Goalies must
wear a goalie shirt, pinnie, or other shirt which distinguishes them from
the rest of the players on the team.
Game play is
four 12 minute quarters.
Prior to the
start of the game, a coin toss will determine who has first ball and which
team has which side of the field.
Game is
played 8 vs. 8
All players
who play for a travel soccer league, must sit out one full quarter. If a
team only has 8 players or is unable to sit all of their travel players due
to a limited number of available substitutes, the coach must discuss with
the referee prior to the start of the game to explain the situation. The
referee will then discuss the situation with the opposing coach. The
referee will make the decision to play the game as 7 vs. 7 or allow the
short handed team to play their travel players as a goalie. This will
count as the travel player sitting out one quarter. A travel player is any
player who plays for a travel soccer team, whether RYAA or another town.
Regular
season games which end in a tie will remain a tie.
Referee is to
explain calls to the offending player(s) during the game as needed.
Offside is
enforced. A player is offside if, while in his attacking half of the field
and not in possession of the ball, he is in front of the ball and there are
fewer than two defenders, including the goalkeeper, between him and the
goal. Offside is only called when an offside player is judged by the referee
to be involved in the development of the play or if the player attempts to
gain an advantage. The defending team is awarded an indirect free kick where
the player was offside.
Improper
throw-ins are not allowed. Ball will be turned over to the opposite team
for improper throw-ins.
Deliberate
handling of the ball is not allowed. Touching the ball unintentionally or in
a protective manner with the hand is permitted.
Defensive
players must be at least 10 yards from the ball on any free kick. An
indirect free kick must be touched/played by a second player (offensive or
defensive) prior to a second touch by the kicker or a goal being scored. A
goal scored without a second touch shall not count and play resumes with a
goal kick. If the kicker plays the ball twice the opposing team is awarded
an indirect kick at the point of infraction.
All
infractions for deliberate handling, tripping, kicking, pushing, and holding
will result in the stoppage of play and an explanation of the offense by the
referee. Play resumes with a direct free kick at the point of the
infraction. A penalty within the penalty box results in a direct free kick
at the point where the infraction occurred. Blatant fouls within the penalty
box may result in a penalty kick at the discretion of the referee. A penalty
kick is taken from the penalty line and is opposed only by the goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper must stay on the goal line until the kick is taken.
All
infractions for dangerous play will result in the stoppage of play and an
explanation of the offense by the referee. Dangerous plays include high
kicks, playing the ball while the player is on the ground. Play resumes with an indirect free kick at the point of the
infraction. NO slide tackling is allowed in any age division"
Intentional /
blatant fouls will result in a yellow card warning or in extreme cases a red
card (send off). A second yellow card results in a red card send off.
A drop ball
will be used at the point of infraction whenever a call is uncertain or for
dual penalties. A drop ball within the penalty box is taken at a point
closest to where the infraction occurred.
A drop ball
is used to restart play for any stoppage of play due to an injury. The drop
ball will take place where play stopped.
Unsportsmanlike conduct, offensive language or gestures result in a yellow
card warning. A second offense results in a red card send off. The ball is
put back in play with a drop ball where play stopped.
If a ball
crosses the sideline in its entirety, it is put back in play with a throw-in
by the opposing team.
If a ball
crosses the goal line in its entirety, it is put back in play with a corner
kick by the offensive team and a goal kick by the defensive team. Corner and
goal kicks must be touched/played by a second player (offensive or
defensive) prior to a second touch by the kicker. A goal kick must leave the
penalty box before being played by another player. A goal kick that does not
leave the penalty box is replayed. For the 7-9s only…The ball may be moved
off the goal box to accommodate weaker players.
Goalkeepers
are permitted to use their hands only inside the penalty box.
A ball
purposely kicked back to the goalkeeper by his teammate may not be played by
the keeper with the hands. If the keeper uses their hands, a direct penalty
kick will be awarded.
Play changes
direction at halftime. Maintain the same direction after the 1st and 3rd
quarter breaks.
The game
clock only stops for injuries. The referee is the official timekeeper.
Players and
coaches will be located on the opposite side of the field from parents and
spectators. Coaches are allowed only between the midline and a point
parallel to the top of the penalty box on his/her own half of the field.
Coaches are not allowed on the field during play. No one is allowed to stand
behind the goal line, including spectators.
Coaches are
not to yell at the referee. For the first offense of the game, a coach will
be warned. If a coach continues to not be able to control him/herself on
the side line, they will be asked to leave the playing area. If a coach
refuses to leave the field, the game will be ended and the opposite team
will be awarded the win. (Pointing out a missed call in a calm and rational
voice is not considered a yell.)
If a team is up by 4 goals, the winning team should
pull a player or allow the other team to add a player. This is a guide
rule. If the game appears to be a blow out from the start, make any
adjustments necessary from the beginning. Keep the games and scores
competitive. No team may win a regular season game by more than 6 goals.
If a team wins a regular season game by more than 6 goals, the winning team
will lose 3 points in the standings,
