Recreational

U9/10 Rules – Birth Year 

FIFA Rules of the Game will be applied except where, modified as follows: https://www.theifab.com

• 7v7- including goalkeepers
• Games on 7v7 field
• Game Duration – 2 x 30 min halves, 5 min break
• Build out line / Off-side line will be used (equidistant from Penalty Area to Halfway line)
• Goalkeepers are not allowed to punt or drop-kick the ball. They may distribute via throw, roll, or playing with ball with feet with ball on the ground. If they choose to play quickly prior to the defending team retreating behind the build-out line, there is no infraction. After the ball is put into play, the opposing team can then cross the build out line and play can resume as normal. Goal kicks require defending team’s players to retreat behind the build out line prior to the kick being taken.
  Note:  The ball is “in play” once it is kicked on goal kicks, or the ball has been released from the goalkeeper’s hands. If the opposition team crosses the build out line prior to ball “in-play”, the goal kick is retaken.
  Off-sides will be called.  The build out line will be used in determination of off-sides rather than using the midfield line. Players between centerline and build out line are not to be considered as off-side.
• Just Direct freekicks – No indirect freekicks
• No intentional heading – Drop ball to opposite team
• Throw ins – In case of foul throw, team gets 1 retake (Coaching Opportunity)
• Ball is size 4
• See generic rules including substitution Above

U11/12 Rules – Birth Year 

FIFA Rules of the Game will be applied except where modified as follows: https://www.theifab.com

• 9v9 – including goalkeepers
• Games on 9v9 field
• Game Duration – 2 x 30 min halves, 5 min break
• No buildout lines
• Direct and indirect free kicks will be called
• Ball is size 4
• Extremely limited Heading during practice (Coach technique for safety)
• Heading will be allowed in games
• See generic rules including substitution Above

U13 + Rules – Birth Year

FIFA Rules of the Game will be applied except where modified as follows: https://www.theifab.com

• 11v11 – including goalkeepers
• Pending numbers of participation games can be modified to 9v9 or 7v7 and played on modified field
• Game Duration – 2 x 30 min halves, 5 min break
• Direct and indirect free kicks will be called
• Ball is size 5
• Heading Allowed (Limited in training)
• See generic rules including substitution Above

Generic Rules

Unlike other sports, Soccer is governed by laws of the game and not rules. This means that these rules can be subjective, and any the final decision made on a game day is down to the referee’s discretion and should be accepted by, Coaches, Players, and Families. Anyone see or heard to be in violation of our game day code of conduct may be asked to leave the sideline and watch from their vehicle.

• Substitutions from halfway line, players subbing onto the field must hand pinnie or Cone to player coming off the field.
  • Subs at referees’ discretion
• Goal kicks – When the attacking team plays the ball out behind the goal, the goalkeeper will restart play from the 6yrd box.
• Throw in – When the ball goes out of play along a sideline, a throw in is awarded to the opposite team of whoever had the final touch, no matter if the touch was intentional or not. (2 feet on ground behind the line, ball must come from behind players head)
• Corners – When Defending team plays the ball out behind their own goal, attacking team will restart play from the corner flag.
• Freekicks – If the referee sees a foul or offence committed, they will signal for a freekick to be given if outside the box. Offending team step back 10 yrds
• Penalties – If the referee sees a foul or offence committed inside the box, a penalty will be awarded.
• Handball – If any player other than the goalkeeper, inside their box, uses a hand to deliberately manipulate the ball, a free kick or penalty will be awarded depending on where the offense occurred.
• Find the updated full rules at IFAB – https://www.theifab.com
• Game scores will be recorded by team coaches and submitted to Grassroots Director -rec@mtrainierfc.org
• If a game gets to 5-0, coaches have the discretion to call the official game early and play a scrimmage, mixing the teams for the players fairness and enjoyment.

Player Equipment

• ALL PLAYERS SHALL WEAR SHINGUARDS. Socks must be worn up and over the shin guards.
• All players shall be in uniform to play. A minimum “official” uniform is a shirt. Goalkeepers shall wear shirt/vest colors that distinguish them from field players.
• Standard approved soccer shoes or gym shoes must be worn by all players.
• A player shall not wear anything that may be dangerous to other players or to themselves.
• A player may wear extra protective clothing against the cold, including gloves without dangerous, protruding or hard objects, provided that: The proper team uniform is worn outermost; and any hat should be without peak, bill or dangling or protruding object of any kind; however, the goalkeeper may wear a soft-billed hat; and Referee discretion may be used to determine if an item of protective clothing is considered to go beyond the purpose of providing a means of retaining body heat.
• A player wearing a cast or splint may be permitted to play with doctor’s note approving and the cast or splint is completely covered by a thick layer of soft material.
• No player shall be allowed to play with an injury or a known medical condition, which can be aggravated by playing.
• Protective orthopedic devices, prosthetic devices and any equipment, gear, appliance or apparatus that is protective for a known medical condition may be provided that: The equipment, gear, device appliance or apparatus has been approved by a licensed physician, prosthetics, therapist or other practitioner trained or licensed to prescribe, design, select and/or fit such devices; A letter is on file with home club officials and team coach from a licensed physician, prosthetics, therapist or other practitioner trained or licensed to prescribe, design, select and/or fit such devices, stating
  • that he or she is licensed to prescribe, design, select and/or fit such devices; that the device is properly fitted; and
  • that the device is suitable for use in youth soccer competition; and the referee determines that the device conforms to Law 4 of the Laws of the Game.

Officiating for Rec League

The home team will be responsible for providing referees. In the event that a referee is not present, both coaches will mutually agree upon one. If one cannot be agreed upon, each coach will referee one-half. Assistant Referees may be used whenever possible to assist the referee.

Charging the Goalkeeper

No player shall make physical contact with the goalkeeper, harass the goalkeeper or attempt to play the ball once the goalkeeper has control of the ball in any manner and to any degree whatsoever.
Note: Also included in “having control of the ball” is the goalkeeper holding the ball on the ground with one or both hands.

Coaching

• The coach is responsible for his own behavior as well as that of his players and spectators. Discuss what you expect of parents during games. Remember this is just for fun.
• Every player must play in each game at least 50% of the playing time unless they are not able to play due to illness or injury.
• Coaching must be done in a civil manner and the tone of voice will be informational and encouraging, not demanding or critical.
• The home will supply a game ball, properly inflated before the game starts.
• The home team Head Coach is responsible for field preparation (check with your club officials).