Rules

General

The CCSA largely follows standard soccer rules, with some modifications for young players and for small-sided teams. The rulebook provided by our parent league is the basic source for detailed rules, but a few are noted here either to draw them to the attention of referees or because they are not standard FIFA rules.

Almost all these rules are in the Soccer Association for Youth (SAY) rulebook, but if there is a disagreement the league rules set forth here take precedence. References to specific laws, as in Law XII.2.B, can be found in the SAY rulebook.

Each team will provide one adult linesmen. Request that linesmen remain alert and signal for goal kick/corner kick/throw-in as appropriate. Linesmen may also signal for offsides, and should be instructed when necessary.

Referees should bring whistle, red and yellow cards, and score-pad to games. Verify that coaches are aware of the correct final score; coaches may report scores to the age division coordinator.

Prior to the start of the game, referees must check the use of proper shin guards, cleats, and hair ties for each team and explain the purpose of yellow and red cards. Referees should also remind each team that chewing gum and wearing jewelry during the game is not allowed. Shin guards are required for each practice and game.

In cases where one team cannot field a full team, the opposing team may choose, but is not required, to play a matching number squad. Coaches are, however, urged to recognize fair play and requested to not 'run up' the score when playing more players than the opposing team. The CCSA philosophy of providing fun, healthy exercise, and fair competition should be adhered to at all times. It should also be recognized that having more players on the field does not necessarily make for a stronger team.

Every team member present must play at least one half of the game. Over the course of the season, every attempt should be made to provide equal playing time for every member on the team. No player may play four quarters if all players have not played at least three quarters.

Summary of Rules common to 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 & 16-18 age groups:

A representative from each team joins the referee at mid-field prior to the start of the game for a coin toss. The team that wins the coin toss has the choice of field end. The opposing team kicks off. Teams switch field ends at every quarter (half for 12-13, 14-15 and 16-18 age groups). Each quarter (half) begins with a kick off.

Games played under most weather conditions, except lightning. A referee will stop the game when lightening is sighted. It is the responsibility of the coach to stop practices when lightening is sighted. Play will not resume until 30 min after last lightning.

Games should begin promptly (within 5 minutes of the scheduled time) whether or not both teams can field a full squad (the opposing team may choose, but is not required, to play a matching number squad). Players may not be "lent" to the opposing team. In instances where the game has begun without a full squad, late-arriving players may take the field at a stoppage of play, (not waiting for quarter break as for other substitutions, but only at the discretion of the referee, and after checking in with the referee).

"Hand-ball" violations are when a player handles the ball intentionally, not when a player is struck in the hand by the ball. Upraised arms are ordinarily considered deliberate (it is up to the referee's discretion whether or not hands outstretched for balance when struck by the ball will be considered a "hand-ball").

There are no timeouts for tying shoes, tired kids, bathroom breaks or water; during such interruptions play continues. Players may step off the field to tie shoes if desired. On hot days, coaches and ref may decide before game to add a water break mid half of the upper level games.

Goalies: Players must not make physical contact with the goalie inside the goal area (Law XII-3.E). For young players, this particularly means you can't kick the goalie's hands. Players may not obstruct punts or attempts by the goalie to clear the ball (Law XII-3 Note3). Goalies may not use hands when ball is kicked or thrown back to them by a teammate (Law XII-3.F.2.C). Goalies must be changed at each quarter though the same goalie may play for two quarters in a game (provided the quarters are not consecutive). For the 12-13, 14-15 and 16-18 age groups the same person may play goalie for the entire game.

Taunting, "trash-talk," rough play and other unsportsmanlike conduct will warrant the issue of a yellow or red card at the discretion of the referee (pertains to all age levels--team members and coaches).

Coaches are responsible for the behavior of parents/spectators. A referee may require a coach to have parents and spectators behave in an appropriate manner for recreational, youth soccer game.

Specific to 6-7 age group:

One coach from each team may remain on the field during games, offering encouragement and verbal instruction.

Full teams consist of 7 on a side, 6 field players and a goalie. A team must play at least 4 players including the keeper.

Game consists of four 10-minute quarters. There is a 1-minute break at each quarter, and a 5-minute break at halftime.

Regulation size 3 soccer ball is used for games.

Substitutions are allowed only at quarter breaks and halftime break, and not at other times except for injury.

There are no penalty kicks. All free kicks are indirect kicks. Referees should provide brief explanation of infractions.

Offsides is not enforced. The spirit of offsides remains at the 6-7 age level and attacking teams should not leave a player near the opposing goal when play is in their half of the field. Teams which violate the spirit of offsides will be warned and may be charged with unsportsmanslike behavior.

Standard rules are enforced for throw-ins with explanation (NOTE: Player called for an illegal throw-in will be given one opportunity to repeat the throw-in correctly for entire season).

There are no restrictions for goalies when clearing the ball, so long as they stay in the penalty area.

Defending players must stay at least 6 yards from the ball at corner kicks and free kicks.

Sliding tackles are prohibited. Discourage players from any form of sliding or attempting to play the ball while on the ground.

Specific to 8-9 age group:

Coaches remain on the sidelines.

Full teams consist of 8 on a side, 7 field players and a goalie. A team must play at least 5 players including the keeper.

Game consists of four 15-minute quarters. There is a 1-minute break at each quarter, and a 5-minute break at halftime.

Regulation size 4 soccer ball is used for games.

Substitutions are allowed only at quarter breaks and halftime break, and not at other times except for injury.

Offsides is enforced, with explanation. Throw-ins should be essentially correct.

There are no restrictions for goalies when clearing the ball, so long as they stay in the penalty area.

Defending players must stay at least 8 yards from the ball at corner kicks and free kicks.

Sliding tackles are prohibited. Discourage players from any form of sliding or attempting to play the ball while on the ground.

Specific to 10-11 age group:

Coaches remain on the sidelines.

Full teams consist of 9 on a side, 8 field players and a goalie. A team must play at least 6 players including the keeper.

Game consists of four 15-minute quarters. There is a 1-minute break at each quarter, and a 5-minute break at halftime.

Regulation size 4 soccer ball is used for games.

Substitutions are allowed only at quarter breaks and halftime break, and not at other times except for injury.

Standard rules are enforced for offsides, throw-ins, corner kicks, and goal kicks.

Defending players must stay at least 10 yards from the ball at corner kicks and free kicks.

Goalies must obey the 6-second restriction when clearing the ball (New regulation this year, replaces 4-step rule).

Sliding tackles are prohibited. Discourage players from any form of sliding or attempting to play the ball while on the ground.

Specific to 12-13 age group:

Coaches remain on the sidelines, with Both teams located alone the east side touchline.

Full teams consist of 11 on a side, 10 field players and a goalie. A team must play at least 7 players including the keeper.

Game consists of two-30 min halves. There is a 10-minute Break at halftime.

Regulation size 5 soccer ball is used for games.

Substitutions are allowed under legal S.A.Y. provisions. Substitutions are only allowed for players ready to enter the field of play, who are standing at the midfield when the referee calls for substitutions. If the team throwing in the ball elects to substitute the opposing team may also substitute. All other substitutions rules apply.

Standard rules are enforced for offsides, throw-ins, corner kicks, and goal kicks.

Defending players must stay at least 10 yards from the ball at corner kicks and free kicks.

Goalies must obey the 6-second restriction when clearing the ball (New regulation last year, replaces 4-step rule).

Sliding tackles are permitted but are subject to the rules outlined in the S.A.Y. Rulebook.

Specific to 14-15 and 16-18 age groups:

Coaches remain on the sidelines, with Both teams located alone the east side touchline.

Full teams consist of 11 on a side, 10 field players and a goalie. A team must play at least 7 players including the keeper.

Game consists of two 40-minute halves. There is a 10-minute break at halftime.

Regulation size 5 soccer ball is used for games.

Substitutions are allowed under legal S.A.Y. provisions. Substitutions are only allowed for players ready to enter the field of play who are standing at the midfield when the referee calls for substitutions. : If the team throwing in the ball elects to substitute the opposing team may also substitute. All other substitutions rules apply.

Standard rules are enforced for offsides, throw-ins, corner kicks, and goal kicks.

Defending players must stay at least 10 yards from the ball at corner kicks and free kicks.

Goalies must obey the 6-second restriction when clearing the ball (New regulation last year, replaces 4-step rule).

Sliding tackles are permitted but are subject to the rules outlined in the S.A.Y. Rulebook.

Tie break procedures for playoffs 12-13, 14-5, 16-18 age groups:

If after regulation time in a playoff game the score is tied, the following procedure is to be used:

2-10 minute golden goal overtime periods (first team to scores wins).

Coin toss as per start of game, winner selects end to defend, the opposing team kicks off, switching after first OT period.

If after golden goal periods the score remains tied, advance to shootout.

Coin toss to determine who shoots first, winner of toss has choice to shoot or defend first.

Each coach chooses 5 players and sends them on to the field.

5 players from each team alternate shots on opposing goalie.

If still tied after 5 shots coaches select additional players one at a time until tie is broken.