League Rules

Pre-Kindergarten Divisions: each team fields 6 players one of whom is the goalkeeper. Eligible players are children in Pre-K (age 4 prior to the start of the season). Pre-K divisions consist of coed teams and each team shall consists of an equal number of boys and girls to the extent possible.

Kindergarten Divisions:  each team fields 6 players one of whom is the goalkeeper. Eligible players are children in Pre-k and Kindergarten.

First Grade Divisions: each team fields 7 players one of whom is the goalkeeper. Eligible players are children in Kindergarten and First Grade.

If a team has less than the regulation number of players at game time, the other team should field the same number of players to equalize the number of on-field players on each team.

Coaches shall have jerseys or scrimmage vests of a color different than their team jersey for their players to wear when both teams have similar colored jerseys.  Shinguards are compulsory equipment for all players.  Players cannot wear anything that is a danger to themselves or other players including a hard cast or jewelry.  Game ball is a #4 ball.

Games in all divisions consist of four 10 minute quarters with 2 minutes between quarters. Coaches may ask the referee for a time out for a water break at any time when the heat index is above 80 degrees. Pre-k and Kindergarten teams will not change ends at half-time unless coaches agree. First Grade teams will change ends at half-time.

All players shall receive an equal amount of playing time.

Away Team is responsible for changing to a different colored jerseys or scrimmage vests when both teams have similar colored jerseys. Home Team shall furnish game ball. Home Team takes the kickoff to start the game. The Away Team chooses which goal it will defend at start of the game. Away team takes the kickoff to start the second half.

Each game is controlled by the 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 make constructive comments to the referees when play has stopped or after the game. A referee evaluation form is available on the website to advise the League Commissioner of any complaints about the officiating. If the referee doesn’t show up for a game, the game will still be played with the on-field coaches refereeing the game.

Each team is permitted to have one coach on the field and another coach next to their goal to provide instructions to the goalkeeper. Goalie coach are asked to instruct players not to hang on the nets.
On-field coaches should be careful not to interfere with ongoing play. On-field coaches are not allowed in the penalty area. Please refer to the Coaches Code of Conduct for more.

A coach that exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended or expelled from the league. Unsportsmanlike conduct includes verbally abusing or disrespecting a referee, player or opposing coach; the use of profanity or foul language and violations of the league rules or policies. Coaches are held responsible for the unsportsmanlike conduct of their players and spectators.

A player who exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct will be warned, along with his/her 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, committing an intentional foul, or committing a serious foul such as a high kick or slide tackle or any action that reflects harmful intent. Coaches should remove a player exhibiting aggressive play or behavior for a brief period to give them an opportunity to calm down.

When a team is down by 4 goals, that team may add one field player. If that team does not have additional players then the other team must remove one field player. When a team is down by 6 goals, that team may add a second field player. If that team does not have additional players then the other 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 the team that attains more than a 4 goal lead should creative steps to avoid running up the score.

Unlimited substitutions for both teams may be made when play has stopped with the permission of the referee. Coaches shall make quick substitutions to facilitate the continuous flow of the game.

Players will be allowed 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.

Goalkeeper may go to end of penalty area to release the ball. Steps will not be called on goalkeeper. Goalkeeper has no time limit when controlling the ball with his/her hands. Goalkeeper should wear colors which distinguish him/her from the other players.

Offside will not be called unless it is a flagrant violation.  For example, a player that is more than 10 to 15 yards offside.

There are no penalty kicks, indirect kicks or dropped balls. All free kicks are direct kicks. If a foul is committed in the penalty area the free kick shall be taken outside the penalty area. All other fouls will result in a free kick taken from the location of the foul. Goal kicks are taken at the corner of the penalty area. If play is stopped due to an injury or unusual situation, the game shall be restarted by a direct kick at the spot of the ball when play was stopped by the team in possession of the ball when play was stopped.

Build Out Line Rule: on a goal kick or when the goalie has possession of the ball, the opposing team must move behind the center half line until the ball is put back in play.

Spectators should be on the opposite side of the field from the players and coaches.  Spectators should 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.

Game cancellations due to poor field conditions or weather conditions will be posted on the website. Coaches should contact the League Commissioner if they have concerns about playing a game (not canceled) due to weather or field conditions. The final decision to start a game or finish a game because of poor field conditions or weather conditions is made by the coaches. See the General Information page on the website for Make-Up Game information

Apart from these rules, the CYC Soccer Rulebook will apply.