SOUTH TEXAS YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION PROPOSED RULE CHANGE #2 (One Change per Form, Please) ****************************************************************** SECTION I: ADD OR CHANGE A RULE Is there currently a rule that applies? X Yes No Primary Page No(s): GENERAL RULES OF PLAY ALL LEVELS AND AGES EXCEPTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO FIFA LAWS Secondary Page No(s): Rule Location: Section in its entirety. Title of Section: Section in its entirety. Rule as it presently reads: Proposed Additions and/or Changes: The General Rules of Play Document is being presented as a complete re-write SECTION II. JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PROPOSED RULE CHANGE: The proposed revisions accommodate the following goals: 1. Provide clarity in the document by placing much of the content in a logical order and inserting tables with content information so that rules are easier to find and understand. 2. Ensuring that this document only includes the exceptions to FIFA play as noted in the title and does not have unnecessary jargon, recommendations/tips, or redundancy. 3. Consolidating all rules of play for all age groups into a similar locations (rather than dividing 11-aside and small-side rules into different locations in the document) so that information/rules are easier to understand and locate. 4. Updating proposed changes to outdated rules where indicated 5. Correcting grammar, punctuation, and other formatting errors in the document *This document is a final draft of the revisions and should be reviewed along with the version which provides notations and explanations of changes and modifications to the document. Submitted by: Rules Revision Committee - 1 -
GENERAL RULES OF PLAY ALL LEVELS AND AGES EXCEPTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO FIFA LAWS Except as otherwise noted in these rules, FIFA Laws will govern the play of all games in STYSA Competitions for youth play. 6.0. AGE GROUPS All South Texas Youth Soccer Association play must be between teams of the same age groups. Age groups are determined by the player s age as of midnight, July 31, of the year in which the player could be registered with STYSA for fall season play.the immediately preceding Registration Period. [RC Note: The CURRENT STYSA Rule 6.0 refers to midnight of July 31, of the year in which the player could be registered with STYSA for Fall season play. This does not match CURRENT STYSA Rule 3.3.2.1, which refers to previous Seasonal Year. Both the current and proposed changes seem to offer confusion. The Rules Committee suggestion uses immediately preceding Registration Period, defined in Rule 3.1.22 as August 1 July 31. The Rules Committee suggested change should be reviewed with the STYSA Registrar and others knowledgeable about registration to determine if it is suitable. This also appears in Rules Change Proposal #1, Rule 3.3.1.] The age groups are as follows: Under 19 years of age Under 18 years of age Under 17 years of age Under 16 years of age Under 15 years of age Under 14 years of age Under 13 years of age Under 12 years of age Under 11 years of age Under 10 years of age Under 9 years of age Under 8 years of age Under 7 years of age Under 6 years of age Under 5 years of age Under 4 years of age [RC Comment: The age groups are specified in the revised Rule 3.3.1 under Rules Change Proposal #1. As that rule governs team formation in more detail, the duplicate statement here could be deleted. ] [RC Comment: In any event, the Executive Committee and Governing Board must avoid inconsistency between this Rule 6.0 and Rule 3.3.1, as they cover the same issues. If either proposal is not adopted, then a corrective amendment of the other proposal is needed, to coordinate the two rules as actually in effect.] Any coach or assistant coach who is responsible for knowingly playing an ineligible player will be subject to suspension from participation in any STYSA sanctioned program. Age groups can be combined at the discretion of the association/club as needed (exe.g.,. U10-12) or include brackets to combine age groups. [RC Note: This edit corrects the cross-reference usage. The actual proposed rule as stated here should be clarified by the proponent, as the include brackets clause seems to duplicate the combine age groups clause. Is there a difference intended, and if so, what is it?] - 2 -
6.1. SPECIAL RULES OF PLAY Under-4 through Under-19 Age Groups EXCEPTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO FIFA LAWS 6.1.0 Age Group a. A player with his / her parent s and coach s permission, and in compliance with the local association playing rules, may play in an older age group; however. [RC Note: This however usage does not fit grammatically with the new sentence in the following part b.] b. Except as provided herein, no player may play in a younger age group thant the age group for which he/she is eligible. For Division III players only, if a medical condition exists (substantiated in writing by a licensed physician with no family relationship to player, that will prohibit or severely hinder a player from playing in his/her own age group, the player may seek special approval from his/her Local Association / Club Board and Member Association to allow the player to play down in a younger age group. All requests must be submitted to and approved by the STYSA Executive Committee prior to the player s first game. c. Age groups Under-12 and younger shall be permitted to play with a number of players fewer than that specified in the FIFA Laws of the Game. [RC comment: The committee did not understand why the medical condition play-down option of part b here applies only to Division III and not to Division IV, which could well have similar situations. Could that medical condition option apply in both Division III and Division IV?] 6.1.1. Law I. Number of Players Age Maximum # of players Rostered* Minimum # of players Rostered Maximum # of Players on the field per team Minimum # of players on the field per team to avoid forfeit U16-U19 * * 11 7 U13-U15 * * 11 7 U12/U11 * * 8 6 U10/U9 * * 8 (if playing 8v8) 6 (if playing 8v8) 6 (if playing 6v6) 4 (if playing 6v6) U8/U7 * * 7 (if playing 7v7) 5 (if playing 7v7) 4 (if playing 4v4) 2 (if playing 4v4) U6/U5/U4 * * 4 3 *Maximum and minimum number of players rostered to a team to be determined by the national, state and local competition. For teams participating in state competitions, please refer to the competition rules. Local competition rules can be set by the local association or club. If permitted not prohibited by the rules of by the competition, coaches can agree, prior to the game, to adjust the environment as needed so that a forfeit can be avoided or game can be played even if a forfeit does occur. Playing a game pursuant to such an agreement does not alter a forfeiture that otherwise would occur. This can be accomplished by borrowing eligible players from the other team and adjusting both teams to make the teams even. - 2 -
6.1.2. Law II. Playing Time & Substitution Requirements Playing Time Requirements: Division Playing time requirements Exceptions Division I SuperSuper II, Division II, Division III, Division IV and Academy No minimum playing time for each registered player 50% Due to Illness or Disciplinary reasons.* [RC Note: The e of Super was deleted in the proposal.] *In the event that a player is present but will not be playing, the coach must inform the opposing coach and game officials as well as noting on the game card that the player will not be playing. Substitution Rules: Prior permission of the referee is required: On a throw-in (by the team in possession) On a goal kick (by either team) Permission of the referee is not required: After any goal (by either team) After stoppage of play for an injury (either team) The resumption of play after the half time break At half time (by either team) After a caution (the player receiving the caution) [RC Note: This table appears properly when printed, but is inexplicably condensed on this redline. IN THE TABLE, delete from Prior permission is required the entry for At half time (by either team) but change the entry under Permission is not required to read: The resumption of play after the half time (except with respect to a change of goalkeeper). ] 6.1.3 Law III. Field of Play and Exceptions and Additions to FIFA Laws U5-U19 The association / club / league which controls the fields shall determine the location of the teams, players, coaches, fans and supporters in relation to the field and each other. Field dimensions, goal sizes, and all necessary field markings will follow USSF, USYS, and STYSA rules and recommended guidelines. Field of Play and Technical Areas are also subject to national, state and local competition rules. [RC Note: Edit here adds an omitted word.] Each member association is responsible for establishing a system of yearly inspection of goals utilized by its member clubs, leagues and associations. A statement shall be provided to STYSA with the submission of fall registration that the goals have been inspected prior to the beginning of the fall season and found to be in safe condition. A statement or form and criteria shall be established by STYSA for a standardized procedure of inspection. The statement shall be signed by an officer of the member - 3 -
U9-U10 U11-U12 U13-U19 association. This requirement must be met or the member association shall not be in good standing. Field Size (W) 50 x (L) 100 yards 100 x130 yards (W) 55-70 x (L) 110-130 yards (suggested) Goals 24 x 8 feet Center Circle 10 yards in radius 18 x 44 yards 6 x 20 yards 12 yards and perpendicular from the midpoint of the goal line 10 yards radius form the penalty spot The FIFA Rule shall Apply Field Size (W) 40 x (L) 60 yards (W) 70 x (L) 90 yards Goals 18 x 6 feet 21 x 7 feet Center circle 8 yards in radius 14 x 35 yards 6 x 19 yards 9 yards and perpendicular from the midpoint of the goal line Restarts Conform to FIFA with the exception of the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play. 8 yards radius form the penalty spot The FIFA Rule shall apply Field Size (W) 40 x (L) 60 yards (W) 60 x (L) 80 yards (8-a-side) (8-a-side) (W) 30 x (L) 50 yards (W) 40 x (L) 60 yards (6-a-side) (6-a-side) Goals 21 x 7 feet (8-a-side) 18 x 6 (6-a-side) Center circle 8 yards in radius (8-a-side) 7 yards in radius (6-a-side) 14 x 35 yards (8-a-side) 12 x 25 yards (6-a-side) 6 x 19 yards (8-a-side) 4 x 16 yards (6-a-side) 9 yards and perpendicular from the midpoint of the goal line (8-aside) 8 yards and perpendicular from the midpoint of the goal line (6-aside) 8 yards radius form the penalty spot (8-a-side) 7 yards radius form the penalty spot (6-a-side) Restarts Conform to FIFA with the exception of the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play (8-a-side) and six (6) yards from the ball if playing 6-a-aside. The FIFA Rule shall apply - 4 -
U5-U6 U7-U8 Field Size (W) 30 x (L) 50 yards (W) 50 x (L) 70 yards (7-a-side) (7-a-side) (W) 20 x (L) 40 yards (W) 40 x (L) 60 yards (4-a-side) (4-a-side) Goals 15 x 5 feet or 18 x 6 feet (7-a-side) 12 x 6 feet or hockey goals (4-a-side) Center circle 8 yards in radius (7-a-side) 5 yards in radius (4-a-side) 14 x 35 yards (7-a-side) none (4-a-side) 6 x 19 yards (7-a-side) 3 x 3 (4-a-side) If playing 7v7 no penalty shots for fouls within penalty area. If playing 4v4 no penalty area none Fouls All fouls shall be penalized with indirect kicks Restarts From the point of taking an indirect kick or corner kick, opponents shall not be any closer than 6 yards if playing 7v7 or 5 yards if playing 4v4 Throw-ins If there is an infraction of the FIFA throw-in rules, the player throwing the ball in shall receive one additional throw-in after a correcting instruction from referee. If the player violates the FIFA rule on his/her second attempt then the opposing team shall be awarded a throw-in The rule shall be interpreted liberally; however, no player may play in an obvious offside position in front of or near the goal such as a designated scorer if playing 7v7. If playing 4v4, there shall be no offside. Goalkeeper If Playing 7v7 there shall be a goalkeeper. If playing 4v4 there is no goalkeeper. Field Size (W) 15 x (L) 20 yards (W) 20 x (L) 30 yards Goals Goals shall be approximately 4 feet tall by 6 feet wide. Hockey goals may be used. Cones spaced 6 feet apart may be used. Center circle 3 yards in radius none None none none Fouls There shall be no penalty shots. All fouls shall be penalized with indirect kicks. Restarts From the point of taking an indirect kick or corner kick, opponents shall not be any closer than 3 yards. - 5 -
Throw-ins Goalkeeper If there is an infraction of the FIFA throw-in rules, the player throwing the ball in shall receive one additional throw-in after a correcting instruction from referee. If the player violates the FIFA rule on his/her second attempt then the opposing team shall be awarded a throw-in. Some associations may elect to play without throw-ins. In such cases, the ball will be returned to play by an indirect kick taken from the touchline where the ball exited the field of play. STYSA- sanctioned tournaments will use the throw-in. There shall be no offside There will be no goalkeeper Technical Areas- If there is a Technical Area marked for each team, it will include, but not be limited to, that team s bench area. Coaches, players, and eligible adults permitted to be present with the team must remain within the markings and within their half, except for substitution and warm-up. If both teams are assigned to one side of the field, only coaches, players, and eligible adults permitted to be present with the team may be within the Technical Area. 6.1.4 Law IV. Ball Ball sizes for the age groups will follow the chart below and USSF/USYS rules and recommended guidelines. Ball Size Age Size U13-U19 5 U12/U11 4 U10/U9 4 U8/U7 3 U6/U4 3 6.1.5 Law V. Length of Games Age U19 U17/U18 U15/U16 U13/U14 U12/U11 U10/U9 U8/U7 U6/U5/U4 Length of Games Time Two Forty Five (45) minute halves/5 min half Two Forty Five (45) minute halves/5 min half Two Forty (40) minute halves/5 min half Two Thirty Five (35) minute halves/5 min half Two Thirty (30) minute halves/5 min half Two Twenty Five (25) minute halves/5 min half Four Ten (10) minute quarters Four Eight (8) minute quarters - 6 -
If deemed necessary, competition officials, coaches and/or referees may adjust the length of games due to weather conditions (i.e. water breaks) or may adjust based on the nature of the competition. 6.1.6 Law VI. Player Equipment a. All players will wear shin guards which are commercially produced and specifically designed to provide protection to the shins. b. No player will be allowed to play with a hard cast (padded or otherwise), nor will any player be allowed to play with any brace (knee or otherwise) that contains exposed metal or hard plastics, unless it is wrapped with a minimum of ½ inch high-density foam wrapping or the manufacturer s recommended protective coating. c. Bandannas of any style may not be worn during any game. Players may not wear a bandanna either on their heads, legs or arms. Exceptions may be made at the local level for medical reasons. d. The Players Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams. 6.1.7 Law VII. Referees The referee s judgment decisions shall be final in all matters concerning the rules governing the playing of the game, the playability of the field and the appropriateness of the uniforms. At the completion of the match, the referee shall have each coach sign the game report and submit the game report to the competition representative. For rrules pertaining to the number of players on the field to avoid forfeit will be determined by the national, state and local competition. Also see Law I, Rule. 6.1.1. [RC Note: Edited to add a rule reference.] Unless an agreement can be made prior to the match (see Law I, 6.1.1.). It shall be the duty of the referee to declare a forfeit in the event that a team has less than the required minimum number of players on the field ready to play within 15 minutes after the game was scheduled to start. If neither team has the required number, it shall be a double forfeit and shall be scored as a loss for both teams. In the event that the referee rules that the field is not playable, or that the uniforms are inappropriate, then he should note these facts on the game report and have each coach sign it. [RC Note: Delete the text on forfeiture declared by referee. The Committee understands that a referee does not determine a forfeit. That is governed by the rules of competition. The referee would only note facts on the referee s report. This deletion also coordinates with the agreement to play change proposed in Rule 6.1.1. The Rules Committee received input on referee authority under FIFA laws, which included the following: Per FIFA Laws of the game (Law 5) the Referee only has the authority to stop, suspend or abandon a match. (Law 7) Any abandoned match is to be replay unless determined otherwise by a competition authority. The referee can only determine if the game is played due to number of starting or continuing players. The situation/conditions that resulted in that have to be evaluated by the competition authority before a decision can be made regarding forfeiture. The Executive Committee should consult as needed for coordination with FIFA and other Laws.] - 7 -
A game card will be completed by the referee for all play within STYSA. This card will, at a minimum, contain the following: ** Association, age group, division, game location, date, game time ** Team names and final score ** Cautions (yellow cards) or ejections (red cards) issued, by team with player / name ** Any protest noted and brief basis for those protests ** Prior to each STYSA sanctioned match, each team shall present to the referee the Adult Participation Pass for each Coach and other Eligible Adult who is present. The referee shall record as part of the game card each Adult Participation Pass that is so presented, by marking on the roster next to the name of each Coach (over age 17) or other Eligible Adult who is listed on the roster and is identified on an Adult Participation Pass and by recording on the game card the name of each Coach (over age 17) or other Eligible Adult for whom an Adult Participation Pass is presented but is not on the roster. These game cards are to be retained through the end of the District or STYSA Tournaments. Disputes must be noted on the referee s game report and a complete description of the incident shall be submitted to the appropriate Disciplinary and Protest Representative. 6.1.8 Law VIII- Fouls and Misconduct The FIFA Law with respect to the charging of the goalkeeper shall not apply in youth play. There shall be no charging of the goalkeeper, fairly or unfairly, in STYSA sanctioned competition. Any such act will be considered as dangerous play at the least and punished accordingly. Rules Committee Recommendation: With the corrections and recommendations of the Committee, we think Rules Change Proposal #2 as so revised is in an appropriate form for further consideration by the Executive Committee and the Governing Board. The policy questions raised by the changes are for decision by the Executive Committee and Governing Board. See Rules Committee Report dated May 21, 2015, for more information. Executive Committee Recommendation: Recommend passage as amended. Except as otherwise noted in these rules, FIFA Laws will govern the play of all games in STYSA Competitions for youth play. 6.0. AGE GROUPS All South Texas Youth Soccer Association play must be between teams of the same age groups. Age groups are determined by the player s age as of midnight, July 31, of the year in which the player could be registered with STYSA for fall season play.the immediately preceding Registration Period. [RC Note: The CURRENT STYSA Rule 6.0 refers to midnight of July 31, of the year in which the player could be registered with STYSA for Fall season play. This does not match CURRENT STYSA Rule 3.3.2.1, which refers to previous Seasonal Year. Both the current and proposed changes seem to offer confusion. The Rules Committee suggestion uses immediately preceding Registration Period, defined in Rule 3.1.22 as August 1 July 31. The Rules Committee suggested change should be reviewed with the STYSA - 8 -
Registrar and others knowledgeable about registration to determine if it is suitable. This also appears in Rules Change Proposal #1, Rule 3.3.1.] The age groups are as follows: Under 19 years of age Under 18 years of age Under 17 years of age Under 16 years of age Under 15 years of age Under 14 years of age Under 13 years of age Under 12 years of age Under 11 years of age Under 10 years of age Under 9 years of age Under 8 years of age Under 7 years of age Under 6 years of age Under 5 years of age Under 4 years of age [RC Comment: The age groups are specified in the revised Rule 3.3.1 under Rules Change Proposal #1. As that rule governs team formation in more detail, the duplicate statement here could be deleted. ] [RC Comment: In any event, the Executive Committee and Governing Board must avoid inconsistency between this Rule 6.0 and Rule 3.3.1, as they cover the same issues. If either proposal is not adopted, then a corrective amendment of the other proposal is needed, to coordinate the two rules as actually in effect.] The age groups are as follows: Under 19 years of age Under 18 years of age Under 17 years of age Under 16 years of age Under 15 years of age Under 14 years of age Under 13 years of age Under 12 years of age Under 11 years of age Under 10 years of age Under 8 years of age Under 6 years of age Any coach or assistant coach who is responsible for knowingly playing an ineligible player will be subject to suspension from participation in any STYSA sanctioned program. Age groups can be combined at the discretion of the association/club as needed (exe.g.,. U10-12) or include brackets to combine age groups. [RC Note: This edit corrects the cross-reference usage. The actual proposed rule as stated here should be clarified by the proponent, as the include brackets clause seems to duplicate the combine age groups clause. Is there a difference intended, and if so, what is it?] 6.1. SPECIAL RULES OF PLAY Under-4 through Under-19 Age Groups EXCEPTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO FIFA LAWS 6.1.0 Age Group d. A player with his / her parent s and coach s permission, and in compliance with the local association playing rules, may play in an older age group; however. [RC Note: This however usage does not fit grammatically with the new sentence in the following part b.] e. Except as provided herein, no player may play in a younger age group thant the age group for which he/she is eligible. For Division III players only, if a medical condition exists (substantiated in writing by a licensed physician with no family relationship to player, that will prohibit or severely hinder a player from playing in his/her own age group, the player may seek special approval from his/her Local Association / Club Board and Member Association to allow the player to play down in a younger age group. All requests must be submitted to and approved by the STYSA Executive Committee prior to the player s first game. f. Age groups Under-12 and younger shall be permitted to play with a number of players fewer than that specified in the FIFA Laws of the Game. - 9 -
[RC comment: The committee did not understand why the medical condition play-down option of part b here applies only to Division III and not to Division IV, which could well have similar situations. Could that medical condition option apply in both Division III and Division IV?] 6.1.1. Law III. Number of Players Age Maximum # of Players on the field per team Minimum # of players on the field per team to avoid forfeit U16-U19 11 7 U13-U15 11 7 U12/U11 8 6 U10/U9 8 (if playing 8v8) 6 (if playing 6v6) U8/U7 7 (if playing 7v7) 4 (if playing 4v4) 6 (if playing 8v8) 4 (if playing 6v6) 5 (if playing 7v7) 2 (if playing 4v4) U6/U5/U4 4 3 *Maximum and minimum number of players rostered to a team to be determined by the national, state and local competition. For teams participating in state competitions, please refer to the competition rules. Local competition rules can shall be set by the local association or club. If permitted not prohibited by the rules of by the competition, coaches can agree, prior to the game, to adjust the environment as needed so that a forfeit can be avoided or game can be played even if a forfeit does occur. Playing a game pursuant to such an agreement does not alter a forfeiture that otherwise would occur. This can be accomplished by borrowing eligible players from the other team and adjusting both teams to make the teams even. 6.1.2. Law III. Playing Time & Substitution Requirements Playing Time Requirements: Division Playing time requirements Exceptions Under 11-12 all play levels Division I SuperSuper II, Division II, Division III, Division IV and Academy 50% No minimum playing time for each registered player 50% Due to Illness or Disciplinary reasons.* Due to Illness or Disciplinary reasons.* [RC Note: The e of Super was deleted in the proposal.] *In the event that a player is present but will not be playing, the coach must inform the opposing coach and game officials as well as noting on the game card that the player will not be playing. Substitution Rules: - 2 -
U11-U12 U13-U19 Prior permission of the referee is required: On a throw-in (by the team in possession) On a goal kick (by either team) After any goal (by either team) After stoppage of play for an injury (either team) At half time (by either team) After a caution (the player receiving the caution) Permission of the referee is not required: The resumption of play after the half time break [RC Note: This table appears properly when printed, but is inexplicably condensed on this redline. IN THE TABLE, delete from Prior permission is required the entry for At half time (by either team) but change the entry under Permission is not required to read: The resumption of play after the half time (except with respect to a change of goalkeeper). ] 6.1.3 Law I. Field of Play and Exceptions and Additions to FIFA Laws U5-U19 The association / club / league which controls the fields shall determine the location of the teams, players, coaches, fans and supporters in relation to the field and each other. Field dimensions, goal sizes, and all necessary field markings will follow USSF, USYS, and STYSA rules and recommended guidelines. Field of Play and Technical Areas are also subject to national, state and local competition rules. [RC Note: Edit here adds an omitted word.] Technical Areas- If there is a Technical Area marked for each team, it will include, but not be limited to, that team s bench area. Coaches, players, and eligible adults permitted to be present with the team must remain within the markings and within their half, except for substitution and warm-up. If both teams are assigned to one side of the field, only coaches, players, and eligible adults permitted to be present with the team may be within the Technical Area. Field Size (W) 50 x (L) 100 yards 100 x130 yards (W) 55-70 x (L) 110-130 yards (suggested) Goals 24 x 8 feet Center Circle 10 yards in radius 18 x 44 yards 6 x 20 yards 12 yards and perpendicular from the midpoint of the goal line 10 yards radius form the penalty spot The FIFA Rule shall Apply Field Size (W) 40 x (L) 60 yards (W) 70 x (L) 90 yards Goals 18 x 6 feet 21 x 7 feet Center circle 8 yards in radius 14 x 35 yards 6 x 19 yards 9 yards and perpendicular from the midpoint of the goal line Restarts Conform to FIFA with the exception of the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play. - 3 -
U7-U8 U9-U10 8 yards radius form the penalty spot The FIFA Rule shall apply Field Size (W) 40 x (L) 60 yards (W) 60 x (L) 80 yards (8-a-side) (8-a-side) (W) 30 x (L) 50 yards (W) 40 x (L) 60 yards (6-a-side) (6-a-side) Goals 21 x 7 feet (8-a-side) 18 x 6 (6-a-side) Center circle 8 yards in radius (8-a-side) 7 yards in radius (6-a-side) 14 x 35 yards (8-a-side) 12 x 25 yards (6-a-side) 6 x 19 yards (8-a-side) 4 x 16 yards (6-a-side) 9 yards and perpendicular from the midpoint of the goal line (8- a-side) 8 yards and perpendicular from the midpoint of the goal line (6- a-side) Restarts 8 yards radius form the penalty spot (8-a-side) 7 yards radius form the penalty spot (6-a-side) Conform to FIFA with the exception of the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play (8-a-side) and six (6) yards from the ball if playing 6-a-aside. The FIFA Rule shall apply Field Size (W) 30 x (L) 50 yards (W) 50 x (L) 70 yards (7-a-side) (7-a-side) (W) 20 x (L) 40 yards (W) 40 x (L) 60 yards (4-a-side) (4-a-side) Goals 15 x 5 feet or 18 x 6 feet (7-a-side) 12 x 6 feet or hockey goals (4-a-side) Center circle 8 yards in radius (7-a-side) 5 yards in radius (4-a-side) 14 x 35 yards (7-a-side) none (4-a-side) 6 x 19 yards (7-a-side) 3 x 3 (4-a-side) If playing 7v7 no penalty shots for fouls within penalty area. If playing 4v4 no penalty area none Fouls Restarts Throw-ins All fouls shall be penalized with indirect kicks From the point of taking an indirect kick or corner kick, opponents shall not be any closer than 6 yards if playing 7v7 or 5 yards if playing 4v4 If there is an infraction of the FIFA throw-in rules, the player throwing the ball in shall receive one additional throw-in after a correcting instruction from referee. If the player violates the FIFA rule on his/her second attempt then the opposing team shall be awarded a throw-in - 4 -
U5-U6 Goalkeeper The rule shall be interpreted liberally; however, no player may play in an obvious offside position in front of or near the goal such as a designated scorer if playing 7v7. If playing 4v4, there shall be no offside. If Playing 7v7 there shall be a goalkeeper. If playing 4v4 there is no goalkeeper. Field Size (W) 15 x (L) 20 yards (W) 20 x (L) 30 yards Goals Goals shall be approximately 4 feet tall by 6 feet wide. Hockey goals may be used. Cones spaced 6 feet apart may be used. Center circle 3 yards in radius none None none none Fouls There shall be no penalty shots. All fouls shall be penalized with indirect kicks. Restarts From the point of taking an indirect kick or corner kick, opponents shall not be any closer than 3 yards. If there is an infraction of the FIFA throw-in rules, the player throwing the ball in shall receive one additional throw-in after a correcting instruction from referee. If the player violates the FIFA rule on his/her second attempt then the opposing team Throw-ins shall be awarded a throw-in. Some associations may elect to play without throw-ins. In such cases, the ball will be returned to play by an indirect kick taken from the touchline where the ball exited the field of play. STYSA- sanctioned tournaments will use the throw-in. There shall be no offside Goalkeeper There will be no goalkeeper Each member association is responsible for establishing a system of yearly inspection of goals utilized by its member clubs, leagues and associations. A statement shall be provided to STYSA with the submission of fall registration that the goals have been inspected prior to the beginning of the fall season and found to be in safe condition. A statement or form and criteria shall be established by STYSA for a standardized procedure of inspection. The statement shall be signed by an officer of the member association. This requirement must be met or the member association shall not be in good standing. 6.1.4 Law II. Ball Ball sizes for the age groups will follow the chart below and USSF/USYS rules and recommended guidelines. Age Ball Size Size U13-U19 5 U12/U11 4 U10/U9 4 U8/U7 3 U6/U4 3-5 -
6.1.5 Law VII. Length of Games Age U19 U17/U18 U15/U16 U13/U14 U12/U11 U10/U9 U8/U7 U6/U5/U4 Length of Games Time Two Forty Five (45) minute halves/5 min half Two Forty Five (45) minute halves/5 min half Two Forty (40) minute halves/5 min half Two Thirty Five (35) minute halves/5 min half Two Thirty (30) minute halves/5 min half Two Twenty Five (25) minute halves/5 min half Four Ten (10) minute quarters Four Eight (8) minute quarters If deemed necessary, competition officials, coaches and/or referees may adjust the length of games due to weather conditions (i.e. water breaks) or may adjust based on the nature of the competition. 6.1.8 Law IV. Player Equipment e. All players will wear shin guards which are commercially produced and specifically designed to provide protection to the shins. f. No player will be allowed to play with a hard cast (padded or otherwise), nor will any player be allowed to play with any brace (knee or otherwise) that contains exposed metal or hard plastics, unless it is wrapped with a minimum of ½ inch high-density foam wrapping or the manufacturer s recommended protective coating. g. Bandannas of any style may not be worn during any game. Players may not wear a bandanna either on their heads, legs or arms. Exceptions may be made at the local level for medical reasons. h. The Players Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams. 6.1.9 Law V. Referees The referee s judgment decisions shall be final in all matters concerning the rules governing the playing of the game, the playability of the field and the appropriateness of the uniforms. At the completion of the match, the referee shall have each coach sign the game report and submit the game report to the competition representative. For rrules pertaining to the number of players on the field to avoid forfeit will be determined by the national, state and local competition. Also see Law I, Rule. 6.1.1. [RC Note: Edited to add a rule reference.] Unless an agreement can be made prior to the match (see Law I, 6.1.1.). It shall be the duty of the referee to declare a forfeit in the event that a team has less than the required minimum number of players on the field ready to play within 15 minutes after the game was scheduled to start. If neither team has the required number, it shall be a double forfeit and shall be scored as a loss for both teams. In the event that the referee rules that the field is not playable, or that the uniforms are inappropriate, then he should note these facts on the game report and have each coach sign it. [RC Note: Delete the text on forfeiture declared by referee. The Committee understands that a referee does not determine a forfeit. That is governed by the rules of competition. The referee would only note facts on the referee s report. This deletion also coordinates with the agreement to play change proposed in Rule 6.1.1. The Rules Committee received input on referee authority under FIFA laws, which included the following: Per FIFA Laws of the game (Law 5) the Referee only has the authority to stop, suspend or abandon a match. (Law 7) Any abandoned match is to be replay unless determined otherwise by a competition authority. The referee can only determine if the game is played due to number of starting or continuing players. The situation/conditions that resulted in that have to be - 6 -
evaluated by the competition authority before a decision can be made regarding forfeiture. Executive Committee should consult as needed for coordination with FIFA and other Laws.] The A game card will be completed by the referee for all play within STYSA. This card will, at a minimum, contain the following: ** Association, age group, division, game location, date, game time ** Team names and final score ** Cautions (yellow cards) or ejections (red cards) issued, by team with player / name ** Any protest noted and brief basis for those protests ** Prior to each STYSA sanctioned match, each team shall present to the referee the Adult Participation Pass for each Coach and other Eligible Adult who is present. The referee shall record as part of the game card each Adult Participation Pass that is so presented, by marking on the roster next to the name of each Coach (over age 17) or other Eligible Adult who is listed on the roster and is identified on an Adult Participation Pass and by recording on the game card the name of each Coach (over age 17) or other Eligible Adult for whom an Adult Participation Pass is presented but is not on the roster. These game cards are to be retained through the end of the District or STYSA Tournaments. Disputes must be noted on the referee s game report and a complete description of the incident shall be submitted to the appropriate Disciplinary and Protest Representative. 6.1.8 Law XII- Fouls and Misconduct The FIFA Law with respect to the charging of the goalkeeper shall not apply in youth play. There shall be no charging of the goalkeeper, fairly or unfairly, in STYSA sanctioned competition. Any such act will be considered as dangerous play at the least and punished accordingly. - 7 -