Lincolnshire Sports Association

LINCOLNSHIRE SPORTS ASSOCIATION

RECREATIONAL SOCCER PROGRAM RULES

Fall 2012

RULE I

SOCCER PROGRAM ORGANIZATION

1.1The Spring Lake Sports LeagueLinclonshireLincolnshire Sports Association Soccer Program (“Program”) Directors have overall responsibility for all aspects of theoperation of the Soccer Program in accordance with these Rules and subject to policies and decisions of the Board of Directors of the Spring LinclonshireLincolnshire Sports AssociationLake Sports League. Others appointed by the Board of Directors may assist the Soccer Program Directors.

1.2The Soccer Program is divided into the following leagues:

BoysPre-K

BoysKindergarten

BoysGrade 1
BoysGrades 2-3
BoysGrades 4-5

GirlsPre-K

GirlsKindergarten
GirlsGrade 1
GirlsGrades 2-3
GirlsGrades 4-5
CoedGrades 6-8

Coed3 and 4 Year-Olds

The Soccer Program Director and the League Commissioner’s have the authority to combine leagues where necessary to ensure that a viable fall soccer season will occur.

1.3Each league is managed by a League Commissioner who is appointed by the Soccer Program Director and oversees a specific age group/gender. The duties and responsibilities of the League Commissioners are described in the rules below.

1.4The number of teams in each league will be determined by the league’s Commissioner and the Soccer Program Director based on the number of players in the league.

1.5Each team will have a Coach andh, one or more Assistant Coaches, and a Team Parent. Coaches may assign other duties to parents of players to ensure the proper functioning of the team/season. The league’s Commissioner, with approval of the Soccer Director, will select all Coaches and Assistants.

1.6Referees for regular season and playoff games will be assigned by the Head of Referees, Kristen Eastman. Each team will supply one sideline judge for each game. The Referee will ask for the sideline judges prior to the start of each game to given them instructions and flags.

1.7League Commissioners are responsible for overseeing the operation of the leagues and games for their specific group.. League Commissioners should endeavor to attend a number of as many games as possible in order to evaluate their respective programs. A League Commissioner should advise the Soccer Program Directors if he or she would be out of town for a period of time.

League Commissioners’ responsibilities include the following:

1. Identify and appoint head and assistant coaches.
2. Collect IYSA Volunteer Disclosure forms from all coaches.
3. Supervise team selection and insure balance of players and abilities.
4. Distribute practice times and game schedules.
5. Distribute equipment, Code of Conduct, and rules to the Head Coaches.
6. Maintain current Team Rosters.
7. Seek Soccer Program Director’s approval for any deviation from existing rules.
8. Maintain win/loss/tie records with game scores for leagues 4-5 and 6-8.
9. Distribute picture/trophy/pin information to the Head Coaches.
10. Distribute and collect player evaluation information to/from Head Coaches.
11. Collect equipment at the end of the season.

1.8Game and practice schedules for each league will be assigned by the Soccer Program Directors after approval by the Village of Lincolnshire parks representative.

RULE 2

RULES OF CONDUCT

2.1The objectives of the Soccer Program are to introduce and improve soccer skills, teach team play and good sportsmanship, and provide players with an enjoyable experience. Competition between teams is for the purpose of permitting players to use and improve skills under game conditions and teaching players how to conduct themselves under competitive conditions. Heightened competitiveness and winning are NOT ends in and of themselves in this Program. The Program is organized and conducted for the benefit of the players and not for the Coaches, Assistant Coaches, or parents. The following Rules of Conduct are designed to foster these goals, and adherence to the Rules and to general principles of good sportsmanship is of paramount importance. Serious violations may result in disqualification of players, Coaches, Assistant Coaches, parents and spectators from participation in the Program.

2.2Abusive or other inappropriate language by players, parents, Coaches or Assistant Coaches in dealing with players, other Coaches, officials, and parents is prohibited. Board Members, Soccer Directors and Referees have the authority to remove any person who violates this rule.

2.3Players should not brag, boast, or jeer on or off the playing field and should not criticize other players on their own team or another team. Coaches and Assistant Coaches are responsible for discouraging such conduct. All unsportsmanlike conduct by Coaches, Assistant Coaches, players and spectators is prohibited. Unacceptable behavior, as determined by the Referee, may result in the issuance of a yellow card (warning) or a red card (immediate ejection). Coaches and Assistant Coaches are responsible for making sure their players and spectators exhibit good sportsmanship.

2.4Coaches are not permitted on the field other than to attend to an injured player and only after being given permission by the referee to do so.

2.5Referees have authority over a field the entire time they are present; not just during the actual game. Their calls/decisions are unchallengeable. Criticism of officials and questioning of their calls, whether said directly to the Referee or expressed to others, is prohibited. Any behavior that violates this rule may result in the Referee issuing a yellow card (warning) or a red card (immediate ejection) as well as the possibility of more severe sanctions from the League Commissioner and/or Soccer Directors.

RULE 3

RULES OF PLAY

3.1The rules contained in the current edition of the FIFA Soccer Rule Book shall apply, except as otherwise provided in these Rules. The following are highlights of the rules of the game of soccer, with certain modifications for this Program, and will cover most (but not all) situations, which arise in the Program.

3.2Both teams shall occupy the same side of the field and the parents/spectators of both teams shall occupy the other side of the field. Teams should separate themselves at the half way line and position themselves at least 3 feet from the sideline.

3.3The minimum and maximum number of players on the field, including the goalie, are shown in Attachment 1. Any team short-handed players should not expect the opposing team to play shorthanded, thus preventing the opposing team's members from playing. However, the number of players on the field may be modified with the approval of both coaches and the referee. Modification can either be in the form of reducing the number of players per side or loaning players between teams.

3.4Only Soccer Program Directors, the Village of Lincolnshire parks representative, or League Commissioners have the authority to cancel a game prior to the start of play. Referees will stop the game in the event of lightning or other hazardous conditions. In general, every effort will be made to play a game unless field conditions or weather present a hazard to the players.

3.5All games will start on time, regardless of the number of players available from either team. Forfeitures will result if a team fails to field the minimum players (Attachment 1 outlines the specific number for each league) to start a game within 5 minutes of the starting time. Coaches are encouraged to ask players to report for games a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the start of the game. A coach may draft a player(s) from a lower league to reach the minimum number on the field. Called up players may not miss their own league game in order to play in an upper league game. Extra players, above the minimum, may not be drafted; the team will play without substitutes. If a team member does arrive during the game, the drafted player must sit out for the rest of the game. Any team short-handed should not expect the opposing team to play shorthanded, thus preventing the opposing team’s members from playing.

3.6Tennis shoes and rubber or plastic cleated shoes are approved footwear. No metal (screw-in) cleats or baseball (toe cleats) are allowed. Goalies must wear jerseys that are different colors from the predominant colors of the two teams playing. All players must wear shin guards. No jewelry (earrings, rings, or bracelets) is allowed. A strap must secure eyeglasses. Protective eyewear is encouraged. Players are not permitted to participate in games or practices without shin guards, eyeglass restraints and proper footwear.

3.7See Attachment I for game/quarter durations. REFEREES WILL START THE GAME CLOCK ON TIME. Coaches, please be prepared to start each quarter on time. Playing time for a quarter, and thus the game, will be shortened if a team is not prepared. The clock will not be stopped during the quarters unless a player is injured and play must be halted. No substitutions are allowed duringquarters except in the case of an injured player.

3.8EVERY PLAYER MUST SIT OUT ONE QUARTER BEFORE ANY PLAYER SITS OUT A SECOND QUARTER. Each player must play at least two full quarters during a game except in the case of injury. Players must be given equal playing time over the course of the season. Coaches are to give players experience at both offensive and defensive positions. Our goal is to develop soccer skills for the next level of play.

3.9The Referee will hold a coin toss before the game. The visiting team calls it and the winner chooses which side it will defend first. The other team will kick off first. The same team will kick off the first two quarters and defend the same goal. At the half, the teams will change ends, and the team that received the kick off in the first half will kick off the third and fourth quarters. A goal can be scored from a kick off. On the kick off, the ball must be kicked forward, no player may precede the ball downfield, and opposing players must stand outside of the circle on their half of the field.

3.10If a member of a team kicks or otherwise causes the ball to completely cross the touchline (sideline), the Referee shall award a throw-in to the opposing team at the approximate spot where the ball went out-of-bounds. The throw-in must be made with both hands on the ball, and the ball must be thrown from a position directly over the head. Both feet must remain in contact with the ground and be behind the touchline. Failure to comply shall result in the referee awarding a throw-in to the opposing team at the same spot.

Pre –K, Kindergarten, Boys 1, Girls 1Rule does not apply; coach will instruct players

on correct play.

Boys 2-3, Girls 2-3A warning with instruction (and a rethrow) is given by the referee for games 1-3. Compliance will be enforced from 4th game on.

Boys 4-5, Girls 4-5, Coed 6-8Compliance from 1st game.

3.11If the ball goes completely over the end line (outside of the goal posts) and was last touched by a player on the attacking team, the defending team is awarded a Goal Kick. For a goal kick, the ball is placed anywhere on the line of the smaller painted box (goal box) that is parallel to the end line. If the ball completely crosses the end line (outside of the goal posts) and was last touched by a member of the defending team, a Corner Kick is awarded to the attacking team. On a corner kick, the ball is placed in the corner kick area on the side that is closest to the point where the ball crossed the end line.

3.12The goalie is the only player allowed to touch the ball with his or her hands or arms. The goalie is allowed, after he or she has possession of the ball, to hold it for a maximum of six seconds. The goalie must then throw, kick, or roll the ball into play. At no time, may the goalie use hands or arms outside the lined penalty area (the larger of the two painted boxes). However, he or she can kick the ball when outside the penalty area. In the event that the goalie touches the ball with hands or arms outside the penalty area, a direct free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team at the approximate point of the infraction. Illegal handling of the ball by the goalkeeper in the penalty area shall be enforced at the Boys 2-3, Boys 4-5, Girls 2-3,Girls 4-5 and Coed 6-8 leagues.

No player is allowed to touch the goalie at anytime. If a member of the opposing team touches the goalie, a direct free kick shall be awarded.

3.13No player may play goalie for more than two quarters during a game.

3.14A GOAL is scored if the entire ball passes across the goal line (the end line between the goal posts), whether in the possession of the goalie or not. A goal will not be scored in the micro (Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st grade) leagues if the defender kicks the ball into his or her own goal. A goal will be scored if the ball is deflected off a defender.

3.15Any of the following fouls will result in a direct free kick:

a.Intentionally handling the ball with arms or hands (with the exception of the goalie as outlined above);

b.Intentionally kicking, striking, or tripping an opponent, or attempting to do so;

c.Holding, pushing, charging, jumping at or spitting at an opponent;

d.While tackling for the ball, making contact with the opponent before contacting the ball;

e.Charging the goalie.

A direct free kick is taken from the place of the infraction. All opposing players must be 8 yards away in the Boys 2-3 and Girls 2-3 leagues or 10 yards away in the Boys 4-5, Girls 4-5 and Coed 6-8 leagues. A goal can be scored from a direct free kick.

3.16An indirect free kick is awarded from the place of the infraction for the following:

a.Offside;

b.Obstruction;

c.Dangerous play;

d.Interference with goalie;

1. The goalie does not release the ball from his or her hands within 6 seconds;
2. The goalie handles the ball a second time before it is touched by another player;
3. The goalie handles a ball that has been passed back or thrown in by a teammate.

During an indirect free kick, all opposing players must be 8 yards away in the Boys 2-3 and Girls 2-3 leagues or 10 yards away in the Boys 4-5, Girls 4-5 and Coed 6-8 leagues (or on the end line, if the stated distance would put a player outside the field of play). A goal cannot be scored from an indirect free kick; another player from either team must touch the ball first.

3.17A Penalty Kick is awarded when a foul described in Rule 3.15 occurs in the penalty area (large painted box). This applies to Boys 2-3, Boys 4-5, Girls 2-3, Girls 4-5, and Coed 6-8. Penalty kicks should be the result of obvious fouls that alter the course of the game. Only the kicker and the goalie are involved in the play. Kicks are taken from the spot that is midpoint between the goalposts and half way between the penalty box and goal box lines.

3.18Offside is only called in the Boys 4-5, Girls 4-5, andCoed 6-8, Leagues. Offside will not be called in Pre-K, Kindergarten, Boys 1 and Boys 2-3, Girls 1, and Girls 2-3 leagues. However, intentionally stationing an offensive player in an offside position is not permitted in any league. Referees may instruct coaches not to position players in an obvious offside position in any league. In addition, coaches in the younger leagues should teach their players proper positions (i.e. as if offside was being called). Offside occurs when a player is in the attacking half of the field, is ahead of the ball and there are fewer than two opposing players (including the goalie) between that player and the goal. A player cannot be offsides if he or she has control of the ball either by dribbling or shooting. The referee shall award an indirect free kick to the opposing team at the point where the offside player was located when offside occurred. Offside cannot occur when:

1. A receiving player is in his own half;
2. The ball was last touched by an opposing player; or

c.The ball is received directly from a goal kick, corner kick, throw-in, or drop ball.

3.19A Drop Ball shall be called when the ball is simultaneously kicked out-of-bounds by opposing players, two players fall on the ball, the game is stopped due to injury, or a stalemated ball occurs in the Pre-K, Kindergarten, Girls 1, Girls 2-3, Boys 1 and Boys 2-3 leagues.

3.20No one is permitted to stand in the area behind the goals during a game. In addition, Coaches may only coach from the half of the field occupied by their bench, between the midfield line and the top of the penalty box. At no time may a Coach instruct from the half of the field occupied by the opposing team’s bench.

3.21Size of balls:

Pre-K, Kindergarten, Girls 1, Boys 1#3

Girls 2-5, Boys 2-5#4

Coed 6-8#5

3.22During the regular season, points will be awarded as follows:

Win 3 points

Tie1 point

Loss0 points

3.23Playoffs will be played in the Boys 4-5, Girls 4-5, and Coed 6-8 leagues only. All rules of play as stated in preceding sections of Rule 3 apply to playoff games, except as noted below in section 4.0.