FAIRBANKS YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION
FAIRBANKS YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION Summer Program Handbook With FYSA Modified Laws of the Game Last Updated: May 2017
PHONE: Office 456-FYSA(3972) or After Hours 907-987-6334 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.fysasoccer.org MAILING: PO Box 73915, Fairbanks, AK 99707
FYSA COACHES PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT SAFETY • Primary responsibility is the health and safety of all participants • It is recommended that coaches become certified in the basic first aid • Be prepared to handle first aid situations as well as medical emergencies at practices & games • Follow up all serious injuries with parent/guardian immediately & FYSA within 24 hours • Inspect player’s equipment and general field conditions for safety • Utilize proper teaching and instructing of players regarding safe techniques and methods of play • Supervise and control your players so as to avoid injuries to themselves and others PLAYER DEVELOPMENT • Develop the child’s appreciation of the game • Keep winning and losing in proper perspective • Be sensitive to each child’s development needs • Educate players to the technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of the game • Allow players to experience all field positions. • Players need to have fun and receive positive feedback. • Practice should be conducted in the spirit of enjoyment and learning • Strive to help each player reach his or her full potential ETHICS • Strive to maintain integrity within our sport • Know and understand the Laws of the Game and policies set forth by FIFA/USSF/FYSA • Work in the spirit of cooperation with officials, administrators, coaches and spectators to provide the participants with the maximum opportunity to develop • Be a positive role model • Set the standard for sportsmanship with opponents, referees, administrators and spectators • Keep sports in the proper perspective with education • Encourage moral and social responsibility • Coaches should continue their own education in the sport
This handbook contains important information regarding league policies, safety, rules of play, guidelines regarding heading the ball for young ages, and much more. Please familiarize yourself with the information contained in this document. Whether you are a coach, parent, referee or player, the most important aspects of our program, in order of importance, are Safe, Fair and Fun!
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Getting Started: You have your team roster – now what? Your first action as the coach is to contact all the players/parents on the roster. Provide them with your contact information and a specific day, time and location of practice. • Pick up team equipment at the FYSA designated pick up times. • Contact each individual family by your preferred method as soon as possible. If you are unable to make contact with a particular family, please utilize every method available (email, phone, etc.) and notify FYSA if contact has not been possible prior to the first scheduled games • Make sure team members have a way to contact you • Keep parents informed of practice cancellations and game changes. • Inform parents and players of proper equipment to bring to games; review FYSA Policies. Practice Scheduling: All teams in grades K-12 should have one practice a week in addition to their regular game(s). Practices typically should last for no more than one hour. FYSA does not schedule specific practice sessions for teams in the summer. This is left up to individual teams/coaches. Each team is allowed one free hour of field usage at the FYSA complex. Please contact FYSA with your preferred day/time and a field # will be provided. Coaches can make practice plans by either polling the team families for preferences, or basing it on their own availability. Nearby parks, schools, etc. can also used for team practices. Practices & Code of Ethics: Introduce yourself. Explain what you will do at practice; warm-up routine, drills, and ball handling exercises, play games and a scrimmage (informal) game. Encourage parent participation. Explain your goals and expectations, such as coming on time and picking up players on time. Your time is valuable, but players should not be left unattended after games or practices. Encourage parents to remain at practices and games when possible. Prioritize having a good time, but also explain that you will focus on learning skills such as teamwork, support for one another, positive attitude and good sportsmanship. In the registration process, every participant accepted a sportsmanship commitment and the start of the season is a great time to set this tone. Practice Guidelines: The following are general guidelines and suggestions for a typical team practice. When everyone has arrived, do a warm up routine for about 10 minutes. Work on skills like trapping, ball control, passing, shooting, and restarts (throw ins, free kicks, goal clearances, corner kicks, etc.). Focus on one major topic per practice. Take water breaks. Use that time to explain the Laws of the Game. Practice with goalies if your age group uses goalies. All players should have a chance to play goalie sometime. This is especially important for recreation teams. All players should be given opportunities to experience all positions. No player should play as goalie for an entire match unless that is the player’s exclusive preference, with their parent’s knowledge. Such players should also be encouraged to develop other skills and teammates given opportunities as goalie as well. In situations where no player is interested in playing as goalie, remind the players that each team must have a goalie at all times and suggest a rotating schedule so that each player serves in the position for a fair number of times during the season. End practices with an informal scrimmage game, for about 10-15 minutes. Safety Monitor & Volunteers: Speak with parents about the importance of safety. Ask for a volunteer to serve as a safety monitor during practices and games. While all parents are concerned about their child’s safety, a safety monitor is one who spends a little more thought and attention for such things for the entire team and can contact FYSA with specific questions regarding soccer and general youth sport safety. Coaches may also ask for a parent (or two) who could help make calls, arrange for an optional treat schedule, ice pack and other various duties. Uniforms, Equipment & Safety: Talk about equipment with your team during the first practice. The use of shinguards is mandatory for all practices and games. FYSA provides a uniform for all players but these are not required to be worn for practices. Black shorts should be worn for all games. A pair is provided with each uniform. Black socks are also provided, however players are welcome to wear other colored socks provided they cover the shinguards. Players provide their own shinguards and footwear. While regular tennis shoes may be worn, FYSA encourages the use of soccer cleats for better traction during play. Football, baseball or other non-soccer cleats should not be worn as the various styles of cleats, studs and shoe structure are not conducive to soccer and may cause a risk to the player or others. (Helpful hint: soccer cleats do not have a stud under the toe area at the tip of the shoe). Shirts should be tucked in during games.
No jewelry or watches may be worn during games or practices. This includes earrings and other piercings. Simply placing tape over a piercing or other jewelry is not sufficient to ensure the safety of players. A player or parent who wishes to accept the inherit risk of playing with jewelry must understand that the danger posed by the presence of metal around the soft tissue of the face is NOT limited to the one wearing it. An online search can provide some pretty horrific images of very avoidable injuries involving torn flesh of both the wearers of jewelry during soccer and those who they come in contact with. Shredded ears, streaks of torn scalp, split lips, etc. No one expects that such injuries will take place, but they happen nonetheless and more often than we realize. If a player, boy or girl, has any piercings or jewelry, please help them make the removal of such part of their pregame preparation. Debates about piercing holes closing up are not sufficient reason to allow such risks on the field. With proper planning and education, players and parents can manage this issue and ensure that this one area of risk can be avoided. While no coach, referee or administrator will ever force a player to remove a piece of jewelry, their participation in a game can be withheld for failure to follow this policy. Weather, Air Quality and Safety: The following excerpts are from the FYSA Policy Manual regarding adverse weather: • Games are still played in rainy weather. • FYSA shall adhere to a practice of canceling soccer activities whenever lightning is visible in the atmosphere and the associated thunderclap occurs in less than 30 seconds. In such instances, games are immediately cancelled and all individuals should seek shelter. Cancelled games are not resumed after a waiting period, however games that take place later in the evening may still be held if lightning has subsided. • FYSA shall adhere to the practice of cancelling outdoor soccer activities whenever the Air Quality Index is at a rating of Unhealthy or worse. AQI information will be obtained via established borough, state and federal websites, as well as on-site at the FYSA field complex using available air quality monitoring equipment. This data will be used for reference, with ultimate decisions being made by FYSA staff on-site. Game cancellation decisions will be made and communicated to members in the 4 o’clock hour for all scheduled games that night.
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It is important to note that when soccer activities have been cancelled for any nature-related risk management purposes as outlined above, any players, teams, coaches, etc. that elect to hold their own events are doing so at their own risk. Such activities are not FYSA-sanctioned and thus are not covered under program insurance. When games are played in hot temperatures, or when air quality is poor (but not poor enough to cancel matches), referees may allow for short breaks to occur during a half in order that all players may hydrate and receive a small break. This is especially important on hot summer nights, when teams have many players missing and therefore little or no substitutions. In these instances, players who are on the field should remain on the field, though they may gather together near the touchline in front of their team. Players on the bench as well as coaches should remain off the field and hand the players on the pitch water or other liquids. These breaks should be short and play should restart as soon as possible.
Heading the Ball and Concussion/Head Injury Initiatives for Young Players: US Soccer has published specific guidelines and recommendations pertaining to the prevention and treatment of head injuries and how heading the ball may be related to such efforts. For the most up to date information and education, please refer to safety related resources available on US Soccer’s website. In relation to our local youth programs, we will follow the following provided recommendations: • Players in 5th-6th Grade divisions and younger shall not engage in heading, either in practices or in games. • When a player in an age group that does not permit heading deliberately heads the ball during the course of play, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team where the offense occurred. • Limited heading in practice for players in the Middle School division. These players shall be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes of heading training per week, with no more than 15-20 headers per player, per week. • Clubs should be aware of circumstances in which individual consideration is needed. Per U.S. Soccer’s Concussion Initiative, if a player is suspected to have a head injury the referee is instructed to stop play to allow for treatment/evaluation as needed. Coaches shall also take an active role in keeping an eye out for these situations and not encourage/insist players to return to play. This is a difficult issue to address and to enforce, especially due to the experiences of many soccer loving adults and youth. Coaches and parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the relevant information available pertaining to head injuries and the recommendations from US Youth Soccer for heading the ball at young ages. Educations and support from everyone in our soccer community for all established policies, rules and guidelines greatly benefits our programs. 50% Fair-Play Policy: There is no requirement that all players be given an equal amount of time on the field. However, all recreational players shall play a minimum of 50% of all available minutes for the games that they attend. This is to ensure that no matter what, families are getting a fair value of our sport with the cost of registration. Playing time is not required to be all in one half. Coaches are not required to track exact minutes of each player’s participation, but they must be diligent in managing their substitutions to ensure each player is allowed a minimum of 50% of playing time in each game they attend. Understanding that there are often absences during the summer weeks at many games due to family trips and other commitments, roster sizes are set to allow for sufficient substitutions for each team, but not so large that it would be mathematically impossible for this policy be followed. These fair-play guidelines apply even when a player misses a practice prior to a game. 50% minimum of game time on the field, for all players, 100% of the time. League Games: Games scheduled on weeknights should end by 9pm. Extenuating circumstances such as delays due to weather, atmosphere, holidays etc. may result in changes to this schedule. Whenever a Monday falls on a holiday, all regular matches will take place on Friday of that week. Be on time. On time means early ☺ Warm-ups are important, but due to time restrictions of games occasionally running back to back, teams should begin their warm up routines off the field, utilizing nearby space for stretching and communicating plans for the game, assigning positions to the players, etc. When the prior game has ended, teams should take to the field immediately and utilize all remaining time to continue warming up until the referee indicates the game is ready to begin. It is important that games start and finish on time. Teams that delay the start of their games may have shortened halves to ensure that they finish and clear the field so the next teams can begin on schedule. Referees are expected to inform team captains and/or coaches of the playing minutes in each half prior to the start of any delayed game. Generally, there is a grace period of a couple minutes before this must be applied. Referees are instructed that game times should not be shortened for circumstances that are not the direct responsibility of a specific team. For example, if one team is on time and the other is late, resulting in the game starting 8 minutes late, the referee may reduce each half by 2 minutes. If both teams are on time but the previous game ends late, all efforts should be made by teams and the referee to quickly prepare for the new game to start as soon as possible. In this case, as neither team is responsible for their own game starting late, referees will be instructed not to shorten games. The responsibility for ensuring every player is properly attired lies with the coach. Referees are not required to perform equipment checks but will typically consult with each team prior to the game to communicate any specific guidelines relevant to the match or age division. The referee will ask for a captain from each team to conduct a coin-toss to determine team sides and kick-off. You should select a different captain for each game. At the youth level, the captains are simply a formality, but this is important to some players. If your team is listed first on the game schedule, you are considered the home team and will be expected to provide the game ball. If playing near a fence, it is wise to have an extra ball or two available in the event of a ball being difficult to retrieve, in order to preserve playing time. Sportsmanship & Officials: During the game, only positive comments will be allowed, whether to one’s own team, opponents, parents, coaches or the referee. Coaches shall be responsible for the conduct of their players and supporters. Please help us to promote good sportsmanship by controlling any unsavory or negative comments. Do not quarrel with the referee regarding his/her calls on plays during the game. Do not enter the field during play without permission of the referee. Concerns regarding officials should always be handled respectfully, at the conclusion of a game, in established lines of communication with the FYSA. Many referees are young and while they may have soccer experience as a player, it can take many seasons to learn how to apply this to officiating. While inappropriate behavior of referees will not be excused, they are still human. Officials should be supported just as players are in order to further their development and training. Referee clinics emphasize that their primary purpose is ensuring that matches are Safe, Fair and Fun, in that
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order. Remember, not every contact between two players is a foul, not every injury is a result of a foul and not every foul necessitates a yellow or red card. The Referee Coordinator will spend much of their summer observing and mentoring new referees as well as officiating with them, in order to provide positive, consistent, ongoing development. Coaches are encouraged to help referees feel appreciated for filling such a difficult role. If there is any constructive feedback after a game that they feel inclined to convey, they may do so provided it is performed in a positive, sportsmanship manner. For example, comments such as ‘You need to work on learning what a foul is’ would not be appropriate, while “Thanks for reffing. I think hand-balls are supposed to result in a direct free kick and I think you might have signaled for an indirect free kick. I’ll have to look that up, but could you check also for next time?” would be constructive and respectful. 10 Goal Differential Policy: In order to ensure that strong teams do not humiliate others, FYSA follows a 10 Goal Differential policy. Efforts are made to balance team rosters with similar ratios of player ages. However, it is impossible to know on paper how teams might perform at any given week in the season. Coaches, especially those of stronger teams, are requested to keep the game score between the teams within 10 goals of one another. Coaches are encouraged to take measures to ensure that scores remain within this guideline. Rotate positions, place stronger players as goalie or in defense, create challenges that do not involve scoring (‘complete 10 consecutive passes before shooting’ or ‘every player must touch the ball before shooting’ or ‘only allowed to score with your head’, etc.). Such instructions should be provided tactfully and with respect, amongst the team itself and not shouted across the field. This is a recreational league and no team standings are maintained during the regular season. Even during end of season tournament play, when offered, this policy is still in effect and can even result in tournament standing repercussions when not followed. Division Guidelines: The following chart is a helpful guide to many of the common questions regarding the specific parameters of the various age divisions. Coaches are encouraged to keep this as a reference throughout the season. Subject to change at FYSA discretion.
FYSA Outdoor Recreational League Team and Gameplay Guidelines Min. # Game Use of Ball Offside Players to Periods Heading* Yellow & Size Enforced Start Game (in min.) Red Cards PreK-3 3-4 No n/a n/a 3 n/a No n/a PreK-4 3-4 No n/a n/a 3 n/a No n/a Kindergarten 4 No 3 4x10 3 No No No 1st-2nd Grade 5 Yes 4 4x10 3 No No No 3rd-4th Grade 7 Yes 5 2x25 4 No** No No*** 5th-6th Grade 9 Yes 6 2x30 4 Yes No Yes Middle School 11 Yes 7 2x35 5 Yes Yes Yes High School 11 Yes 7 2x40 5 Yes Yes Yes PreK programs are highly modified and most Laws of the Game to do not apply for their practices and scrimmages. Parameters for Saturday divisions may be modified from the above. *See information regarding US Youth Soccer’s initiatives on this topic below. **Referees will typically not enforce the Offside rule at this age. Gross violations may be enforced. Coaches should help players learn the principle of Offside and avoid tactics contrary to the spirit of this law (i.e. ‘cherry picking’). ***Offences that warrant Cautions and Send-Offs (yellow/red cards) will typically not be enforced at this age. However, in extenuating circumstances, referees may issue such if needed for the spirit of the game. Age Division
Players on Field
Play w/ Goalie
Concerns: For questions and serious concerns please email us. Provide as much detail to identify the situation including the date, time of game, field, team numbers, description of individuals involved, etc. While follow up inquiries may be made regarding a report, FYSA is not obligated to disclose results of referee/coach/player/parent correctional incidents, but we are committed to taking any and all feedback for consideration and mentoring. On game nights, there will often be FYSA staff present at the field complex monitoring conditions, supporting coaches and players, mentoring referees and enjoying our wonderful programs. If there is an emergency during a game night, coaches may call or text 907-987-6334 if there is no answer on the main FYSA office phone line at 456-3972. If there is no answer, we may be assisting others and will respond as soon as feasible. Other non-urgent issues should be reported to the FYSA office via email at [email protected]
FYSA OUTDOOR SOCCER ‘LAWS OF THE GAME’ (RULES) The following follows the format of the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) Laws of the Game. US Youth Soccer recommends modifications to the LOTG in certain areas to accommodate the specific program needs of youth, small-sided recreational matches. The FYSA LOTG apply to our recreational programs, although PreK and Kindergarten programs are less formal. Additionally, there are far more officiating situations than can be contained here, included complex scenarios and questions. Referees will do their best to apply the LOTG according to their ability as well as the ‘spirit of the game’. Competitive teams adhere to the more specific parameters set forth by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). LAW 1 – THE FIELD OF PLAY 1. Dimensions: The fields will be rectangular and will be of size appropriate for the age division 2. Markings: The field will be marked with the following lines/markings a. Touch Line: longer lines on the field, i.e ‘sidelines’ b. Goal Line: shorter lines at the end of each field, on which the goal is placed c. Center line: divides the field in half between each goal, from touchline to touchline d. Center mark: mark indicating center of the field on the center line, half way between touch lines e. Center Circle: circle around center kickoff mark f. Goal Area: smaller box in front of the goal
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3. 4.
g. Penalty Area: larger box in front of the goal h. Penalty Mark: mark indicating the location of the ball for a penalty kick i. Penalty Arc: area indicating additional space that must be clear of all players during a PK j. Corner Arc: are in which a ball may be placed for the taking of a corner kick k. Hash Mark: made off the field on goal line indicating min. distance of opponents during a corner kick Corner flags: A flag not less than 5 feet tall is placed at each corner of the playing field Goals: Goals will be of appropriate size for the age group, field size and shall be anchored to the ground
LAW 2 – THE BALL 1. The ball will be of suitable material, spherical and properly inflated. FYSA provides balls to each team for use during the season and home teams are to provide game ball(s) for each game. 2. If the ball becomes unusable during the match, the referee shall stop the game and have the ball replaced. If play was stopped at a normal stoppage the game will be restarted accordingly. Otherwise, the game will be restarted with a drop ball at the location play was stopped, unless play was in penalty area, in which case, the ball will be dropped on the penalty area line parallel to the goal line nearest the stoppage of play LAW 3 – NUMBER OF PLAYERS 1. Refer to page 4 of this FYSA Summer Program Handbook for a guideline chart outlining the specific players on the field and minimum number of players to begin a game for each age division. 2. If a team has fewer players than the minimum, the game is forfeited. See guidelines to forfeited game situations near the end of this handbook. If a team begins a match with the minimum number of players or more, but during the course of the match drops below the minimum number, the game is forfeit. If the number drops below the minimum do to an injury that can be attended to and the player may return to the field, play will stop until they are able to return. 3. Every team (except in PreK and Kindergarten age divisions) must have a goalie at all times. Goalies’ jerseys should be of a different color than the rest of the team, as well as the opposing team. There is no requirement that a goalie remain in the goal or penalty area and is free to act as a regular player on the rest of the field (except for during a Penalty Kick). 4. Substitutions: a. An unlimited number of substitutions may be made during any game, at the appropriate times. b. Substitutions may take place during any stoppage of play, with the permission of the referee. c. Substitutes should be at the center line, off the field, before calling for a substitution. d. Substitutes should wait to enter the field until the player leaving the field has completely left the field or until the substitute is signaled to enter by the referee. e. Coaches should manage substitutions in a way that enables the match to flow. For example, substituting a single player every 60 seconds reduces the amount of game time where actual soccer is being played. However coaches choose to manage substitutions, fair play for players and the flow of the game should always be in their thoughts. f. PreK and Kindergarten age divisions may sub ‘on the fly’ and disregard the formal process outlined above. LAW 4 – PLAYER EQUIPEMENT 1. There are 5 components of a player uniform and they all begin with the letter S: a. Shirt: should be tucked in during the game b. Shorts: should be black and loose, athletic fitting (no spandex, biking shorts, etc. except as undergarments) c. Socks: must cover entire shinguard. May be any color. d. Shinguards: should be appropriate for age/size and covered entirely by the socks e. Shoes: While regular tennis shoes may be worn, FYSA encourages the use of soccer cleats for better traction during play. Football, baseball or other non-soccer cleats should not be worn as the various styles of cleats, studs and shoe structure are not conducive to soccer and may cause a risk to other players. (Helpful hint: soccer cleats do not have a stud under the toe area at the tip of the shoe.) 2. Other equipment a. Shorts are required. Pants may be worn by goalkeepers. Other players may also wear pants during cold temperatures. b. Goalkeepers may wear kneepads (though they are not required), provided they are of soft material. c. Players electing to play in a skirt for religious purposes are permitted. d. Braces for knees, ankles, etc. are permitted provided they have not been modified from the original manufactured condition. Players are welcome and encouraged to also wear a protective sleeve over any braces, if possible. e. A player wearing an arm cast that does not extend beyond the elbow may play provided the entire cast has been covered in suitable, soft, cushioned material (such as bubble wrap) and the limb is not used during the course of play in a manner that poses a risk to others. f. No jewelry or watches may be worn during games or practices. This includes earrings and other piercings. Simply placing tape over a piercing or other jewelry is not sufficient to ensure the safety of players. A player or parent who wishes to accept the inherit risk of playing with jewelry must understand that the danger posed by the presence of metal around the soft tissue of the face is NOT limited to the one wearing it. An online search can provide some pretty horrific images of very avoidable injuries involving torn flesh of both the wearers of jewelry during soccer and those who they come in contact with. Shredded ears, streaks of torn scalp, split lips, etc. No one expects that such injuries will take place, but they happen nonetheless and more often than we realize. If a player, boy or girl, has any piercings or jewelry, please help them make the removal of such part of their pregame preparation. Debates about piercing holes closing up are not sufficient reason to allow such risks on the field. With proper planning and education, players and parents can manage this issue and ensure that this one area of risk can be avoided. While no coach, referee or administrator
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g. h.
will ever force a player to remove a piece of jewelry, their participation in a game can be withheld for failure to follow this policy. Medical alert bracelets are permitted but should be securely taped to the player’s body. A player who has been prevented from taking part in a game or a player who has been sent off to adjust his/her equipment may not return without permission of the referee during a stoppage of the game. Referees are empowered to make judgement calls for the safety of players regarding non-standard equipment. For specific questions regarding player equipment, please contact FYSA staff.
LAW 5 – REFEREES 1. Referee have full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed. The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final. The referee may only change a decision on realizing that it is incorrect or, at his discretion, provided that he has not restarted play or terminated the match. 2. Powers and duties of the Referee: a. enforces the Laws of the Game b. ensures that any ball used meets the requirements of Law 2 c. ensures that the players’ equipment meets the requirements of Law 4 d. acts as timekeeper and keeps a record of the match e. stops, suspends or abandons the match, at his discretion, for any infringements of the Laws f. stops, suspends or abandons the match because of outside interference of any kind g. stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensures that he is removed from the field of play. An injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has restarted h. allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in his opinion, only slightly injured i. ensures that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the field of play. The player may only return on receiving a signal from the referee, who must be satisfied that the bleeding has stopped j. allows play to continue when the team against which an offence has been committed will benefit from such an advantage and penalizes the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time (the ‘Advantage Clause’) k. punishes the more serious offence when a player commits more than one offence at the same time l. takes disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable and sending-off offences. He is not obliged to take this action immediately but must do so when the ball next goes out of play m. takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and may, at his discretion, expel them from the field of play and its immediate surroundings n. ensures that no unauthorized persons enter the field of play o. indicates the restart of the match after it has been stopped p. provides the appropriate authorities with a match report, which includes information on any disciplinary action taken against players and/or team officials and any other incidents that occurred before, during or after the match 3. Decisions of the International F.A. Board: A referee is not held liable for any kind of injury suffered by a player, official or spectator, any damage to property of any kind, any other loss suffered by any individual, club, company, association or other body, which is due or which may be due to any decision that he may take under the terms of the Laws of the Game or in respect of the normal procedures required to hold, play and control a match. See www.fifa.com for more information. LAW 6 – ASSISTANT REFEREES 1. For those age divisions playing on full size fields, or whenever else appropriate, Assistant Referees are assigned to matches to assist the center referee in decisions such as ball in and out of play, offside offenses, throw-in decisions, foul recognition and other areas of enforcement of the Laws of the Game. 2. Assistant referees are to be awarded the same respect and sportsmanship as a center referee and spectators, coaches and players should refrain from interacting and/or interfering with their efforts to officiate in their roles. LAW 7 – DURATION OF THE MATCH 1. Refer to page 4 of this FYSA Summer Program for a guideline chart outlining the specific lengths of game for each individual age division. Halftime breaks should be 5 minutes long unless hot weather policies as outlined on page 3 are being observed. During the course of play, the game clock does not stop for any stoppage of play. If significant loss of time is incurring during the course of play due to injuries, excessive substitution procedures, time wasted retrieving balls, etc. the referee is empowered to add ‘stoppage time’ to the match, thus not every match will end at the exact time. LAW 8 – START AND RESTART OF PLAY 1. At the start of the game, a coin toss will be conducted by the referee between each team’s captains. The team that wins the coin toss will choose which half of the field to start on and the loser of the coin toss will have the first kickoff. 2. When the referee gives the signal, the game will be started by a player taking a placed kick, while the ball is stationary on the center mark. The ball is in play as soon as it is kicked and moves. The player taking the kickoff may not touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player, from either team. Players must be on their own half prior to kick off and all opposing players must be at remain outside the center circle until the ball is in play. 3. A dropped ball is a method of restarting play when, while the ball is still in play, the referee is required to stop play temporarily for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game. The referee drops the ball at the place where it was located when play was stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped. Play restarts when the ball touches the ground.
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LAW 9 – BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY 1. The ball is out of play when either a. the entire ball has completely crossed the touchlines or goal lines, whether on the ground or in the air or, b. the game is stopped by the referee. 2. The ball will be in play on all other occasions, from the beginning of the game until its end. If the ball bounces off any object that extends into or is within the field of play (goal posts, crossbars, or the referee) it remains in play. LAW 10 – METHOD OF SCORING 1. A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no infringement of the LOTG has been committed previously by the team scoring the goal. 2. The team scoring the greater number of goals during a match is the winner. If both teams score an equal number of goals, or if no goals are scored, the match is a draw. LAW 11 – OFFSIDE 1. For age groups that observe offside rules (see chart on page 4) a player is in an offside position if he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second to last opponent 2. A player is not in an offside position if a. he is in his own half of the field of play or b. he is level with the second-last opponent or c. he is level with the last two opponents 3. it is not an offence in itself to be in an offside position. A player in an offside position is only penalized if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by a teammate, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by a. interfering with play or b. interfering with an opponent or c. gaining an advantage by being in that position 4. There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from a goal kick, throw-in or corner kick 5. In the event of an offside offence, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred LAW 12 – FOULS AND MISCONDUCTS 1. This section outlines Fouls and Misconduct according to FIFA’s Laws of the Game. While all the principles remain the same, their application may be modified for youth and recreational matches. At this age, fouls and misconduct often occur due to lack of experience and/or control. Thus, coaches and referees must adjust their approach to the game with an understanding of the spirit of the law, as well as the letter of the law. 2. Direct Free Kick a. A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force: i. kicks or attempts to kick an opponent ii. trips or attempts to trip an opponent iii. jumps at an opponent iv. charges an opponent v. strikes or attempts to strike an opponent vi. pushes an opponent vii. tackles an opponent b. A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences: i. holds and opponent ii. spits at an opponent iii. handles the ball deliberately (except for goalkeeper within his own penalty area) c. Direct free kicks are taken from the place where the offence occurred d. A penalty kick is awarded if any of the above offences is committed by a player inside his own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball, provided it is in play. 3. Indirect Free Kick a. An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, commits any of the following offences: i. controls the ball with his hands for more than six seconds before releasing it from his possession ii. touches the ball again with his hands after he has released it from his possession and before it has touched another player iii. touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a teammate iv. touches the ball with his hands after receiving it from a throw-in by a teammate b. An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if, in the opinion of the referee, a player: i. plays in a dangerous manner ii. impedes the progress of an opponent iii. prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands iv. commits any other offence, not previously mentioned, for which play is stopped to caution or send off a player c. In age groups where heading the ball is not permitted, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately heads the ball.
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The indirect free kick is taken from the place where the offence occurred unless the offence occurs within inside the goal area. In this instance, the free kick is taken from the nearest point of the goal area parallel to the goal line. The yellow card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been cautioned. A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following offences: a. unsporting behavior b. dissent by word or action c. persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game d. delaying the restart of play e. failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted f. failure to follow the outline procedure for substitutions as outlined in Law 3 The red card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been sent off. A player, substitute or substituted player is sent off if he commits any of the following offences: a. serious foul play b. violent conduct c. spitting at an opponent or any other person d. denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area) e. denying an obvious goals coring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick f. using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures g. receiving a second caution in the same match A player, substitute or substituted player who has been sent off and shown the red card must leave the vicinity of the field of play and the technical area. He will also not be allowed to participate in his team’s next match. If the offence is of a serious enough nature, player suspensions will be reviewed by the Executive Director for potential further disciplinary action. Specific to FYSA: Typically, a player that receives a red card may not be replaced and the team plays one player short for the rest of the match. However, due to the recreational nature of our league, the need for all players to receive as much playing time as possible, and FYSA’s wish that entire teams not be punished for misconduct of a single player, this will not be implemented for FYSA recreational programs. In other words, while a red carded player must still leave the field and nearby vicinity, he may be replaced by another player and his team will not play down. Only a player, substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card (i.e. referees should not ‘card’ coaches or spectators, although these individuals may still be dismissed by a referee). The referee has the authority to take disciplinary actions from the moment he arrives at the field, for the duration of the match and until he has left the vicinity of the field, even after the final whistle.
LAW 13 – FREE KICKS 1. A free kick is a way of putting the ball back into play after the game has been stopped, typically for fouls or infractions of the laws of the game, and is classified under two headings: a. Direct Free Kick, from which a goal may be scored directly against the offending side, or b. Indirect Free Kick, from which a goal cannot be scored unless the ball has been touched by another player (other than the kicker) before entering the goal. If, during an indirect free kick, the ball enters the goal after being kicked, and has made contact with any other player, a goal is awarded. If the ball enters the goal after being kicked, and has NOT made contact with any other player, the restart shall be a Goal Kick by the defending team. The referee will indicate an Indirect Free Kick by raising his arm above his head prior to the kick being taken. He will maintain that position until the ball has made contact with another player or goes out of play. c. Note: A dropped-ball is considered ‘Indirect’ and must touch another player before entering the goal for it to count. 2. The ball must be stationary when a free kick is taken and the player shall not touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player. Punishment for such will be an indirect free kick for the opposing team. 3. During the taking of any free kick, the ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves 4. During the taking of any free kick, all opposing players shall be at least ten yards from the ball until it is in play, unless they are standing on their own goal line (for indirect free kicks that take place on the border of the goal area). The minimum distance for age divisions NOT playing on full size fields, shall be 5 yards. 5. Opposing players are expected to respect the required distance, whether or not the attacking team has requested them do so or not. If a player fails to respect the required distance, play may be stopped until this law has been complied with. Notwithstanding, the team taking the free kick may elect to have a ‘quick restart’ regardless of whether the opponent has complied with the minimum distance, unless the referee has instructed them to wait for his whistle before taking the kick. Failure to respect the required distance is a cautionable (yellow card) offence. LAW 14 – PENALTY KICK 1. A penalty kick is awarded against a team that commits one of the ten offences for which a direct free kick is awarded, inside its own penalty area and while the ball is in play. 2. A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick. 3. If the applicable foul takes place near the end of a half, additional time is allowed for a penalty kick to be taken. In this case, if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded and the half is ended. Any other result of the kick (ball goals out bounds, deflected off the goal or goalkeeper) play shall stop as the half has ended. In other words, if the half is extended for the taking of a PK, the single shot is the only action that occurs. 4. Position of the ball and the players a. The ball must be placed on the penalty mark b. The player taking the penalty kick must be properly identified
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The defending goalkeeper must remain on his goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts until the ball has been kicked. He may move side to side prior to the kick, but not forward. d. The players other than the kicker must be located: i. inside the field of play ii. outside the penalty area iii. behind the penalty mark iv. at least 10 yds from the penalty mark (or outside the penalty arc at the top of the penalty area Procedure a. After the players have taken positions the referee signals for the penalty kick to be taken b. The player taking the penalty kick must kick the ball forward c. He must not play the ball again until it has touched another player d. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward Infringements and Sanctions: If the referee gives the signal for a penalty kick to be taken and, before the ball is in play, one of the following occurs a. the player taking the penalty kick infringes the Laws of the Game: i. the referee allows the kick to be taken ii. if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken iii. if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and the match is restarted with an indirect free kick to the defending team from the place where the infringement occurred b. the goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the Game: i. the referee allows the kick to be taken ii. if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded iii. if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken c. a teammate of the player taking the kick infringes the Laws of the Game: i. the referee allows the kick to be taken ii. if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken iii. if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and the match is restarted with an indirect free kick to the defending team from the place where the infringement occurred d. a teammate of the goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the Game: i. the referee allows the kick to be taken ii. if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded iii. if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken e. If a player of both the defending team and the attacking team infringe the LOTG, the kick is retaken If, after the penalty kick has been taken: a. the kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred b. the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player c. a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, taken from the place of infringement d. the ball is touched by an outside agent as it moves forward, the kick is retaken e. the ball rebounds into the field of play from the goalkeeper, the crossbar or the goalposts and is then touched by an outside agent i. the referee stops play ii. play is restarted with a dropped ball at the place where it touched the outside agent, unless it touched the outside agent inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was when play was stopped
LAW 15 - THROW IN 1. A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball crosses the touch line, either on the ground or in the air. 2. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. 3. Procedure a. At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower: i. faces the field of play ii. has part of each foot either on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline iii. holds the ball with both hands iv. delivers the ball from behind and over his head v. delivers the ball from the point where it left the field of play b. All opponents must stand no less than 2 yds from the point at which the throw-in is taken. c. The ball is in play when it enters the field of play. Even barely touching the field of play (i.e. the plane of the touchline) is considered entering the field of play. As such, there may be times when a ball seems to have not entered the field, however the referee will decide if the ball officially entered the field or not d. After delivering the ball, the thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. If the ball fails to enter play, the throw in is retaken. If it enters the field of play, even if just barely, but then immediately leaves the field of play, a throw in is awarded to the opposing team at the spot where the ball left the field of play
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Infringements and sanctions a. Throw-in taken by a player other than the goalkeeper i. If, after the ball is in play, the thrower touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred ii. If, after the ball is in play, the thrower deliberately handles the ball before it touches another player 1. a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from where the infringement occurred 2. a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the thrower’s penalty area b. Throw-in taken by the goalkeeper i. If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with his hands), before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred ii. If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper handles the ball before it touches another player: 1. a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred 2. an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred c. If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower, he is cautioned for unsporting behavior d. For any other infringement of this Law, the throw-in is taken by a player of the opposing team
LAW 16 – GOAL KICK 1. A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking team, and a goal is not scored 2. A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team. 3. Procedure a. The ball is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team b. Opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play c. The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player d. The ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area 4. Infringements and sanctions a. If the ball is not kicked directly out of the penalty area from a goal kick, the kick is retaken b. Goal kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper i. If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred ii. If, after the ball is in play, the kicker handles the ball before it has touched another player: 1. a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred 2. a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area c. Goal kick taken by the goalkeeper: i. If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred ii. If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper handles the ball before it has touched another player 1. a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper’s penalty area 2. an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area d. In the event of any other infringement of this Law, the kick is retaken LAW 17 – CORNER KICK 1. A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the defending team, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10. 2. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team. 3. Procedure a. The ball must be placed inside the corner arc nearest to the point where the ball crossed the goal line b. The corner flagpost must not be moved c. Opponents must remain at least 10 yds (younger ages: 5 yds) from the corner arc until the ball is in play d. The ball must be kicked by a player of the attacking team e. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves f. The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player 4. Infringements and sanctions a. Corner kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper
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i. If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred ii. If, after the ball is in play, the kicker handles the ball before it has touched another player: 1. a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, taken from where the infringement occurred 2. a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area Corner kick taken by the goalkeeper i. If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred ii. If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper handles the ball before it has touched another player: 1. a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, taken from the place where the infringement occurred 2. an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, taken from the place where the infringement occurred In the event of any other infringement, the kick is retaken
FYSA FORFEIT GAME POLICY Unfortunately, there are occasionally situations that occur where a game is considered a forfeit. The most common cause is a result of teams having fewer than the minimum number of required players for a match to take place. This is rare, as team roster sizes are set to ensure family vacations, illness, injury or other situations do not result in a team having to forfeit due to these players’ absence. However, it can still occur, and it is often unclear to coaches, parents and referees as how to proceed. For FYSA recreational matches, an informal soccer game (aka ‘scrimmage’) may still be organized by those players present of both teams. While this is deemed unofficial, it will still fall under the jurisdiction and insurance coverage of FYSA programs so long as the only players participating are those currently registered with FYSA. Siblings of player or players from other teams who may be present are allowed to participate, provided they are also currently registered with FYSA and within one year of the age division guidelines. This allowance is also subject to the approval of both coaches and the referee. IF the appropriate guidelines are met for a forfeited game to be considered a sanctioned scrimmage, any referee assigned to officiate the match will remain to oversee the scrimmage, unless there are other non-scrimmage matches in need of officials. Any informal scrimmage that does not follow these guidelines (that is, only involving currently registered players of the appropriate ages) is not covered by FYSA insurance and participation in such an activity is at the own risk of all participants. FYSA discourages such non-sanctioned informal scrimmages and urges coaches to inform parents of such guidelines in this policy in the event of a forfeited match. REFEREE RELATED MATTERS FOR FYSA PROGRAMS Almost all youth referees participate in our programs themselves as players on recreational or competitive teams. There are often times that other soccer commitments, as well as injury, illness, family vacations, or other circumstances, may result in the availability of referees being less than needed on any given match night. If any individual is interested in becoming a referee during the course of the season, please contact us! No experience is necessary, although there are certain training, minimum age and other guidelines that must be satisfied. For youth recreational matches in the Middle School and High School divisions, a 2 man or ‘dual’ referee system may occasionally be employed to help younger referees work more directly with an experienced referee, to hasten their growth and development. This may also be used at times when referee availability is insufficient for an evening’s needs. If there are not enough referees available on a given night to cover all matches, the FYSA Referee Coordinator and/or Executive Director will make every effort to adjust referee assignments as well as communicate with any affected teams/coaches about situations that may impact them. Assistant referee (linesman) positions may occasionally be allowed to be filled by a volunteer spectator, parent or youth. Some matches in the youngest of age groups may also occasionally be overseen by volunteer referees of any age. If any parent or youth would like a brief crash course in basic soccer rules in order to be able to fill in as a volunteer referee when needed, FYSA will be happy to provide them with a whistle and guidance to support them in their volunteer role. On game nights, if a scheduled game time arrives and no referee is present, coaches can call or text 907-987-6334 if there is no answer on the main office line 456-3972 If the Executive Director or Referee Coordinator is not available, coaches may proceed to start the game with any competent volunteer, including themselves, to serve as a temporary official. We hope these occurrences are few and far between each summer and are very grateful for the effort and support that has gone into increasing our referee quantity and quality in the past couple years.
This handbook, policies and FYSA modified Laws of the Game have been reviewed and modified for the 2017 summer soccer season. Our programs are for all of you. Questions, requests for clarification, suggestions for future modifications and any other input or feedback is always welcome. THANK YOU for being part of our soccer community! Colt Chase, FYSA Executive Director [email protected] 907-456-3972 office 907-987-6334 cell Page 11 of 12
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PHONE: Office 456-FYSA(3972) or After Hours 907-987-6334 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.fysasoccer.org MAILING: PO Box 73915, Fairbanks, AK 99707
FYSA COACHES PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT SAFETY • Primary responsibility is the health and safety of all participants • It is recommended that coaches become certified in the basic first aid • Be prepared to handle first aid situations as well as medical emergencies at practices & games • Follow up all serious injuries with parent/guardian immediately & FYSA within 24 hours • Inspect player’s equipment and general field conditions for safety • Utilize proper teaching and instructing of players regarding safe techniques and methods of play • Supervise and control your players so as to avoid injuries to themselves and others PLAYER DEVELOPMENT • Develop the child’s appreciation of the game • Keep winning and losing in proper perspective • Be sensitive to each child’s development needs • Educate players to the technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of the game • Allow players to experience all field positions. • Players need to have fun and receive positive feedback. • Practice should be conducted in the spirit of enjoyment and learning • Strive to help each player reach his or her full potential ETHICS • Strive to maintain integrity within our sport • Know and understand the Laws of the Game and policies set forth by FIFA/USSF/FYSA • Work in the spirit of cooperation with officials, administrators, coaches and spectators to provide the participants with the maximum opportunity to develop • Be a positive role model • Set the standard for sportsmanship with opponents, referees, administrators and spectators • Keep sports in the proper perspective with education • Encourage moral and social responsibility • Coaches should continue their own education in the sport
This handbook contains important information regarding league policies, safety, rules of play, guidelines regarding heading the ball for young ages, and much more. Please familiarize yourself with the information contained in this document. Whether you are a coach, parent, referee or player, the most important aspects of our program, in order of importance, are Safe, Fair and Fun!
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Getting Started: You have your team roster – now what? Your first action as the coach is to contact all the players/parents on the roster. Provide them with your contact information and a specific day, time and location of practice. • Pick up team equipment at the FYSA designated pick up times. • Contact each individual family by your preferred method as soon as possible. If you are unable to make contact with a particular family, please utilize every method available (email, phone, etc.) and notify FYSA if contact has not been possible prior to the first scheduled games • Make sure team members have a way to contact you • Keep parents informed of practice cancellations and game changes. • Inform parents and players of proper equipment to bring to games; review FYSA Policies. Practice Scheduling: All teams in grades K-12 should have one practice a week in addition to their regular game(s). Practices typically should last for no more than one hour. FYSA does not schedule specific practice sessions for teams in the summer. This is left up to individual teams/coaches. Each team is allowed one free hour of field usage at the FYSA complex. Please contact FYSA with your preferred day/time and a field # will be provided. Coaches can make practice plans by either polling the team families for preferences, or basing it on their own availability. Nearby parks, schools, etc. can also used for team practices. Practices & Code of Ethics: Introduce yourself. Explain what you will do at practice; warm-up routine, drills, and ball handling exercises, play games and a scrimmage (informal) game. Encourage parent participation. Explain your goals and expectations, such as coming on time and picking up players on time. Your time is valuable, but players should not be left unattended after games or practices. Encourage parents to remain at practices and games when possible. Prioritize having a good time, but also explain that you will focus on learning skills such as teamwork, support for one another, positive attitude and good sportsmanship. In the registration process, every participant accepted a sportsmanship commitment and the start of the season is a great time to set this tone. Practice Guidelines: The following are general guidelines and suggestions for a typical team practice. When everyone has arrived, do a warm up routine for about 10 minutes. Work on skills like trapping, ball control, passing, shooting, and restarts (throw ins, free kicks, goal clearances, corner kicks, etc.). Focus on one major topic per practice. Take water breaks. Use that time to explain the Laws of the Game. Practice with goalies if your age group uses goalies. All players should have a chance to play goalie sometime. This is especially important for recreation teams. All players should be given opportunities to experience all positions. No player should play as goalie for an entire match unless that is the player’s exclusive preference, with their parent’s knowledge. Such players should also be encouraged to develop other skills and teammates given opportunities as goalie as well. In situations where no player is interested in playing as goalie, remind the players that each team must have a goalie at all times and suggest a rotating schedule so that each player serves in the position for a fair number of times during the season. End practices with an informal scrimmage game, for about 10-15 minutes. Safety Monitor & Volunteers: Speak with parents about the importance of safety. Ask for a volunteer to serve as a safety monitor during practices and games. While all parents are concerned about their child’s safety, a safety monitor is one who spends a little more thought and attention for such things for the entire team and can contact FYSA with specific questions regarding soccer and general youth sport safety. Coaches may also ask for a parent (or two) who could help make calls, arrange for an optional treat schedule, ice pack and other various duties. Uniforms, Equipment & Safety: Talk about equipment with your team during the first practice. The use of shinguards is mandatory for all practices and games. FYSA provides a uniform for all players but these are not required to be worn for practices. Black shorts should be worn for all games. A pair is provided with each uniform. Black socks are also provided, however players are welcome to wear other colored socks provided they cover the shinguards. Players provide their own shinguards and footwear. While regular tennis shoes may be worn, FYSA encourages the use of soccer cleats for better traction during play. Football, baseball or other non-soccer cleats should not be worn as the various styles of cleats, studs and shoe structure are not conducive to soccer and may cause a risk to the player or others. (Helpful hint: soccer cleats do not have a stud under the toe area at the tip of the shoe). Shirts should be tucked in during games.
No jewelry or watches may be worn during games or practices. This includes earrings and other piercings. Simply placing tape over a piercing or other jewelry is not sufficient to ensure the safety of players. A player or parent who wishes to accept the inherit risk of playing with jewelry must understand that the danger posed by the presence of metal around the soft tissue of the face is NOT limited to the one wearing it. An online search can provide some pretty horrific images of very avoidable injuries involving torn flesh of both the wearers of jewelry during soccer and those who they come in contact with. Shredded ears, streaks of torn scalp, split lips, etc. No one expects that such injuries will take place, but they happen nonetheless and more often than we realize. If a player, boy or girl, has any piercings or jewelry, please help them make the removal of such part of their pregame preparation. Debates about piercing holes closing up are not sufficient reason to allow such risks on the field. With proper planning and education, players and parents can manage this issue and ensure that this one area of risk can be avoided. While no coach, referee or administrator will ever force a player to remove a piece of jewelry, their participation in a game can be withheld for failure to follow this policy. Weather, Air Quality and Safety: The following excerpts are from the FYSA Policy Manual regarding adverse weather: • Games are still played in rainy weather. • FYSA shall adhere to a practice of canceling soccer activities whenever lightning is visible in the atmosphere and the associated thunderclap occurs in less than 30 seconds. In such instances, games are immediately cancelled and all individuals should seek shelter. Cancelled games are not resumed after a waiting period, however games that take place later in the evening may still be held if lightning has subsided. • FYSA shall adhere to the practice of cancelling outdoor soccer activities whenever the Air Quality Index is at a rating of Unhealthy or worse. AQI information will be obtained via established borough, state and federal websites, as well as on-site at the FYSA field complex using available air quality monitoring equipment. This data will be used for reference, with ultimate decisions being made by FYSA staff on-site. Game cancellation decisions will be made and communicated to members in the 4 o’clock hour for all scheduled games that night.
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It is important to note that when soccer activities have been cancelled for any nature-related risk management purposes as outlined above, any players, teams, coaches, etc. that elect to hold their own events are doing so at their own risk. Such activities are not FYSA-sanctioned and thus are not covered under program insurance. When games are played in hot temperatures, or when air quality is poor (but not poor enough to cancel matches), referees may allow for short breaks to occur during a half in order that all players may hydrate and receive a small break. This is especially important on hot summer nights, when teams have many players missing and therefore little or no substitutions. In these instances, players who are on the field should remain on the field, though they may gather together near the touchline in front of their team. Players on the bench as well as coaches should remain off the field and hand the players on the pitch water or other liquids. These breaks should be short and play should restart as soon as possible.
Heading the Ball and Concussion/Head Injury Initiatives for Young Players: US Soccer has published specific guidelines and recommendations pertaining to the prevention and treatment of head injuries and how heading the ball may be related to such efforts. For the most up to date information and education, please refer to safety related resources available on US Soccer’s website. In relation to our local youth programs, we will follow the following provided recommendations: • Players in 5th-6th Grade divisions and younger shall not engage in heading, either in practices or in games. • When a player in an age group that does not permit heading deliberately heads the ball during the course of play, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team where the offense occurred. • Limited heading in practice for players in the Middle School division. These players shall be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes of heading training per week, with no more than 15-20 headers per player, per week. • Clubs should be aware of circumstances in which individual consideration is needed. Per U.S. Soccer’s Concussion Initiative, if a player is suspected to have a head injury the referee is instructed to stop play to allow for treatment/evaluation as needed. Coaches shall also take an active role in keeping an eye out for these situations and not encourage/insist players to return to play. This is a difficult issue to address and to enforce, especially due to the experiences of many soccer loving adults and youth. Coaches and parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the relevant information available pertaining to head injuries and the recommendations from US Youth Soccer for heading the ball at young ages. Educations and support from everyone in our soccer community for all established policies, rules and guidelines greatly benefits our programs. 50% Fair-Play Policy: There is no requirement that all players be given an equal amount of time on the field. However, all recreational players shall play a minimum of 50% of all available minutes for the games that they attend. This is to ensure that no matter what, families are getting a fair value of our sport with the cost of registration. Playing time is not required to be all in one half. Coaches are not required to track exact minutes of each player’s participation, but they must be diligent in managing their substitutions to ensure each player is allowed a minimum of 50% of playing time in each game they attend. Understanding that there are often absences during the summer weeks at many games due to family trips and other commitments, roster sizes are set to allow for sufficient substitutions for each team, but not so large that it would be mathematically impossible for this policy be followed. These fair-play guidelines apply even when a player misses a practice prior to a game. 50% minimum of game time on the field, for all players, 100% of the time. League Games: Games scheduled on weeknights should end by 9pm. Extenuating circumstances such as delays due to weather, atmosphere, holidays etc. may result in changes to this schedule. Whenever a Monday falls on a holiday, all regular matches will take place on Friday of that week. Be on time. On time means early ☺ Warm-ups are important, but due to time restrictions of games occasionally running back to back, teams should begin their warm up routines off the field, utilizing nearby space for stretching and communicating plans for the game, assigning positions to the players, etc. When the prior game has ended, teams should take to the field immediately and utilize all remaining time to continue warming up until the referee indicates the game is ready to begin. It is important that games start and finish on time. Teams that delay the start of their games may have shortened halves to ensure that they finish and clear the field so the next teams can begin on schedule. Referees are expected to inform team captains and/or coaches of the playing minutes in each half prior to the start of any delayed game. Generally, there is a grace period of a couple minutes before this must be applied. Referees are instructed that game times should not be shortened for circumstances that are not the direct responsibility of a specific team. For example, if one team is on time and the other is late, resulting in the game starting 8 minutes late, the referee may reduce each half by 2 minutes. If both teams are on time but the previous game ends late, all efforts should be made by teams and the referee to quickly prepare for the new game to start as soon as possible. In this case, as neither team is responsible for their own game starting late, referees will be instructed not to shorten games. The responsibility for ensuring every player is properly attired lies with the coach. Referees are not required to perform equipment checks but will typically consult with each team prior to the game to communicate any specific guidelines relevant to the match or age division. The referee will ask for a captain from each team to conduct a coin-toss to determine team sides and kick-off. You should select a different captain for each game. At the youth level, the captains are simply a formality, but this is important to some players. If your team is listed first on the game schedule, you are considered the home team and will be expected to provide the game ball. If playing near a fence, it is wise to have an extra ball or two available in the event of a ball being difficult to retrieve, in order to preserve playing time. Sportsmanship & Officials: During the game, only positive comments will be allowed, whether to one’s own team, opponents, parents, coaches or the referee. Coaches shall be responsible for the conduct of their players and supporters. Please help us to promote good sportsmanship by controlling any unsavory or negative comments. Do not quarrel with the referee regarding his/her calls on plays during the game. Do not enter the field during play without permission of the referee. Concerns regarding officials should always be handled respectfully, at the conclusion of a game, in established lines of communication with the FYSA. Many referees are young and while they may have soccer experience as a player, it can take many seasons to learn how to apply this to officiating. While inappropriate behavior of referees will not be excused, they are still human. Officials should be supported just as players are in order to further their development and training. Referee clinics emphasize that their primary purpose is ensuring that matches are Safe, Fair and Fun, in that
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order. Remember, not every contact between two players is a foul, not every injury is a result of a foul and not every foul necessitates a yellow or red card. The Referee Coordinator will spend much of their summer observing and mentoring new referees as well as officiating with them, in order to provide positive, consistent, ongoing development. Coaches are encouraged to help referees feel appreciated for filling such a difficult role. If there is any constructive feedback after a game that they feel inclined to convey, they may do so provided it is performed in a positive, sportsmanship manner. For example, comments such as ‘You need to work on learning what a foul is’ would not be appropriate, while “Thanks for reffing. I think hand-balls are supposed to result in a direct free kick and I think you might have signaled for an indirect free kick. I’ll have to look that up, but could you check also for next time?” would be constructive and respectful. 10 Goal Differential Policy: In order to ensure that strong teams do not humiliate others, FYSA follows a 10 Goal Differential policy. Efforts are made to balance team rosters with similar ratios of player ages. However, it is impossible to know on paper how teams might perform at any given week in the season. Coaches, especially those of stronger teams, are requested to keep the game score between the teams within 10 goals of one another. Coaches are encouraged to take measures to ensure that scores remain within this guideline. Rotate positions, place stronger players as goalie or in defense, create challenges that do not involve scoring (‘complete 10 consecutive passes before shooting’ or ‘every player must touch the ball before shooting’ or ‘only allowed to score with your head’, etc.). Such instructions should be provided tactfully and with respect, amongst the team itself and not shouted across the field. This is a recreational league and no team standings are maintained during the regular season. Even during end of season tournament play, when offered, this policy is still in effect and can even result in tournament standing repercussions when not followed. Division Guidelines: The following chart is a helpful guide to many of the common questions regarding the specific parameters of the various age divisions. Coaches are encouraged to keep this as a reference throughout the season. Subject to change at FYSA discretion.
FYSA Outdoor Recreational League Team and Gameplay Guidelines Min. # Game Use of Ball Offside Players to Periods Heading* Yellow & Size Enforced Start Game (in min.) Red Cards PreK-3 3-4 No n/a n/a 3 n/a No n/a PreK-4 3-4 No n/a n/a 3 n/a No n/a Kindergarten 4 No 3 4x10 3 No No No 1st-2nd Grade 5 Yes 4 4x10 3 No No No 3rd-4th Grade 7 Yes 5 2x25 4 No** No No*** 5th-6th Grade 9 Yes 6 2x30 4 Yes No Yes Middle School 11 Yes 7 2x35 5 Yes Yes Yes High School 11 Yes 7 2x40 5 Yes Yes Yes PreK programs are highly modified and most Laws of the Game to do not apply for their practices and scrimmages. Parameters for Saturday divisions may be modified from the above. *See information regarding US Youth Soccer’s initiatives on this topic below. **Referees will typically not enforce the Offside rule at this age. Gross violations may be enforced. Coaches should help players learn the principle of Offside and avoid tactics contrary to the spirit of this law (i.e. ‘cherry picking’). ***Offences that warrant Cautions and Send-Offs (yellow/red cards) will typically not be enforced at this age. However, in extenuating circumstances, referees may issue such if needed for the spirit of the game. Age Division
Players on Field
Play w/ Goalie
Concerns: For questions and serious concerns please email us. Provide as much detail to identify the situation including the date, time of game, field, team numbers, description of individuals involved, etc. While follow up inquiries may be made regarding a report, FYSA is not obligated to disclose results of referee/coach/player/parent correctional incidents, but we are committed to taking any and all feedback for consideration and mentoring. On game nights, there will often be FYSA staff present at the field complex monitoring conditions, supporting coaches and players, mentoring referees and enjoying our wonderful programs. If there is an emergency during a game night, coaches may call or text 907-987-6334 if there is no answer on the main FYSA office phone line at 456-3972. If there is no answer, we may be assisting others and will respond as soon as feasible. Other non-urgent issues should be reported to the FYSA office via email at [email protected]
FYSA OUTDOOR SOCCER ‘LAWS OF THE GAME’ (RULES) The following follows the format of the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) Laws of the Game. US Youth Soccer recommends modifications to the LOTG in certain areas to accommodate the specific program needs of youth, small-sided recreational matches. The FYSA LOTG apply to our recreational programs, although PreK and Kindergarten programs are less formal. Additionally, there are far more officiating situations than can be contained here, included complex scenarios and questions. Referees will do their best to apply the LOTG according to their ability as well as the ‘spirit of the game’. Competitive teams adhere to the more specific parameters set forth by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). LAW 1 – THE FIELD OF PLAY 1. Dimensions: The fields will be rectangular and will be of size appropriate for the age division 2. Markings: The field will be marked with the following lines/markings a. Touch Line: longer lines on the field, i.e ‘sidelines’ b. Goal Line: shorter lines at the end of each field, on which the goal is placed c. Center line: divides the field in half between each goal, from touchline to touchline d. Center mark: mark indicating center of the field on the center line, half way between touch lines e. Center Circle: circle around center kickoff mark f. Goal Area: smaller box in front of the goal
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3. 4.
g. Penalty Area: larger box in front of the goal h. Penalty Mark: mark indicating the location of the ball for a penalty kick i. Penalty Arc: area indicating additional space that must be clear of all players during a PK j. Corner Arc: are in which a ball may be placed for the taking of a corner kick k. Hash Mark: made off the field on goal line indicating min. distance of opponents during a corner kick Corner flags: A flag not less than 5 feet tall is placed at each corner of the playing field Goals: Goals will be of appropriate size for the age group, field size and shall be anchored to the ground
LAW 2 – THE BALL 1. The ball will be of suitable material, spherical and properly inflated. FYSA provides balls to each team for use during the season and home teams are to provide game ball(s) for each game. 2. If the ball becomes unusable during the match, the referee shall stop the game and have the ball replaced. If play was stopped at a normal stoppage the game will be restarted accordingly. Otherwise, the game will be restarted with a drop ball at the location play was stopped, unless play was in penalty area, in which case, the ball will be dropped on the penalty area line parallel to the goal line nearest the stoppage of play LAW 3 – NUMBER OF PLAYERS 1. Refer to page 4 of this FYSA Summer Program Handbook for a guideline chart outlining the specific players on the field and minimum number of players to begin a game for each age division. 2. If a team has fewer players than the minimum, the game is forfeited. See guidelines to forfeited game situations near the end of this handbook. If a team begins a match with the minimum number of players or more, but during the course of the match drops below the minimum number, the game is forfeit. If the number drops below the minimum do to an injury that can be attended to and the player may return to the field, play will stop until they are able to return. 3. Every team (except in PreK and Kindergarten age divisions) must have a goalie at all times. Goalies’ jerseys should be of a different color than the rest of the team, as well as the opposing team. There is no requirement that a goalie remain in the goal or penalty area and is free to act as a regular player on the rest of the field (except for during a Penalty Kick). 4. Substitutions: a. An unlimited number of substitutions may be made during any game, at the appropriate times. b. Substitutions may take place during any stoppage of play, with the permission of the referee. c. Substitutes should be at the center line, off the field, before calling for a substitution. d. Substitutes should wait to enter the field until the player leaving the field has completely left the field or until the substitute is signaled to enter by the referee. e. Coaches should manage substitutions in a way that enables the match to flow. For example, substituting a single player every 60 seconds reduces the amount of game time where actual soccer is being played. However coaches choose to manage substitutions, fair play for players and the flow of the game should always be in their thoughts. f. PreK and Kindergarten age divisions may sub ‘on the fly’ and disregard the formal process outlined above. LAW 4 – PLAYER EQUIPEMENT 1. There are 5 components of a player uniform and they all begin with the letter S: a. Shirt: should be tucked in during the game b. Shorts: should be black and loose, athletic fitting (no spandex, biking shorts, etc. except as undergarments) c. Socks: must cover entire shinguard. May be any color. d. Shinguards: should be appropriate for age/size and covered entirely by the socks e. Shoes: While regular tennis shoes may be worn, FYSA encourages the use of soccer cleats for better traction during play. Football, baseball or other non-soccer cleats should not be worn as the various styles of cleats, studs and shoe structure are not conducive to soccer and may cause a risk to other players. (Helpful hint: soccer cleats do not have a stud under the toe area at the tip of the shoe.) 2. Other equipment a. Shorts are required. Pants may be worn by goalkeepers. Other players may also wear pants during cold temperatures. b. Goalkeepers may wear kneepads (though they are not required), provided they are of soft material. c. Players electing to play in a skirt for religious purposes are permitted. d. Braces for knees, ankles, etc. are permitted provided they have not been modified from the original manufactured condition. Players are welcome and encouraged to also wear a protective sleeve over any braces, if possible. e. A player wearing an arm cast that does not extend beyond the elbow may play provided the entire cast has been covered in suitable, soft, cushioned material (such as bubble wrap) and the limb is not used during the course of play in a manner that poses a risk to others. f. No jewelry or watches may be worn during games or practices. This includes earrings and other piercings. Simply placing tape over a piercing or other jewelry is not sufficient to ensure the safety of players. A player or parent who wishes to accept the inherit risk of playing with jewelry must understand that the danger posed by the presence of metal around the soft tissue of the face is NOT limited to the one wearing it. An online search can provide some pretty horrific images of very avoidable injuries involving torn flesh of both the wearers of jewelry during soccer and those who they come in contact with. Shredded ears, streaks of torn scalp, split lips, etc. No one expects that such injuries will take place, but they happen nonetheless and more often than we realize. If a player, boy or girl, has any piercings or jewelry, please help them make the removal of such part of their pregame preparation. Debates about piercing holes closing up are not sufficient reason to allow such risks on the field. With proper planning and education, players and parents can manage this issue and ensure that this one area of risk can be avoided. While no coach, referee or administrator
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g. h.
will ever force a player to remove a piece of jewelry, their participation in a game can be withheld for failure to follow this policy. Medical alert bracelets are permitted but should be securely taped to the player’s body. A player who has been prevented from taking part in a game or a player who has been sent off to adjust his/her equipment may not return without permission of the referee during a stoppage of the game. Referees are empowered to make judgement calls for the safety of players regarding non-standard equipment. For specific questions regarding player equipment, please contact FYSA staff.
LAW 5 – REFEREES 1. Referee have full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed. The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final. The referee may only change a decision on realizing that it is incorrect or, at his discretion, provided that he has not restarted play or terminated the match. 2. Powers and duties of the Referee: a. enforces the Laws of the Game b. ensures that any ball used meets the requirements of Law 2 c. ensures that the players’ equipment meets the requirements of Law 4 d. acts as timekeeper and keeps a record of the match e. stops, suspends or abandons the match, at his discretion, for any infringements of the Laws f. stops, suspends or abandons the match because of outside interference of any kind g. stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensures that he is removed from the field of play. An injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has restarted h. allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in his opinion, only slightly injured i. ensures that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the field of play. The player may only return on receiving a signal from the referee, who must be satisfied that the bleeding has stopped j. allows play to continue when the team against which an offence has been committed will benefit from such an advantage and penalizes the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time (the ‘Advantage Clause’) k. punishes the more serious offence when a player commits more than one offence at the same time l. takes disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable and sending-off offences. He is not obliged to take this action immediately but must do so when the ball next goes out of play m. takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and may, at his discretion, expel them from the field of play and its immediate surroundings n. ensures that no unauthorized persons enter the field of play o. indicates the restart of the match after it has been stopped p. provides the appropriate authorities with a match report, which includes information on any disciplinary action taken against players and/or team officials and any other incidents that occurred before, during or after the match 3. Decisions of the International F.A. Board: A referee is not held liable for any kind of injury suffered by a player, official or spectator, any damage to property of any kind, any other loss suffered by any individual, club, company, association or other body, which is due or which may be due to any decision that he may take under the terms of the Laws of the Game or in respect of the normal procedures required to hold, play and control a match. See www.fifa.com for more information. LAW 6 – ASSISTANT REFEREES 1. For those age divisions playing on full size fields, or whenever else appropriate, Assistant Referees are assigned to matches to assist the center referee in decisions such as ball in and out of play, offside offenses, throw-in decisions, foul recognition and other areas of enforcement of the Laws of the Game. 2. Assistant referees are to be awarded the same respect and sportsmanship as a center referee and spectators, coaches and players should refrain from interacting and/or interfering with their efforts to officiate in their roles. LAW 7 – DURATION OF THE MATCH 1. Refer to page 4 of this FYSA Summer Program for a guideline chart outlining the specific lengths of game for each individual age division. Halftime breaks should be 5 minutes long unless hot weather policies as outlined on page 3 are being observed. During the course of play, the game clock does not stop for any stoppage of play. If significant loss of time is incurring during the course of play due to injuries, excessive substitution procedures, time wasted retrieving balls, etc. the referee is empowered to add ‘stoppage time’ to the match, thus not every match will end at the exact time. LAW 8 – START AND RESTART OF PLAY 1. At the start of the game, a coin toss will be conducted by the referee between each team’s captains. The team that wins the coin toss will choose which half of the field to start on and the loser of the coin toss will have the first kickoff. 2. When the referee gives the signal, the game will be started by a player taking a placed kick, while the ball is stationary on the center mark. The ball is in play as soon as it is kicked and moves. The player taking the kickoff may not touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player, from either team. Players must be on their own half prior to kick off and all opposing players must be at remain outside the center circle until the ball is in play. 3. A dropped ball is a method of restarting play when, while the ball is still in play, the referee is required to stop play temporarily for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game. The referee drops the ball at the place where it was located when play was stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped. Play restarts when the ball touches the ground.
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LAW 9 – BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY 1. The ball is out of play when either a. the entire ball has completely crossed the touchlines or goal lines, whether on the ground or in the air or, b. the game is stopped by the referee. 2. The ball will be in play on all other occasions, from the beginning of the game until its end. If the ball bounces off any object that extends into or is within the field of play (goal posts, crossbars, or the referee) it remains in play. LAW 10 – METHOD OF SCORING 1. A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no infringement of the LOTG has been committed previously by the team scoring the goal. 2. The team scoring the greater number of goals during a match is the winner. If both teams score an equal number of goals, or if no goals are scored, the match is a draw. LAW 11 – OFFSIDE 1. For age groups that observe offside rules (see chart on page 4) a player is in an offside position if he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second to last opponent 2. A player is not in an offside position if a. he is in his own half of the field of play or b. he is level with the second-last opponent or c. he is level with the last two opponents 3. it is not an offence in itself to be in an offside position. A player in an offside position is only penalized if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by a teammate, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by a. interfering with play or b. interfering with an opponent or c. gaining an advantage by being in that position 4. There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from a goal kick, throw-in or corner kick 5. In the event of an offside offence, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred LAW 12 – FOULS AND MISCONDUCTS 1. This section outlines Fouls and Misconduct according to FIFA’s Laws of the Game. While all the principles remain the same, their application may be modified for youth and recreational matches. At this age, fouls and misconduct often occur due to lack of experience and/or control. Thus, coaches and referees must adjust their approach to the game with an understanding of the spirit of the law, as well as the letter of the law. 2. Direct Free Kick a. A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force: i. kicks or attempts to kick an opponent ii. trips or attempts to trip an opponent iii. jumps at an opponent iv. charges an opponent v. strikes or attempts to strike an opponent vi. pushes an opponent vii. tackles an opponent b. A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences: i. holds and opponent ii. spits at an opponent iii. handles the ball deliberately (except for goalkeeper within his own penalty area) c. Direct free kicks are taken from the place where the offence occurred d. A penalty kick is awarded if any of the above offences is committed by a player inside his own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball, provided it is in play. 3. Indirect Free Kick a. An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, commits any of the following offences: i. controls the ball with his hands for more than six seconds before releasing it from his possession ii. touches the ball again with his hands after he has released it from his possession and before it has touched another player iii. touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a teammate iv. touches the ball with his hands after receiving it from a throw-in by a teammate b. An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if, in the opinion of the referee, a player: i. plays in a dangerous manner ii. impedes the progress of an opponent iii. prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands iv. commits any other offence, not previously mentioned, for which play is stopped to caution or send off a player c. In age groups where heading the ball is not permitted, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately heads the ball.
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d.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. 9.
The indirect free kick is taken from the place where the offence occurred unless the offence occurs within inside the goal area. In this instance, the free kick is taken from the nearest point of the goal area parallel to the goal line. The yellow card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been cautioned. A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following offences: a. unsporting behavior b. dissent by word or action c. persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game d. delaying the restart of play e. failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted f. failure to follow the outline procedure for substitutions as outlined in Law 3 The red card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been sent off. A player, substitute or substituted player is sent off if he commits any of the following offences: a. serious foul play b. violent conduct c. spitting at an opponent or any other person d. denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area) e. denying an obvious goals coring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick f. using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures g. receiving a second caution in the same match A player, substitute or substituted player who has been sent off and shown the red card must leave the vicinity of the field of play and the technical area. He will also not be allowed to participate in his team’s next match. If the offence is of a serious enough nature, player suspensions will be reviewed by the Executive Director for potential further disciplinary action. Specific to FYSA: Typically, a player that receives a red card may not be replaced and the team plays one player short for the rest of the match. However, due to the recreational nature of our league, the need for all players to receive as much playing time as possible, and FYSA’s wish that entire teams not be punished for misconduct of a single player, this will not be implemented for FYSA recreational programs. In other words, while a red carded player must still leave the field and nearby vicinity, he may be replaced by another player and his team will not play down. Only a player, substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card (i.e. referees should not ‘card’ coaches or spectators, although these individuals may still be dismissed by a referee). The referee has the authority to take disciplinary actions from the moment he arrives at the field, for the duration of the match and until he has left the vicinity of the field, even after the final whistle.
LAW 13 – FREE KICKS 1. A free kick is a way of putting the ball back into play after the game has been stopped, typically for fouls or infractions of the laws of the game, and is classified under two headings: a. Direct Free Kick, from which a goal may be scored directly against the offending side, or b. Indirect Free Kick, from which a goal cannot be scored unless the ball has been touched by another player (other than the kicker) before entering the goal. If, during an indirect free kick, the ball enters the goal after being kicked, and has made contact with any other player, a goal is awarded. If the ball enters the goal after being kicked, and has NOT made contact with any other player, the restart shall be a Goal Kick by the defending team. The referee will indicate an Indirect Free Kick by raising his arm above his head prior to the kick being taken. He will maintain that position until the ball has made contact with another player or goes out of play. c. Note: A dropped-ball is considered ‘Indirect’ and must touch another player before entering the goal for it to count. 2. The ball must be stationary when a free kick is taken and the player shall not touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player. Punishment for such will be an indirect free kick for the opposing team. 3. During the taking of any free kick, the ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves 4. During the taking of any free kick, all opposing players shall be at least ten yards from the ball until it is in play, unless they are standing on their own goal line (for indirect free kicks that take place on the border of the goal area). The minimum distance for age divisions NOT playing on full size fields, shall be 5 yards. 5. Opposing players are expected to respect the required distance, whether or not the attacking team has requested them do so or not. If a player fails to respect the required distance, play may be stopped until this law has been complied with. Notwithstanding, the team taking the free kick may elect to have a ‘quick restart’ regardless of whether the opponent has complied with the minimum distance, unless the referee has instructed them to wait for his whistle before taking the kick. Failure to respect the required distance is a cautionable (yellow card) offence. LAW 14 – PENALTY KICK 1. A penalty kick is awarded against a team that commits one of the ten offences for which a direct free kick is awarded, inside its own penalty area and while the ball is in play. 2. A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick. 3. If the applicable foul takes place near the end of a half, additional time is allowed for a penalty kick to be taken. In this case, if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded and the half is ended. Any other result of the kick (ball goals out bounds, deflected off the goal or goalkeeper) play shall stop as the half has ended. In other words, if the half is extended for the taking of a PK, the single shot is the only action that occurs. 4. Position of the ball and the players a. The ball must be placed on the penalty mark b. The player taking the penalty kick must be properly identified
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c.
5.
6.
7.
The defending goalkeeper must remain on his goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts until the ball has been kicked. He may move side to side prior to the kick, but not forward. d. The players other than the kicker must be located: i. inside the field of play ii. outside the penalty area iii. behind the penalty mark iv. at least 10 yds from the penalty mark (or outside the penalty arc at the top of the penalty area Procedure a. After the players have taken positions the referee signals for the penalty kick to be taken b. The player taking the penalty kick must kick the ball forward c. He must not play the ball again until it has touched another player d. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward Infringements and Sanctions: If the referee gives the signal for a penalty kick to be taken and, before the ball is in play, one of the following occurs a. the player taking the penalty kick infringes the Laws of the Game: i. the referee allows the kick to be taken ii. if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken iii. if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and the match is restarted with an indirect free kick to the defending team from the place where the infringement occurred b. the goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the Game: i. the referee allows the kick to be taken ii. if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded iii. if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken c. a teammate of the player taking the kick infringes the Laws of the Game: i. the referee allows the kick to be taken ii. if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken iii. if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and the match is restarted with an indirect free kick to the defending team from the place where the infringement occurred d. a teammate of the goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the Game: i. the referee allows the kick to be taken ii. if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded iii. if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken e. If a player of both the defending team and the attacking team infringe the LOTG, the kick is retaken If, after the penalty kick has been taken: a. the kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred b. the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player c. a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, taken from the place of infringement d. the ball is touched by an outside agent as it moves forward, the kick is retaken e. the ball rebounds into the field of play from the goalkeeper, the crossbar or the goalposts and is then touched by an outside agent i. the referee stops play ii. play is restarted with a dropped ball at the place where it touched the outside agent, unless it touched the outside agent inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was when play was stopped
LAW 15 - THROW IN 1. A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball crosses the touch line, either on the ground or in the air. 2. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. 3. Procedure a. At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower: i. faces the field of play ii. has part of each foot either on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline iii. holds the ball with both hands iv. delivers the ball from behind and over his head v. delivers the ball from the point where it left the field of play b. All opponents must stand no less than 2 yds from the point at which the throw-in is taken. c. The ball is in play when it enters the field of play. Even barely touching the field of play (i.e. the plane of the touchline) is considered entering the field of play. As such, there may be times when a ball seems to have not entered the field, however the referee will decide if the ball officially entered the field or not d. After delivering the ball, the thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. If the ball fails to enter play, the throw in is retaken. If it enters the field of play, even if just barely, but then immediately leaves the field of play, a throw in is awarded to the opposing team at the spot where the ball left the field of play
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Infringements and sanctions a. Throw-in taken by a player other than the goalkeeper i. If, after the ball is in play, the thrower touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred ii. If, after the ball is in play, the thrower deliberately handles the ball before it touches another player 1. a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from where the infringement occurred 2. a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the thrower’s penalty area b. Throw-in taken by the goalkeeper i. If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with his hands), before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred ii. If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper handles the ball before it touches another player: 1. a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred 2. an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred c. If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower, he is cautioned for unsporting behavior d. For any other infringement of this Law, the throw-in is taken by a player of the opposing team
LAW 16 – GOAL KICK 1. A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking team, and a goal is not scored 2. A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team. 3. Procedure a. The ball is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team b. Opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play c. The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player d. The ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area 4. Infringements and sanctions a. If the ball is not kicked directly out of the penalty area from a goal kick, the kick is retaken b. Goal kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper i. If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred ii. If, after the ball is in play, the kicker handles the ball before it has touched another player: 1. a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred 2. a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area c. Goal kick taken by the goalkeeper: i. If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred ii. If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper handles the ball before it has touched another player 1. a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper’s penalty area 2. an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area d. In the event of any other infringement of this Law, the kick is retaken LAW 17 – CORNER KICK 1. A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the defending team, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10. 2. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team. 3. Procedure a. The ball must be placed inside the corner arc nearest to the point where the ball crossed the goal line b. The corner flagpost must not be moved c. Opponents must remain at least 10 yds (younger ages: 5 yds) from the corner arc until the ball is in play d. The ball must be kicked by a player of the attacking team e. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves f. The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player 4. Infringements and sanctions a. Corner kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper
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i. If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred ii. If, after the ball is in play, the kicker handles the ball before it has touched another player: 1. a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, taken from where the infringement occurred 2. a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area Corner kick taken by the goalkeeper i. If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred ii. If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper handles the ball before it has touched another player: 1. a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, taken from the place where the infringement occurred 2. an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, taken from the place where the infringement occurred In the event of any other infringement, the kick is retaken
FYSA FORFEIT GAME POLICY Unfortunately, there are occasionally situations that occur where a game is considered a forfeit. The most common cause is a result of teams having fewer than the minimum number of required players for a match to take place. This is rare, as team roster sizes are set to ensure family vacations, illness, injury or other situations do not result in a team having to forfeit due to these players’ absence. However, it can still occur, and it is often unclear to coaches, parents and referees as how to proceed. For FYSA recreational matches, an informal soccer game (aka ‘scrimmage’) may still be organized by those players present of both teams. While this is deemed unofficial, it will still fall under the jurisdiction and insurance coverage of FYSA programs so long as the only players participating are those currently registered with FYSA. Siblings of player or players from other teams who may be present are allowed to participate, provided they are also currently registered with FYSA and within one year of the age division guidelines. This allowance is also subject to the approval of both coaches and the referee. IF the appropriate guidelines are met for a forfeited game to be considered a sanctioned scrimmage, any referee assigned to officiate the match will remain to oversee the scrimmage, unless there are other non-scrimmage matches in need of officials. Any informal scrimmage that does not follow these guidelines (that is, only involving currently registered players of the appropriate ages) is not covered by FYSA insurance and participation in such an activity is at the own risk of all participants. FYSA discourages such non-sanctioned informal scrimmages and urges coaches to inform parents of such guidelines in this policy in the event of a forfeited match. REFEREE RELATED MATTERS FOR FYSA PROGRAMS Almost all youth referees participate in our programs themselves as players on recreational or competitive teams. There are often times that other soccer commitments, as well as injury, illness, family vacations, or other circumstances, may result in the availability of referees being less than needed on any given match night. If any individual is interested in becoming a referee during the course of the season, please contact us! No experience is necessary, although there are certain training, minimum age and other guidelines that must be satisfied. For youth recreational matches in the Middle School and High School divisions, a 2 man or ‘dual’ referee system may occasionally be employed to help younger referees work more directly with an experienced referee, to hasten their growth and development. This may also be used at times when referee availability is insufficient for an evening’s needs. If there are not enough referees available on a given night to cover all matches, the FYSA Referee Coordinator and/or Executive Director will make every effort to adjust referee assignments as well as communicate with any affected teams/coaches about situations that may impact them. Assistant referee (linesman) positions may occasionally be allowed to be filled by a volunteer spectator, parent or youth. Some matches in the youngest of age groups may also occasionally be overseen by volunteer referees of any age. If any parent or youth would like a brief crash course in basic soccer rules in order to be able to fill in as a volunteer referee when needed, FYSA will be happy to provide them with a whistle and guidance to support them in their volunteer role. On game nights, if a scheduled game time arrives and no referee is present, coaches can call or text 907-987-6334 if there is no answer on the main office line 456-3972 If the Executive Director or Referee Coordinator is not available, coaches may proceed to start the game with any competent volunteer, including themselves, to serve as a temporary official. We hope these occurrences are few and far between each summer and are very grateful for the effort and support that has gone into increasing our referee quantity and quality in the past couple years.
This handbook, policies and FYSA modified Laws of the Game have been reviewed and modified for the 2017 summer soccer season. Our programs are for all of you. Questions, requests for clarification, suggestions for future modifications and any other input or feedback is always welcome. THANK YOU for being part of our soccer community! Colt Chase, FYSA Executive Director [email protected] 907-456-3972 office 907-987-6334 cell Page 11 of 12
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