Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer Association

RULES AND REGULATIONS - UPDATED August 2010

PREFACE

The Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer Association (WVYSA) exists to foster and perpetuate the game of soccer where fair play and proper sporting behavior will be displayed at all times. The following will be the rules and regulations governing team play in the Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League for the age groups U-6 (under six) through U-18 (under eighteen).

The following clubs are members of the Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League and agree to abide by the following rules: BACK MOUNTAIN, BEAR CREEK, COSMOS, FORTY FORT, HANOVER, KINGSTON, LARKSVILLE, MOUNTAINTOP, NANTICOKE, PLAINS, PLYMOUTH, SKYHAWKS, and STONERS

I. LAWS OF THE GAME AND RULES GOVERNING PLAY

The laws of the game will be governed by the FIFA rule book except where modified herein.

II. BEGINNING OF THE SEASON

Practice may begin on August 1st.

III. FIELD OF PLAY

A. The designated home team (club) in any game is responsible for the preparation of the field before that game. The field should be distinctly lined and goal nets should be provided. Corner flags should be provided where possible.

B. All lines should be adjusted appropriately for downsized fields. All coaches and substitute players must remain within the designated area.

C. A spectator line of two yards deep must be provided parallel to each touch line

D.  Teams and players are to be positioned on one side of the playing field and spectators must be positioned on the opposite side of the field when possible. 

IV. PLAYERS

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

   B Permission must be obtained from WVYSA board in order to receive approval to over roster players on

    a team. A written request is required and the reason for this request must be given

C. Every rostered player present must play a minimum of half the game. This pertains to players playing periods, quarters or freely substituted during U-15/16 and U-17/18 games.

V. EQUIPMENT

A. The use of shin guards is mandatory.

B. Shirts must be tucked into shorts.

C. Socks must be pulled up over shin guards.

D. No metal spikes are allowed.

E. No rings, earrings, necklaces. bracelets or jewelry as well as hard hair clips will be allowed.  Eye glasses and medical alert bracelets will be permitted however these bracelets must be taped to players wrist.

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

G. Coaches should carry ice packs as well as emergency contact information during game day.

VI. REFEREES

A. A licensed FIFA referee is highly recommended for all age levels of play. However, if a licensed FIFA referee is not available or  the assigned referee does not arrive to referee the game, the two coaches must then agree upon a referee for the game. If an agreement cannot be reached, they may choose not to play the game.

B. During U-11 and up it is highly recommended to have two referees where possible.

C. It is suggested that the referee of the game, when possible, be at least two years older than the age level he/she is officiating.

VII. CONDUCT

A. All players, coaches, parents, spectators, etc. are expected to demonstrate proper sporting behavior at all times. Reference the Wyoming Valley Soccer Association Code of Conduct.  Refer to page 10.

B. Each team's coaches are responsible for insuring that their team's parents, spectators, etc. follow the rules of conduct and that the rule regarding the spectator line is followed.

C. Coaches and players must stay in the coaching box when provided. Once sides are established, coaches and players should not cross mid field line. There is absolutely no coaching from behind either goal.

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

E. If a yellow card is given a player (U7-14) must be substituted and can return at the beginning of the next quarter; (U16-18) can return at the next stoppage his/her team’s advantage.

    F. If a red card is given to any player, a suspension of that game and next scheduled game will be

        given to that player. Team must finish the game, short 1 player.  (See red card addendum)

G.. A Violent act (physical or verbal) directed toward a referee will be reported directly to EPYSA.

VIII. CLUB ATTENDANCE AT LEAGUE MEETINGS

A. Clubs missing two consecutive Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League meetings will be fined $25.00 per missed meeting. After the fourth meeting missed the club's voting rights will be suspended. The club's president will be informed of this action by way of a registered letter. Their teams may continue to play in the league. To regain their voting rights, the club must attend two consecutive meetings and pay all fines.

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

IX. GAME DAY

A. In the event that two teams are wearing similar uniforms, the team wearing colors not previously registered with the Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League must provide alternate colored jerseys/pinnies during game day.

B. When a club’s fields are closed due to weather conditions, 2 hour notification of closure to club presidents before game time is required.

C. If a team is unable to roster the minimum number of players, a 2 hour notification to the club president and opposing coach is required.  

D. In the event a team does not attend a scheduled Wyoming Valley League game and does not notify the opposing coach, or the president of Wyoming Valley, via a personal phone call, or a phone call
from your clubs president, that team's parent club will be required to pay for referees present.

E.  A maximum of three coaches are allowed on the sidelines during a game.  Coaches are to be situated in the coaching area (half-way line to the top of the penalty area in their own half).   All coaches must have completed the risk management form.

X. PUBLICITY

Newspaper articles promoting youth soccer or publicizing intramural teams will be permitted, provided team records and / or standings are not included. Any club breaking this rule will be  fined $25.00 for each offense.

XI. GENERAL

The Board of Directors; which includes the elected officers and club representatives of the WVYSA, reserves the right to take whatever action it feels may be necessary to correct any violation of the rules and regulations to ensure continued success of the soccer program for the youth of Wyoming Valley.

XII.  RULES

A. Start of Play-All players must be in their own half of the field with one team kicking off. Opponents must remain outside the center circle until the ball is played. Before the game decide who will kick off to begin the game and then change the kick off team at the beginning of each quarter. Kick off is intended to ensure possession and must go forward.

B. Ball In and Out of Play-When the WHOLE of the ball goes over the WHOLE of a boundary line, the ball is out of play.

C. Method of Scoring-A goal is scored when the WHOLE of the ball goes over the WHOLE of the part of the goal line defined by the cones or actual goal. Scoring goals is possibly the MOST fun a soccer player has during a game. Give players every opportunity to score a goal.

D. Goal Kick-If the team attempting to score a goal kicks the ball over the goal line outside the goal posts, the opposing team puts the ball back into play with a goal kick. The kick should be taken within the goal area and opposing players must remain outside of the penalty area until the ball is in play..

E. Corner Kick-Use an indirect free kick with the opponent 5 yards (10 yards U-11 and up; becomes a direct kick) away. If the team defending against a goal being scored kicks the ball over the goal line outside the goal posts, the opposing team puts the ball back into play with a corner kick.

U 7  

I.  BALL SIZE   three (3) ball

II. PLAYERS

A. U7 (under seven) may roster 8 players for a 4v 4 small sided game; no goal keepers

  B. Substitutions of players may only be made at the end of each period however if an injury occurs, player   

   must leave the field but will be allowed to return on team’s advantage.  After an injury stoppage, both  

    teams may sub on a player for player basis. 

   III.  LENGTH OF GAME 

A. four,  7 minute quarters (twenty eight minutes)

B. The time between each quarater is two minutes and the time between halves is five minutes.

IV.  The Field

A.  flat, grassy field; its length no more than 50 yards nor less than 40 yards and its width not more than 30 yards nor less than 20 yards. The field will have distinctive markings called boundary lines. These lines make the field into a rectangle as diagramed below. One additional line divides the field in half (the half-way line). Goal Area: 3 yards from each goalpost and 3 yards out from the goal line and penalty area six yards from each goalpost and six yards from the goal line. The Corner arc is a 1 yard radius.

B. The purpose of soccer is to score goals so goals must be placed on either end of the field lengthwise. Goals can be two cones set a few feet apart or a more formal goal that looks like a hockey goal (six feet wide by four feet high). Cones, flags or discs can be used if goals with nets are unavailable.

V. RULES

A. Officials- (Game Manager, Coordinator, Observer, Director, Parent Volunteer/ Coach) Your job is to keep the playing environment FUN, SAFE and focused on the child.

In addition you need to keep time, enforce the rules, stop and restart the game. When you stop the game because of a foul, ball out of play, goal or another reason, take the time to explain to the players why! This is their first experience with soccer, too, and the BEST time to educate all on the Laws of the Game.

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

C. Fouls and Misconduct-Fouls can and will occur even at this level. All fouls shall result in an indirect free kick with opponents at least 5 yards away. Soccer is a contact sport and each action is dealt with at the time it occurs. Explain the foul in simple terms, restart and let the game continue.

D. THROW INS: If a player incorrectly performs a throw-in on the first throw, he/she should be instructed by the coach and/or referee, as to the proper manner of throwing the ball in, and be given a second chance to complete the throw-in. After the second attempt the ball is given to the other team.

E. Free Kicks-All free kicks will be indirect. That means that a goal may not be scored until the ball has been played or touched by a second player of either team. All opposing players should be 5 yards away.

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

   G.  No defensive player should be positioned inside of the goal area as a permanent position.

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

U 8

I.  BALL SIZE   Three (3) ball

II. PLAYERS

A. U-8 (under eight) may roster a maximum of 12 players for a 6 v 6 (5 field players plus a goalie) small sided game. A minimum of 4 players are required to start a game.

   B. Substitutions of players may only be made at the end of each period, however, if an injury occurs, the player 

    must leave the field but will be allowed to return on his/her team’s advantage.  After an injury stoppage, both 

    teams  may sub on a player for player basis. 

III. LENGTH OF GAME 

A. four, 8 minute quarters (thirty-two minutes)

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

IV. THE FIELD

A. The touch line (length) will be a minimum of fifty yards long and a maximum of sixty yards long. The goal line (width) will be a minimum of thirty yards long and a maximum of forty yards long. The goals will be a minimum of six feet wide by four feet high.  The goal area will be three yards from the goal post and three yards into the field of play. The penalty area will be six yards from the goalpost and six yards into the field of play. The half line will remain. The center circle will be a six yard radius from the center spot. The corner arcs will be a one yard radius. The penalty spot and the arc will be eliminated (no penalty kicks are taken at this level).

V.  RULES

FIFA rules will be followed with the following exceptions:

A. KICK-OFFS, CORNER KICKS, AND FREE KICKS: All opposing players must remain six yards away from the ball when the kick is taken.

B. OFFSIDE: There will be no offside in U-8 levels. Although the offside rule will not apply, coaches must continue to give instruction on this law and not attempt to use the offside position as an advantage during the game. If in the referee's opinion a coach is blatantly abusing the offside position, the referee shall give a warning and explanation to the offending coach.

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

D. THROW INS: If a player incorrectly performs a throw-in on the first throw, he/she should be instructed by the coach and/or referee, as to the proper manner of throwing the ball in, and be given a second chance to complete the throw-in. After the second incorrect attempt the ball is given to the opponents.

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

U 9 AND U 10

I.  BALL SIZE  four (4) ball

II. PLAYERS

A. U-9 (under nine) and U-10 (under ten) teams may roster a maximum of sixteen (16) players per team. The maximum number of players allowed on the field is eight (8), and a minimum of six (6) are required to start a game. No exceptions.

    B. Substitutions of players may only be made at the end of each period however if an injury occurs, player

    must leave the field but will be allowed to return on team’s advantage.  After an injury stoppage, both

    teams may sub on a player for player basis. 

III.  LENGTH OF GAME 

A. four, 10 minute quarters (forty minute games)

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

IV.  THE FIELD

A.     The touch lines will be sixty to seventy yards long. The goal lines will be forty to fifty yards long. The goals should be 6 1/2 to 7 feet in height, and 18 to 21 feet in width.. The goal area should be six yards from the end of the goal posts and six yards into the field of play. The penalty area will be twelve yards from the goal posts and twelve yards into the field of play. The halfway line will remain. The center circle will be a six yard radius from the center spot. The corner areas will remain the same. The penalty mark will be 8 yards from the midpoint between the goal posts. An arc with a radius of 6 yards from the center of the penalty mark will be drawn outside of the penalty area.

  V. RULES

FIFA rules will be followed with the following exceptions:

A.  START OF GAME, CORNER KICKS, AND FREE KICKS: The ball must travel forward on kick off, and is an indirect kick. All opposing players must remain 6 yards away from the ball when an indirect kick is taken.

B. OFF-SIDE: Off-side rule WILL BE enforced for U-9 and U-10 levels.

C. FOULS: Every foul will result in an indirect free kick, except for direct kick fouls within the penalty area which will result in a penalty kick.

D. THROW INS: If a player incorrectly performs a throw-in on the first throw, he/she should be instructed by the coach and /or referee as to the proper manner of throwing the ball in and be given a second chance to complete the throw-in. After the second try the ball will be given to the other team.

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

U 11 AND U 12

I.  BALL SIZE  four (4) ball

II. PLAYERS

A. U-11 (under eleven) through U-12 (under twelve) teams may roster a maximum of eighteen (18) players per team. Maximum number of players on the field is eleven (11) and a minimum of seven (7) players are required to start a game. No exceptions.

    B. Substitutions of players may only be made at the end of each period however if an injury occurs, player

    must leave the field but will be allowed to return on team’s advantage.  After an injury stoppage, both

    teams may sub on a player for player basis. 

III. LENGTH OF GAME 

A. four,  12 minute quarters ( forty-eight minute games)

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

IV. THE FIELD

   The minimum and maximum dimensions are as follows:  50-70 yards in width and 90-120 yards in length

V.  RULES

FIFA rules will govern each game.

U 13 AND U 14

I.  BALL SIZE  five (5) ball

II. PLAYERS

A. U-13 (under thirteen) through U-14 (under fourteen) teams may roster a maximum of eighteen (18) players per team. Maximum number of players on the field is eleven (11) and a minimum of seven (7) players are required to start a game. No exceptions.

   B. Substitutions of players may only be made at the end of each period however if an injury occurs, player

   must leave the field but will be allowed to return on team’s advantage.  After an injury stoppage, both

   teams may sub on a player for player basis. 

III.  LENGTH OF GAME 

A. four, 14 minute quarters (fifty-six minute games)

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

 IV. THE FIELD

The minimum and maximum dimensions are as follows:  50-70 yards in width and 90-120 yards in length

V.  RULES

FIFA rules will govern each game.

U 15/16 AND U 17/18

I. BALL SIZE five (5) ball

II. PLAYERS

A. U-15/16 and U-17/18 teams may roster a maximum of sixteen (16) players per team. Maximum number of players on the field is eight (8) and a minimum of five (5) players are required to start a game. No exceptions.

B. Substitutions at the U-15/16 and U-17/18 level will be made as follows: either team may substitute on any goal kick or after a goal is scored. The team with advantage may substitute on a throw in.   After an injury stoppage, both teams may sub on a player for player basis. Substitutions are to be made from the half way line. Coach should notify referee when substituting during the game.

III. LENGTH OF GAME 

A.     four,  15 minute quarters ( sixty minute games)

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

IV. THE FIELD

The minimum and maximum dimensions are as follows:  50-70 yards in width and 90-120 yards in length

V.  RULES

FIFA rules will govern each game.

Red Card Rules

1.      All referee decisions on red cards, and coaches thrown off the field are final.

2.      All referees must turn in the sent off players or coaches name, along with the players number and the game in which the player was sent off, to their club president within 24 hours of the game.

3.      The club president, within 24 hours, will contact the Games Commissioner of the player or coaches sent off. The Games Commissioner will contact the player along with his/her coach to inform them of the player’s suspension, and games involved in the suspension.

4.      Any coach who plays or attempts to play, a player under suspension will be suspended for one league game.

5.      The Game Commissioner will keep a record of all suspensions and also turn in a record to the President of the WVYSA.

6.      All referees and club presidents must follow these rules so suspensions can be acted upon by the next scheduled league game.

7.      All clubs must police their own fans so that everyone involved can enjoy the game of soccer.

8.      All third offense suspensions shall be decided by the Board of WVYSA.

9.      All second offense coaches’ suspensions will be reviewed by the Board of the WVYSA.

10.  Appeal process per EPYSA rules.