Players / Eligibility

Pre-Kindergarten Divisions: each team has a total of 6 players on the field. One player must be designated as 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 with an equal number of boys and girls to the extent possible.

Kindergarten Divisions:  each team has a total of players on the field. One player must be designated as the goalkeeper. Eligible players are children in Pre-k and Kindergarten.

First Grade Divisions: each team has a total of 6 players on the field. One player must be designated as 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.

Rosters: every player must be included on the team roster to be eligible to play with the team for league games. Players are not allowed to play on more than one team without the approval of the League Commissioner. Supplemental rosters should be submitted to the League Commissioner for approval before a scheduled game.

Equipment / Game Ball

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.

Duration of Game / Changing Ends at Halftime

Games in all divisions consist of four 10 minute quarters with a 2 minute break between quarters. Pre-K coaches have the option to play 8 minute quarters. When the temperature or heat index is a factor, all coaches have the option to play 8 minute quarters and may ask the referee for a time out for a water break at anytime.

Teams will not change ends at halftime.

Equal Playing Time

All players shall receive an equal amount of playing time.

Home Team / Away Team

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 and third quarter. The Away Team chooses which goal it will defend at start of the game. Away Team takes the kickoff to start the second and fourth quarter.

Referees

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 or compliments 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.

Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches

Only the Head Coach and Assistant Coaches are permitted on the player sideline. Each team is permitted to have one coach on the field and another coach next to their goal to provide instructions to the goalkeeper. 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. On-field coaches are not allowed in the penalty area. Please refer to the Coaches Code of Conduct for more.

Coach Misconduct

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. Head coaches are held responsible for the unsportsmanlike conduct of their assistant coaches, players, and spectators.

Player Misconduct

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.

Mercy Rule / Build Out Line Rule

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.

Build Out Line Rule: on a goal kick or when the goalie has possession of the ball, a team up by 4 goals or more must move behind the center line until the ball is put back in play.

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:

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

* Ask you top scorers not to take shots on goal and only make passes to teammates

* No player can take a shot on goal until a designated player scores a goal

* Put your top scorer in goal or on defense

Substitutions

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.

Throw-ins

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. Player opponents must move back 5 yards from the sideline when a throw-in is taken.

Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper should go to the end of penalty area to release the ball. Goalkeeper has no time limit when controlling the ball with his/her hands. Goalkeeper must wear colors which distinguish him/her from the other players.

Offside

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

Free Kicks / Goal Kicks

There are no penalty kicks, indirect kicks or dropped balls. All free kicks are direct kicks. All free kicks are taken where the offense occurred unless the foul is committed in the penalty area. If a foul is committed in the penalty area the free kick shall be taken outside the penalty area. All player opponents must be at least 5 yards from the spot of free kicks and goal kicks

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.

Spectators (This rule shall be enforced by the coaches.)

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.

Cancellations / Make-up Games

Game cancellations due to field conditions or weather-related conditions will be posted on the league website under the Cancellations tab. Coaches should contact the League Commissioner if they have concerns about playing a scheduled game because of weather or field conditions. Coaches at the field make the ultimate decision to start a game or finish a game based on field and weather conditions at the time.

See the General Information page on the website for Make-Up Game information

CYC Rules

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