DC SCORES SOCCER LEAGUE RULES
DC SCORES plays the game of soccer according to the laws of the Fédération Internationale Football
Association (FIFA) and United States Soccer Federation (USSF) laws of the game with the following
modifications below.
For further clarification on the Laws, please see the “Laws of the Game Made Easy” Resource from U.S. Soccer.
FIELD:
It is the job of the home team to ensure that the field of play is safe for all participants. Common hazards
such as holes, exposed rocks or sprinkler heads, broken glass and miscellaneous debris are fairly easily
detected by walking over the field. Some of the less obvious hazards are associated with the goals. The goals
must be inspected to ensure they are secured well enough that they will not collapse or be blown over by a
strong gust of wind.
BALL:
Age
BALL SIZE
Elementary School League
4
Middle School League
5
The home team is responsible for providing a properly inflated game ball.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS:
Age
Maximum # of Players
Minimum # of Players
Elementary School League
8 (7 + GK)
6 (5 +GK)
Middle School League
9 (8 + GK)
6 (5 +GK)
A team must have at least six players on the field at all times in order for a game to be played. If a team does
not have the maximum number of players at the start of the game or during the game, the opposing team can
choose to continue playing with the maximum number of players against the smaller team or match the
opposing team’s number of players. A team unable to field the minimum six players will forfeit.
Substitutions: Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the referee, at any stoppage of play. The goalie
also may be substituted at any time with the consent of the referee.
PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT:
Each child must wear their complete DC SCORES uniform for all games, including jersey, athletic shorts or
sweatpants (no jeans), shin guards, socks, and cleats or sneakers (no boots or sandals). Any child who does
not have one of the following items on any given game day will not be able to participate. Shin guards should
be covered entirely by the socks. Players should also remove all jewelry before the game.
REFEREE:
If the assigned referee fails to appear within ten minutes after the scheduled game time, the teams and DC
SCORES staff member may appoint a substitute referee by mutual agreement. Such appointment of a
substitute referee shall be binding for the game. Should the assigned referee appear after a substitute has
been assigned, the teams may allow him to officiate the game.
DC SCORES Elementary School League, and often Middle School League, is run with the generous help of
volunteer referees. DC SCORES referees share the same role as DC SCORES coaches, players, and spectators,
which is to ensure that every game is safe, fair, and fun for everyone involved. Cooperation between coaches
and referees is essential in maintaining an appropriate environment for the players. Young players learn from
and mirror the behavior of their coaches.
REFEREE ASSISTANT (DC SCORES STAFF MEMBER):
At most games, a DC SCORES staff member will be present throughout. This staff member is at the games to
provide support for both teams and the referee. This staff member will also be present to make sure that
coaches, players, parents, and spectators are behaving appropriately. This staff member will also be observing
coaches to make sure players are receiving equal playing time.
DURATION OF GAMES:
Age
Length of Each Half
Length of Halftime
Elementary School League
20 Minutes
5 Minute Maximum
Middle School League
25 Minutes
5 Minute Maximum
In the event of a late start, playing time will be adjusted accordingly to ensure the game finishes at the
scheduled time. During regular season play, there is no added time for stoppages during the game and there
are no overtime periods (games will finish in a tie). During the playoffs, in the event of a tie at the end of
regulation time, the outcome of a game is decided by penalty kicks. Each team is to take five penalty kicks.
After five penalty kicks, the team with the most goals wins. If the score is still tied after five, penalty kicks
continue until a team goes up by one goal.
START AND RESTART OF PLAY:
Coin toss: Before the start of each game, the referee will meet with both team captains to go over
expectations and conduct a coin toss. A coin toss determines which team is on which end of the field at the
start of the game. Usually, the visiting team captain calls heads or tails. The team that wins the toss chooses
the end of the field they will attack. The other team kicks off for the first half. Teams switch ends of the field
for the second half of the game. The team that didn’t kick off to start the first half kicks off to start the second
half.
Kick-off: A kick-off is the way to start each half of the game and to restart play after a goal is scored. Kick-off
requirements: the kick is taken from the center mark; each team in its half of the field; players from the other
team must be outside the center circle; players must wait for the referee’s whistle to begin; ball is kicked and
moves forward (into the “other half” of the field), the player who takes the kick-off can’t touch the ball again
until the ball has been touched by another player from either team. If an improper kickoff is taken, it is DC
SCORES policy to allow the team to retake the kick-off. A goal can be scored directly from a kick-off.
Dropped ball: A dropped ball is the way to restart play if play has been stopped for any reason not covered in
these rules.
BALL IN/OUT OF PLAY:
The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground or in the air
or play has been stopped by the referee. The ball is in play at all other times, including when it rebounds off a
goalpost, crossbar or corner flag post and remains in the field of play it rebounds off either the referee or an
assistant referee when they are on the field of play.
METHOD OF SCORING:
A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the
crossbar.
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OFFSIDE:
Age
Elementary School League
Middle School League
Offside?
NO OFFSIDE; but a loose “cherry picking” rule will be in
effect. “Cherry picking” is defined as standing in a position
which is at least five yards past the last defender while not
actively part of the play.
Regular offside rules apply.
FOULS AND MISCONDUCT:
**There is NO SLIDE TACKLING allowed in DC SCORES Elementary School League**
DC SCORES Middle School League follows regular FIFA Laws regarding Fouls and Misconduct.
Some DC SCORES volunteer referees may not have yellow/red cards on them while officiating matches,
however these referees may still suspend players from the field of play for a “cool down” period (yellow card)
and/or eject a player from a game if that player continues the same behavior previously cautioned for or
commits a serious foul/misconduct. As stated in the DC SCORES Sportsmanship Code of Conduct, DC SCORES
expects all coaches to work together and be aware of players’ behaviors and address any issues before they
escalate.
FREE KICKS:
**In Elementary School League all restarts will be indirect kicks.**
DC SCORES Middle School League follows regular FIFA Laws regarding Fouls and Misconduct.
PENALTY KICK:
**There are NO PENALTY KICKS in DC SCORES Elementary School League since all free kicks are indirect.**
DC SCORES Middle School League abides by regular penalty kick rules. If there is no penalty mark on the field,
it is up to the referee’s discretion to mark the spot by estimating 8-10 yards from the goal for Elementary
School and 10-12 yards for Middle School. We ask referees to be consistent in their distance.
THROW-IN:
A throw-in must be taken where the ball left the field. The thrower stands off the field but a part of either or
both feet can be on the field if at least some part of each foot is on the touch line or off the field. The ball is
thrown over the head using both hands while both feet remain on the ground.
The ball is in play as soon as it is released from the thrower’s hands and enters the field. A goal cannot be
scored directly from a throw-in.
*During the Fall Elementary School season, if a player does not perform a legal throw-in, referees are
encouraged to instruct players how to correctly throw the ball in and give them another chance.*
GOAL KICK:
A goal kick is awarded to the defending team when the ball crosses the goal line last touched by a member of
the attacking team, without a goal being scored. The ball can be placed anywhere in the goal area. The ball is
not in play until it completely clears the penalty area.
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CORNER KICK:
A corner kick is awarded to the attacking team after the ball crosses the goal line last touched by a member of
the defending team, without a goal being scored. The ball is placed inside the corner arc on the side of the
field closer to where the ball went out. The ball is in play as soon as it is kicked.
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DC SCORES SPORTSMANSHIP CODE OF CONDUCT
Good sportsmanship is one of the core values of DC SCORES. Sportsmanship is displayed not just on the
soccer field, but throughout the program and throughout our students’ lives.
Sportsmanship is defined as:
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playing fair
following the rules of the game
respecting the judgment of referees and officials
treating coaches and opponents with respect
graciousness in winning or losing
Some define good sportsmanship as the "golden rule" of sports — in other words, treating the people you play
with and against as you'd like to be treated yourself. You demonstrate good sportsmanship when you show
respect for yourself, your teammates, and your opponents, for the coaches on both sides, and for the
referees, judges, and other officials.
EXPECTATIONS
COACHES
The coach's role is to teach soccer skills to players and promote good sportsmanship throughout his/her
respective school. This goes on to include everyone involved with DC SCORES including parents, teachers,
administrators, and community spectators. All coaches within the soccer program will promote good
sportsmanship among players, foster team camaraderie, and help participants have fun while teaching players
the technical skills of soccer.
In addition, each Coach will ensure that his/her conduct sets a good example for everyone involved with DC
SCORES. To meet these responsibilities, the Coach is expected to:
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Know the rules of soccer and of the DC SCORES League and abide by them.
Instruct players and parents in the rules and motivate each player to compete according to the rules at all
times.
Respect the game officials at all times. Refrain from questioning their decisions or challenging their
authority, during and after the game, and especially amongst your own players. This also includes
suppressing negative talk about the referee amongst your own players.
Ensure that league rules and regulations are followed by all players and spectators.
Ensure that fans of his or her team exhibit sportsmanship and maturity at all times and assist league and
game officials in maintaining control of spectators during games.
Respect the coaches and players of the opposing team before, during, and after the game. Also, remind
your players to show the same respect, especially when shaking hands.
Take appropriate steps to minimize scoring in runaway games.
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Teach each player, especially through personal example, to be humble and generous in victory and proud
and courteous in defeat.
Maintain control of his/her emotions and avoid actions, language, and/or gestures that may be interpreted
as hostile and humiliating.
Teach and practice good sportsmanship and fair play by personally demonstrating commitment to these
virtues.
Promote the concept that soccer is merely a game, and that players and coaches on other teams are
opponents, not enemies.
PLAYERS
Every player is expected to:
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Know and respect the rules of soccer, and abide by them at all times.
Show respect and courtesy to officials and coaches by following their instructions and directions.
Respect the game officials and refrain from addressing them or commenting on their decisions during or
after the game.
Maintain control of his/her emotions, avoiding the use of abusive or profane language, taunting or
humiliating remarks, and/or gestures and physical assault upon another player at any time.
Respect the coaches and players of the opposing team and display sportsmanship at the conclusion of a
game; be humble and generous in victory and proud and courteous in defeat. This includes every team
member shaking hands with the opposing team after a game.
Follow all League rules and regulations, respecting at all times the property of others.
Remember that soccer is a game, and treat players and coaches on other teams as opponents, not
enemies.
PARENTS AND SPECTACTORS
The parents' role is one of support to the players and coaches. Parents should not engage in "coaching" from
the sidelines; criticizing players, coaches or game officials; or trying to influence the makeup of the team at
any time. Every parent and spectator is expected to:
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Learn and respect the rules of soccer, and the rules of our League.
Show respect and courtesy to game officials, coaches, and players at all times.
Respect the game officials and refrain from questioning their decisions or from addressing them in a loud,
disrespectful, or abusive manner.
Cheer for your child's team in a positive manner, refraining at all times from making negative or abusive
remarks about the opposing team. Maintain control of your emotions and avoid actions, language, and/or
gestures that may be interpreted as hostile and humiliating.
Demonstrate appropriate gestures of sportsmanship at the conclusion of a game, win or lose.
Teach and practice good sportsmanship and fair play by personally demonstrating commitment to these
virtues.
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Promote the concept that soccer is merely a game, and that players and coaches on other teams are
opponents, not enemies.
SPORTSMANSHIP INFRACTIONS
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Every game day, schools are able to earn one sportsmanship point. A sportsmanship point is earned for
the whole school, not as separate boys’ and girls’ teams.
A team automatically earns a sportsmanship point unless a DC SCORES staff member or opposing team
coach files a Sportsmanship Infraction Report by 4PM of the following Monday after the game.
Any team that earns all sportsmanship points at the end of the season will have a bonus win (3 points)
added to their end of the season standings.
Any team that is reported for two infractions in one season will drop one place in standings at the end of
the season. If a team is cited for three infractions, they will be deemed ineligible for the playoffs.
All reports will be shared ASAP with the school that committed the infraction(s).
To file a Sportsmanship Infraction Report, please go to http://bit.ly/dcscores
The goal of the Sportsmanship Code of Conduct is not to unfairly punish schools or encourage schools to
point fingers at one another, but to address sportsmanship issues in a timely manner and make the DC
SCORES Soccer League a safe and fun environment for everyone involved.
We ask coaches from both teams to play an active role in addressing sportsmanship concerns. If you have
an issue with a player, parent, or spectator from the opposing team, please let the opposing team coach or
a DC SCORES staff member know of the problem ASAP so that it can be addressed. When reviewing a
Sportsmanship Infraction Report, whether or not a coach attempted to address the problem will be
discussed.
While we hold a coach’s Sportsmanship Infraction Report to be of the highest integrity, DC SCORES holds
the final say in awarding sportsmanship points.
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