FAIRBANKS YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION

FAIRBANKS YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION Summer Program Handbook With FYSA Modified Laws of the Game Last Updated: May 2016

PHONE: Office 456-FYSA(3972) or After Hours 907-987-6334 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: http://www.fysasoccer.org MAILING: FYSA, 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, new 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 scheduledS 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, assign or provide specific practice days, times or locations for teams in the summer. Each individual coach determines when and where their team’s practice will be held and has the discretion to do so by either polling the team families for preferences, or basing it on their own availability. Nearby parks, schools, etc. are typically used for team practices. Keep in mind that while most locations are on a first come first serve basis, some under the jurisdiction of the FNSB Parks and Recreation Dept. may require or allow reservations. The FYSA field complex is not to be used as a practice location without prior permission. FYSA encourages coaches to notify us if they have a regular practice day/location so we may keep a master schedule for reference in the event another coach inquiries about a particular location’s planned usage from other teams. Practices and Code of Ethics: Introduce yourself; explain your need for parent participation. Explain what you will do at practice; warm-up routine, drills, and ball handling exercises, play games and a scrimmage (informal) game. Explain your goals and expectations, such as coming on time and picking up players on time. Your time is valuable, but FYSA policies require that 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. While taking a water break, use the time to explain the laws of the game. Practice with goalies. All players should have a chance to play goalie sometime. This is especially important for all recreation division teams. However, all players should be given opportunities to experience all field positions. No player should play as goalie for an entire match unless that is the player’s exclusive preference, with their parent’s knowledge. Even so, such players should be given chance 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 perhaps suggest a rotation 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 1015 minutes. Safety Monitor and 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. Concussions: There are important safety related guidelines pertaining to concussions and head injuries available on the FYSA website that are essential for volunteer coaches to know. There are also new US Youth Soccer guidelines regarding restrictions and prohibition of heading the ball. See the corresponding section near the end of this handbook (page 12). Equipment and Safety: Talk about equipment with your team during the first practice. With the exception of PreK-3 groups, the use of shin guards is mandatory for all practices and games. FYSA provides a jersey for all players but official team uniforms are not required for practices. Players provide their own shin guards, footwear, shorts and socks. While regular tennis shoes may be worn, FYSA encourages the use of soccer cleats for better traction during play. Football, baseball or other cleats should not be worn and the various styles of cleats, studs and 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). Shirts must be tucked in during games. A water bottle should be part of the uniform.

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 a player. 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. A quick internet search can provide some pretty horrific images of very avoidable injuries involving torn flesh of 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,

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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. Protests 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 fairly easily 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. Fifty-Percent Play: 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 fifty-percent of all available minutes for the games that they attend. 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 fifty-percent 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 the fifty-percent fair play policy be followed. 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 necessary, but due to time restrictions of games 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 might select a different captain for each game. At the youth level, the captains are mostly a formality, but this is important to many 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 and 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. Referee concerns should always be handled professionally, at the conclusion of a game, in established lines of communication with the FYSA Referee Coordinator. Many referees are young, in their first real job and while they may have extensive soccer experience as a player, it can take many seasons of effort to learn how to apply this to officiating. While inappropriate behavior of referees will not be excused, mistakes happen. 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 order. However, 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. A 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 in for such a difficult role and 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 were signaling for indirect. I’ll have to look that up, but could you check also for next time?’ would be constructive and beneficial. Ten-Goal-Spread Policy: In order to ensure that teams do not humiliate one another, FYSA follows a ten-goal-spread policy. Great 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 ten points 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,

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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 done amongst the team itself and not shouted across the field. Coaches are also reminded that this is a recreational league and no team standings are maintained. Punishments outside of tournament play for failure to adhere to the Ten-Goal-Spread Policy are not typical, but may require a reminder regarding sportsmanship and the recreational nature of our league. 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.

FYSA Outdoor Recreational League Team and Gameplay Guidelines Age Division

Players on Field

Goalie

Min. # Players to Start Game

Game Periods (in min.)

Ball Size

Offside Enforced

Heading***

Use of Yellow & Red Cards No No No No No* Yes Yes Yes

PreK-3 3 No No PreK-4 4 No 3 No No Kindergarten 4 No 3 4x8 3 No No 1st-2nd Grade (U8) 5 Yes 4 2x20 3 No No 3rd-4th Grade (U10) 7 Yes 5 2x25 4 No** No 5th-6th Grade (U12) 9 Yes 6 2x30 4 Yes No 7th-8th Grade (U14) 11 Yes 7 2x35 5 Yes Yes High School (U19) 11 Yes 7 2x40 5 Yes Yes PreK, Kindergarten and Saturday programs will be coed. Other divisions are divided by gender. Parameters for Saturday divisions may be modified from the above. *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 good of the game. **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’). ***See information regarding US Youth Soccer’s initiatives on this topic near the end of this handbook (page 12).

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.  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. 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 commits 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 season. 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]

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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 and recreational matches. The FYSA LOTG apply to our recreational programs, although PreK and Kindergarten programs are less formal and competitive teams adhere to the more specific parameters set forth by the United States Soccer Federation. 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 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 3. Corner flags: A flag not less than 5 feet tall is placed at each corner of the playing field 4. 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 a. If play was stopped at a normal stoppage the game will be restarted accordingly. Otherwise, b. 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 guide 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 forfeit. See guidelines to forfeit 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. For situations when a game is forfeit, please see the guidelines for such at the conclusion of the Laws of the Game 3. Every team 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. The only requirement regarding goalies is for their presence in the goal for the taking of a penalty kick 4. Substitutions: a. An unlimited number of substitutions may be made during any game, at the appropriate times b. Substitutes should be at the center line, off the field, ready to sub, before calling for a substitution. c. Substitutes should wait to enter the field until the player leaving the field has completely crossed the line, or until the substitute is signaled to enter the field by the referee, whichever occurs first. d. Substitutions may take place following these guidelines: i. Prior to any kickoff, or at the taking of a goal kick, either team may sub ii. A team may sub on their own throw-in, corner kick or free kick. iii. A team may sub on an opponent’s throw-in, corner kick or free kick only if the team in possession of the ball is already performing a substitution iv. If play is stopped for an injury, either team may sub v. If play is stopped for any reason that will result in a dropped-ball restart, either team may sub

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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 taking place. However coaches choose to manage substitutions, fair play for players and the flow of the game should always be in their thoughts. LAW 4 – PLAYERS EQUIPEMENT 1. There are 5 components of a player uniform and the 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 shin guard. May be any color. d. Shin guards: 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 cleats should not be worn and the various styles of cleats, studs and 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. Pants should only be worn by goalies (who may also wear shorts), unless in extreme cold weather b. Only 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 a player. 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. A quick internet search can provide some pretty horrific images of very avoidable injuries involving torn flesh of 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. Protests 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 fairly easily 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. Medical alert bracelets are permitted but should be securely taped to the player’s body. g. 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. h. 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

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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 surrounds 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 http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/footballdevelopment/refereeing/02/36/01/11/27_06_2014_new-lawsofthegameweben_neutral.pdf page 26 for more information. LAW 6 – ASSISTANT REFEREES 1. For those age divisions playing on full size fields, or whenever else appropriate, Assistant Referees as 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 guide 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 4 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 have the choice of the kickoff or the side the team wishes to defend. 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 must move forward and 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. 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.

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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 drawn. LAW 11 – OFFSIDE 1. Refer to page 4 of this FYSA Summer Program for a guide chart outlining the specific age groups for which the Offside rules do not apply 2. For age groups that observe offside rules, 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 3. 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 4. 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, b. interfering with an opponent or c. gaining an advantage by being in that position 5. There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from: a. a goal kick b. a throw-in c. a corner kick 6. 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

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4.

5.

6.

7.

8. 9.

iii. prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands iv. commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in this Law, for which play is stopped to caution or send off a player c. 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 resulting 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. The referee has the authority to take disciplinary sanctions from the moment he enters the field of play until he leaves the field of play 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. 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 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.

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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 c. 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 5. 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 6. 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 7. 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

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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 decided 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 4. 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 the place 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

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2. a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area 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 c.

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 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 b. 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 c. In the event of any other infringement, the kick is retaken

Heading the Ball and Concussion/Head Injury Initiatives for Young Players US Soccer has recently 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 our website as well as the 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 (U12) divisions and younger shall not engage in heading, either in practices or in games.  Limited heading in practice for players in the 7th-8th Grade (U14) division. Specifically, these players shall be limited to a max 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. When a player in an age group that does not permit heading deliberately heads the ball during the course of play, FYSA’s protocol is for the referee, at the next stoppage of play, to verbally remind players that heading the ball is not permitted at their age. If the same player deliberately heads the ball again after this initial warning, the referee may actually stop play, again verbally remind the player of these new guidelines from US Youth Soccer and restart play with a dropped-ball (see

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Law 8). If this second offense occurs, it is also suggested that coaches substitute the player in order to take a moment to help convey the principle of these guidelines. A player who deliberately heads the ball again after the previous efforts from the official may be cautioned for ‘persistent infringement’ (see Law 12). 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. FYSA FORFEIT GAME POLICY Unfortunately, there are occasionally situations that occur where a game is considered 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 (‘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 age) 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 in recreational as well as competitive teams. There are often times that other soccer commitments, as well as injury, illness, family vacations, or other circumstances, may result in availability of referees being less than needed on any given match night. There is no magic number of referees that is sufficient for our program, so more is always better! 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 affect 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 satisfactorily 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 in the event of the absence of an official referee, FYSA will be happy to provide them with a whistle and a shirt to highlight 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 This number should only be used for these matters on game nights, not during regular work days, when the office number to contact is 456-3972. If the Executive Director or Referee Coordinator is not available, coaches may commence to start the game with any competent volunteer, themselves included, to serve as a temporary official. We hope these occurrences are few and far between this summer and are very grateful for the effort and support that has gone into increases our referee quantities and quality in the past several months.

This handbook, policies and FYSA modified Laws of the Game have been reviewed and modified for the 2016 summer soccer season. Our programs are for all of you. Questions, requests for clarification, suggestions for future modifications and all other input/feedback is always welcome. THANK YOU for being part of our soccer community! Colt Chase, FYSA Executive Director, [email protected] Page 13 of 14

Alaska Youth Soccer Association Insurance Claim Form MUST BE FILED WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF INCIDENT/ACCIDENT 1.

Date of Injury: _____________________ Location: ___________________________________

2.

League Name: _________________________ Club: ___________________________________

3.

Injured Party: ___________________________________________________________________ (

) Coach

(

) Player

(

) Other: ______________________________________________

Date of Birth: _______________________

Phone: __________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

4.

City: _________________________________

Zip: ___________________________________

Type of play involved:

(

(

) League Game

) Practice

(

) Tournament

Name of Tournament: ___________________________________________________________ Team Name: ________________________ Opponent Name: ____________________________ Time of Event: ______________________ AM PM Time of Injury: _____________________ Describe Injury and Cause: ________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Name of Administrator on Site: _____________________________________________________ (i.e., Coach, Team Parent, etc.) 5.

Does the injured party have Primary Insurance?

(

) Yes

(

) No

Name of Insurance Company: ______________________________________________________ Parent/ Guardian__________________________________________________________ Parents Email Address: ___________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________

Zip: ____________________________________

Please email to AYSA and FYSA: [email protected] and [email protected] Mail to: Alaska Youth Soccer 1231 West Northern Lights Blvd # 821 Anchorage AK 99503

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