WestBrazosSoccerClub
P.O. Box 1742, Brazoria TX, 77422
ModifiedRulesofPlay
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2 Special Modifications for Safety ................................................................................................................... 2 Heading (U6‐U10) ..................................................................................................................................... 2 Throw‐Ins (U6) .......................................................................................................................................... 2 Field of Play ................................................................................................................................................... 2 Field Sizes .................................................................................................................................................. 2 Spectators and Side‐Lines ......................................................................................................................... 2 Team Official Identification ....................................................................................................................... 3 Tobacco and Alcohol Policy ....................................................................................................................... 3 Ball: ............................................................................................................................................................... 3 Ball Sizes .................................................................................................................................................... 3 Ball Condition ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Number of Players: ....................................................................................................................................... 3 Players on the Field ................................................................................................................................... 3 Substitutions ............................................................................................................................................. 3 Player Equipment: ......................................................................................................................................... 4 Referees: ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 Game Duration: ............................................................................................................................................. 5 Start of Play: .................................................................................................................................................. 5 Kick‐Off: ..................................................................................................................................................... 5 Drop‐Ball: .................................................................................................................................................. 6 Stoppage of Play: .......................................................................................................................................... 6 Off‐sides: ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 Fouls and Misconduct: .................................................................................................................................. 7 Free Kick: ................................................................................................................................................... 7 Direct Kick: ................................................................................................................................................ 7 Indirect Kick: .............................................................................................................................................. 8 Caution and Send‐Off (Yellow and Red Card): .......................................................................................... 8 Cautionable Offenses: ............................................................................................................................... 9 Send‐Off Offenses: .................................................................................................................................... 9 Penalty Kicks: ................................................................................................................................................ 9 Throw‐In: ..................................................................................................................................................... 10 Goal Kick: ..................................................................................................................................................... 10 Corner Kick: ................................................................................................................................................. 11 Revision: 2016.02 August 2016 Page 1 of 11 WestBrazosSoccerClub
P.O. Box 1742, Brazoria TX, 77422
ModifiedRulesofPlay
Introduction
This document is a general summation of the Laws of the Game. It is a combination of FIFA, USYS, STYSA, and BYSA rules and modifications. The reader is encouraged to review the following resources in detail: FIFA Laws of the Game: http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/footballdevelopment/technicalsupport/refereeing/laws‐of‐the‐
game/index.html STYSA Handbook: http://www.stxsoccer.org/rules_and_bylaws/ SpecialModificationsforSafety
The rules and modifications discussed in this section are intended to improve the safety of younger players until they are physically ready to handle certain aspects of the game. As such, following these standards in both games and practice is very important to the club and should be taken seriously. Heading(U6‐U10)
For U10 and under age groups, intentional heading of the ball has been prohibited. A violation of this mandate during a match will result in an indirect free kick awarded to the opponent team. Further, heading drills are not permitted in practice until players reach the U11 and older age groups. For the U11‐U12 age groups, repetitive heading drills should be used sparingly in practice. Throw‐Ins(U6)
Throw‐Ins are not utilized in the U6 format at WBSC. Instead, all restarts from the touch‐lines (side‐
lines) are instead taken with a kick‐in. This format should be implemented in practices as well. The skills needed to properly play a ball approaching from the air will be beyond most 4 and 5 year olds (and there are other aspects of eye‐foot co‐ordination that are more relevant to develop). FieldofPlay
FieldSizes
All field sizes shall be in accordance with STYSA guidelines. Reference Handbook Section 6 “General Rules of Play” available at www.stxsoccer.org . They can be found specifically at: https://usys‐assets.ae‐
admin.com/assets/975/15/6_GENERAL%20RULES%20OF%20PLAY_2.21.16.pdf. Note: In FIFA laws, the 10 yard distance is used to establish the distance an opponent must be from a free kick (kick‐off, direct, indirect, and corner). The center circle of an 11v11 field should be 10 yards in radius to represent this distance. For small field sizes the size of the center circle should be used by the referee to maintain the required distance of an opponent on a free kick. SpectatorsandSide‐Lines
All WBSC fields will have a "spectator line" marked approximately 5 ft. from the touch line between the penalty boxes. NO ONE except the assistant referee shall be between the spectator line and the touch line. For U6 games, players, parent, and coaches may share either side of the field. For all other ages, Revision: 2016.02 August 2016 Page 2 of 11 WestBrazosSoccerClub
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players and team officials shall occupy one side of the field with all spectators on the opposite side of the field. TeamOfficialIdentification
ALL Team Officials MUST display the KidSafe Badge for 2016 at ALL TIMES on the coaches’ sidelines. Failure to have your Kidsafe badge will result in the removal of any person from the coaches’ sideline. TobaccoandAlcoholPolicy
All WBSC teams, coaches and associated spectators shall adhere to a zero‐tolerance policy of alcohol and tobacco products on all BYSA field property. Specifically, WBSC games are played on CBISD school property and criminal charges for the possession of alcohol and/or tobacco products on these properties may be pursued by WBSC, BYSA, and/or CBISD. Ball:
BallSizes
Ball sizes will be in accordance with STYSA and BYSA guidelines. For reference, the appropriate ball sizes are as follows: 
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U13 – U19 = Size 5
U9 ‐ U12 = Size 4
U8 and Below = Size 3
BallCondition
The home team is responsible for providing a game ball. The referee shall judge and inspect the game ball for proper inflation and cover condition. A ball with rips and tears in the cover shall not be used in a game. NumberofPlayers:
PlayersontheField
The maximum and minimum numbers of players on the field during play are given below. A team that loses players during play below the minimum will stop play. If play cannot continue or start in a reasonable time (15 minutes) the game shall be forfeit. 
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U13 – U19 = 11 players maximum (including goal keepers), with no less than 7 players U11 – U12 = 9 players maximum (including goal keepers), with no less than 6 players U9 – U10 = 7 players maximum (including goal keepers), with no less than 5 players
U7 – U8 = 4 players maximum (no goal keepers), with no less than 3 players U6 = 4 players maximum (no goal keepers), with no less than 3 players
Substitutions
In youth play, substitutions shall be unlimited with the following constraints: Revision: 2016.02 August 2016 Page 3 of 11 WestBrazosSoccerClub
P.O. Box 1742, Brazoria TX, 77422
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In Divisions II, III, and IV, per STYSA rules, coaches must make every effort to play each registered player that is present one half 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. 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. 1. Throw in (by team of possession). 2. By either team at a goal kick. 3. By either team following a goal. 4. By either team when the referee stops play for an injured player. 5. By either team at half time. 6. For any player receiving a caution (yellow card). Substitution by one team at any of these times does not automatically give permission to the other team. This permission must be specifically given to each team by the referee. Normally, no substitutions shall be made during corner or penalty kicks. The referee may make allowances based on specific play. The referee must be notified of all goalkeeper changes, even those that occur at half time. A player on the field may change places with the goalkeeper at any time, provided that the referee is informed and gives approval prior to making the change. Failure to notify and receive approval from the referee before changing keepers is a cautionable offense for both players involved in the change. PlayerEquipment:
All players must wear shin guards, which are commercially produced and specifically designed to provide protection to the shins, in all games and practices. The referee may require that shin guards are worn directly under socks and not over socks with the top of the sock rolled down to cover the shin guard). The referee will inspect all players for safety and may require the removal of any items deemed dangerous. This may include (but is not limited to): barrettes, bobby pins, earrings/piercings, casts, head/wrist bands, rings, bracelets, etc. Kneepads and elbow pads are generally permissible provided they are soft and do not pose a danger to other players. All players shall wear a matching uniform. Uniforms are mandatory by the second game weekend of the season. The referee has the right to require players to remove accessories that do not match and are not part of the uniform. This may include arm/wrist bands, head gear, bra straps, socks, etc. In general, players may wear warm clothing in cold weather provided they wear their jerseys on the outside and can play in a safe manner. Excessively bulky and baggy clothing should be avoided. In the event the playing teams do not have contrasting colors, the home team shall be required to change, if requested by the referee. In general, all coaches should procure a set of “pennies” or scrimmage vests to provide an alternative color.
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P.O. Box 1742, Brazoria TX, 77422
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Referees:
The decision of the Referee regarding facts connected with the play of a game is final. The referee may only change a decision on realizing that it is incorrect. If the official referee does not appear for a BYSA game within 15 minutes after the scheduled kickoff time, a person mutually agreed upon by BOTH coaches may referee the game. At the center referee’s request, each team shall supply a club assistant referee who shall assist the referee. Board members of WBSC and other designated adult referees will patrol WBSC fields. These referees shall be able to step in and assume the role of the 4th official. These officials will not influence the center referee’s judgment on the field. In this capacity, the 4th official is responsible for assisting in the control of both sidelines and the 4th official may caution and send‐off spectators, coaches, and side‐lined players as applicable. The 4th official may also check KidSafe badges and equipment. A coach may protest a game per the STSYA and BYSA protest and grievance procedures. Refer to the STYSA Handbook section 4 (specifically https://usys‐assets.ae‐admin.com/assets/975/15/4_HB%20D‐
P%20Rules_2.22.15_2.pdf) of a game must occur at the end of the game. You must notify the center referee and opposing coach of your intent to protest the game immediately after the completion of the game. Ideally, you should note your intent and reason to protest in writing on the game card. You may not protest the referee’s judgment – only the correct application of the laws of the game. GameDuration:
Game Duration shall be as follows: 
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U17 – U19 = Two 45 minute halves (15 minute half‐time break)
U15 – U16 = Two 40 minute halves (15 minute half‐time break)
U13 – U14 = Two 35 minute halves (15 minute half‐time break)
U11 – U12 = Two 30 minute halves (10 minute half‐time break)
U9 – U10 = Two 25 minute halves (10 minute half‐time break)
U8 = Three 15 minute periods (5 minute period break)
U4 – U7 = Four 8 minute quarters (5 minute period break)
South Texas is hot in September! At the referee’s discretion, water breaks may be granted and game times adjusted as deemed appropriate based on field scheduling. If possible, the referee will discuss how water breaks will be handled prior to the start of game. StartofPlay:
Kick‐Off:
At the start of each half and after each goal, play is restarted with a kickoff. The ball is placed in the center of the field and a player kicks the ball. The winner of a coin toss determines which goal they would like to attack and the other team is given the kick‐off in the first half. The opposite team will kick Revision: 2016.02 August 2016 Page 5 of 11 WestBrazosSoccerClub
P.O. Box 1742, Brazoria TX, 77422
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off to start the second half. At the kickoff, all players on each team must be on their own half of the field. Players on the non‐kicking team must be outside the center circle. Players on the kicking team may stand anywhere on their half, including inside the center circle. The ball must be kicked forward. The kicker may touch the ball only once, and a second player may then touch the ball. A goal may be scored directly from the kick‐off. For U7/U8 teams, a double touch by the first player will result in an explanation by the referee and the kick‐off will be retaken. Kick‐offs will alternate every quarter. For U6 teams, a double touch by the first player will be allowed. Kick‐offs will alternate every quarter. Drop‐Ball:
In some instances, the referee will restart play with a dropped ball. The referee is not required to wait until all players are ready. A dropped ball must touch the ground before it can be played. Specifically, a drop ball that is played before it touches the ground must be retaken. A drop ball that leaves the field of play without being touched by a player shall be retaken. StoppageofPlay:
Play is stopped when the referee blows the whistle to stop play. In general, this is caused by an infraction of the Laws of the Game or when the ball completely crosses a goal line or touch line (on the ground or in the air). A goal is not scored until the ball completely crosses the entire width of the goal line and enters the goal (between the goal posts and under the cross‐bar). Off‐sides:
U‐19 through U‐9: This law discourages attackers from waiting around in front of the goal for teammates to send the ball forward to them. A player is in an off‐side position if he is nearer to his opponent’s goal‐line than either the ball or the second to last defender and on the offensive half of the field. It is perfectly legal to be in an off‐side position. A player is “off‐side” (illegal) if he is in an off‐side position when the ball is passed forward to him by a teammate or if he involves himself in the play. (i.e. causes the goal keeper to become distracted while in an offside position). A player that is “on‐side” (not off‐side) when a ball is last touched by a player may then legally move to an off‐side position to play the ball (meaning, when the ball is kicked long from the back‐field – as soon as it is kicked players may “race” down the field toward the goal provided they were not in an off‐side position when the ball was kicked). It is NOT an off‐side offense to be in an off‐side position directly from a goal‐kick, corner‐kick, or throw in. U8 and U6: the offside rule shall be interpreted liberally; however, no player may play in an obvious offside position, in front of or near the goal, such as a "designated scorer". Revision: 2016.02 August 2016 Page 6 of 11 WestBrazosSoccerClub
P.O. Box 1742, Brazoria TX, 77422
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FoulsandMisconduct:
Fouls and Misconduct (Law 12) is one of the more detailed and frustrating aspects of the game of soccer (for parents and coaches especially). WBSC would recommend you review the FIFA Explanations of Law XII found at: http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/afdeveloping/refereeing/law_12_fouls_misconduct_en_47379.pdf This is also available at the WBSC website (maybe). FreeKick:
A free kick is a method to restart play – usually after an offense (but also to start the game at both halves, etc.). For both direct and indirect free kicks, the ball must be stationary when the kick is taken and the kicker does not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player (if he does, this is commonly referred to as a “double touch”). A team taking a free kick is given a single kick of the ball without interference from opponents. On a direct free kick, the kicking team may score a goal directly from the kick. On an indirect free kick, the ball must be touched by at least two players before going into the goal (the kicker and one other player from either team). An indirect free kick is signaled by the referee when he holds his arm vertically above the body. The referee will (should) keep his arm raised until the ball comes into contact with a second player. In FIFA laws, the 10 yard distance is used to establish the distance an opponent must be from a free kick (kick‐off, direct, indirect, and corner). The center circle of an 11v11 field should be 10 yards in radius to represent this distance. For small field sizes the size of the center circle should be used by the referee to maintain the required distance of an opponent on a free kick. DirectKick:
A direct free kick is a kick taken by a player from the spot of offense. A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following seven offences in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force: 
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kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
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holds an opponent
trips or attempts to trip an opponent
jumps at an opponent
charges an opponent
strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
pushes an opponent
tackles an opponent
A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following four offences: spits at an opponent
handles the ball deliberately (except the goal keeper within his own penalty area)
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P.O. Box 1742, Brazoria TX, 77422
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Additionally, there shall be no charging of the goalkeeper, fairly or unfairly, in STYSA sanctioned competition. Any such act will be considered as "dangerous play" at the least and punished accordingly. A goal keeper is in possession of the ball if he controls the ball with his hand(s). This includes a ball that is pinned to the ground with a single hand. For U6‐U8 teams, all fouls shall result in an In‐Direct kick. IndirectKick:
An indirect free kick is a kick taken by a player from the spot of offense. A player may not score directly from an indirect kick. Instead, after the kick is taken, it must contact at least one other player on either team (including a defending goal keeper) before going into the goal. An indirect kick that is played directly into the goal is re‐started with a goal kick. An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goal keeper, within his own penaly area, commits any of the following four offenses: 
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Takes more than six seconds while controlling the ball with his hands before releasing it from his possession
Touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released from his possession and has not touched any other player
Touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team‐mate
Touches the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a throw‐in taken by a team‐
mate
An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if, in the referee’s opinion, a player: 
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Plays in a dangerous manner
Impedes the progress of an opponent
Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands
Commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which play is stopped to caution or send off a player For U6 a double touch by the kicking player will be allowed. For U7/U8 a double touch will result in an indirect kick being retaken.
CautionandSend‐Off(YellowandRedCard):
The yellow card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been cautioned. The red card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been sent off. Only a player, substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card. Coaches are verbally cautioned and/or sent off (they are not given cards). The referee has the authority to take disciplinary sanctions from the moment he enters the field of play until he leaves the field of play after the final whistle. Revision: 2016.02 August 2016 Page 8 of 11 WestBrazosSoccerClub
P.O. Box 1742, Brazoria TX, 77422
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A player who commits a cautionable or sending‐off offense, either on or off the field of play, whether directed towards an opponent, a team‐mate, the referee, an assistant referee or any other person, is disciplined according to the nature of the offense committed. CautionableOffenses:
A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following seven offences: 
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Unsporting behavior
Dissent by word or action
Persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game
Delaying the restart of play
Failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick, free kick or throw‐in
Entering or re‐entering the field of play without the referee's permission
Deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee's permission
A substitute or substituted player is cautioned if he commits any of the following three offences: 
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Unsporting behavior
Dissent by word or action
Delaying the restart of play
Send‐OffOffenses:
A player, substitute or substituted player is sent off if he commits any of the following seven offences: 
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Serious foul play
Violent conduct
Spitting at an opponent or any other person
Denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal‐scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
Denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player's goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick
Using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
Receiving a second caution in the same match
A player, substitute or substituted player who has been sent off must leave the vicinity of the field of play and the technical area. PenaltyKicks:
A penalty kick is awarded if any of the above ten offenses is committed by a player inside his own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball, provided it is in play. A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick. Additional time is allowed for a penalty kick to be taken at the end of each half or at the end of periods of extra time. Revision: 2016.02 August 2016 Page 9 of 11 WestBrazosSoccerClub
P.O. Box 1742, Brazoria TX, 77422
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Refer to the FIFA Laws of the Game (Law 14) for full details on the procedure to take a penalty kick. In general, a single kicker is identified and allowed inside the penalty area + penalty arc. All other players except the defending goal keeper must stay outside these areas until the ball is kicked. The defending goal‐keeper must stay on the goal‐line between the goal posts until the ball is kicked (he may move “side to side” but cannot come forward until the ball is kicked). The referee will judge when a penalty kick is completed and normal play has resumed. U6 – U8 teams will not participate in penalty kicks. Throw‐In:
A throw‐in is a method of restarting play (usually after the ball crosses a touch line or “sideline”). A throw‐in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball crosses the touch line, either on the ground or in the air. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw‐in (it must be played by another player). All opponents must stand at least 1 yard from the point at which the throw‐in is taken. The ball is in play when it enters the field of play. After delivering the ball, the thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. To properly perform a throw‐in, at the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower: 
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Faces the field of play
Has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line
Holds the ball with both hands
Delivers the ball from behind and over his head
Delivers the ball from the point where it left the field of play
If the above procedure is violated, play is stopped and a throw‐in is awarded to the opposite team. For U7/U8 teams, a player in violation of the throw‐in procedure may be allowed one additional chance to throw the ball in properly with correcting guidance from the referee. This is at the referee’s discretion. Multiple corrections to the same player may not be tolerated. For U6, WBSC will use the “kick‐in” method in place of all throw‐ins. A “kick‐in” for this purpose will be taken from the spot that a throw‐in should occur and will be treated as a normal indirect free kick. GoalKick:
A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking team, and a goal is not scored (i.e. wide of the goal or over the top). A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team. To properly perform a goal kick: 
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The ball is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team Opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play
The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player
The ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area
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CornerKick:
A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the defending team, and a goal is not scored. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team. To properly perform a corner kick: 
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The ball must be placed inside the corner arc nearest to the point where the ball crossed the goal line
The corner flag post must not be moved
Opponents must remain at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the corner arc until the ball is in play. This distance is modified for smaller field sizes and shall match the radius of the center circle.
The ball must be kicked by a player of the attacking team
The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves
The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player
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