U9 to U14: Rules & Regulations
Spring Soccer League 

GAMES:

• Each game shall be played with 6 outfield players and a designated goalkeeper on each team.
• Games will be played on a field approx 47 yds x 66 yds.
• Full size goals will be used for all age groups.
• A line stretching the full width of the field 18 yds from each goal will be designated as the Goal Area. A goalkeeper may handle the ball anywhere in this area.
• Goal kicks may be taken from any point within the 6 yard box.
• Opposing players must be positioned outside of the 18 yd area during the taking of goal kicks.
• Duration of games shall be 2 x 30 minute halves with a 5 minute half time.
• Substitutions may be made “on the fly” but players entering the field of play must do so at the half way line. Substitutions are unlimited.
• The home team (listed first on the schedule) shall provide the game ball.
• Shin Pads and Soccer Boots are mandatory equipment.
• A penalty shall be awarded if a defending player denies a goal scoring opportunity by committing an unlawful tackle or deliberately handling the ball within the goal area. All other infractions will result in an indirect free kick.
• Spectators are not permitted to view the game from directly behind the goals, but must be positioned along the sides of the field.
• To encourage open play coaches are asked to position their players well beyond the 18 yd line during the taking of the opposition’s goal kicks, rather than have them form a line along the 18 yd perimeter.

 
COACH'S RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coaches of teams playing in the early game are required to collect a goal net from the net box (located on the perimeter fence of the baseball diamond beside Field #4) They will hang the net. Coaches of teams playing in the late game are required to take these nets down and return them to the net box upon completion of their game. Each year nets are lost/stolen due to coaches failing to put them away. As a result the league is having to pay for replacements.

Coaches are asked to ensure that all players are given a fair amount of playing time (min 20 mins)

As this is a fun non-competitive league with many new, inexperienced players coaches are asked to offer much encouragement and display a positive attitude at all in times an effort to provide an enjoyable experience for the players. 

CONDUCT TOWARD REFEREE'S:

Many referee’s in this league are just learning their role. They have limited experience, but will learn more with each game. Our club suffers from a shortage of young referee’s due to many dropping out as a result of abuse, intimidation and negative comments from the sidelines while they are in their early stages of development. Please respect their decisions and accept that from time to time their decisions may appear wrong. It is my experience that when it comes to referee decisions the old saying “you win some, you lose some” often comes into play. It is important that you encourage the parents of your players to display the same conduct to the referee’s also.