Recreational Program Rules and Guidelines

About the Laws of Soccer

Bear in mind, as you watch the game of soccer, that the seven most important words in the law book are "If in the opinion of the referee..." Robert Burt, our Referee Coordinator, compiled the following condensation of the soccer laws.

Links to Additional Rules and Resources

Under 6 Rules and Guidelines

BYSA By-Laws

A full set of the FIFA Laws of the game are available on-line at http://www.fifa.com/. You may contact a BYSA Director to obtain a copy.

General Information concerning the rules of soccer and the bylaws of the Bourne Youth Soccer Association

Players, coaches and parents are urged to always be positive and cheer good plays. Never be negative towards opposing players, coaches or officials. Adults should refrain from arguing with coaches, officials or other spectators on or around the field where teams are present. These discussions should be taken up with BYSA or the League governing the match. Questions or comments for coaches or officials should be held until after the match. After all, nothing said during the game will affect play or decisions that have already happened.
Spectators are to remain on the side of the field opposite the Team's bench area and not stand behind the goal line.
Generally only one coach and one assistant is allowed in the Team's bench area. No spectator or coach shall stand behind the goal line.
The Team's bench area may be outlined on the field but if not the Team is allowed about twenty yards to occupy along the touch (side) line and no one except substitutes shall go within ten yards of the midfield line. Also the coaches and teams shall not go within ten yards of the top of the Penalty Box.
The Laws of Soccer list what items of uniform and equipment must be worn. Beyond that it is the decision of the Referee to allow or disallow other items of clothing and equipment. The Referee will not allow anything dangerous to either the player or other players to be worn while on the field. Typically not allowed are; jewelry of any kind (taping is not sufficient), watches, hair retaining devices that are hard, casts of any kind or size, cleats other than soccer cleats (non-cleated shoes are okay), bandannas, hats except the keeper may wear one for shade for the eyes. The Referee probably will allow; sweat bands on the head or wrists (provided there are no knots), elastic bands or scrunchies, soft gloves, ace bandages, soft pads, elastic supports for knees, elbows or wrists. In cold weather, sweat pants or long sleeve shirts under the team uniform may be allowed as long as the colors are similar to the team colors. Eyeglasses are discouraged and some officials will not allow them at all. If they are worn, a retaining band must be worn that is snug to the back of the head or neck. Contact lenses are acceptable but players and parents should be aware that they are easily damaged or lost during play.
BYSA has ruled that slide tackles are not allowed in instructional games. Please understand that in soccer, "Tackle" is a British term for stealing the ball from an opponent. It does not mean take down the other player as in U.S. football. Therefore "Slide Tackle" is to slide on the turf with the purpose of kicking the ball away from an attacking player. The attacking player may or may not fall down during this action. The rule is that the player doing the sliding must contact the ball first before there is contact between the players. The correct term used for this very effective tactic in soccer is to "Tackle the Ball".
"Handling the Ball" is another commonly misunderstood rule. Handling the ball is to intentionally play the ball using any part of the arm or hand from the shoulder down. It is punished by a direct kick by the opposing team. If in the opinion of the Referee the contact is accidental or incidental it is not an infraction of the Laws. Also if the hand and arm are held tight to the body it is not "Handling".

Rainout Procedures

Rain does not automatically cancel soccer games. Games are only cancelled due to unplayable field conditions. In the event of unplayable field conditions due to rain, you will be notified of the cancellation at least one (1) hour before the scheduled start of the game. Age Group Director is responsible for notifying coaches, who are responsible for notifying players and parents. If the game is not called off one (1) hour prior to the scheduled start, players and coaches should proceed to the field. The referee shall determine the playability of the field at the scheduled start of the game.

In the event of thunderstorm, the referee or either coach has the authority to postpone or end the game if there is any perceived threat.

Parental Conduct

At games:
Parents are required to remain on the opposite side of the field from the teams. No one is allowed behind t'he goal lines or goal area. Cheer and encourage our players in a positive manner. There is no smoking and use of alcohol is forbidden. Teams and coaches are held responsible for the behavior of their fans, and coaches may be penalized for fan behavior.

At practices:
Parents are encouraged to help at practice time. Please offer your services to your child's coach. Carpooling to practices and games is encouraged. Smoking and alcohol bans are in effect at all times.

In general:
Please remember that kids take their cue from the actions of the adults around them. Your example of good sportsmanship will do more for the kids than all the lectures in the world.

After games:
No one likes negative comments after a loss. Please try to focus on the positive aspects of the game and your player's performance. Let the coach identify the team's weak spots at a subsequent practice. The parent's job is support of the player and the team.

Small-Sided Soccer Teams
BYSA has decided to play games with either 6, 7 or 8 players on the field for each team for the instructional fall season. U.S. Soccer, the national youth soccer organization, strongly recommends 6 on 6 for the fastest and best development of youth (and older) players. Fewer players on a smaller field means increased action and fun for everyone. 110 yards long and 60 yards wide is rather like asking senior players to play on a field 175 yards long and 100 yards wide or more, and 15 to 18 on a side. If YOU believe such a game would be ridiculous...then how do you expect young boys and girls to play the game under present adult conditions?" says Dr. John C. Pooley, in a recent US Soccer publication.

BYSA Rules of Play

Rules

Current International Rules shall be in effect except as specifically stated otherwise in these Rules of Play.
After the season has been declared open by the BYSA, all games played by the members of the BYSA shall be under the jurisdiction of this League.
All teams under the jurisdiction of this League shall play under the rules of the game as approved by FIFA and as amended by these Rules of Play.

BYSA Fall Recreational Program: Official Rules

Law I - The Field

Dimensions The field of play shall be rectangular - its length being not more than 60 yards nor less than 50 yards and its width being not more than 45 yards nor less than 30 yards. The length in all cases shall exceed the width.
Markings
1. Distinctive lines not more than 5 inches wide.
2. A halfway line shall be marked out across the field.
3. A center circle with a six (6) yard radius.
4. Four corner arcs with a two (2) foot radius.
5. Goal area: four (4) yards from each goal post and (4) yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line
Goals The size of hockey goals or 6' x 12' (U14 may use 7' x 21')

Law II - The Ball

U14 and above shall use a #5 ball, U8, U10 and U12 shall use a #4 ball and U6 and younger shall use a #3 ball.

Law III - Number of Players

Maximum number of players on the field at any one time shall be 6, 7 or 8 including the goalkeeper, according to the League.
Maximum number of players on the roster should not exceed twelve (12) or as determined by the League.
Substitutions: (U12 & U14) teams may freely sub at goal kicks, halftime, after a goal is scored, and to replace an injured player. No substitutions on a free kick.
Playing time: Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time, with equal playing time for all players being the intended goal of this program.

Law IV - Players Equipment

shall conform to FIFA with the following exceptions:

Footwear: Tennis or running shoe or soft cleated soccer shoes.
Shinguards: Mandatory

Law V - Referee

Registered or associate referee
Parent/Coach or assistant for U6
All rule infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending player.

Law VI - Linesman

Not necessary

Law VII - Duration of the Game:

U14 shall play two 35 minute periods
U12 shall play two 35 minute periods
U10 shall play two 30 minute periods with mandatory substitutions at intervals of approximately 10 minutes which will be determined by the referee.
U8 shall play two 30 minute periods with mandatory substitutions at intervals of approximately 8 to 10 minutes which will be determined by the referee.

Law VIII - Start of Play

Shall conform to FIFA with the following exception:

Opponents must be at least six (6) yards from the center mark while kick-offs are in progress.

Law IX - Ball In and Out of Play

Conform to FIFA.