of the said PSPL Recreational League Roster(s) to the other team prior to each game.
Please note:
· Players may play up into older age groups an unlimited number of times.
· Players must play on an age-appropriate team. Please see the age chart found on the PSPL website. Players are not allowed to play in a younger age division.
· Players must play with teams of their same gender.
· Teams/clubs violating this rule will be put on notice by the league and may face sanctions and possibly expulsion from the league
Rule 302 – Player Pass
Recreational Players may player pass “up” to Copa, Classic, WSPL and Super League teams within their club an unlimited number of times in a season. They need to be listed on the game day sheet and the opposing team must receive a copy of their Recreational league roster showing that they are registered in that club prior to match kick-off.
No Copa, Classic, WSPL or Super league players are allowed to “play down” on Recreational teams. Any abuse of the player pass guidelines will result in game forfeiture, fines and possible team expulsion.
Rule 303 – Substitutions
Free substitutions will be allowed in all age groups. Teams may substitute with the referee’s permission at on any stoppage. Player substitutions and reentry are unlimited
Rule 304 – Personnel on the Bench
A maximum of 3 non-playing personnel is allowed on each team bench. DOC’s are exempt from this count as long as they can produce their current US Club membership card for the referee.
Rule 305 – Game Day Sheet and Referee Report
Each team must provide the referee, a PSPL Game day sheet and have a complete PSPL Recreational League roster with ALL players listed and pictures available at each game. Prior to start of the match provide a copy of the PSPL Recreational League roster to the opposing team. If a team is not able to produce a PSPL Recreational League roster, the game shall be played under protest with grounds for forfeiture and/or a fine.
“Player pass” players must be noted on the PSPL Game Sheet and must be highlighted on the PSPL Recreational League Roster.
The Game day sheet can be downloaded from the Puget Sound Premier League web site, located at www.PugetSoundPremierLeague.com.
At the conclusion of the game, the referee will complete the document and return the Home Team Game day sheet and roster to the visiting team and the vice versa. These documents shall serve as the Official Score Report and should be retained through the completion of league play.
Note: Rule 305 does not apply for Mod U-7 to U-10
Rule 306 – Official Score Report
The game score as reported on the PSPL Game day sheet and Referee Report shall be recorded on the PSPL web site after each match by both teams of each game. Both teams should keep and file the Game Sheets for future possible reference.
Note: See Rule 611 for Mod reporting specifics
Rule 307 – No-Shows
Games must start no later than 10 minutes after the posted start time on the PSPL website. Teams must start the game with the required minimum number of players for that age group. For U11 teams a minimum of 6 players must be on the field to start and end a game. U12 and above a minimum of 7 players must be on the field at the start and the end of the game... Games not starting by the time the “grace period” has ended will be deemed a forfeit.
Rule 307A –Forfeits
Forfeited games will result in a 1-0 loss for the team forfeiting the match. Teams that forfeit a match will be levied a $150 fine and possible removal from further league play for a period determined by the league office. The league reserves right to impose stiffer penalties. The forfeiting team must submit payment of the fine within 10 days of the forfeit to the league office. Teams may appeal the fine by submitting a letter with the circumstances along with the fine. The League will review all appeals at the end of each season. If the appeal is granted a portion of the fine may be returned to the team.
Rule 308 – Incomplete Games
In the event a game cannot be completed, the game counts if one-half the game was completed. If the match is suspended prior to the expiration of one half, the game shall be replayed at a time agreed upon by the competing teams in consultation with the league office.
Rule 308A – Game Abandonment
Any game that has been abandoned by the Referee for issues outside of an “act of God” may result in a forfeit and fine imposed upon the team causing the abandonment. The league office must be informed and will determine whether score stands or forfeit and fine is assessed.
Rule 309 – Sideline Etiquette
If field space allows, coaches and players should be on the same sideline opposite parents and spectators.
Parents and spectators are expected to behave appropriately and respectfully at all times during the match. Unruly or irresponsible behavior identified by a referee could lead to a team’s forfeit of points and/or a monetary fine.
Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their parents/sideline. If the league receives reports of unsportsmanlike conduct from any spectators on a sideline the league reserves the right to fine the club or take further action as necessary.
Game Officials
Rule 400 – Match officials
Match officials must be licensed USSF Referees. The match officials for PSRL games will be assigned by contracted referee assignors, and consist of three officials for matches U-11 and up.
Rule 401 – Assignment of match officials
Match officials shall be assigned by the contracted referee assignors. Officials are to be USSF certified for the current calendar year. Use of non-certified referees in anything other than a no show situation may be considered a forfeit by the home team and subject to a $150 fine from the league for each occurrence.
Rule 401A – No show of Officials
Failure of a match official to appear will not constitute canceling of a match. If both teams can agree on a substitute, coaches must sign the game sheet prior to the start of the game. Neither team may protest the outcome of the match. If a coach feels that playing that the match without a licensed referee is a safety issue for the players then both teams must work to reschedule the match. It is the responsibility of the home team to reschedule the match with agreement of the other team.
If the team cannot find a time the league office will assist.
Rule 500 – League Discipline
A): A player sendoff (red card) will result in a minimum of a one (1) game suspension. A send off as a result of two cautions will result in the player being suspended for the next match. If a player is sent off during the weekend, they may not play the remainder of the weekend. Games sat out that weekend count against the suspension, as long as noted on the game day sheet and/or Referee Game Report as such. Any team using suspended players will be disciplined the same as using illegal players. The League office must be notified of the sendoff within 24 hours by the home team. For more information on red cards please see rule 530.
B): Coaches and or Club Officials that have been ejected from a game may be subject to additional disciplinary action as determined by the league office. At a minimum the coach/club official will receive a two-week suspension. All team expulsions apply to ALL teams that coach or team official is associated with.
C): A coach, club or league official has a right to a hearing within 30 days if the suspension is more than 5 weeks. Coaches are not to be present on the sideline or at the field during the time of their suspension, nor anywhere near the field. If a coach is ejected more than twice in one season, or found to be present on the sidelines during the suspension, the club will be fined up to $450 and the particular team will lose points.
Rule 501 – Assault or Abuse of Participants
A. When any person shall assault or abuse a participant (as defined by B) below) within PSPL the matter shall be brought directly before the PSPL Appeals Committee. (Note that assault or abuse of a referee by a player, coach, manager, club official or game official is subject to the jurisdiction of the PSPL Appeals Committee under the specific definitions and procedures of USSF Policy 531-9 -- Misconduct toward Game Officials.) Nothing herein shall prevent a referee from carding a player or cautioning/ejecting a participant, or from the PSPL Disciplinary Committee imposing sanctions against a participant under its rules, even if the incident involved assault or abuse.
B. A participant, for the purposes of this specific rule, shall be defined as a registered player, the parent, relative or guardian of a registered player, a coach, assistant coach, trainer or team manager, a spectator, an officer of a Club, Association, or member of the Board of Directors of PSPL, Association, referee, and any other person required to have Risk Management acceptance.
C. (1) (i) Assault is an intentional act of physical violence at or upon an individual.
(ii) For purposes of this specific rule, “intentional act” shall mean an act intended to bring about a result which will invade the interests of another individual in a way that is socially unacceptable.
(iii) Outside of practice and match activity, a “socially unacceptable” act includes (but is not limited to) touching which the victim considers invasion of personal space or makes the victim feel uncomfortable or threatened. Unintended consequences of the act are irrelevant.
(iv) During practice or games, “socially unacceptable” acts include violent acts during games and practices which exceed all reasonably acceptable sporting behavior.
(2) Assault includes, but is not limited to the following acts committed upon an individual: hitting, kicking, punching, choking, spitting on, grabbing or bodily running into an individual; head butting; the act of kicking or throwing any object at an individual that could inflict injury; damaging an individual’s clothing or personal property, i.e. car, equipment, etc.
D. (1) Abuse is a verbal statement or physical act not resulting in bodily contact which implies or threatens physical harm to an individual or their personal property.
(2) Abuse includes, but is not limited to the following acts committed upon an individual: using foul or abusive language toward an individual that implies or threatens physical harm; spewing any beverage on an individual’s personal property; spitting at (but not on) an individual; or verbally threatening an individual.
(3) Abuse shall include, but not be limited to, racial, ethnic, and religious or gender slurs directed at one or more individuals.
(4) Verbal threats are remarks that carry the implied or direct threat of physical harm. Such remarks as “I’ll get you after the game” or “You won’t get out of here in one piece” shall be deemed abuse.
E. (1) Assault or abuse may be grounds for suspension or ban from further participation and membership in PSPL or any affiliated Member Association, club or team. Such authority shall supersede any and all other penalty codes or rules. A temporary suspension will be imposed immediately upon the verification of an allegation of assault or abuse until a hearing is held and the decision is published by the hearing chair.
Minimum penalties and periods of suspension shall be as follows:
(i) Except as provided below, for any assault, at least one (1) year from the time of the assault;
(ii) For a minor or slight touching of the individual or their personal property, a minimum of three (3) months;
(iii)For an assault committed by an adult upon an individual seventeen (17) years of age or younger, at least three (3) years;
(iv) For a minor or slight touching committed by an adult upon an individual (17) years of age or younger, at least 6 months/years.
(v) For an assault when serious injuries are inflicted, at least five (5) years.
(vi) In the case of assault, shorter periods may not be provided but, if circumstances warrant, a longer period may be provided (e.g., habitual offenders with two (2) or more incidents of suspension).
(vii) The minimum suspension for abuse shall be three (3) matches. Longer periods may be provided when circumstances warrant (e.g., habitual offenders with two (2) or more incidents of suspension).
Disciplinary regulations
Rule 520 – Suspensions
The league office shall have the authority to suspend, fine or disqualify players, team officials or competing clubs for violating league rules, or for any action or conduct not in the best interest of soccer or the PSPL. For more information on red cards please see rule 530.
Rule 521 – Disciplinary Panel
A panel of individuals from the league office shall conduct the review of disciplinary issues. Such panels will consist of at least one licensed referee official.
Rule 530 – Game-Suspension Procedures
Team Responsibility - Teams are responsible for ensuring that any of their players (Red Card) or coaches (Expulsion) who have received a red card or “expulsion” serve the appropriate suspension immediately. The referee who issued the red card or “expulsion” (of a coach) is required to file their report within 48 hours detailing the infractions leading to the red card or “expulsion”.
The PSPL Disciplinary Committee will determine the length of the suspension from the referee’s report and the severity of the infraction. Again, the suspension is immediate and the player or coach is suspended from (at minimum) the next game either the coach or player is involved with regardless or not if the offender receives notification from the PSPL of the suspension. Following any further investigation, the PSPL Disciplinary Committee will indicate if any changes to the length of the suspension were made in the charging letter/e-mail sent to the team/club. .
Club officials may submit evidence related to misconducts directly to discipline@pugetsoundpremierleague.com, prior to Wednesday of the week following the match. The discipline committee will consider any evidence and may, at their discretion, determine if a hearing is required. A charging record will be sent to the coach and manager of the team (for player send-offs) and to DOC / club president for Team official expulsions.
Referee Responsibility - All Club referees must provide misconduct report via Ridgestar web reporting to the PSPL. Instructions for electronic reporting are on the PSPL website.
Red Cards and Coach send offs:
All Red carded players are automatically suspended for at minimum, one game. The Disciplinary Committee will review and could consider additional suspensions depending on the severity of the offense.. The suspension is effective immediately.
For Coaches’ expulsions are an automatic 1 week suspension with the Disciplinary committee review that could bring additional suspensions. Please note: for Coaches the suspension carries over into all PSPL age groups and/or Games the coach is coaching. In the case of a coach who coaches multiple teams, if Coach A receives a sendoff for his/her U12 Girls game and Coach A has a game with his/her U15 Boys team – Coach A is unable to coach that match.
Modified Soccer (U7 – U10) – Additional Guidelines, Rules and Procedures
Rule 601 – Mod Playing Venue and Game Lengths
A. Field Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater that the length of the goal line. All interior markings must comply with FIFA with exceptions noted below. No penalty mark to be used.
· U-7: The maximum length is 35 yards and the minimum length is 30 yards. The maximum width is 25 yards and the minimum width is 20 yards. The penalty area shall be 6 yards. No penalty mark shall be used. The center circle shall be 6 yards.
· U-8: The maximum length is 40 yards and the minimum length is 35 yards. The maximum width is 25 yards and the minimum width is 20 yards. The penalty area shall be 6 yards. The center circle shall be 6 yards.
· U-9: The maximum length is 45 yards and the minimum length is 35 yards. The maximum width is 30 yards and the minimum width is 25 yards. The penalty area shall be 10 yards. The center circle shall be 10 yards.
· U-10: The maximum length is 55 yards and the minimum length is 35 yards. The maximum width is 35 yards and the minimum width is 30 yards. The goal area shall be 6 yards; the penalty area shall be 14 yards. The center circle shall be 10 yards.
B. Goal sizes:
· U-7: Goal size maximum 4' high by 6' wide. Recommend pop-up style 3' x 5'
· U-8: Goal size maximum 6’ high by 8’ wide. Recommend 4' x 6'
· U-9 & U-10: Goal size maximum 8’ high by 12’ wide. Recommend 6.5' x 12'
Portable goals must be secured (eg. Sand bags or staked-down to ensure player safety at all times)
C: Game length and Ball Size:
· U-7 will play 2x20 minutes with a 5-minute halftime and a size three ball
· U-8 will play 2x25 minutes with a 5-minute halftime and a size three ball
· U-9 will play 2x25 minutes with a 5-minute halftime and a size four ball
· U-10 will play 2x25 minutes with a 5-minute halftime and a size four ball
Rule 602 – Mod Rosters
· U-7: Teams will play with 3 players on the field (no goalkeeper) with a maximum roster size of 6.
· U-8: Teams will play with 4 players on the field with a maximum roster size of 8.
· U-9: Teams will play with 5 players on the field with a maximum roster size of 9.
· U-10: Teams will play with 6 players on the field with a maximum roster size of 10.
Summary Table of Rules 601 and 602
|
|
Field size |
Goal size |
Ball Size |
Field Players |
Roster Size |
Game Duration |
|
U-7 |
20/25x30/35 |
4x6 |
#3 |
3 (no GK) |
6 |
20 |
|
U-8 |
20/25x35/40 |
6x8 |
#3 |
4 |
8 |
25 |
|
U-9 |
25/30x35/45 |
8x12 |
#4 |
5 |
9 |
25 |
|
U-10 |
30/35x35/55 |
8x12 |
#4 |
6 |
10 |
25 |
Rule 603 – Mercy Rule for ages U-9 and below.
If the score differential reaches 5 goals then the coach of the team with fewer goals may add one player to the field. If the goal differential returns to 4 goals then the additional player must be removed from the field. Adding and removing the player must be done according to substitution rules.
It is the responsibility of the coaches to adhere to this PSRL policy. The referees may remind the coach, but it is not their responsibility to bring this to the coach’s attention or force the coaches to take the necessary steps.
Tips on how to avoid running the score up:
· Place stronger players in defensive positions and keep them from crossing center line.
· Substitute out strong players and primary goal scorers
· Pass a minimum of 5 times on each possession prior to shooting.
· Take all shots from outside of the penalty area.
· Play one player short in the midfield or forward.
Rule 604 – Mod Substitutions
A. Substitutions may be made, with consent of the referee:
B. The number of substitutes shall be unlimited. Each player should play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. Substitutions will be allowed in order to give an opportunity for all players to get equal playing time and to balance rather than to run up the score.
C. Players not on the field of play must remain two (2) yards behind the touchline and not within the distance of the goal area for the particular age from the corner of the field.
D. A cautioned player shall be substituted for immediately and not return until the next legal substitution.
Rule 605 – Mod Player Equipment
A. ALL PLAYERS SHALL WEAR SHINGUARDS. Socks must be worn up and over the shin guards.
B. All players shall be in uniform to play. A minimum “official” uniform is shirt (with a number). Goalkeepers shall wear shirt/vest colors that distinguish them from field players.
C. Standard approved soccer shoes or gym shoes must be worn by all players.
D. A player shall not wear anything that may be dangerous to other players or to themselves.
E. A player may wear extra protective clothing against the cold, including gloves without dangerous, protruding or hard objects, provided that:
F. A player wearing a cast or splint may be permitted to play with doctor’s note approving and the cast or splint is completely covered by a thick layer of soft material.
G. No player shall be allowed to play with an injury or a known medical condition, which can be aggravated by playing.
H. Protective orthopedic devices, prosthetic devices and any equipment, gear, appliance or apparatus that is protective for a known medical condition may be provided that:
· The equipment, gear, device appliance or apparatus has been approved by a licensed physician, prostheticist, therapist or other practitioner trained or licensed to prescribe, design, select and/or fit such devices;
Rule 606– Modified Officiating
The home team will be responsible for providing referees. In the event that a referee is not present, both coaches will mutually agree upon one. If one cannot be agreed upon, each coach will referee one-half. Assistant Referees may be used whenever possible to assist the referee.
Rule 607 – Charging the Goalkeeper
In all U-10 and below games: No player shall make physical contact with the goalkeeper, harass the goalkeeper or attempt to play the ball once the goalkeeper has control of the ball in any manner and to any degree whatsoever.
Note: Also included in “having control of the ball” is the goalkeeper holding the ball on the ground with one or both hands.
Rule 608 – Basic and Modified Game Procedures
Start of Play:
1. The ball will be placed at the center of the field by the referee and the game will start with one player taking a kick into the opponent’s half of the field, after a given signal by the referee. At the time of the kickoff, every player will be in his/her half of the field but outside the center circle.
2. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward. The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched or played by another player. PUNISHMENT: For any infraction of these laws the kickoff shall be retaken.
3. A goal shall not be scored directly from a kickoff without the ball being touched by at least one other player on either team.
B. Restart of Play:
1. After a goal has been scored, the game shall be restarted in
like manner by a player of the team that gave up the goal.
2. To start the second half, the game will be restarted with the kickoff by a player of the opposite team to that of the player who started the game.
3. Restarting play after temporary delay: In the case of a temporary suspension due to an injury or any unusual situation, if one team is clearly in possession of the ball, the game shall be restarted by an indirect free kick by the team in possession of the ball at the point where the ball was when play was suspended. Should there not be clear possession at the time play is suspended due to an injury or any unusual situation, there will be a drop ball at the spot where the ball was declared dead. The ball shall be deemed “in play” when the ball has touched the ground.
Ball in and Out of Play:
4. The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or whole touchline, whether it is on the ground or in the air,
5. The ball is out of play, when the referee has stopped the game.
C. Method of Scoring:
1. A goal is scored when the whole of the ball has crossed the whole of the goal line on the ground or in the air between the goal posts and under the cross bar.
2. A goal may not be scored from a team’s defensive half.
D. Offside Rule:
1. While the offside rule will not strictly apply to any U-9 and below game, the intent of the rule will be followed. Positioning a player in front of the opponent’s goal irrespective of the location of the ball on the field is contrary to the aims of the program. The referee shall take appropriate action to prevent this kind of play (an indirect kick to the offended team and instructional statements to the violating players and coach.
2. U-10 and above teams will play with the offside’s rule. The referees will call the rules and the proper penalties will be assessed.
E. Fouls and Misconduct:
1. FREE KICKS: Free kicks shall be classified under two headings: “Direct,” from which a goal can be scored by a direct kick against the offending side and “Indirect,” from which a goal cannot be scored unless the ball has been played or touched by a player other than the kicker before passing through the goal.
2. NO DIRECT KICKS SHALL BE AWARDED AT U-9 AND BELOW. ONLY INDIRECT KICKS WILL BE USED
3. No Penalty Kicks will be granted at U-9 and below
4. A DIRECT KICK (U10) shall be awarded for the following nine intentionally committed offenses:
§ Kicking an opponent
§ Tripping an opponent
§ Jumping at an opponent
§ Charging an opponent in a violent or dangerous manner
§ Charging an opponent from behind
§ Striking an opponent
§ Holding an opponent
§ Pushing an opponent
§ Handling the ball, with the exception of the goalie, in the designated area
Rule 609– Coaching
A. The coach is responsible for his own behavior as well as that of his players and spectators. Discuss what you expect of parents during games. Remember this is just for fun.
B. Every player must play in each game at least 50% of the playing time unless they are not able to play due to illness or injury.
C. All coaches should attend an appropriate level-coaching clinic prior to the start of the regular season.
D. Coaching must be done in a civil manner and the tone of voice will be informational and encouraging, not demanding or critical.
a. It is every coach’s obligation and duty to attend coaching and referee clinics in order to acquire information that, in turn, may be passed on to the players. Below are recommended clinics for the indicated age groups:
E. Contact the visiting coach at least three days before the scheduled game to reaffirm the time, directions to the field, and to share team colors (home team changes jersey color if visiting team is the same color). If the visiting coach is not contacted he/she should contact the home team coach.
F. Make sure that you have a game ball properly inflated before the game starts.
G. Make sure that all of your players are properly equipped, fit and emotionally ready to play.
H. In case of injuries during the game, assure that the player is properly attended to. Check his/her condition after the game and follow up with a call to the home in the evening.
I. In the event an injured player requires medical attention, he/she must have a written release from the doctor before returning to practice or play with the team.
J. Proper warm up of all players should take place for approximately 20-30 minutes prior to the start of the game.
K. At home games, you are responsible for field preparation (check with your club officials)
L. Prior to the start of the game, meet and greet the visiting coach. After the game, exchange with them some friendly, positive comments. Be sure to thank the referees and shake their hands. Have the players line up at the center of the field to shake hands with the opposing players.
Rule 610 – Modified Official Score Report
The game result is to be reported by the winning team via update on their team page or via the score reporting system. In event of a tie both teams should report the score. Report actual scores of the match but note standings page will be capped at a 5 goals.
Code of Conduct
Do not tarnish the game of soccer, the PSPL, US Club Soccer, USSF, your club, your team, yourself, your family.
Additional Rules, amendments and considerations
Summary of Disciplinary Actions for Misconduct
Players guilty of the following offenses shall be cautioned (Yellow Card):
· Unsporting behavior
· Persistent infringement
· Entering/Leaving the field w/o permission
· Dissent
· Delaying play
Players guilty of the following offenses shall be sent off (Red Card)
· Violent conduct or behavior
· Serious foul
· Offensive, insulting or abusive language
· Denying a goal by unlawful means
· Second caution
Sportsmanship and Soccer Customs
Some informal customs have developed in the world of soccer. These are courtesies and not specific rules that can be enforced, however they demonstrate the spirit of fair play.
1. When a player is injured, he or she stays down, at least on one knee, to indicate that the injury is severe enough that play should stop and they should leave the field.
2. If other players recognize the injury and the referee has not stopped the game, the players may stop play by kicking the ball out of bounds. When the injured player has left the field, the team that is awarded the throw-in is expected to throw the ball back to a player on the team that kicked the ball out. The thrown in should be in neutral parts of the field.
3. Players do not expect opponents or referees to stop clear goal scoring opportunities unless the injury appears to be very serious in nature and is likely to require immediate attention.
Referee protocols for Unruly Spectators or Coaches
Spectators and Coaches should treat referees with respect. In general referees do not show cards to unruly spectators or coaches. Referees are trained to give a private warning. Coaches are responsible for the spectators of their team. The coach is advised that the behavior must stop or the persons will be asked to leave the field of play. If the public warning is ignored, the referee can ask the coach to leave or have the coach advise the spectator to leave the field. In the event that the coach or spectator does not leave the field, the coach will be advised that the referee may call the game and award the win to the other team by default.
Any misconduct that required a warning by the referee must be reported to the PSPL disciplinary board, using the conduct reporting form.
Miscellaneous Reporting Forms
Reports of Rules Violations (formerly Misconduct and violation report form)
Any complaints against another team for violations of league rules or administrative policies should be submitted using the Misconduct and Violations Form found on the PSPL homepage.
Protests (Misapplication of the Laws of the Game)
Any protest must be documented on the game day sheet and noted by the Referee no later than the completion of the match. The notice of protest needs to be submitted to the league office within 48 hours. A Protest Form, found on the PSPL home page, must be submitted to the league with the approval of the DOC accompanied by a $150 non-refundable administration fee and any necessary paperwork within 5 days of the match.
Exception Request
If a team seeks an exception to any league rule they must submit an Exception request Form found on the PSPL Homepage. The request will be reviewed by the appropriate committee and a response will be sent within seven days.