League Rules

Pre-Kindergarten Divisions: Each team is permitted to have a maximum 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 are composed of coed teams with an equal number of boys and girls to the extent possible.

Kindergarten Divisions: Each team is permitted to have a maximum of 6 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 is permitted to have a maximum of 6 players on the field. One player must be designated as the goalkeeper. Eligible players are children in Kindergarten and First Grade.

In the event that a team has fewer than the regulation number of players at game time, the opposing team should field the same number of players to equalize the number of players on each team.

Rosters: Each player must be included on the team roster to be eligible for participation in league games. Players are prohibited from playing on more than one team without the approval of the League Commissioner. Supplemental rosters should be submitted to the League Commissioner for approval prior to a scheduled game.

Coaches are required to have jerseys or scrimmage vests in a contrasting color to their team’s jersey for their players to wear when both teams are wearing 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 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-related factors influence the game, all coaches have the option to play 8 minute quarters and may ask the referee for a timeout for a water break at anytime.

Teams will not change ends at halftime.

Efforts must be made to ensure equal playing time for all players within each division.

The Away Team is responsible for changing to a different colored jerseys or scrimmage vests when both teams have similar colored jerseys. The Home Team provides the game ball. The Home Team takes the kickoff to start the game and third quarter, while the 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.

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 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. They are prohibited from entering the penalty area.

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 or 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

BUILD-OUT LINE RULE:

When the goalkeeper has possession of the ball or a goal kick is being taken, the opposing team must move behind the half-line until the ball is put in play.

Unlimited substitutions are permitted for both teams 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 penalty area to release the ball. There is no time limit when controlling the ball with their hands. They must wear colors which distinguish 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 spectators 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.

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 final decision to start 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

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