A Division Rules
Field Size All A Division games should be played on a full field.Players Games should be played with the standard 11 players, including the goal keeper. Short-sided games can be played if necessary, the coaches should discuss and agree in advance as to the numbers of players to be on the field. In all cases the number of players should be equal.
Games Each game is to be played within the span of one hour. To maximize your playing time, you should warm-up your team on the side lines prior to the appointed game time. If you begin on time, you can play two 25-minute halves with a 5-minute half time break. To facilitate substitutions, quarters may be played if both coaches agree to this format. The length of the quarters will depend on starting times. Remember, you have to be off the field ON THE HOUR.
Substitutions You may only substitute when your team has possession on a throw-in or goal kick. You may not substitute on a corner kick. You must get the consent of the referee prior to making substitutions.
Throw-in Players are allowed only one attempt to make a legal throw-in. Both hands must leave the ball at the same time, both feet must be on the ground when the ball is released and the ball must pass directly over the head of the throwing player. If the referee deems the throw-in illegal, it is turned over to the opposing team.
Corner Kick One attempt only. If kicked out of bounds, it becomes a goal kick for the opposing team.
Goal Kick Players must move outside of the penalty box. The ball cannot be touched by another player until it clears the penalty box. The ball may be placed anywhere within the 6 yard box.
Penalty Kicks All fouls that occur outside the penalty box are Indirect Free Kicks. An IFK must touch another player prior to entering the goal in order to be a valid goal. If no touch occurs, it is a goal kick for the opposition. Opposing players must be 10 yards back from the IFK. A foul that occurs within the penalty box will result in a Direct Free Kick (Penalty Kick). During a DFK, all players are outside of the penalty box. The ball is placed on the 12-yard mark and the kick is taken only after the referee blows the whistle. The goalie lines up with his feet on the goal line and cannot move forward until the ball is struck. Once the ball is struck, it is a live ball and the players may rush the goal.
Offsides No offensive player, without the ball, may be further down field than the last defender. If the referee calls off sides, it results in an IFK at the point of the infraction.
Heading Heading the ball at this level is permitted.
Slide Tackle Not permitted at this level.
Drop Balls The referee may use a drop ball to settle an indistinct out of bounds call or to restart after a stoppage of play.
Fighting or Other Inappropriate Behavior Remove the child from the field for the balance of the game. Review the rules of sportsmanship with the child. Emphasize that a second incident will result in their suspension for the remainder of the season. Coaches must be vigilant in enforcing the tenants of good sportsmanship.
Equipment Shin Guards are mandatory - Coaches must check players prior to games. Cleats are strongly recommended. Helmets and mouth guards for goalkeepers are optional at this level.
Playing Time In keeping with the philosophy of the league, all players should play for a minimum of one half of the game.
Spectators We ask that spectators stay away from the end lines (behind the goals) and the team area if possible. There will be no fighting, smoking, or other inappropriate behavior tolerated towards participants, coaches, referees, or other spectators.
Games Each game is to be played within the span of one hour. To maximize your playing time, you should warm-up your team on the side lines prior to the appointed game time. If you begin on time, you can play two 25-minute halves with a 5-minute half time break. To facilitate substitutions, quarters may be played if both coaches agree to this format. The length of the quarters will depend on starting times. Remember, you have to be off the field ON THE HOUR.
Substitutions You may only substitute when your team has possession on a throw-in or goal kick. You may not substitute on a corner kick. You must get the consent of the referee prior to making substitutions.
Throw-in Players are allowed only one attempt to make a legal throw-in. Both hands must leave the ball at the same time, both feet must be on the ground when the ball is released and the ball must pass directly over the head of the throwing player. If the referee deems the throw-in illegal, it is turned over to the opposing team.
Corner Kick One attempt only. If kicked out of bounds, it becomes a goal kick for the opposing team.
Goal Kick Players must move outside of the penalty box. The ball cannot be touched by another player until it clears the penalty box. The ball may be placed anywhere within the 6 yard box.
Penalty Kicks All fouls that occur outside the penalty box are Indirect Free Kicks. An IFK must touch another player prior to entering the goal in order to be a valid goal. If no touch occurs, it is a goal kick for the opposition. Opposing players must be 10 yards back from the IFK. A foul that occurs within the penalty box will result in a Direct Free Kick (Penalty Kick). During a DFK, all players are outside of the penalty box. The ball is placed on the 12-yard mark and the kick is taken only after the referee blows the whistle. The goalie lines up with his feet on the goal line and cannot move forward until the ball is struck. Once the ball is struck, it is a live ball and the players may rush the goal.
Offsides No offensive player, without the ball, may be further down field than the last defender. If the referee calls off sides, it results in an IFK at the point of the infraction.
Heading Heading the ball at this level is permitted.
Slide Tackle Not permitted at this level.
Drop Balls The referee may use a drop ball to settle an indistinct out of bounds call or to restart after a stoppage of play.
Fighting or Other Inappropriate Behavior Remove the child from the field for the balance of the game. Review the rules of sportsmanship with the child. Emphasize that a second incident will result in their suspension for the remainder of the season. Coaches must be vigilant in enforcing the tenants of good sportsmanship.
Equipment Shin Guards are mandatory - Coaches must check players prior to games. Cleats are strongly recommended. Helmets and mouth guards for goalkeepers are optional at this level.
Playing Time In keeping with the philosophy of the league, all players should play for a minimum of one half of the game.
Spectators We ask that spectators stay away from the end lines (behind the goals) and the team area if possible. There will be no fighting, smoking, or other inappropriate behavior tolerated towards participants, coaches, referees, or other spectators.
