League Rules

Each team fields a maximum of six players, including one goalkeeper. Teams should equalize player numbers if one team has fewer players.
Pre-K: Eligible players must be enrolled in Pre-K (age 4 prior to the start of the season). Pre-K divisions are composed of coed teams with an equal number of boys and girls to the extent possible.

Kindergarten Divisions: Eligible players must be enrolled in Pre-k or Kindergarten.

First Grade Divisions: Eligible players must be enrolled in Kindergarten or First Grade.

Team Rosters: Players must be listed on the approved team roster to be eligible to play in league games. Players may not play on multiple teams without approval from the League Commissioner. Supplemental rosters require advance Commissioner approval.

Coaches are required to have jerseys or scrimmage vests available in a contrasting color to their team’s jersey for their players to wear when both teams have the same or similar colored jerseys.
Shinguards are mandatory equipment for all players.  Players are not permitted to wear any item that pose a risk to themselves or other players, including a hard cast or jewelry.
Game ball is designated as #4 ball.

Games consist of four 10 minute quarters with two-minute breaks between quarters. Pre-K coaches may mutually agree to play 8 minute quarters.

When extreme temperatures or heat index conditions impact player safety, coaches have the option to shortened quarters. Coaches may also request a timeout for a water break at any time during the game. Referees are required to honor such requests immediately in the interest of player health and safety.

Coaches must make every reasonable effort to provide equal playing time for all players.

The Home Team provides the game ball and takes the kickoff to start the game and third quarter. Away Team selects the defending goal at the start of the game. The Away Team takes the kickoff to start the second and fourth quarter. Teams do not change ends at halftime.

When both teams are wearing jerseys of the same or similar color, the Away Team must switch to a different color or wear a scrimmage vest.

Each game is officiated by referees who have full authority to enforce the rules. Their decisions are final and shall not be challenged or criticized. This is a zero tolerance rule and will be strictly enforced by the League Commissioner. Coaches are encouraged to provide constructive feedback to the referees during stoppage in play or after the game. A referee evaluation form is available on the website to advise the League Commissioner of any complaints or compliments regarding the officiating. In the event of a referee’s absence, the on-field coaches will assume the role of referees.

Only the Head Coach and Assistant Coaches are permitted on the player sideline. Each team is authorized to designate one coach on the field and another coach next to their goal. The goalkeeper coach is asked to instruct players not to hang on the nets.
On-field coaches should be careful not to interfere with ongoing play and are prohibited from entering the penalty area.

On-field coaches may provide instruction to their players but it must always be calm, brief and supportive. Spectators and sideline coaches are also expected to follow the same standard. Loud, constant, or disruptive yelling – whether intended as encouragement or instruction – is not permitted. Such behavior can overwhelm young players, cause confusion, and create an unsportsmanlike atmosphere.

If an on-field coach or spectator is too loud or disruptive, the referee may:

1. Issue a verbal reminder to lower the volume and adjust behavior.
2. If the behavior continues, the referee may stop play and ask the coach or spectator to step back, quiet down, or leave the field if necessary.

Unsportsmanlike conduct by a coach will result in suspension or expulsion from the league. Unsportsmanlike conduct includes verbal abuse or disrespect directed towards a referee, player or opposing coach; the use of profanity or foul language and continued violations of the league rules or policies. Head coaches are held accountable for the unsportsmanlike conduct of their assistant coaches, players, and spectators.

Player misconduct will also result in disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from the league. Player misconduct encompasses any conduct that is deemed unsportsmanlike, disruptive, or harmful to the team or the league. Players exhibiting unsportsmanlike conduct will be warned, along with their coach, that if the conduct continues, the player will be ineligible to continue to play and a substitution must be made for that player. Unsportsmanlike conduct includes negative comments, hitting, kicking, spitting, committing numerous fouls, intentional fouls, or serious fouls such as HIGH KICKS and SLIDE TACKLES or any action that reflects harmful intent. Coaches should promptly remove a player exhibiting aggressive play or behavior for a brief period to allow them to calm down.

When a team is down by 4 goals, they may add one field player. If the team does not have additional players, the opposing team must remove one field player. When a team is down by 6 goals, they may add a second field player. If the team lacks additional players, the opposing team must remove a second field player. If the score differential is reduced to 2 goals, teams return to the regular number of players.

In the spirit of good sportsmanship, the coach of a team that attains more than a 4 goal lead should take creative steps to avoid running up the score. For example:

* Setting a number of passes before a shot on goal can be taken

* Restricting top scorers from taking shots on goal and only passing to teammates

* Prohibiting players from taking shots on goal until a designated player scores a goal

* Placing your top scorer in goal or on defense

* Instruct players that shots on goal must be taken from outside the penalty area.

The opposing team must retreat behind midfield when the goalkeeper has the ball or during goal kicks.

Unlimited substitutions are permitted when play has stopped with the permission of the referee. Coaches should make quick substitutions to maintain the flow of the game.

Players will be granted a second attempt to make a correct throw-in. Play will continue if player makes a foul throw-in on second attempt to avoid delays with on-going play. Opposing players must move back 5 yards from the sideline when a throw-in is taken.

The goalkeeper should go to the end of the penalty area to release the ball by throwing or rolling the ball into play. Punts and drop kicks are not allowed. Goalkeeper must wear a jersey that distinguishes them from the other players.

Offside will only be called for flagrant violation, such as a player that is more than 10 to 15 yards offside.

FREE KICKS: there are no penalty kicks, indirect kicks or dropped balls. Free kicks are direct kicks and are taken from the spot of the foul, unless it occurs within the penalty area, in which case, the kick is taken outside the penalty area. All opposing players must be at least 5 yards from the free kick spot.

If play is stopped due to an injury or unusual situation, the game shall be restarted by a free kick at the spot of the ball when play was stopped by the team in possession of the ball when play was stopped.

GOAL KICKS: goal kicks are taken at the corner of the penalty area.

Coaches are responsible to ensure that theirspectators are located on the opposite side of the field from the players and coaches.  Spectators shall remain a minimum of 5 yards from the side lines and are not allowed behind the goals.

Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their spectators. Coaches should take steps to educate spectators regarding appropriate sideline cheering. See Codes of Conduct for more.

The League follows the CYC Weather Policies to determine if games should be played or canceled.

Game cancellations due to field or weather-related conditions will be posted on the league website under the Cancellations tab.

Coaches should contact the Commissioner if they have concerns about playing their game due to field or weather conditions.

Coaches always retain discretion at game time to delay, shorten, or stop a game based on actual field and weather conditions, with player safety and field preservation as the top priorities.

Canceled games are not automatically rescheduled and are played at the option of both coaches. A coach interested in playing a make-up game should contact the Commissioner to arrange a make-up game.

A coach that is unable to play a scheduled game should inform the Commissioner as soon as possible.

In addition to these rules, the CYC Soccer Rulebook will apply.