Recreation Rules
MERCY RULE Applies to All Age groups in the MYAA Soccer Recreation Program The MYAA Medford Soccer Club has adopted mandatory sportsmanship guidelines to help avoid "running up the score" and to help control games involving teams of unequal skill or competitive levels. Pursuant to these guidelines, the club will enforce a zero tolerance policy. In order to minimize such unsportsmanship like behavior, in games where the coach allows the goal differential to become 6 or more goals at some point during the first half of play, for example, 6-0, 7-1, 8-2, etc., the game will be allowed to continue to first allow the coaches an opportunity to remedy the situation. If the second half starts with the goal differential being 6 or more goals, or if at any time during the second half of play the goal differential reaches 6 or more goals, the referee will immediately signal the end of the game and leave the field. At that point the game is over and play will not be allowed to continue. Whenever a game is terminated for a mercy rule violation, the referee is to report the game as a mercy rule termination on his/her report to the Medford Soccer Club Board. A resumption of the game is NOT permitted. Early termination of a game for a mercy rule violation is a sanctionable offense. The "winning" coach will be required to attend a sportsmanship seminar conducted by the MYAA, and will be subject to suspension. It is important for coaches, teams, and parents to understand that the MYAA will not tolerate these types of violations. The Medford Soccer Club has developed the in-house program in particular with the objective to have players enjoy the game and develop their skills. Extreme score differentials are not in keeping with this philosophy, regardless of the intent of the opposition. It is possible that there will be teams that are scheduled against each other that are not competitively matched. It is the responsibility of both coaches, regardless of which end of the score you are on, to manage the game within the rule. The critical concept here is communication. The club expects both coaches to collaborate in managing the game so that a potentially embarrassing and disheartening event can become as much of a positive experience as possible. Coaches may wish to consider the following options for managing the game when it becomes obvious that the competition is unevenly matched so it does not reach the point where the Mercy Rule is applied: • Restrict shooting to outside the penalty area • Require players to shoot with their non-dominant foot • Designate a player who normally does not score as an individual through which the ball must go • “Quietly” remove one or two players. You may only go down to six players. It is important to remember that these or similar actions should be taken well BEFORE the goal differential reaches 6. Start thinking when the score reaches a four or 5 goal differential. Please be reminded also that adding players to the field of play is an acceptable solution. Please retain a copy of this document to clarify any confusion on the part of the referee or coaches in the application of the rule. * For the grades 4th and below where there is no official score keeping. It will be the Coaches responsibility to monitor the goals. Any coach who has a complaint of a coach abusing the mercy rule should contact there appropriate commissioner for their age group. MYAA Fall Recreation Soccer 2nd grade rules 1. Coaches on the field-There should be NO Coaches on the field at anytime. We suggest putting a Coach on both sides of the field if need be. 2. The teams play 4 v 4 with a goalie. If the opposing team cannot field 4 v 4 the other team is required to play down to that number so teams are equal on the field at all times i.e. 3 v 3 and a goalie. 3. Sportsmanship-Sticking tongues out, spitting on hands for "high fives" after games etc., are unacceptable, but not necessarily referee enforceable. Referees are directed to call fouls and issue cards for foul language, "you can't score" etc, doesn't rise to that level. The Referees are not here to call fouls on your children for these kinds of incidents. Remember the Referees are doing the best they can. Treat them with respect 4. Referees are not going to call fouls when there is none. If 2 players run into each other accidentally they will not call a foul. 5. Jewelry- ALL EARRINGS AND NECKLESS’S MUST BE REMOVED. Taping earrings is unacceptable by the rules. 6. Corners should be taken from the "CORNER" of the field. Enough said. 7. Substitutions- The referees were instructed that the game is not Stopped for "time outs" if the coaches are concerned about getting players in and out the refs were instructed that sometime between the 5 to 7 minute mark when there is a stoppage, throw in/goal kick/corner/restart,The referees will allow both teams to sub all they want. This is done to allow for close to equal playing time for everyone. At the 2nd grade level the coaches are not held to the "sub only on your own throw, anyone's goal kick" rule. 8. Glasses-Only safety goggles are to be worn during games and practice period.Please see the MYAA policy on the website regarding the state law.
MYAA 2008 Fall Recreation Soccer Rules 3rd and 4th grade
RULES OF PLAY
A. Number of players: The maximum number of players on the field at any one time is eight (8) “7” and a Goalie. A team may start with or play down to six (6) ”5” players and a Goalie without forfeiture of the game.
B. Duration of game: The game will consist of four (4) 12-minute periods with two-minute breaks between the first and second periods and the third and fourth periods. There will also be a five-minute half-time break.
C. Field size: The field will be rectangular; games are played on a regulation short-sided field of 45 yards x 65 yards
D. Goal size: Goals will be 8 X 24
E. Ball size: The game ball used shall be a No. 4 sized ball.
F. Offsides: Conforms to FIFA Rules. A summary description follows. A player is considered to be in an offside position when they are closer to their opponent’s goal than at least two of their opponents unless the ball is in front of them or they are on their half of the field. One opponent is usually the goalkeeper so, practically speaking, a player is in the offside position when they are behind the last defender. There is no penalty or foul for merely being in an offsides position. A player will be declared offsides and penalized for being in an offsides position at the moment a ball is kicked by a teammate, and they receive the kicked ball or their position gains advantage for their team. A player not in an offsides position at the time the ball is kicked may run past one or both of the last two defenders to receive or touch the ball legally. A complete and technical definition of offsides can be found in either a FIFA Laws of the Game or a High School Soccer Rule Book.
G. Throw-ins: Conform to FIFA rule except that a second throw-in will be allowed if the player makes an improper throw-in(i.e. lifts one foot, etc). If the second attempt is improper, the opposing team will receive the ball for the throw-in play.
H. Corner kicks: Conform to FIFA rule except that opponents must be eight (8) yards off the ball.
I. Goal kicks: Conform to FIFA.
J. Free kicks: A free kick is awarded to a team as a result of a foul or an infraction committed by the other team, if it is awarded outside the penalty area it is taken from the spot of the infraction on the field, not a set spot within the penalty area. FIFA rules say opponents must be 10 yards from all direct or indirect kicks-because of the smaller field and because we are giving 8 yards on a corner kick we will also give 8 yards on a free kick.
K. Penalty kicks: Conform to FIFA except the Penalty line shall be marked at 10 yards in front of each goal.
L. Heading: Heading is not a penalty, but coaches are not to practice it in practices or encourage its use. Refs should be informed that incidental heading is play on, but if it's apparent a kid is attempting to make regular use of his head on long balls or to score, the ref should intervene, caution the child and the coach, and award a free kick to the other team, or drop ball, at their discretion.
II. SUBSTITUTION RULES
A. Player substitution: - An unlimited number of players may be substituted by a team at the following times-their own throw ins, either teams goal kicks or on restarts (any time there is a kickoff at the center spot).
B. Playing time: Each player MUST play at least half of the game. (1) If a player is unable to complete the required playing time due to illness or injury, another player may substitute. (2) If the original player can return to the game, he/she must re-enter the game at the start of another period and play the required time as possible.
C. Maximizing playing opportunity: Player participation should be maximized. It is a goal of the MYAA that playing time is maximized for ALL players, not just the very skilled. To assist this goal coaches can exercise free substitution in the final period if all of his/her players have met their minimum playing requirements so as to give more players an opportunity to play extra minutes.
III. PLAYERS' EQUIPMENT
A. Footwear: Shall conform to FIFA with the following exceptions: Footwear shall include tennis shoes or soft cleated soccer shoes.
B. Shin Guards: All players shall play with shin-guards and they must be covered by at least one layer of a sock.
C. Jewelry: There shall be NO jewelry worn by any participants. Children should refrain from having their ears pierced during the season.
D. Uniform: All players must wear their official MYAA team uniform issued for that season. Goalie will wear either a pinnie or Goalie jersey.
E. Casts: Casts may be worn if they are safely padded, the player has a licensed physician’s approval to play with a cast, and it’s not dangerous to him/herself or anyone else.
F. Eyeglasses: No regular eyeglasses are to be worn as per NJ law effective July 1, 2006
IV. REFEREES
A. Referees: Games will be refereed by trained the MYAA Officials. As a general rule, our officials in the younger grades are just getting started and need your support and cooperation. If you have a complaint or notice an obvious deficiency in the official knowledge or understanding of the rules of soccer please notify your MYAA Commissioner. Please don’t repeatedly confront the official.
B. Lines Person: .Each team may have to provide one lines person to assist the center official in calling the ball out of bounds. Referee decision game by game basis.
C. No-Show: If a game is set to begin play and the referee is not in attendance, the head coaches shall mutually agree on volunteer referee(s) and play the game.
PINELANDS YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS Revised 2008 The Pinelands League shall consist of the following townships and Divisions: Division 5 (Boys and Girls) : Indian Mills (IMMA), Southampton (STRA), Medford Lakes (MLAA), Tabernacle (TAA) and Woodland (WTRAA) – 3rd & 4th Grade. Play 8 v 8 (including goalie) Division 4 (Boys and Girls) : Indian Mills (IMMA), Southampton (STRA), Medford Lakes (MLAA), Tabernacle (TAA) and Woodland (WTRAA), Medford (MYAA), Mt. Laurel (MLU) – 5th & 6th Grade. Play 11 v 11. Division 3 (Boys and Girls) : Indian Mills (IMMA), Southampton (STRA), Medford Lakes (MLAA), Tabernacle (TAA) and Woodland (WTRAA), Medford (MYAA), Mt. Laurel (MLU) – 7th & 8th Grade. Play 11 v 11. PINELANDS LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS: Both teams shall be on the same side of the field and the coaches and players must stay on their half of the field in the coaching area during the match. All spectators shall be on the opposite side of the field and no person shall be behind the goals or the goal line. Law II The Ball - Division 5 and 4 shall use a size 4 ball. Division 3 shall use a size 5 ball. Law III Number of Players / Start of the Match / Emergency Move Ups 1. Teams are permitted to start and play a match with 9 players at Division 3 and 4 and with 7 players at Division 5. Players may be added at first available substitution for each team. 2. If either team chooses to begin the match, or falls below the 7 players (at Division 5) or 9 players (at Division 3 and 4) during the course of a match, play shall be terminated by the referee. At that point, the (2) coaches will mutually agree if play shall continue or the match terminated. 3. Emergency Move Ups - If a team determines it will have a “player shortage” prior to any league or tournament match (a player shortage is defined as below 12 players at Division 3 and 4 or below 10 players at Division 5), for “safety” reasons, a team is permitted at move up players for that single match and the following move up policy applies: B. The player MUST come from a lower Division (i.e. a Division 4 team that is short can only add a Division 5 player, etc.) C. Call or confer with the opposing coach prior to the match. D. Division 5: May add players (under the rules defined above) to equal NO MORE than a total of 11 players. (This will allow for 3 subs) E. Division 3 and 4: May add players (under the rules defined above) to equal NO MORE than a total of 13 players. (This will allow for 2 subs) F. Emergency move up players ARE NOT PERMITTED to play more minutes than the players already on the team. Any violation of this rule will result in a forfeit of the match. 4. No player shall play down a division. Either during the entire season or for a single match. Any exceptions must be reviewed and approved by the acting Pinelands Commissioner and by the Pinelands Soccer Committee of Soccer Commissioners by a Majority. The age restrictions are determined by school grades, not age/birthdate of the child. DIV 3 - Play 11 a side Roster 17 players* DIV 4 - Play 11 a side Roster 17 players* DIV 5 - Play 8 a side Roster 14 players* Number of Coaches – No more than three (3) coaches are authorized for each team and must be listed on the team roster. Only coaches listed may be with the team during a match. Rosters shall be submitted to the Pinelands Soccer Commissioner prior to the start of the season and the first match. All Travel players MUST be identified. If a roster is late or a roster violation occurs, the team shall lose by forfeit. Rosters shall be frozen as of the second match. Substitutions - Division 5 substitutions are permitted only during quarter and half time intervals, except for an injured player or between periods of extended play. Division 5 substitutions will also be allowed at the first stoppage around the 6-minute mark in each quarter by the referee. Division 4 and 3 may substitute as follows: 1. At quarter, half and between periods of extended play. 2. Prior to a throw-in, in your favor 3. Prior to a goal kick by either team 4. After a goal by either team 5. For an injured player. Only the injured player may be substituted for. The injured player may return at first opportunity A bleeding player must come out of the match until the bleeding stops. Also any bloody uniform must be changed before the player may re-enter the match. It is required that coaches have a spare jersey and players may want to carry an extra pair of shorts. Cancellations – Cancelled matches must be rescheduled prior to the last week of the regular season, or the canceling will be awarded a loss by forfeit. Law IV Players Equipment - Players shall wear a team uniform for all matches. Each player other than the goalkeeper will have an identification number on their team shirt. If a uniform color conflict occurs, the HOME team must change color, or wear pinnies etc. Goalkeepers must wear a contrasting color to stand out from the other players. Soccer shoes and shin guards are required. Sweatpants are permitted. No hats or hoods are permitted. The goalkeeper may wear a hat with the referee’s permission if sunshine creates a disadvantage. No jewelry, earrings, watches or hard hair pieces are permitted. No Player may play with a hard cast on any part of the body, unless the cast is properly padded or is legal sports cast, and is not dangerous in the opinion of the referee. Division 5 match and two (2) Certified Referees for a Division 3 and 4 match. A referee may not officiate a match in which any member of his or her immediate family is a team member or a coach, unless both coaches agree to the referee prior is not coaching in a positive constructive manner. above the match to be officiated. (i.e.: a referee must be at least the 8th grade to referee a Division 5 match, or in HS to referee and Division 3 or 4 match) . If a referee is under 4 school grades, or younger than 8th grade for a Division 5 match, a 2nd Certified referee, that meets the age requirements above, MUST be used to officiate the match. Any exceptions to the rule above, MUST be agreed to by both coaches prior to the match. Division 5 Referees should clarify all calls, so that players and coaches understand the call. If the referee(s) are a no show, the coaches will mutually determine if they will play or not and who will referee the match. If the match is played, the outcome counts and no change shall be made after the match is played. Law VI Linesman - The referee must use linesman in every match. They may be official or club linesman but they must be used in every match. If official linesman are not used, then each team must provide one club linesman. Linesman are not permitted to “coach” from the sideline. Law VII Duration of the Match Division 5 - four 12-minute quarters (48 minutes) Division 4 - four 15-minute quarters (60 minutes) Division 3 - two 35-minute halves (70 minutes) Every match shall have a 2-minute interval between each quarter and 5 minutes at half-time. Each quarter shall begin with a kickoff, alternating teams. At half-time, teams shall switch goals. The standings will be determined using the following values: 3-points for a win, 1-point for a tie and 0 for a loss. Law VIII Forfeits - If either team fails to field a team (see Law III) within 15 minutes after the scheduled match time, that team forfeits the match and a score of 1-0 by reason of forfeit shall be reported. If neither team is able to field a legal team, a double forfeit shall be declared with no winner. The township Soccer Commissioner is responsible for calling off a match due to weather and/or field conditions. The visiting coach and assigned referees will be notified at least 2 hours prior to the match. Commissioners are encouraged to use the PINELANDS LEAGUE FIELD website for updates: After the match has begun, the referee shall have the authority to terminate the match Law IX Off-Sides A. A player is in an off-sides position if he is nearer his opponent’s goal than the ball unless: 1. He is in his own half of the field, or 2. Two opponents (including the goalie) are nearer there goal than he is. B. A player can be declared offside at the moment that the ball touches or is played by one of his team while he is in an off-side position, if in the opinion of the referee he is: 1. Interfering with play (e.g. passed to him); 2. Interfering with (e.g. obstructs) an opponent; 3. Seeking to gain an advantage by being off-sides. C. A player CANNOT BE DECLARED OFF-SIDE merely for being in an off-side position or if he received the ball directly from a goal-kick, corner-kick, or throw-in or when the ball has been dropped by the referee to restart play. D. If a player is declared off-side, the referee shall award the opposing team an indirect free-kick from the place where the off-side occurred. Law X Fouls and Misconduct - The following FIFA rules shall apply for all divisions, unless otherwise noted. Goalkeeper Possession - Goalkeepers shall not be touched or approached in a violent manner while in possession of the ball. The Goalkeeper shall be considered in possession if he has maintained control with one hand on the ball or is bouncing or throwing it into the air and catching it. Rolling the ball, but not actually touching it shall not be considered possession. Possession shall resume as soon as the Goalkeeper again touches the ball. A player cannot deliberately kick the ball back to his own Goalkeeper and the Keeper play the ball with his hands. The penalty is an indirect free- kick at the place the Keeper touched the ball. A caution and an indirect free kick will be issued when “Trickery” is used to get the ball back to the Keeper. A goal kick can be taken from anywhere in the Goal area to restart play, no matter where the ball went over the goal line. A. The following intentional fouls will result in the referee awarding a direct free-kick to the opposing team from the place that the foul occurred: 1. Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent. 2. Trips an opponent. 3. Jumps at an opponent. 4. Charges an opponent in a violent or dangerous manner. 5. Charges an opponent from behind (spinal area). 6. Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent 7. Holds an opponent. 8. Pushes an opponent. 9. Handles the ball (N/A to goalie in own penalty area). 10. Tackles an opponent prior to contact with the ball. Note: If any of these 10 fouls are committed by a defensive player in his own Penalty Area, a penalty kick shall be awarded to the opposing team. B. The following intentional fouls will result in the referee awarding an indirect-kick to the opposing team from the place that the foul occurred: 1. Dangerous play (e.g. attempting to kick ball in possession of goalie or kicking too high in proximity to other players). 2. Charging fairly (shoulder block) when ball not within playing distance and players not making play for the ball. 3. Intentionally obstructing opponent when not playing the ball. 4. Charging the Goalie in his Goal-Area (see FIFA rules for details). 5. If Goalie has ball and delays the match. 6. Offside Law XI Throw-Ins A. A throw-in shall be directed whenever the whole ball passes entirely outside the Touch (side) Line at the point where it crossed the line. The ball will be thrown in by a player of the team opposite to that who last touched the ball. B. The thrower at the moment of the delivery must: 1. Face the field of play with some part of his body. 2. Have part of each foot on the ground, on or outside the Touch- Line. 3. Use both hands to deliver the throw. No flip or tumble throws. 4. Have delivered the ball from behind and over the head. C. A goal shall not be scored directly from a throw-in. D. A player in an off side position may fairly receive the throw directly. E. If the ball is thrown improperly, the opposing team will be awarded a throw-in from the same position. No “Second Chance” throw-ins are permitted. F. The thrower cannot play the ball a second time before it is touched by another player. If he does, an indirect free-kick will be awarded his opponents. G. A throw-in may not go to the goalkeeper. Law XII Slide Tackling Slide Tackling is permitted at all Divisions (5, 4 and 3) provide the tackle is legal, as determined by the referee: from the front and the side, provided the ball is touched first. Slide Tackling is not permitted from behind. The referee need not call a foul during the match if in his opinion, the team against whom the foul is committed acquires the advantage in play immediately after the foul. Coaches shall ensure that each team member present plays at least half of the match, (i.e. at least two full quarters). If a player is being disciplined and will not play at least half of the match, the opposing coach and the referee must be notified before the start of the match. Each Township’s In-House Rules and Regulations on Discipline shall prevail Players may never be disciplined for playing errors or lack of playing skills. The Township Soccer Commissioner is to be notified at any such disciplinary action following the match. Rostered players must play minimum 50% of scheduled league matches to participate in league tournaments. The coaches shall report the score of the match to the Township Soccer Commissioner within one day. If a coach wishes to officially protest the outcome of a match, he must inform the opposing coach and the referee immediately following the match. The protest shall be submitted in writing via email to the Township Soccer Commissioners and the Pinelands Soccer Commissioner within 24 hours. No protests are permitted on judgement calls by the official, only rule interpretations may be protested. The Pinelands Soccer Commissioner shall judge the protest after consultation with the appropriate township Soccer Commissioners, coaches or witnesses. The Pinelands Soccer Commissioners judgment is final. If any parent, spectator , coach, bench personnel or player is cautioned (yellow carded) or ejected (red carded) , this must he reported in an email to both Township Soccer Commissioners of the teams involved and to the acting Pinelands Soccer Commissioner, with a description of the incident or misconduct, within one day of the incident. NO EXCEPTIONS ! A parent , spectator, coach, bench personnel, or player shall be cautioned (yellow card) for: 1. Entering or leaving the field of play (except through the normal course of play) without the permission of the official. 2. Persistent infringement of any of the rules of the match. 3. Objecting by word of mouth or action to any decision given by an official; (dissent) 4. Displays unsportsmanlike conduct. A cautioned player (yellow card) must be substituted for and may reenter at the next legal substitution. Two (2) yellow cards for the same player in a match, the player MUST leave the match and playing area and may not be substituted for, but may play in the next match. A parent , spectator, coach, bench personnel, or player ejected (red card) MUST leave the match, and playing area immediately, and may not be substituted for. The player ejected cannot play in the next match and the coach or bench personnel cannot coach or be on the team sideline in the next match. A parent , spectator, coach, bench personnel, or player (ejected - red card) for: 1. Violent conduct or serious foul play. 2. Abusive or foul language. 3. Persistent misconduct after being cautioned. If the referee stops the match to caution or expel a player, play shall be restarted by an indirect free-kick by the opposing team from the position where the infringement occurred. Any player or coach ejected (red card) from two or more matches will be asked to meet with the Township Soccer Commissioners and the Pinelands Soccer Commissioner to determine the seriousness of the offense and additional suspensions may be imposed. The following rule will be used to manage competitiveness: If a team wins a match by more than 6 goals (7), the following penalties will result. 1. First Violation - Warning from league to head coach. 2. Second Violation - 1 match suspension of the head coach. 3. Third Violation - Suspension for remainder of season, including tournament. Note - The head coach is responsible for results as it pertains to this rule even if he/she is not present at match(s) in question.Age Groups / Max Players-Rosters / Travel Players
Law XV Reporting
Law XVI Protest
Law XVII Cautions/Ejections
