Seth Dodson, Manager  ext. 53225
Elyse Bairley, Supervisor  ext. 53104
Rick Mull, Specialist ext. 53209
Willie Pickvet, Assistant ext. 53228
Area Supervisor: 368-7418
TEAM SPORTS PROGRAMS
 Ann Arbor Public Schools  1515 S. Seventh St. Ann Arbor MI 48103  734-994-2300
SPRING 2017
YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE RULES
*NEW from Fall 2016 !! K league is now 8 minute quarters
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
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23.
24.
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26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
ALL PLAYERS
BLOOD AND BODILY FLUIDS
CANCELLATIONS
DIRECT-KICKS
EQUIPMENT
GOALKEEPER
GOAL KICK
GOALPOSTS
HAND BALL
HEADING
JEWELRY
KICK-OFF
MAKE-UP GAMES
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
OFF-SIDE
PLAYING TIME
POSITIONING
REFUND POLICY
SLIDE TACKLING/DANGEROUS SLIDING
SOCCER BALLS
SPECTATORS AND TEAMS
SPORTSMANSHIP AND CONDUCT
STARTING PLAY
SUBSTITUTIONS
THROW-INS
TIME GUIDELINES
TIME-OUTS
UNIFORMS
VOLUNTEER LINESPERSON
WARM-UP TIME
Major rule changes are boxed. Clarifications, points of emphasis and
syntax changes appear in bold text.
FIFA rules govern league play, except where modified by Rec & Ed's
Youth Soccer League Rules. On the web: www.FIFA.com
The goal of the Community Education & Recreation Youth Soccer Program is to provide an enjoyable, healthy
leisure experience for program participants. Players should be taught new skills and how to improve throughout
the season with the support of their coaches and parents. Team won-lost records should not be stressed. We
will not keep standings in the Youth Soccer League. The main objective of the program is to provide each
participant with an equal opportunity to learn the game and have fun. Thank you for your support!
1.
ALL PLAYERS
All players must be registered with Rec & Ed. Unregistered players will not be permitted to play. Coaches are not
permitted to add and/or switch players to the roster. Rec & Ed assigns all players to teams. Any coach playing an
unregistered player and/or found switching players will face suspension and/or probation in accordance with the
Team Sports Policy on Probation, Suspension, and Hearing Procedures.
2.
BLOOD AND BODILY FLUIDS
This rule provides guidelines for coaches and referees as to their responsibilities during a game should an injury or
illness result in a player losing blood or other body fluids.
3.
a.
As soon as the referee can see or has her or his attention called to a player who is bleeding, s/he must stop
the game immediately.
b.
The injured player must leave the game at that point and be substituted for.
c.
The injured player must have the wound cleaned, the bleeding stopped and the wound covered before
being allowed to re-enter the game. Any blood stained clothing must be removed as well. (See exception
under rule 27)
CANCELLATIONS
Games are occasionally cancelled due to inclement weather. If Rec & Ed cancels all games throughout the city on
Saturday, you may call the Rec & Ed Weather Hotline at 994-2300 ext. 53115 after 7:30 am the morning of the
game, or you may check our website: http://www.aareced.com. If Rec & Ed cancels all games throughout the city on
Sundays, announcements will be made between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Rec & Ed will do its best to cancel games
at least 30 minutes prior to the next start time.
Referees also have the authority to cancel games if weather or field conditions are not suitable for play. Department
personnel and the referee are the only officials authorized to cancel games.
Note: When a weather warning is issued for Washtenaw County, during game times, games are cancelled for the
day. If a weather warning is issued for Washtenaw County between 4:00pm and 6:00pm during the weekdays, all
practices will be cancelled.
When thunder is heard or lightning is seen, games must be immediately suspended. Officials, players, and
spectators should seek appropriate shelter during the delay. Officials must not resume play until thunder has not
been heard and lightning has not been seen in the local sky for 30 minutes. The occurrence of thunder and lightning
is not subject to interpretation or discussion. Thunder is thunder, and lightning is lightning.
4.
DIRECT-KICKS
In kindergarten through fourth grades, there are no direct-kicks, including penalty kicks. An indirect-kick will be
awarded for all fouls at those age levels.
Note:
5.
A goal may be scored directly from a kick-off, goal-kick, or corner kick.
EQUIPMENT
Players may wear soccer shoes, but sneakers are sufficient. Metal cleats/spikes are prohibited Proper
fitting shin guards are mandatory. All players must wear proper fitting shin guards that are worn
underneath socks. Shin guards worn over socks are NOT permitted. Baseball cleats, or shoes with
an outward facing toe cleat, are NOT permitted. Mouth guards are highly recommended. Referees will
conduct an equipment check before each game.
6.
GOALKEEPER
A. Once a goalkeeper has gained possession of the ball (even if by having just one finger on it), no opposing player
may go after it or interfere with the goalkeeper's toss or punt. Goalkeepers may not be charged within their own
penalty area.
Notes:(1) In kindergarten through fourth grades, there is no limit on the amount of time a goalkeeper may take while
s/he is in control of the ball. However, in third and fourth grade, the goalkeeper shall be verbally encouraged by the
referee/coach to release the ball within six seconds. (2) In all other grades, FIFA guidelines are in effect – the goalie has
six (6) seconds to release the ball.
2
B. In kindergarten through fourth grades, the goalie may pick up the ball with his/her hands after it has been kicked
back to them by their teammate. In all other grades, FIFA guidelines are in effect – the goalie may only pick up
the ball from a teammate when played back off his/her head.
7.
GOAL KICK
A goal kick is a method of restarting play. A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball, having last touched a
player of the attacking team, passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and a goal is not scored.
Kindergarten-2nd Graders now will have goal kicks treated as a goalie possession. The referee will hand the ball to
the goalie who can chose to either free kick, punt or throw the ball to restart play.
rd
th
For Grades 3 -8 Graders: The ball is kicked from any point within the goal area by any player of the defending
team. Opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play. The kicker may not play the ball a second
time until it has touched another player. The ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area. If the
ball is not kicked directly into play beyond the penalty area the kick Is retaken.
Note: The players of the team that is awarded the goal kick do not have to exit the penalty area. They may remain
to play defense should the kicked ball be intercepted by the opposing team.
8.
GOALPOSTS
Players must not hang from the goal posts. Yellow and/or red cards will be issued for this potentially destructive
conduct.
9.
HAND BALL
Play is whistled stopped when the ball is deliberately handled by a player other than the goalie. Unintentional
touching of the ball should not be whistled and play should continue.
10.
HEADING
In all kindergarten through FIFTH grade leagues, heading is illegal, unless contact is incidental. Also, heading
should NOT be taught or practiced during practice sessions for these grades.
Penalty: Indirect-kick for the other team from the spot of the foul.
Note:
If inside the penalty area, the kick is taken from the nearest spot outside the penalty area.
11.
JEWELRY
Most exposed jewelry is illegal. Rings, watches, braclets (friendship included), earrings, chains, or necklaces are
illegal with the following exceptions:
a) Starter earrings or studs may be worn on newly pierced ears if they are covered with tape or a bandage to the
satisfaction of the official.
b) A religious medal may be worn if it is taped to the body and work under the uniform.
c) Medical alert bracelets or necklaces may be worn if they are taped to the body so the medical alert information
still remains visible and accessible if needed.
d) Body piercings not visible to the official are not of concern. If the piercing becomes visible, the official must order
the player to remove it.
HAIR ACCESSORIES
Any hair accessory made of metal or hard plastic such as barrettes, hair clips or bobby pins are illegal and may
not be worn. However, a player may wear hair beads as long as the hair is tied in a tight bun or adequately
covered by a hair net to the satisfaction of the official.
HEADWEAR
e) Players may wear a headband. The headband must be worn on the forehead/crown and can not exceed a
f)
maximum of 2”.
Under no circumstances are players in any Rec & Ed youth sports program allowed to wear bandanas.
CASTS, SPLINTS, BRACES AND PROSTHESES
g) In Rec & Ed soccer leagues casts, splints, and braces may be worn on the upper extremities as long as they are
padded with at least ½” of closed-cell, slow-recovery rubber or other material of the same minimum thickness
and having similar physical properties. No casts, splints or braces may be worn on the lower extremities.
h) No protective equipment used in any Rec & Ed youth soccer program shall have exposed metal or hard
material.
i) Prosthesis may be worn as long as in the official’s judgment of the prosthesis is no more dangerous to players
than the corresponding human body part.
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j)
12.
It is the responsibility of each coach to inform players and their parents whenever a player is guilty of an
infraction of the Youth Sports Equipment and Apparel Rule. Any player who is in violation of the rule may not
participate in any Rec & Ed contest until the player is in compliance with the rule. If a player can not comply with
the Youth Sports Equipment & Apparel Rule without significant delay, another player must substitute in for the
player or the offending player’s team must play short. Note that a player who leaves the game to remove jewelry
or illegal apparel may be re-entered as a legal substitute once he/she complies with the equipment and apparel
rule.
KICK-OFF
In kindergarten through fourth grades, a team making an incorrect kick-off will have one chance to do it over again
correctly. A second violation will result in an indirect-kick for the other team from the spot of the infraction.
Note: Unlike in FIFA rules, a kick-off may go backwards in Rec & Ed leagues.
13.
MAKE-UP GAMES
If all games are cancelled on Saturday or Sunday, Rec & Ed will officially reschedule those games. Coaches will be
notified of the make-up date by mail or telephone. In the event that the referee cancels a game, Rec & Ed will not
officially reschedule that game(s). However, if both coaches wish to reschedule that game, they may do so during
the week, (possibly during a practice time at their own convenience). Rec & Ed will not schedule a referee for this
scrimmage.
14.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
st
nd
All kindergarten games are played with five players per side. All 1 & 2 grade games are played with six players
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per side. All 3 - 9 grade games are played with seven players per side. If one team is short players, the other
team is not required to play short as well. Teams with enough players may loan players to their opponent if their
opponent has less than the required players. There is no minimum number of players required to field a team.
Games will be forfeited in the event that an entire team is not present. In this event, the referee will declare the
forfeit.
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Option #1: In 3 & 4 grade games, if both teams agree, in the presence of the official, they may use 6 players on
the field.
th th
Option #2: In 5 -9 grade games, if both teams agree, in the presence of the official, they may use 8 players on the
field.
15.
OFF-SIDE
In kindergarten through second grades, off-side will not be strictly enforced.
Exception:
16.
If in the referee's judgment a goal is imminent or if a goal is actually scored and the offense is off-side,
off-side will be called and any goal will be cancelled
PLAYING TIME
At the K level each child must play 16 minutes per game. In first through fourth grades, each child must play at least
twenty-four minutes. In fifth through eighth grades, each child must play at least half of the game. That equals a total
of twenty-five minutes. In all grades, each child must also sit out one quarter of the game.
Note:
1.
2.
3.
Playing time does not have to occur in continuous blocks of time.
If a team has fewer than ten players present at game time, some players may have their playing time increased
due to the insufficient number of players. (The referee should be notified when this occurs.)
If a team has more than the recommended maximum number of players, coaches should spread playing time out
evenly in the spirit of the rule since it is mathematically impossible to follow the guidelines above.
Parents should contact Rec & Ed if coaches are not abiding by this rule. Coaches not abiding by this rule may be
suspended and/or placed on probation in accordance with the Team Sports Policy on Probation, Suspension and
Hearing Procedures.
17.
POSITIONING
Coaches must give their players the opportunity to play different positions throughout the season. Players should
have the opportunity to play goal if they wish.
18.
REFUND POLICY
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Refund requests must be made in writing 24 hours before player’s first regularly scheduled game.
Refund requests must be submitted to Community Education & Recreation, 1530 Eisenhower Place, Ann
Arbor, MI 48108.
All refunds are subject to a $10.00 processing fee.
No player fee will be refunded after the first scheduled game.
Refunds will be paid by check or credited to charge card depending on method of payment, and normally
take four to six weeks to process.
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19.
SLIDE TACKLING / DANGEROUS SLIDING
In kindergarten through fourth grades, no slide tackling is allowed. This includes all sliding which takes place in a
dangerous manner that may not be deemed a slide tackle. Violations will result in a yellow card and indirect-kick for
the first violation. The offending player will also be removed for the remainder of the quarter in which the slide takes
place. A red card will be issued for the second violation. Players that slide in a manner that does not endanger an
opponent or teammate, i.e. in open space, are not to be penalized. Slides that are not in the physical proximity of
another player are considered “safe” or legal slides.
In fifth through eighth grades, slide tackling will be called in accordance with FIFA guidelines.
20.
SOCCER BALLS
Kindergarten through second grades uses a size 3 ball. Third through fifth grades use a size 4 ball. Sixth through
eighth grades use a size 5 ball.
Note:
21.
The home team will furnish the game ball.
SPECTATORS AND TEAMS
The coaches of each team should meet no later than twenty minutes before the game to negotiate spectator and
team positioning. If it is convenient, coaches may arrange spectator and team positioning by phone or email prior to
the day of the game. The choices appear below.
1)
2)
3)
Opposing teams choose sidelines opposite one another, e.g. one team on the west side of the field and the
other on the east side of the field. Coaches and helpers will be allowed to coach from the sideline along their
side of the field.
Teams line up on the same side of the field with the teams and spectators divided at midfield. (In this case
coaches, and their helpers, will only be allowed to coach on their own half of the field. In other words, coaches
may not cross the midfield line and enter into the other team’s half of the field.)
If the coaches of the two teams cannot agree on the sideline configuration then it will be decided by a coin flip.
The coin flip will be conducted by the official preferably between the third and fourth quarter of the prior game.
For the first game of the morning or the first game of the afternoon, the coin flip will be conducted by the official
approximately fifteen minutes before the game. The coach of the team winning the coin flip will have his/her
choice of the sideline configuration and sideline choice.
All coaches and players are to remain two yards off the touch line. This should facilitate easier substitutions and
protect against interference with play. Parents and other spectators shall remain behind the teams and/or at
least three yards off the touch line. Spectators may be removed from the playing area if their conduct or
language is deemed unsportsmanlike by the referee.
Coaches may actively instruct their players from their own sideline area. In third, fourth, fifth and middle school
leagues, coaches are encouraged to do the vast majority of their coaching during their team’s practices, allowing
their players to perform to the best of their ability without an inordinate amount of sideline coaching during games.
No person, coaches included, shall stand on either end of the field or along either goal line (behind or near the
st
goals). Exception: In Kindergarten and 1 Grade leagues only, a coach or team helper may stand behind each
team’s goal lines so as to instruct his/her goalie.
22.
SPORTSMANSHIP AND CONDUCT
Coaches must emphasize good sportsmanship and behavior before, during and especially after the game for the
ritualistic handshake. Parents, coaches, and referees should contact Rec & Ed if players and/or coaches are not
properly demonstrating sportsmanship. Coaches not emphasizing sportsmanship and players not demonstrating
sportsmanship may be suspended and/or placed on probation in accordance with the Team Sports Policy on
Probation, Suspension and Hearing Procedures.
Players and/or coaches who in the opinion of the referee persistently infringe the laws of the game, show dissent
toward a referee, or display unsportsmanlike conduct will be cautioned by the referee with a yellow card.
Players and/or coaches who in the opinion of the referee display violent conduct, serious foul play, foul or abusive
language or who commit a second cautionable offense will be shown a red card and sent off the field. A substitute
may replace an ejected player.
Note:
Disparaging language or communication (whether verbal or non-verbal) will not be tolerated from players, coaches or
spectators. Should the referee hear or see such communication sanctions will be enforced per the guidelines of the "laws
of the game". Should a referee be informed that such communication has and/or is taking place, s\he should call both
coaches together and ask them to address sportsmanship with their respective players and spectators.
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23.
STARTING PLAY
The team winning the coin toss must choose a goal to defend. The other team starts the game with a kick-off.
24.
SUBSTITUTIONS
To maximize participation of all players, frequent substitution is encouraged. After receiving permission from the
referee, either team may substitute during any dead ball or stoppage of play.
Note:
25.
As the only official timekeeper, the referee may "add time" if s/he feels a coach is wasting time during substitutions.
However, should the referee be forced to add time, the coach must be warned for time wasting upon the first occurrence
and cautioned upon the second occurrence.
THROW-INS
In kindergarten through fourth grades, a team making an incorrect throw-in will have one chance to do it over again
correctly. A second violation will result in the throw-in ball being awarded to the other team.
Note:
On throw-ins thrown directly to the goalie, the goalie cannot touch the ball with his or her hands.
Penalty: Indirect free-kick for the other team.
26.
TIME GUIDELINES
All games are to begin on time. Referees have the option of shortening the game if a team(s) arrive late. In the
kindergarten league, each game will be 48 minutes, four 12 minute quarters. In the first through fourth grade games,
each game will be 56 minutes, or four 14 minute quarters. In fifth through eighth grades, each game will be 56
minutes, or two twenty-eight minute halves. If both teams agree pre-game in the presence of the referee, quarters
may be played instead of halves.
nd
rd
Note:
There is a two-minute break between each quarter and a five-minute break at halftime, between 2 and 3
periods, when quarters are played. There is a nine minute break at halftime when halves are played.
27.
TIME-OUTS
Play is stopped in the case of an injury, but it is seldom stopped in other circumstances. Upon noticing or being
informed of an injured player the referee must stop play regardless of the advantage/disadvantage situation.
In other situations, the referee may call time out when it is not possible to continue play. In third through eighth
grades, the referee will restart play by dropping the ball where the ball was when play was stopped, unless the ball
was in the penalty area. If the ball was in the penalty area when play was stopped, the referee drops the ball on the
penalty area line nearest to where the ball was when play was stopped.
In kindergarten through second grades, an alternating possession will be used instead of a drop ball. The home
team receives the ball on the first occurrence and the visiting team on the second.
28.
UNIFORMS
All players must wear their team shirt during league games. If a player is not wearing his or her team
shirt, s/he is not allowed to play. In cold weather, sweatshirts or jackets may be worn under the team shirt.
Exception: If a player is injured, blood stained clothing must be removed. If the injured player is able to
playing, he/she may play in a shirt other than the team shirt.
Note:
29.
continue
Goalkeepers must wear the mesh jersey provided for each team.
VOLUNTEER LINESPERSON
Each team must provide one adult to serve as a linesperson for each game. The linesperson must meet with the
referee in a pre-game conference for instructions. Coaches should have this volunteer assigned prior to the game in
order to avoid delays.
The linesperson's only responsibility is to give the direction on throw-in situations. The referee may overrule
the linesperson’s decisions. Throw-ins should be awarded when the ball completely crosses the touch line.
30.
WARM-UP TIME
Teams are to warm up prior to their game in an area away from the game field. This is to avoid confusion and/or
conflict between the game that is being played and players warming up.
2017 Spring Youth Soccer Staff:
Seth Dodson, Team Sports Manager, ext. 53225, [email protected]
Elyse Bairley, Youth Team Sports Supervisor, ext. 53104, [email protected]
Willie Pickvet, Team Sports Assistant, ext. 53228, [email protected]
Rick Mull, Official Specialist, ext. 53209, [email protected]
6
RULES SUMMARY CHART
RULE
K-2nd grade
3rd-4th grade
5th-8th grade
Direct-Kicks
no direct-kicks
no direct-kicks
FIFA
Field Dimensions
90’ x 105’ – kind.
st
90’ x 135’ – 1
nd
90’ x 150’ – 2
120’ x 165’
150’ x 195’
Goal Kick
Treated as goalie possession.
Ref will hand ball to goalie who
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th
3 -8 grade goal kick is done in
standard fashion.
can chose to free kick, punt or
throw for K-2 graders.
Goalie Possession
The goalkeeper gains possession of the ball even with just one
finger on it. (all leagues)
Goalie Release Time
no limit
no limit
FIFA
Heading
not allowed (i.k.)
not allowed (i.k.)
5 - NO MS FIFA
Injuries
Stop play immediately regardless of advantage/disadvantage.
Number of players
5 v 5 – kindergarten
st
nd
6 v 6 – 1 – 2 grade
7v7
7v7
8 v 8 when agreed
Off-side
only called on scores
FIFA
FIFA
Playing time
16 minutes
24 minutes
2 quarters (or half the game)
Slide Tackling
illegal
illegal
FIFA
Soccer Ball
size 3
size 4
Substitutions
size 4 - 5 Graders
th th
size 5 - 6 -8 Graders
On either team’s restart, a drop ball, or after a goal of an injury (all leagues).
Throw-Ins
one retry
one retry
Time Guidelines
4—8 quart (kinder)
4—14min periods
st nd
4 – 14min quart (1 -2 )
2—28min halves
Time Out (injury)
alt. possession
drop ball
Note:
drop ball
i.k. = indirect kick
7
th
th
FIFA