LAS CRUCES YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE
Coaches & Referee Handbook
Including Local Laws
[20112012]
2
1
2
3
3.1
4
5
5.1
6
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
7
7.1
8
8.1
8.2
9
10
10.1
11
12
Index
Introduction
Las Cruces Youth Soccer League
League Communications
Parent Involvement
Membership Form
Membership Form Completion
Dual Registration or Rostering
Fees
Madeleine Wright Scholarship
Team Registration
What You Need for Each Team
Adding Players
Competitive / Recreational
Maximum Number of Players
Player Passcards
Proof of Age
Game Schedules
Practice Field Use
Tournaments
Out-of-State Requirements
Guest Players
Coaches' Training
Insurance
Should an Injury Occur
Rules of Play for Each Age Group
FIFA Laws of the Game
Local Laws: Law 1
Local Laws: Law 2
Local Laws: Law 3
Local Laws: Law 4
Local Laws: Law 7
Local Laws: Law 8
Local Laws: Law 12
Page
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4
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6
6
6
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6
7
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8
8
8
8
9
9
9
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10
Appendix - Forms
Team Information Form
Conflict Sheet
Age Chart
Zero Tolerance Policy
Disclosure Statement
Membership Form
Playing-Up Consent Form
Player Release & Transfer
Dual Registration Form
Wright Scholarship Form
Injury Report
Referee Evaluation Form
Rule Violation Form
Map of Field Locations
Map of the Fields
Quick Chart of FIFA Law and Local Modifications
3
Introduction
Welcome to the Las Cruces Youth Soccer League (LCYSL). We are a non-profit corporation
that exists solely to promote soccer. LCYSL is affiliated with the New Mexico Youth Soccer
Association (NMYSA), the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA), the United
States Soccer Federation (USSF) and the Federation International de Football Association
(FIFA).
Las Cruces Youth Soccer League works directly with the City of Las Cruces and the Las
Cruces Public Schools for its field usage. The league will handle all soccer related issues
regarding coaches, players, spectators and officials. The City of Las Cruces and the Las
Cruces Public Schools should be contacted for any field issues.
This handbook contains information on how to register your team, about the league in
general and the rules of soccer. We have a comprehensive web page involving soccer so
please visit the home page regularly at: www.lascrucessoccer.org. We will post information
concerning schedules, schedule changes, rule changes, tournament information and links to
other soccer organizations. All forms outlined in this handbook are also posted at our website
or at www.nmysa.net. It is important that you provide an email address to the league (either a
coach or team contact). Please ensure that this email address is active and be sure to
provide the league with any change that may occur.
Comments, suggestions and above all, your participation is welcome and appreciated.
Las Cruces Youth Soccer League
The Las Cruces Youth Soccer League is governed by a Board of Directors. Board members
are elected to two-year terms. Elections are held at the end of each season at the Annual
General Meeting and members are elected by the head coaches (or their representatives) of
each team. The board meets on the second Monday of every month at the High Noon office
(1485 N Main, Suite C). All league members are welcome to attend. Items for the agenda
should be forwarded directly to the League office at least three days prior to the board
meeting.
1
League Communication
As the league continues to grow, communication becomes of great importance. Each month
the league posts the minutes of the last Board Meeting on the web. The league home web
page is the quickest way to get information and keep current. You will also want to check the
website regularly. Changes in schedules are always posted on the web first. The email
address of board members are available on the website. If you have specific questions,
please use email for the quickest response.
2
Parent Involvement
It is essential to the league and your team that you get early and regular involvement of your
parents. Although the coach is ultimately responsible for collecting fees and membership
forms, it is strongly suggested and recommended that a parent be engaged in helping
performing various activities.
Activities that parents can perform are: ―Team Parent‖ — a parent who helps the coach by
creating telephone rosters, calling parents for practice, game and other changes;
―Refreshment Coordinator‖ — a parent who creates and manages who brings oranges and
after-game snacks; ―Uniform Coordinator‖ — a parent who researches uniforms, measures
the kids, orders, collects monies and distributes the uniforms; ―Activities Coordinator‖ — a
parent who manages team fundraising activities, organizes parties, trophy and picture
activities; ―Team Photographer‖ – a parent who has a digital camera and can do team and
individual pictures and passcard photos. These are only suggestions.
4
Something to remember – this is neither your team nor the parents‘ team. It is the players‘
team, it is a club team and it is a league team. Before doing something different be sure to
check with the league. There may be some rules you don‘t know about. For example,
sponsorship; the Tigers have Joe‘s Auto on the back of their shirts. One of your parents
owns Bob‘s Bar & Grill. This would not be allowed since advertising alcohol is not permitted
at USYSA events.
3
Membership Form
Each player‘s parent must complete a Membership Form before the player can be rostered
to a team. No player may be allowed to practice until the form is completed and signed by a
parent. This is for insurance purposes.
3.1
Membership Form Completion
This form must be legible and completed correctly. ―Official Use Only‖ means the coach or
the league.
League Name: High Noon Soccer League
Age Group: The current age group your team will be playing in.
U6, U8, U10, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18 or U19.
Note: The ‗U‘ means under.
Division: B for boys or G for girls team. If mixed, use B.
Club / Team Name: Your club name and your team name.
Region: 4
State: 10
District: 3
League: A
Club: Get club number from the office.
Team: Get team number from the office.
R for Recreational or C for Competitive Team.
Note: See 6 and 6.3 for more details
Players Name: Should appear exactly the way it does on the Birth Certificate.
Inform the parent of this requirement BEFORE you give them the form. Do not
use any nicknames. Then circle M for male or F for female.
The signature of the parent or guardian is required twice. This will allow you to get
emergency-medical treatment and also certify that the parents agree to abide by USSF rules.
If a parent refuses to sign the medical release, then the player may not be allowed to
participate in any games or practices unless the parent is present. A letter must also be
obtained and signed from the parent indicating this and forwarded to the Registrar.
Proof of age must be shown to the registrar.
When the membership form is returned, the coach must always have their copy with them
during games or practices.
4
Dual Registration or Rostering
Players may want to dual register - register on two teams - at the same time. This is allowed,
but only from one recreational team and only on to one competitive team. The player and
parents are obligated to both teams, including financially. Should conflicts in scheduling
occur, the recreational team takes precedence in league play and the competitive team takes
precedence for tournaments. Dual registered players may only play on ONE team during
tournaments.
5
Fees
LCYSL charges a fee per player for league play. This fee, as determined by the Board of
Directors, is based on the coverage of insurance, referee fees as well as operating expenses
5
to maintain and facilitate league operations. It must be paid before the player can be
registered with the league or participate in any games sponsored by the league. The league
fee does not include the cost of uniforms or any team or club fees, where applicable.
Teams are responsible for team expenses such as uniforms, equipment, tournament fees,
team parties or any other expenses.
You should keep accurate records of monies collected and spent. You have a fiduciary
responsibility and should be able to provide a record of activities.
5.1
Madeleine Wright Scholarship
Financial assistance is available through the league based on need to Las Cruces Youth
Soccer members. League members must fill out the form and turn it in to the office by the
deadline for each season. Scholarships are limited to league fees only.
6
Team Registration
Each team must be re-registered each year. If you have an existing team, you will be
provided with pre-printed membership forms of returning players. If a player has played on
another team, that form should also be available.
Coaches of recreational teams are required to play each player at least 50% of the game.
Recreational team coaches cannot reject any player from the player pool agreeing to
play/practice with the team. Most recreational teams are formed by geographic (grade
school) area. All U6 and U8 teams are listed as recreational. Competitive, Classic or
Premier teams may select players by tryout or any other selective method, other than
poaching (See NMYSA General Procedures and Rules 3.02). Competitive teams are
encouraged to enter at least two tournaments each year.
Gather all your materials and have a team meeting with parents asking them to bring any
missing documents and current pictures. Hand out all the forms at the meeting and have
them completed, signed and then turned back into you. Check them and get corrections.
Ensure you get the required signatures. Check the age of the players. If necessary have the
parents complete the ―Playing Up Form".
6.1
What You Need for Each Team
-- Completed membership forms from each player.
-- Some sort of legal age verification.
-- Pictures of each player.
(Pictures from the previous card will not be allowed!)
-- Pictures of each coach.
-- Online risk management disclosures for any new coach.
All coaches must have this updated at least every two years.
-- Completed Team Information Form and Conflict Sheet.
-- Playing Up Consent Forms must be signed (if applicable).
The fees for each player are due upon initial registration! A player passcard will not be issued
without payment!
6.2
Adding Players
Players can be added to your roster at any time as long as you have room on your roster.
Complete the required documentation as above in a timely manner in order to get a card for
the next game. Please also note that a player transferring teams (if approved) will incur a 5day delay in his or her eligibility to play for their new team!
6
6.3
Competitive / Recreational
If a coach takes over a team that is listed as being competitive due to the make-up of the
team when he/she takes over, the team will remain as a competitive team. If a team
combines with another team that is listed as being competitve, the team combined will be
considered a competitive team. Any Team that recruits any players or has tryouts will be
considered a competitve team.
6.4
Maximum Number Of Players
Teams are limited to a maximum number of players.
Here are the limits:
U17+=22, U13 to U16=18, U12=14, U10=12, U8=9, U6=8.
If you already have the maximum number of players, you may not add any players, unless a
player is removed. For that to be accomplished a Player Release form must be executed.
Attach the passcard and membership form of the player being released and submit the
required documentation for the new player.
6.5
Player Passcards
After submitting your documentation to register players and the data is entered into the
computer, you will receive a two part card for each player. One part is the player‘s
membership card (blue); the other is the player's passcard (white). Attach the player‘s picture
to the back of the passcard (white). The registrar will need to stamp the card after the photo
is attached. You must then laminate the card. You will need them at all games and at all
tournaments. A reprinting fee will be required for any lost or damaged cards. Any player that
does not have a passcard with a photo on it that has been stamped and laminated will not be
allowed to play.
6.6
Proof of Age
Each player must provide LCYSL with proof of age. This proof must be a document issued
by a governing body (City, State, Federal Government, etc.). Hospital Certificates are not
acceptable. Passports are acceptable. The proof of age must be shown to the registrar.
Playing Up Consent forms must be signed if a player is playing into an age group above their
own age.
7
Game Schedules
Before each season the LCYSL prepares a schedule for each age group. Usually, teams are
placed in conferences based on the age of the players in their group or based on the winloss record from the previous season. Schedules will be posted on the web. Make copies to
give to each parent.
All players should be at the field at least one-half hour before the game time listed on the
schedule so that the players can warm up and the referees can check in the players with
their player passcards. At U9 and above, you will be expected to furnish the referee with a
readable roster. This is not the official roster that you receive from the office, but a roster that
lists your team name, coach's names and the names of players with their jersey number.
Without this roster, the game cannot start. LCYS rules state that the players will be on one
side of the field and spectators will be on the opposite side - only persons with passcards will
be allowed to be with the team. The home team will furnish two game balls. A forfeit will be
called 15 minutes after game time should not enough players show up, or by not having valid
passcards or by not furnishing a readable roster.
All scheduled games will be played regardless of weather conditions unless notified by the
City of Las Cruces or the LCYSL directly. The center referee also has the discretion to cancel
a game due to weather or field conditions.
7
7.1
Practice Field Use
Soccer practices are prohibited at any and all Las Cruces Youth Soccer game fields. Only
scheduled scrimmages and games are allowed. Any team caught practicing will result in 1game suspension for head coach for the 1st violation. After a 2nd violation, the head coach
will receive a 3-game suspension and any subsequent violations could result in a suspension
for the remainder of the season.
8
Tournaments
There are a number of tournaments in the area in which you can participate. There is a state
sponsored tournament for competitive teams called the New Mexico State Cup. There is also
a state sponsored tournament for recreational teams called the Kohl‘s American Cup. No
player can play in both State Cup and American Cup. State Cup and Open Cup have their
own individual requirements. Competitive teams are encouraged to enter at least two
tournaments each year.
8.1
Out-of-State Requirements
Please visit http://www.nmysa.net/ for the travel application on-line form. There is a button
located on the right hand side of the page under ‗Doing Business‘ called ‗E-Travel Go‘. You
must have birthdates and home phone numbers for two players in order to complete the
form. Remember, the home phone number must match what the league has in the computer.
8.2
Guest Players
If you take your team to a tournament, most of the time it is possible to take a "guest player".
This is a player registered with another team, but eligible to play with your team for that
specific tournament only. Guest players are not allowed in State Cup. The Guest Player
Authorization Form needs to be completed at least 2 days prior to the tournament and can be
found at http://www.nmysa.net/ and there is a button located on the right hand side of the
page under ‗Doing Business‘ called ‗E-GuestPlay Go‘. You must have birthdates and home
phone numbers for two players in order to complete the form. Remember, the home phone
number must match what the league has in the computer.
9
Coaches’ Training & Education
Coaches are required to be appropriately licensed for each age group. Coaching courses
aren‘t just about how to play, they also offer First Aid, Team Management, Liability Issues
and Parent Management. Youth Module 1 is now offered online at http://www.nmysa.net/ and
there is a button located on the right hand side of the page under ‗Doing Business‘ called ‗EYM1 Go‘. The LCYSL usually offers these courses before each season for free (up to the ‗D‘
license). U6 & U8 coaches need to have a Youth Module 1. U10 & U12 coaches need to
have a Youth Module 2. U13 & above coaches need to have an ‗E‘ license.
10
Insurance
When players are registered in LCYS, each player is covered by a group health plan for
injuries received while playing soccer within the seasonal year. The insurance coverage is
not in effect until the day after the Membership Form has been turned in to the Registrar. As
a coach, you are taking on a large risk by letting players practice without having turned in this
form. This health plan is a secondary coverage only. This means that if the parents already
have a health plan, the NMYSA / LCYS policy will cover only what the primary policy will not.
If the parents do not already have coverage the NMYSA / LCYS plan will act as the primary
coverage. There is a $250 deductible.
10.1
Should an Injury Occur
If an injury does occur in practice or a game, have the parent fill out the Injury Report Form
and turn it in to the registrar as soon as possible. The registrar will report it to NMYSA.
NMYSA will then mail the parent the necessary forms directly. Parents are to save all
medical bills, including what their insurance has paid and submit it all to NMYSA after the
8
bills come in. The medical providers are NOT TO SUBMIT BILLS TO NMYSA. You may risk
one provider not getting paid if this occurs. Parents are to submit copies of the bills and keep
the originals.
11
Rules of Play for Each Age Group
Each age group play with different rules within our league. Below is a quick overview of those
rules. For a more detailed look at what is recommended at each individual age group, please
visit http://www.lascrucessoccer.org/home/rules/ .
Age
Min # Length of
Ball Roster
Format
Halftime
Group
Players Games
Size Size
Field
Size
Goal
Size
State
Cup
U6
3v3
(no GK)
2
4 x 8 min
5 min
3
4-8
20-30 x 6 x 18
15-25 max
No
U8
4v4
(no GK)
3
4 x 10 min
5 min
3
5-9
25-35 x 6 x 18
20-30 max
No
U10
6v6
(5+GK)
4
2 x 25 min
5 min
4
6-12
45-60 x 6 x 18
35-45 max
No
U12
8v8
(7+GK)
5
2 x 30 min
5 min
4
7-14
60-80 x 6 x 18
45-55 max
No
U14
11 v 11
7
2 x 35 min
10 min
5
10-18
75-110
8 x 24
x 50-60
Yes
U16
11 v 11
7
2 x 40 min
10 min
5
10-18
75-110
8 x 24
x 50-60
Yes
U17+
11 v 11
7
2 x 45 min
10 min
5
10-22
75-110
8 x 24
x 50-60
Yes
12
FIFA Laws of the Game
The FIFA Laws of the Game shall apply to all games and competitions sponsored or
sanctioned by the Las Cruces Youth Soccer League except as provided in these Local Laws
or otherwise stated in the USYSA and / or NMYSA regulations for all age groups. Any
tournament may have rules which differ from these Laws, but any changes must be
published in writing. For matches in which two teams from two different age groups compete,
the ball size, number of players and length of the game rules used for the match shall be that
which is specified for the older-aged group.
Appendix 1
Local Laws
Law 1 – Field of Play
Teams and coaches will occupy one side of the fields. Only four coaches / administrators will
be allowed on the team sideline and only those (coaches, administrators and players) with
laminated, stamped passcards will be allowed on the team sideline. Only in extenuating
circumstances may another coach with a valid passcard (and in good standing) fill in for you.
All spectators shall watch the match from the side of the field opposite.
No negative or abusive comments may be directed to players on the field of play.
If no coach‘s box is marked, coaches and players are still responsible for remaining within
this area (1 yard back from the touch line and extending 20 yards from the half line towards
the end line on your side of the pitch).
Law 2 – The Ball
The home team will supply two game balls.
9
Law 3 – Number of Players
At U9 and above, each team must give the referee a complete team roster prior to the start
of each game. This is not the official roster that you receive from the office, but a roster that
lists your team name, coach's names and the names of players with their jersey number.
Without this roster, the game cannot start. No player will be allowed to participate in a game
unless a valid player card (with photo, stamped and laminated) is produced prior to the
player entering the game. Only a letter from the league registrar is allowed as a replacement
for a player/coach card. If a coach allows a player to play without a passcard being
presented to the referee, that coach will receive a minimum 3-game suspension from the
league and could be subject to harsher penalties by the judiciary committee.
Substitutions are unlimited for either team under these situations:
Prior to a throw-in (either team).
Prior to a goal kick.
Prior to a corner kick.
After a goal.
At half-time.
If the referee has stopped play for an injury, the injured player must leave the field of play
temporarily and may be substituted.
During a caution, only the cautioned player may be substituted.
No substitutions during free kicks!
Law 4 – Player's Equipment
Each coach and player must have a laminated current Player Pass Card issued by the
League with the individual's picture and which is stamped with the Registrar's signature.
These cards must be presented to the referee prior to the start of the game and held by the
referee during the game. Exceptions may be granted by the League only from the registrar in
writing (never by the referee). If a coach or player is ejected from a game, the referee will
turn in their pass card to the League along with the referee's report of the game.
Shin guards are required of all players.
The following items are considered dangerous and are not to be worn by a player:
a. Watches, rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings or jewelry in general.
b. Hard balls and other objects either close to the head or at the end of pigtails or ponytails.
c. Hard pads or protectors such as skateboard pads or the like.
d. If eye glasses or eye guards are worn they must be secured to the head with a strap. (???)
e. Casts (hard bandages) must covered with foam rubber or some other padding. This is up
to each individual referee‘s discretion whether or not the padding is adequate.
f. Shoes must be tied. If replacement cleats are worn they must have no jagged edges,
breaks, or cracks. Shoes with a single cleat on the very front(baseball shoes) are prohibited.
g. The referee's decision not to allow an item felt to be unsafe is final regardless of another
referee's decision on the same item in another game.
Where both teams are wearing uniforms of the same or similar colors and the referee
request one team change, the designated home team must change uniforms.
Law 7 – Duration of the Game
If at the end of the first half of play, or any time thereafter, the differential of goals scored
becomes ten goals, the team with the most goals shall be declared the winner and the game
terminated. This is a mandatory mercy rule. This rule does not apply to U6 or U8 games.
Law 8 – The Start of Play
A team must field a minimum number of players to start a game or continue one in progress.
Under 6 teams must have a minimum of two (2) players. Under 8 must have a minimum of
10
three (3) players. Under 10 teams must have a minimum of four (4) players. Under 12 teams
must have a minimum of five (5) players. Under 13 and above teams must have a minimum
of seven (7) players. Any team not having the minimum players available or valid (with photo,
stamped and laminated) passcards or a game roster within 15 minutes after the scheduled
game time will forfeit.
The kickoff for U6 and U8 will be an indirect free kick.
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct
Slide tackling in Under 6, Under 8 and Under 10 is prohibited. Any Under 6, 8 or 10 player
making or attempting to make a slide tackle shall be cited for dangerous play.
Any coach, team official, or player who makes a profane or derogatory remark or gesture to
the referee or spectators or who incites or tends to incite, in any manner, disruptive behavior
may be ejected from the game. Ejection includes the requirement to absent oneself from
within view or earshot of the game.
There is a mandatory minimum one game suspension to be enforced for all dismissals. A
coach or player ejected from a game may not participate in the team's next scheduled game.
A supplemental report is also required from the referee. If two ejections are received in one
season the coach/player must not participate until the disciplinary committee meets. The
disciplinary committee is required to meet in a timely manner. For reference, see web page
from
October
22,
2002
–
(http://www.ussoccer.com/News/RefereePrograms/2002/10/Mandatory-Suspension-Following-Dismissal.aspx)
Additionally
No pets are allowed on City of Las Cruces fields.
Alcoholic beverages will not be produced, or consumed on any field of play by players,
spectators or officials. Such behavior will be cause for immediate ejection from the field. In
addition, the league will not allow teams to play in jerseys with alcohol, tobacco, bar ads, or
adult themed logos on their uniforms. Under no circumstances shall any sponsor contribute,
nor shall the League or any of its entities accept alcoholic beverages of any kind. No League
activity, including activities by teams or Clubs, shall include the use or sale of alcoholic
beverages in its sponsorship or fund raising activities.
Disclaimer
These are not ALL the rules. Visit NMYSA and / or USYSA for all current rules and
guidelines.