LEMOORE YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE

RULES OF PLAY 2008/2009

 Welcome to Lemoore Youth Soccer League (LYSL). Following guidelines are issued so that coaches, league officials, players and referees will all be equally informed as to what is expected of you as a participant. We wish to remind you the LYSL is a recreational league. It is our desire that the youth in our program be instructed in the skills and knowledge of soccer first, with winning or losing being a secondary importance. Please read the California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) Code of Conduct for Coaches, Players and Parents in your CYSA team manual.

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT:

1. Soccer is a game for happiness .

2. The Laws of soccer exist for the safety of the players, the spirit and letter of which no one should try to break.

3. Visiting teams and spectators are honored guests.

4. No advantages except those of superior skill should be sought.

5. Officials and opponents should be treated and regarded with honest intentions.

6. Official decisions should be accepted with respect and considered final.

7. Winning is desirable, but winning at any cost defeats the purpose of the game.

8. Losing can be a triumph when the team has given its best.

9. The ideal is the greatest good to the greatest number.

10. In soccer, as in life, treat others as you would have them treat you.

 

AGE CLASSIFICATIONS:

AGE GROUP   GAME LENGTH  INTERVAL  BALL SIZE   ON FIELD

 

      U-6              32 minutes       5 minutes          #3               5

 

                         4-8 min ¼’s       5 min between ¼’s

 

      U-8              40 minutes       5 minutes          #3               7

 

                         4-10 min ¼’s     2 min between ¼’s

 

      U-10            50 minutes        5 minutes         #4               9

 

                         2-25 min ½’s

 

      U-12            60 minutes        10 minutes        #4             11

 

                         2-30 min ½’s

 

      U-14            70 minutes        10 minutes        #5             11

 

                         2-35 min ½’s

 

      U-16            80 minutes        10 minutes        #5             11

 

                         2-40 min ½’s

 

      U-17+          90 minutes        10 minutes        #5             11

 

                         2-45 min ½’s

 

 

LYSL Rules and Information:

Note: The following rules are modifications or reiterations of the FIFA Laws of the Game, CYSA procedures and carry the same weight as those laws.

1. All players are required to wear protective shinguards during practice and games. CYSA rules state, “It is mandatory that all players wear shinguards at all times during games and practice”. Any child not wearing shinguards may not be covered by insurance. There are no exceptions to this rule. Shinguards must be completely covered by socks.

2. The player’s uniform shall consist of the LEAGUE issued jersey, shorts and socks.Failure to wear the correct uniform issued by the league could lead to game forfeiture. Sweats, either under or over the uniform, are not permitted. Spandex “bike” shorts are permissible if they are black, white or the same color as the uniform short. Black or white turtleneck/long-sleeved T-Shirts are permissible if the weather is cold and must be approved by the referee. Shirts must be tucked in to avoid injury. Goalies may wear additional items such as gloves; sweat pants and the designated Goalie shirt, which must be a contrasting color from that worn by the teams on the field. Players may not play if they are wearing a cast or hard material splint. No jewelry of any kind is to be worn, excepting medical alert I.D. bracelets or necklaces, both of these must be taped to the body. Barrettes may not be worn. Fingernails must be kept short. Referees will inspect the players prior to each game.

3. It is recommended that all LYSL coaches and team assistants have been through the CYSA orientation course or “F” License course. These courses are provided at no cost to LYSL coaches (see coaching coordinator for dates and information).

4. Coaches are required to have in their possession each players’ medical release form (1601) at all team activities, i.e. practices, games, parties, etc. Only registered coaches and team assistants may hold practices and other activities in order to remain covered by CYSA insurance.

5. Practice can only be held if the registered coach or team assistants are present with the players medical release forms. We strongly recommend that two (2) adults be present at every practice. There are several fields available inside the LYSL boundaries, which the league covers with CYSA insurance. These will be discussed at the coaches meeting, as will the use of the Lemoore Sports Complex. (Use of the Lemoore Sports Complex is subject to the final approval by the Lemoore Youth Sports Foundation).

6. Practice Schedule – Recommended Time Limits

 

AGE GROUP          TIME PER PRACTICE              TIMES PER WEEK

   U-6                                1 HOUR                                      1 - 2

   U-8                             1.5 HOURS                                       2

   U-10                           1.5 HOURS                                       2

   U-12                              2 HOURS                                       2

   U-14+                            2 HOURS                                    2 – 3

 

7. All coaches will report to the registration table at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled game time to complete their game cards. The last coach to fill out the game card shall bring it to the field and hand it to the head referee. Any information to be distributed to the coaches will be available in your team folder at this time. All coaches are responsible for distributing information to their players and parents, so it is essential for them to check their team folder weekly at the registration table. An LYSL Bulletin Board is located near the registration table and will contain information on upcoming events, tournaments, rules of play, team standings, etc., it should be checked weekly.

8. The first teams to play on any given field are responsible for preparing the field for play. The league officials will insure that the fields are properly lined. THE COACHES ARE TO ENSURE THAT THE GOAL NETS ARE PUT UP PROPERLY AND THE CORNER FLAGS ARE CORRECTLY PLACED. Trashcans are to be located at each side of the fields. The first team must be at the field at least 30 minutes prior to the game time. Referees have been instructed to signal the start of the game as scheduled regardless of whether or not the field is ready. Play will begin ONLY when the field is ready and time elapsed from the beginning whistle will not be made up. The last teams to play will take down the nets and return them to the registration table along with the corner flags. Each team is responsible for removing all trash from the field after each game. HOWEVER, it is the responsibility of the last teams to play to insure that the field is completely clean and all trash has been removed. Coaches are responsible for the cleanliness of their sideline, upon completion of their game. If found in violation, the offending team will forfeit their next game. 

9. Player and coach passes are required for all games. A completed pass should have the player/coach picture and  be signed by the LYSL registrar. They are to be presented to the referees prior to the start of each game for verification during the pre-game inspections, excepting U-6 where they must be available for inspection by any league official on request. All passes will be returned at the end of the game, except for those of players or coaches who have been ejected or red carded. These will be turned into the league official at the registration table along with the game report detailing the red card incident. It is also the responsibility of the coach to make sure that the passes are returned at the end of the game.

10. Every team member present will have at least 50% playing time in each game. A game could be forfeit if any eligible player present at the start of the game does not play the allotted time. The only exceptions will be medical reasons including injury that may happen during a game, benching a player for disciplinary reasons which must be reported on the game card and to the official prior to the start of the game. Injured players may be removed from the game as needs dictate. The U-6 and U-8 goalies may play no more than one quarter (1/4) in that position in any given game.

11. Substitutions: will be made at the halfway line and only after the referee has signaled approval. The replaced player(s) must exit the field before the substitute(s) enters the field of play. Violation of this rule could lead to a caution (yellow card) being issued. Any player receiving a yellow card shall be substituted for a time out period. This player may be substituted back in at the next substitution time or at the discretion of the referee.

A. Substitutions may be made at your throw-in.

B. At any goal kick.

C. When there is an injury to a player the injured player may be substituted after the referee has stopped the game.

D. When play is stopped after a goal by either team.

E. At half time.

12. If the referee stops the game for reasons due to weather or unsafe field conditions, the score shall stand as it is if at least one-half of the game has been played. If less than one-half of the game has been completed a make-up game may be rescheduled as necessary by the board of LYSL.

13. SCORING: For League play the LYSL adopts the following points scoring system.

A. Three (3) points for a win.

B. One (1) point for a tie.

C. Zero (0) points for a loss.

D. One (1) point will be deducted for each red card issued to a player and two (2) points will be deducted for each red card/ejection for a coach.

E. Teams winning with a goal differential of more than 6 goals will have one (1) point deducted (if the differential is 7 or 8) and two (2) points deducted if the differential is 9 or more. Double digit differentials could lead to a forfeit of the game as determined by the LYSL board.

F. If teams are tied on points the following methods will be used to break the tie.

I. Head to head competition

II. Goal differential up to +/- 4 per game for each game.

III. Least goals allowed.

IV. Most goals scored up to 4 per game for each game.

V. Penalty kicks per CYSA and FIFA.

14. FORMATION OF THE TEAMS: All teams in LYSL will be formed by a draft on a date set by the board of directors of LYSL. Each team shall be allowed three protected players (except where a sibling option is exercised), these players shall be the immediate family of the Coach, Assistant Coach and Sponsor. These players can only be protected at the draft if coach registration has been accepted by the league and sponsorship fees have been paid. Teams formed by geographical area where more than 50% of the team is returning may be classified as a Class III (3) team, which may play other Class IV (4) teams, in league play but only scores against other Class III teams will be counted. Determination of the team classifications will be determined by the board of LYSL based on last seasons play in all competitions. In geographical areas if there are enough players to form more than one team the players will be drafted by LYSL.

15. The Board may from time to time find it necessary to form partnerships with adjoining CYSA leagues to create a playing league, these playing leagues or associations may have separate playing rules as necessary approved by the board of LYSL.

16. All teams entering the District VII playing programs must abide by the playing league rules and the rules of Lemoore Youth Soccer League. Especially in the areas of set up and take down of fields and clean up.

COACHES!!

Please read the following items carefully and make sure that your parents are aware of and understand these rules.

 1. All coaches and players will be within the coaches’ box which extends 10 yards on either side of the halfway line, one (1) yard back from the touchline. All spectators must remain three (3) yards behind the touchline. This allows the assistant referees to have an open pathway to safely officiate the match. No one is allowed behind the goals or goal line during the game.

2. Team members, parents, etc are to remain on their designated side of the field. The Home team, listed first on the schedule, has the North or West side of the field. The Visiting team, listed second on the schedule, has the South or East side of the field.

3. After the referee has signaled the start of the first or second half of a game and until the referee signals the end of either half, A COACH MAY ENTER THE FIELD OF PLAY ONLY IN THE CASE OF AN INJURY AND ONLY AT THE INVITATION OF THE REFEREE.

4. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of all team members and spectators on their side of the field. Coaches or spectators shall not call out alleged fouls such as “hands” or “off-sides” or otherwise indulge in a running commentary of presumed infractions of the laws of the game. Neither coaches nor players nor spectators shall indulge in any intimidating tactics by word or by gesture at any player, coach, official or spectator. We are all role models and we much always model good sporting conduct regardless of personal feelings. Coaches, players and parents SHALL NOT criticize game officials at any time and shall encourage the same attitude among other spectators. THE REFEREE MAY TELL THE COACH TO ASK OFFENDING INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS TO LEAVE THE SOCCER COMPLEX. IF THE COACHES AND/OR SPECTATORS CANNOT CONFORM TO THESE GUIDELINES THE REFEREE OR A LEAGUE OFFICIAL MAY STOP THE GAME AND THE OFFENDING TEAM MAY FORFEIT THE GAME.

    A. Coaches are responsible for the cleanliness of their sideline upon     completion of their game. If found in violation, the offending team will forfeit their next game
5. Only the playing captain's may address the referee. No person, including the coaches, shall interfere with or address the referee during play or at halftime. A coachshall address the referee ONLY: A. Prior to the start of the game; B. When he/she wishes to make a substitution; C. To draw attention to an injured player of either team; D. When the referee has addressed the coach.

6. Infractions called by the referee are final. Arguing with the referee is not permitted and may result in the issuance of a caution (yellow card) or ejection (red card). Coaches shall not dispute or question by word or gesture the calls or decisions of the referee or the assistant referees. ALL RED CARDS carry a minimum one (1) game suspension for a player for the next scheduled game and a minimum three (3) game suspension for a coach for the next three scheduled games. (Refer to the CYSA handbook for details regarding disciplinary guidelines).

7. No protests of the game are allowed. Any problems may be presented to the LYSL Board of Directors, in writing, within 24 hours of the game in question. Please send correspondence to the Lemoore Youth Soccer League, PO Box 324, Lemoore CA 93245 

8. No alcoholic beverages, no smoking and no animals are allowed within theLemoore Sports Complex or at any CYSA sanctioned match.
9. ALL COACHES AND TEAM MANAGERS NEED TO REVIEW THEIR CYSA TEAM MANUAL. Everyone involved in LYSL is expected to support and distribute all fund raising materials to parents and players.
10. ALL STARS:
A. Application for All Star Coaches will be due by the end of September 30th.
B. Coaches are to submit list of All Start Players to LYSL Board by October Board Meeting (3rd Monday in October).
C. All Dates are subject to change by LYSL Board.