Divisions of Competition:
1. Division IV – (Sport, age levels U5 – U10)
2. Division III (Recreational, age levels U11-U19)
3. Division II (Classic or Select, age levels U11-U19)
4. Division SII (Super Blue, age levels U11-U19)
5. Division I (Premiere or Competitive, age levels U11-U19)
Additional age-level policies
1. No player may play at a younger age level.
2. Players at the U9-U19 levels, with their parents’ and Coach’s permission may play at an older age level, subject to the exception below:
a. Players at the U5 and U6 levels must play with their age level as per AAYSA rules.
b. Players at the U9 and U10 levels may play up only one age level, ie. U9 to U10 and U10 to U11 not U9 to U11 or U10 to U12.
c. U11 and above teams may not have more than four (4) U10 players who are playing up as per STYSA rules.
d. These age level policies also apply to tournament play.
II. Team Formation Recreational Divisions III and IV.
A. Team formation – Rostering players is normally performed by club officials for the purpose of creating fair and balanced distribution of playing talent among the teams.
B. NEYSO generally honor requests for returning players to be placed on teams for which they have played in the past. This system will continue to be used as long as competition within NEYSO is reasonably fair and even.
C. Reasonably fair and even envisions that some teams may be better than others. However, if one or more teams consistently win a large majority of its games in a lopsided manner, this team shall not permitted to return intact in the next season in recreational or sport division III or IV play.
D. For purposes of this rule, the team shall be considered to be the same team as the prior season if more than seven (7) players remain on the team from the roster in effect at the time the violation occurred.
E. A division III or IV team may not recruit players or participate in try-outs.
F. Any violation of this rule shall subject the coach of the team as well as NEYSO to possible disciplinary action and shall cause all games played by the team outside of NEYSO to be forfeited.
III. Rules of Play, modifications to FIFA Laws.
These rules shall apply unless superseded by playing rules at a higher level of competition; ei., AAYSA, Western District, or STYSA. FIFA Laws apply unless changed by the following rules.
A. Law 1 – The Field of Play
1. Field and Goal Specifications
Age Group |
Length
[yards] |
Width
[yards] |
Goals
[feet] |
Penalty Spot
[yards] |
Goal Area
[yards] |
Penalty Area
[yards] |
Center Circle
[yards] |
U15 - U19 |
110-120 |
70-75 |
8x24 |
12 |
6x20 |
18x44 |
10 |
U13 - U14 |
100-110 |
65-70 |
8x24 |
12 |
6x20 |
18x44 |
10 |
U11 - U12 |
90-110 |
60-65 |
8x24 |
12 |
6x20 |
18x44 |
10 |
U10 |
50-70 |
40-50 |
7x21 |
9 |
6x15 |
14x35 |
8 |
U9 |
50-70 |
40-50 |
7x21 |
9 |
6x15 |
14x35 |
8 |
U8 |
40-50 |
25-35 |
12 |
N/A |
3 yard arc |
none |
5 |
U7 |
40-50 |
25-35 |
6x12 |
N/A |
3 yard arc |
none |
5 |
U6 |
20-30 |
15-20 |
4x6 |
N/A |
2 yard arc |
none |
4 |
U5 |
20-30 |
15-20 |
4x6 |
N/A |
2 yard arc |
none |
4 |
2. The arc on U6 and U8 games is “No Mans Land”. No defender or attacker may play the ball in this arc.
a. If the attacker plays the ball in the arc, the restart will be a goal kick.
b. If a defender plays the ball in the arc, a goal will be scored and the restart is a kickoff.
c. If the ball should come to a stop inside the arc but not wholly across the goal line then the restart shall be a goal kick.
3. U6 and U8 are 2 fields side by side. The area between the fields is for players and coaches ONLY.
B. Law 2 and 7 – Ball Size and Duration of Match
Age Group |
Ball Size |
Game Length
(minutes) |
Overtime Periods
(minutes) |
|
|
|
|
U17 - U19 |
5 |
Two 45 minute halves |
None - except as defined by tournament rules.
League games tied at the end of regulation time are scored as ties. |
U15 - U16 |
5 |
Two 40 minute halves |
U13 - U14 |
5 |
Two 35 minute halves |
U11 - U12 |
4 |
Two 30 minute halves |
U10 |
4 |
Two 25 minute halves |
U9 |
4 |
Two 25 minute halves |
U8 |
3 |
Four 12 minute quarters |
U7 |
3 |
Four 12 minute quarters |
U6 |
3 |
Four 10 minute quarters |
U5 |
3 |
Four 10 minute quarters |
C. Law 3 - Number of Players
1. Team Sizes
LEVEL |
Maximum Roster Size
[See Note] |
No. Players on Field |
Minimum to Avoid Forfeit |
U11 to U19 |
18 |
11 |
7 |
U10 |
12 |
8 |
6 |
U9 |
12 |
8 |
6 |
U8 |
12 |
4 per dual field |
3 |
U7 |
12 |
4 per dual field |
3 |
U6 |
10 |
3 per Dual field |
2 |
U5 |
10 |
3 per Dual field |
2 |
2. Playing Time – In Divisions SII, II (Blue), III (Red) and IV (White) coaches must make every effort to play each registered player that is present one-half (50%) of the game unless unable to do so due to player’s illness or injury or for disciplinary reasons. In the event that a player is present, but will not be playing, the coach must inform the referee and the opposing coach as to the reason that player will not participate.
3. Substitutions – Substitutions shall be unlimited. The prior permission of the referee is required in order to make any substitution at any time, except at the resumption of play after the half time break. Substitutions may be made as follows:
a. On a throw-in (by the team in possession).
b. On a goal kick (by either team).
c. After any goal (by either team).
d. After a stoppage of play for an injury (by either team).
e. At half time (by either team).
f. After a caution (the player receiving the caution).
4. U6 and U8 – There are NO Goalkeepers.
D. Law 4 – Uniforms and Player Equipment
1. Minimum requirement for uniform is jersey or “T” shirt of the same color, shorts and knee sock high socks. The goalie will wear a jersey of a color different from his team and the opposing team. Soft caps may be worn in very cold weather. Also, warm clothing may be worn under the uniform. Shirts must be worn tucked into the shorts.
2. Soccer shoes or tennis shoes must be worn by all players. Heels and metal shoes are not permitted. Shoes with toe cleats (football, baseball) are not permitted. Elbow pads and knee pads are permissible. SHIN GUARDS ARE MANDATORY.
3. Shin guards are to be worn during all soccer activities. They are worn against the skin under the socks, or between 2 pairs of socks. The sock must totally cover the shin guard. This does not allow socks to be pulled up and then folded over the shin guard.
4. CASTS ARE NOT ALLOWED. No player will be allowed to play with a hard cast (padded or otherwise).
5. Braces, such as knee braces, with exposed metal or hard plastic parts will not be allowed unless covered by the manufacturer’s covering or one-half inch high density foam.
E. Law 5 – The Referee
1. Regardless of age, referees are responsible for controlling the game. Coaches must provide the referee with all possible assistance. Open disagreement is not allowed, no matter how obvious the error. A display of dissent is not only discourteous, but risks inciting parents and players, causing serious problems for the referees, particularly for the younger or newer ones. Unsporting conduct will be cause to be brought before the D and P Committee. Referees may not officiate games in playing divisions in which their own team or children plays.
2. U6, A parent, coach or manager many officiate the game. All infringements shall be briefly explained to the offending player.
F. Law 6 – The Assistant Referee
1. Assistant Referees are optional. At the referee’s request each team shall supply a club assistant referee who shall assist the referee. Official assistant referees, assigned by the referee in a three-man system will signal fouls. Assistant referees may not coach while acting as an assistant referee. Coaches will not serve as assistant referees for their own games.
2. U6 and U8 do not have assistant referees.
G. Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play- Conform to FIFA with the following exceptions:
1. U10 – Opponents must be 6 yards from the ball until it is played.
2. U6 and U8 – Opponents must be 4 yards from the ball until it is played.
H. Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play- Conform to FIFA
I. Law 10 – The Method of Scoring-Conform to FIFA
J. Law 11 – Offside-Conform to FIFA except:
1. U8 and U6 – There is no offside.
K. Law 12 – Fouls and Misconducts-Conform to FIFA except:
1. U10, U8 and U6 – NO SLIDE TACKLES. Any player using a slide tackle to capture the ball being played by another player will result in a foul being called and an Indirect Free Kick given unless such slide tackle results (in the referees opinion) in a penal foul, then a Direct Free Kick shall be awarded or if such play occurs in the penalty area, then a penalty kick will be awarded.
2. U8 and U6 – Other Rules
a. All fouls are Indirect Kicks.
b. No cards will be shown for misconduct.
c. All fouls will be briefly explained to player.
L. Law 13 – Free Kicks-Conform to FIFA except:
1. U10 – Opponents must be 6 yards from ball until it is played.
2. U8 and U6
a. Opponents must be 4 yards from ball until it is played.
b. All kicks are indirect.
c. Any infringements such as double touch results in a retake of the kick.
M. Law 14 – The Penalty Kick-Conform to FIFA except NO PENALTY KICKS in U8 and U6.
N. Law 15 – The Throw In-Conform to FIFA except:
1. U8 and U6 – No Throw-Ins
a. Play will be restarted with a kick-in.
b. Kick-In is taken from the spot the ball crossed over the touch line.
c. Kick-Ins are indirect and opponents must be 4 yards away.
O. Law 16 – The Goal Kick- Conform to FIFA except:
1. U8 and U6
a. Goal kick is taken from any point along the goal line or arc.
b. Goal kicks are indirect and opponents must be 4 yards away.
P. Law 17 – The Corner Kick- Conform to FIFA except:
1. U8 and U6 corner kicks are indirect and opponents must be 4 yards away.
IV. Coaching Responsibilities
A. Excessive coaching from the sidelines is not allowed. If the infringement continues after a caution by the referee, the game may be stopped at the referee’s discretion, or the coach may be ejected.
B. Coaches shall be directed to the coach’s box and to give all instruction during the course of the game from this area. (If no box is apparent, a line may be placed in the dirt directly from the outside edge of the center circle to the sidelines.) No coach, parent, spectator may cause interference with the game, players, or referee during the course of the game by positioning themselves at a location with the sole purpose of instructing a player. Examples: behind the goal, constantly moving along the sidelines with the players.
C. Yellow and red cards will not be issued to coaches. However, the referee may “send off” the coach for his actions and the actions of the fans on his sidelines. Any such send off must be reported to the NEYSO Referee Comissioner/Scheduler.
V. Spectators
The coach is responsible for the behavior of the team’s spectators and fans. Spectators and fans must occupy the same end of field as players opposite their team. :
1. Are not allowed in the goal line area.
2. Must remain at least 1 yard away from the touchline at all times.
3. May not openly criticize the referee.
B. Fans will not be issued cards, but may be cautioned and/or sent off by the referee. Any such send off must be reported to the NEYSO Referee Comissioner/Scheduler.
VI. Home Team
The home team is the first team listed on the schedule. For U9 and up, the fields are set up to have all spectators on one side and only coaches/players on the other side. For U6 and U8, only players and authorized coaches are permitted in marked coach’s box between the two adjacent playing fields. The home team changes jerseys if both teams are wearing the same color, and provides a game ball suitable to the referee and a score card. All efforts should be made to play the game as scheduled.
VII. Visiting Team
Provides a game ball if the ball provided by the home team is not suitable to the referee. For U9 and up, the fields are set up to have all spectators on one side and only coaches/players on the other side. For U6 and U8, only players and authorized coaches are permitted in marked coach’s box between the two adjacent playing fields. The home team changes jerseys if both teams are wearing the same color and a score card. All efforts should be made to play the game as scheduled.
VIII. Referee No-Shows
If the assigned referee is not present at game time and no substitute referee is available, a representative from either team may referee the game if mutually agreed to by both coaches. That person becomes the game referee with all the rights inherent in U.S.S.F. and U.S.Y.S.A. rules. If neither team has such a representative, the game will be postponed. Report referee no-shows to the Commissioner of Referees.
IX. Forfeits
Teams unable to field the required number of registered players within 15 minutes after the scheduled game time forfeit the game. If the coach does not request the 15 minute “grace period” from the referee, the forfeit occurs at game time. If both teams fail to appear a double forfeit shall be declared by the referee and so noted on the official game card.
X. Abandoning the Game
Once play has started, only the referee can abandon the game. No coach can abandon the game for any reason. If a coach chooses to not finish the game, the team shall not be allowed to play until the situation is reviewed by the AAYSA/NEYSO Discipline and Protest Committee. The D & P Committee shall hold a hearing before the next game for the team in question.
XI. Incomplete Game
If a game is terminated in the second half due to weather, it will be considered a full game.
XII. Rain-Out Policy
A. The NEYSO President, or his representative, is the only person permitted to declare a rain-out. Games scheduled on fields judged by the President not to be in playable condition will be postponed. When a game on a field is canceled prior to the first game of the day, all games on that field will be canceled for that day.
B. A referee has the authority to call off any game where conditions change and the field becomes unplayable; however, a referee’s decision applies to that one game only.
C. Each association within AAYSA or STYSA has differing rain-out rules for their home fields. A NEYSO rain-out decision has no effect on away games.
XIII. Make-Up Game Policy
A. Rain-outs Make-up games resulting from NEYSO declared rain-outs, must be rescheduled within two (2) weeks. If a majority of the games scheduled are rained out for U10 and below, NEYSO will reschedule them and post them on the website and distribute information to the coaches.
B. Other rescheduling make-up dates for regularly scheduled games that are rescheduled for a coach’s convenience may be played a time and place mutually agreed upon by both teams, provided that:
1. The coach who initiates the request for rescheduling will be required to obtain approval of the other coach and have a written request to the scheduler by Sunday night at 6:00 P.M. preceding the following weekend game. The game will be rescheduled without a fee if the team has three or more players absent due to school or church activities. Otherwise, the game will be rescheduled only after a check in the amount equal to the cost of the fees for all officials normally assigned to the game and for the fees of the referee assignor is given to the scheduler by the team desiring to make the change. If the request is made after the Sunday evening deadline, the fee will be automatic. The date for the rescheduled game must be confirmed with the scheduler at least five days before the rescheduled date and by 9:00 P.M. The sequence for determining rescheduled dates is:
a. Call scheduler to obtain available dates, times and fields. No field will be reserved at this time. They will be on a first come – first served basis.
b. Call other coach and players to determine which date will be suitable.
c. Call scheduler and confirm date for the rescheduled game.
d. Scheduler must confirm date and time for the rescheduled game.
2. The coach who initiates the request for rescheduling is responsible for the payment of the fees for the game that is canceled and for coordinating the rescheduling activity. This coach is also responsible for obtaining the confirmation of the scheduler.
3. Make-up games that are for a coach’s convenience, have no field priority, and cannot be used as a reason to preempt another team’s practice field.
XIV. Awards and Recognition
NEYSO gives awards and recognition in the following areas:
A. Sportsmanship – Earl Woodell Sportsmanship Award – this team award (with individual awards to the players and coaches) is based on the following criteria:
1. Referee appraisals of the sportsmanship of the players, coaches and parents.
2. Input from the appropriate club administrators.
B. NEYSO will generally make awards of 1 team in each of the categories below. However, there is no requirement to make an award in every category. The maximum number of teams awarded this recognition will be as follows:
Division IV - Sport
[2 teams/each] |
Division III - Recreational
[2 teams/each] |
U7and U8G |
U11G - U12G |
U7 and U8B |
U11B-U12B |
U9 and U10G |
U13G-U14G |
U9 and U10B |
U13B-U14B |
XV. Standings
Season standings in Division II and Division III will be determined by rules adopted by STYSA. Season standinl not be maintained for U10 and below age levels.
NOTE: There is no reason to run up scores, and doing so will be considered unsportsmanlike.
XVII. Alcoholic Beverages, Smoking and Pets
A. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at youth soccer games. It is recommended that coaches, spectators, and players not smoke or use tobacco products at games.
B. No Pets Allowed.
XVII. Field Care
A. All teams are expected to clean up after themselves. Many of our fields are provided by schools or private institutions. If we do not keep the fields clean, we will lose them. Comply with parking restrictions.
B. NEYSO fields are used for both practice and for games. NEYSO spends a great deal of money in maintaining these fields. In trying to establish a balance between “raising grass” and “raising kids”, the board has established the following policy: When practicing on NEYSO fields, do not use the goal area more than one-half of your practice session.
C. Do not practice on wet fields.
XVIII. Protest Procedures
A. Protests based on a judgment call by the referee are not allowed. A team protesting a game based on the infringement of the laws of the game must advise the center referee and the opposing coach before leaving the field of play of their intent to file a protest. This notice of intent must be made within 30 minutes of the end of the game by the coach of record, not a parent or trainer. The referee will note this on the game card. Protests must be submitted to the chairman of the D & P Committee in writing stating all pertinent facts within five calendar days of the game. The protest must be accompanied by a $250.00 fee which shall be turned over to the AAYSA Treasurer for deposit.
1. Protests based on late starts or field conditions shall be filed with the referee and so noted on the game card prior to the start of the game.
2. Protests or questions involving player eligibility must be presented to the referee prior to the game or immediately after the game.
3. No protests will be accepted by the committee if the above guidelines are not strictly adhered to committee decisions will be supplied in writing to the parties involved within five days of the D & P meeting.
NOTE: NEYSO has adopted the STYSA/AAYSA Discipline and Protest Procedures. These will be provided when required.
XIX. Identification Cards
All players, coaches and assistant coaches must have USYSA identification cards. The cards will be supplied to the teams by the Registrar of NEYSO. The team coach is responsible for permanently attaching an appropriate picture of the participant to the card, obtaining the necessary signatures, and laminating the card. A player or coach who does not have a laminated USYSA identification card will not be allowed to participate in the soccer match.
In the emergency absence of the team coach or the assistant coach, a coach’s card is not necessary to participate in NEYSO game (a responsible adult may act as coach in an emergency situation).
XX. Complaints, Grievances and Protests
A. NEYSO shall comply with AAYSA and STYSA policies and procedures with regard to grievances and protests. These policies only allow a single referral from local clubs to state. Therefore, NEYSO will defer to AAYSA unless authority is specifically granted by AAYSA for Discipline and Protest (D & P) matters. NEYSO will assist AAYSA and STYSA D & P committees in all referrals from NEYSO home games or club actions. Any written report of incident shall be considered a complaint unless accepted by a D & P committee as a disciplinary actions, grievance or protest. Specifically:
1. The NEYSO President will record and track all complaints, suspensions, disciplinary actions, grievances, protests, referee assaults, referee abuse and coach’s misconduct.
2. The NEYSO President will verify timely and accurate reporting of incidents to AAYSA and STYSA as formal written referrals and assist in administrative processing where applicable.
3. The NEYSO President will follow upon each incident and report to the board the disposition of each case immediately to involved members and by written summary to the NEYSO board on a monthly basis.
4. Any incident not accepted for AAYSA or STYSA D & P proceedings will be considered a member complaint and handled administratively by the NEYSO board.
5. The NEYSO Secretary will report to all interested parties the outcome of each case using the simple rule that a written complaint deserves a written answer.
6. The NEYSO Director of Coaching and the NEYSO Commissioner of Referees will assist in timely reporting by providing the NEYSO President copies of any incident involving referees or NEYSO coaches.
7. Any NEYSO coach receiving a game send-off (formerly a RED Card) will be required to serve a one game suspension as per the STYSA Progressive Discipline Policy. Any failure to observe a game suspension as per the policies will be immediately reported to the STYSA D & P committee.
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