BHYSL Rules

Please note that the following portions of the following rules have been

updated and superceded and are highlighted in yellow.  See the

“Amended Playing Rules” and “Rules Summary” pages for these changes. 

 

 

 

 

BLOOMFIELD HILLS YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE, INC.

                                                                         BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI

 

 

 

Article 1:

 

RECREATION LEAGUE PLAYING RULES    (Revised August 1996)

 

Section  1

 

CONTROLLING RULES

 

All games shall be governed by the FIFA Rules, as set forth in the "Laws of the Game and Universal Guide for Referees," together with the USSF (U.S. Soccer Federation) "Supplement," as published annually, except as hereinafter specifically modified for “League Rules (including these Rules and Referee's Guidelines)."  Where conflicts or uncertainties shall arise, the local League Rules primarily, FIFA Rules secondarily shall apply, govern and control.

 

Section  2

 

REFEREE'S AUTHORITY

 

A referee shall be appointed to officiate in each game. His authority and exercise of powers granted to him by the Laws of the Game, and these Rules shall commence as soon as he enters the field of play.  The Referee's decision on the application of the Laws, and of these Rules, and on points of fact connected with play, shall be final, so far as the result of the game is concerned.  No protests of judgment calls shall be permitted.  Any complaints concerning a Referee shall be submitted by the Head Coach of the complaining team in writing within forty-eight (48) hours of the game involved.

 

Section  3

 

LINESMEN - USE OF

 

Each team shall provide one (1) knowledgeable, neutral adult to serve as a "Linesman," who shall assist in the supervision of the play of the ball in such manner as shall be directed by the Referee.  The Referee, however, shall retain final authority and decision-making power in all matters, including the awarding of the ball when it shall go out of the field of play.  Such "Linesmen" shall not determine nor call "offsides" infractions.

 

Section  4

 

"HOME TEAM" DUTIES

 

The "home team" shall be responsible for, and shall provide the ball to be used in play; such ball shall conform to both FIFA and League Rules and requirements. The League,  shall provide, erect, and remove goal nets and corner flags, which shall also comply with FIFA and League requirements.

 

Section  5

 

STARTING TIME & DELAYS

 

Whenever possible, all games shall start at the scheduled time; when evening games are played, all games shall start within five (5) minutes of the scheduled time.  However, the start of a game may be deferred and delayed for a maximum of ten (10) minutes when, in the judgment and sole discretion of the Referee, unusual and extreme circumstances have caused unforeseen delay in arrival by substantial numbers of players of both teams.  The Referee shall be the sole arbiter of the starting time, and of the keeping of time during play.

 

Section  5 (continued)

 

MINIMUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS

 

LATE ARRIVING PLAYERS

 

 

 

 

 

VOLUNTARY REDUCTION OF PLAYERS

 

The absence of a coach, key player(s), or team personnel shall not be grounds for delaying the timely start of play as scheduled.  A minimum of no less than seven (7) players in Grades 3/4/5 and five (5) players in Grades K/1/2 shall be sufficient for a team to commence playing of a game.  Late arriving players must await the consent and approval of the Referee (including inspection of equipment and player identification) before entering upon the field and participating, notwithstanding the fact of such player's team being/playing "short-handed"; in a game already commenced, such approval and permission shall be granted at the first opportunity that play is stopped and substitutions allowed for the short-handed team.  Where a team is compelled by absences to play with less than eleven (11) at Grades 3/4/5 and less than seven (7) at Grades K/1/2, the opposing team shall be permitted to play with as many players up to and including the maximum permitted, and shall not be compelled to reduce the number of its own active player participants on the field to equalize opposition; however, such reduction is permitted and encouraged.

 

Section  6

 

STOPPAGE OF PLAY DUE TO WEATHER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DURATION & TERMS OF STOPPAGE

 

The playing of any game, whether or not in progress or not yet commenced, shall be stopped by the Referee when, in his/her judgment and opinion, weather conditions shall be such as to threaten the safety or expose to danger the players of the game.  Such weather conditions shall generally include:

(1)        tornado warning or alert (but not "watch")

(2)        lightning

(3)        extreme and severe wind conditions

(4)        extreme heavy rain showers accompanied by thunder

(5)        hail, or other icy field conditions (but not mere snow)

(6)        extreme heat and/or humidity

Any such stoppage shall be decided solely by the Referee in charge of the field of play at the scheduled time of play.  Any such stoppage may be either temporary and short-term in duration, or a permanent stoppage of play of that game; the terms and duration of any stoppage shall be determined and decided solely by the Referee. The score of the game at the time of any permanent stoppage shall be the final score.

 

Section  7

 

POSTPONEMENT; RE-SCHEDULING

 

Postponement or re-scheduling of the play of any scheduled League game shall be strongly discouraged, and shall, if at all, be permitted only upon the obtaining by both teams' coaches an authorization therefore from both the Scheduling Manager and Referee Manager, no later than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the scheduled time of play.  The anticipated absence of a coach and/or key player(s) is not sufficient grounds for postponement or re-scheduling.

 

Section  8

 

UNIFORMS & CLOTHING

 

All players participating in League games shall wear the uniform sanctioned and approved by the Board of the League.  Such uniform shall include an official jersey and matching-colored stockings.  Coed "home teams" shall wear the color "blue" uniform, while "opposing teams" shall wear the color "gold" uniform.  Girls "home teams" shall wear the color "teal" uniform, while "opposing teams" shall wear the color "pink" uniform.  No player shall wear stockings, trousers, or other leggings in color substantially similar to that color worn by the opposing team, i.e., blue or gold, as applicable.  Goalkeepers shall be attired in such clothing and colors, both jerseys and stockings/trousers/leggings, so as to clearly differentiate them from all other players upon the field.   All players shall wear their jerseys over, upon, and external to any other garments which they may, in concern for weather conditions, elect to wear.

 

Section  9

 

SHIN GUARDS

 

FOOTGEAR

 

 

 

SANCTIONS

 

All players, at all times participating in the play of soccer under the auspices of the League, whether in games or practices or otherwise, shall wear appropriate and suitable shin guard protection.  No player shall ever, under any circumstances, be permitted to play without shin guard protection.  Footgear must be round molded cleats or unspiked gym shoes (screw-in cleats and metal cleats are not permitted).  The Referee shall verify the usage thereof by each player, including goalkeeper, prior to, and during the course of play, and shall preclude any player there without proper equipment from play.  Any player who enters into and participates in play action there without such proper equipment shall be (a) issued the "caution" (yellow) card and (b) temporarily evicted from the field of play until such time as the required equipment is obtained and approved by the Referee.

 

Section 10

 

CASTS & BRACES NOT ALLOWED

 

A player shall not be permitted to play when he/she shall be found to be wearing protective medical appliances such as, but not limited to, plaster casts, metal and/or plastic braces, etc., notwithstanding the fact that such casts, braces, or other appliances shall be covered with padding, foam, or other absorbent material, since injury could still be sustained by that player himself/herself during play.  However, an Ace or adhesive tape or other soft bandage without metal bracing or potentially injurious clips may be permitted in the discretion of the Referee.

 

Section  11

PRE-GAME INSPECTIONS

 

FOOTGEAR

 

SHIN GUARDS

 

UNIFORMS

 

REGISTRATION IDENTIFICATION

 

HAZARDS, ETC.

 

 

RULES UNDERSTANDING

 

 

FLIP OF COIN

 

 

Prior to the start of every game, the Referee shall meet with ALL members of both teams, and all coaches thereof, and shall do the following:

(1)        inspect the footgear of each and every player to verify that such footgear complies with the regulations of FIFA, USSF and the League; and

(2)        inspect the shin guards of each and every player to verify their presence and use; and

(3)        inspect the other clothing and uniforms of each player to verify compliance with the FIFA Rules and League Rules; and

(4)        check, inspect, and verify the registration and identification of each and every player; and

(5)        check, inspect, and verify that no player shall be wearing any item of equipment, clothing, jewelry, or medical appliance, including casts and braces, which could endanger either another player or that player himself/herself; and

(6)        clarify and explain any Rules, policies, or procedures which the Referee may deem appropriate of explanation, and respond briefly to any question respecting same, from any player or coach; and

(7)        determine, by flip of coin, the team which shall have initial possession (kick-off), and then respective ends of field/goals to be defended thereby, indicating same to all players.

 

Section 12

 

NON-COMPLYING PLAYERS, REMEDY AND VERIFICATION

 

In the event that the Referee shall find and ascertain that a player does not in some way comply with the regulations of FIFA, USSF or this League, including these Rules, such player shall not be permitted to participate or play unless and until correction or remedy is made and completed to the satisfaction of the Referee.  Commencement of the start of play, or continuation thereof, shall not be delayed for reasons of facilitating or enabling correction, remedy, and compliance with these Rules.  A player whose commencement of play is delayed or deferred pending compliance, shall enter upon the field of play and participate only in the same manner as a late arriving player, as described in Section 5 above.

 

Section 13

 

IMPROPER REGISTRATION / IDENTIFICATION

 

 

CONSEQUENCES

THEREOF

 

 

 

 

 

EFFECT

THEREOF

 

 

In the event that the Referee shall find and ascertain that the registration and/or identification of a player, as evidenced by the official League registration/identification card, is in any way not in order, incorrect, altered, illegible, inconsistent with League registration lists, or otherwise in doubt, the Referee shall immediately confiscate such registration/identification card, and shall prohibit absolutely such player presenting or allegedly associated with such card from entering upon the field of play and/or participating during any portion of that game.  Following the playing of that game, and as soon thereafter as possible, the referee shall turn over such confiscated card to the Registration Manager, and shall make a report of his action to both the Registration Manager and also to the Referee Manager.  The judgment of the Referee respecting validity of registration and identification of players shall be determinative for that game; exclusion of a player for such reason shall not be a ground for "protest", nor for replay of such game, even if the Referee be found in error, it being the responsibility of the team's Head Coach to keep registration/identification cards in proper order and character.  The exclusion of a player based upon the reasons set forth in this Section shall not automatically have the effect of a "red card."  However,  such exclusion may cause the cancellation of play where inadequate number of players consequently results and if such card has been intentionally altered or misused, the sanctions of Section 37 may be applied.

 

Sec. 14

 

 

TIMEKEEPING

 

 

TIMEOUT

 

 

 

 

 

DURATION OF GAME

 

 

EXTENSION OF PLAYING TIME

 

 

"SHOT-IN-AIR"

 

 

"INJURY TIME"

"DELAY TIME"

 

 

Playing time of games shall be kept and maintained by the Referee only; his decisions concerning same shall be absolute, final, and not subject to protest or review.  Games shall be divided timewise into two (2) equal halfs with a five (5) minute rest period between halfs.  A stoppage (quarter time) may be taken approximately half  way through each half for unlimited player substitutions.  Said stoppage of play during the half will be determined by the Referee and called at an appropriate time as close as possible to the mid-point of each half when a normal stoppage of play occurs (after a goal/goal kick/throw-in).  Said time-out will be a maximum of two minutes and the game shall resume from the point of stoppage.  At the discretion of the Referee, time will begin to run after said two-minute time-out regardless of actual play beginning.  Playing time for Grades K/1/2 will be two (2) twenty (20) minute halfs.  Grade 3 will be two (2) twenty-five (25) minute halfs.  Grades 4/5 will be two (2) thirty (30) minute halfs.  No overtime periods of play or "shoot out" shall be permitted should a game end regulation play time in a tie score; such tie score shall be considered final.  In accordance with FIFA Rules, however, a penalty kick shall be taken following expiration of time, if a penalty was assessed by the Referee as a consequence of player action during regulation time.  Similarly in accordance with FIFA Rules, notwithstanding that a shot on goal shall be in flight at the moment of expiration of regulation time, it shall not be considered nor counted as a goal if the ball shall not have fully crossed over the goal line prior to the expiration of regulation time.  In the event that play was stopped during the regulation game time owing to injury of a player, or to unnatural interruptions and undue delay of play, either by a team or external forces or events, the Referee may extend the "duration" of the game so as to assure the full regulation playing time period.

 

Section 15

 

INDIVIDUAL PLAYING TIME

 

 

All players participating in a game MUST participate and play for a minimum of one-half (˝) of the game, except where the player shall have been derelict in attending practices or is otherwise subject to internal team disciplinary measures, in which case such player may be restricted to a maximum number of minutes total play at the discretion of the Head Coach.  If, for health reasons, a player cannot play his/her minimum of one-half (˝) the game, the amount of time may be altered accordingly.

 

 

Section 16

 

 

 

SUBSTITUTION OF PLAYERS

 

 

 

 

 

"CONSENT" OF REFEREE

 

CHANGING GOALKEEPERS

 

 

Unlimited substitution/replacement of players shall be permitted (and encouraged), to occur in accordance with the following procedures and regulations:

     (a)   by either team, upon the scoring of a goal;

     (b)   by either team, on the occasion of a goal kick;

     (c)   by either team, at mid-half stoppage interval

     (d)   by either team, at half time

     (e)   by the team in possession of the ball at the time of a throw-in;  in such event, if substitution is made, the opposing team may also substitute.

     (f)    in the event of an "injured" player, immediate substitution may be made (with Referee's consent) for that player only.

All substitutions, including the replacement or changing of the goalkeeper, shall be first made known to the Referee, and his consent/approval thereof be obtained, prior to such substituted player entering upon or exiting from the playing field, or exchanging positions with the goalkeeper; failure to do so shall result in a "yellow card" caution to the Head Coach and accompanying accordant penalties.

 

 

Section 17

 

STOPPAGE OF PLAY FOR INJURIES

 

 

 

 

REFEREE'S DISCRETION

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENTRY OF A NON-PLAYER UPON FIELD

 

Stoppage of play for attention to ostensible or alleged injury appearing to have been sustained by a player shall occur solely at the discretion and judgment of the Referee.  As a general matter of procedure, a Referee shall stop play at the earliest possible moment that such stoppage shall not so interfere with the progress of the game as to deprive a team, either that of the allegedly injured player or of the opposing team, from a potential scoring opportunity or similarly advantageous position, except that in the event of apparent serious injury, such as to the head, or any bleeding, play shall be immediately stopped by the direction of the Referee.  The attention of the Referee to the allegedly injured player may be called by the Head Coach, in a polite and judicious manner, but the decision to stop play shall in all cases remain solely with the Referee.  No coach, parent, or spectator shall enter upon the field of play to attend an allegedly injured player during the course of play, nor may any coach, parent or other spectator/bystander enter upon the field of play subsequent to the stoppage of play unless and until so authorized and permitted by the Referee.  The Head Coach of a team may be "cautioned" and accordingly penalized for any ungentlemanly conduct by himself, any parent, or other spectator/bystander relating to such alleged injury and/or stoppage.

 

Section 18

 

SEPARATION OF TEAM AND SUPPORTERS

 

PERMITTED LOCATIONS OF "COACHES", SUPPORTERS

 

COACH RESPONSIBILITY

 

During the play of a game, each team shall position itself on opposite sides of the field.  The team designated as "Home Team" shall have the option and choice of sides of the field.  All supporters of the respective two teams are strongly encouraged to similarly position themselves on the corresponding side.  No coach, or other person acting in a coaching capacity or function, shall be permitted upon the side opposite that of "his/her team", nor shall such person - or any other person, spectator or bystander - be permitted anywhere adjacent to the goal lines nor closer to the goal lines than eighteen (18) yards therefrom as measured along the touch lines (sidelines) nor closer to the playing field than one (1) yard from the touch line.  The Head Coach of each respective team shall be held accountable for the position, conduct, and behavior of each of his/her team supporters.  Infractions of this Section shall be considered "ungentlemanly conduct" by the Referee and shall be dealt with accordingly.

 

 

Section 19

 

 

SIDELINE COACHING

 

RESPONSIBILITY OF COACHES AND SPECTATORS

 

Coaching from the sidelines by the team's authorized coaches shall be permitted, so long as such coaching is conducted in a reasonable manner, as judged by the Referee.  No sound amplifiers of any non-natural type may be employed in such coaching.  Such coaching shall not be distracting or disruptive of the play of the opposing team, nor shall be done in a manner which is derogatory to any player, nor in any other way ungentlemanly or contrary to the principles of the game or of the League.  Violations of this Section, by either coaches or parents or other spectators, shall be subject to the usual FIFA sanctions.

 

 

Section 20

 

 

 

HARASSMENT, DEROGATORY REMARKS, THREATS, PROFANITY

 

 

SCOPE OF APPLICATION OF RULE

 

 

 

 

SANCTIONS

 

No actions, either by word, deed, or gesture, of a harassing, haranguing, humiliating, disparaging, derogatory, insulting, threatening, abusive, violent, obscene, excessively profane, or otherwise ungentlemanly and unsportsmanlike nature, shall be tolerated, either

     (a)   irrespective of whether committed by a player, coach, parent spectator or other person, and

     (b)   irrespective of whether directed to or towards a player of either team, the Referee, a coach of either team, or a parent or other spectator, and

     (c)   irrespective of whether committed on, adjacent to, or apart from the playing field if the latter conduct is still related to the play of the game involved, and

     (d)   irrespective of whether committed prior to, during the course of, or subsequent to the completion of the game, scrimmage, practice, or other such event.

Any such action shall be dealt with by the Referee in accordance with FIFA Rules, and also by the Board of Directors of the League in accordance with its By-Laws, Playing Rules, and principles.  Serious or repeated instances thereof will subject any such violator to review by the Board of Directors as to whether such person, or his/her child/player, shall be permitted to continue participation in League activities.

 

 

Section 21

 

 

PHYSICAL CONTACT

 

 

INCIDENTAL V.S. INTENTIONAL

 

 

"PLAYING THE BALL"

 

It shall be understood by all players, coaches, parents, and other spectators that physical contact and interaction between players during the course of play is inherent in the nature and character of the game, provided that such physical contact and interaction is incidental and secondary to the playing of the ball.  Physical contact and interaction between active players shall be permitted where in the judgement of the Referee, such physical contact and interaction was not committed with intent to injure, intimidate, or obstruct the opposing player, or to gain advantage through direct physical contact or interaction.  The principally determinative factor shall be a judgement determination by the Referee as to whether the player causing physical contact and interaction was in good faith attempting to "play the ball", so that such concurrent or subsequent physical contact or interaction was incidental and secondary, rather than being the principal act and/or independent of the play of the ball.  Tackling from the rear is never permitted and will result in a yellow card, in the judgment of the Referee.

 

Section 22

 

"ADVANTAGE" CLAUSE

 

 

 

CAUTION, EJECTION PERMITTED

 

 

UNREALIZED ADVANTAGE

 

The "advantage clause" rule of FIFA shall be applied by the Referee; i.e., if in his/her judgement the stoppage of play for the purpose of admonishing or cautioning a player, or for awarding of a free/penalty kick, would have the effect of giving the advantage to the offending team by depriving the offended team of an actual or apparent advantage respecting continued play, the Referee may refrain from stopping the course of play for the imposition of the appropriate penalty, and so allow play to continue.  Such decision and allowance of continued play does not, however, preclude the Referee from subsequently warning, "cautioning," or even ejecting the offending player when play does eventually come to a stop in time.  In the event that the presumed advantage shall not have been realized, the Referee cannot revoke his/her decision to apply the "advantage clause" and thereafter award the penalty, even though he/she may not have indicated via word or gesture his/her decision to apply the "advantage clause."

 

Section 23

 

INQUIRY AS TO THE CALL MADE BY A REFEREE

 

 

 

 

LIMITATIONS

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION, PROTEST

 

The respective presiding "Head Coaches," and only such Head Coaches, may inquire of the Referee as to the specific identity and nature of a called infraction or violation of the League Playing Rules of the game, provided such inquiry shall not interfere with the play of the game, continuation or continuity thereof, and provided also such inquiry shall be made in a gentlemanly manner, for informational purposes only.  Any such inquiry shall not extend to discussion thereof, nor to argument or protest thereof, but shall be limited to a brief and succinct question and response as to the nature and identity of the infraction and of the rule violated/being applied.  At no time during any such inquiry shall the Head Coach enter upon the playing area of the field, nor shall any other non-participant do so for such inquiry purpose.  Should a question or uncertainty still remain following any such inquiry, the Head Coach shall defer further discussion until the occurrence of the regularly scheduled period interval, such as half-time or game-end.  (At all times still subject to Section 2, above.)  No on-field protests shall be permitted, nor shall judgment calls of the Referee be subject of any post-game protest procedure.

 

Section 24

 

COACH DEEMED TO KNOW RULES

 

Every coach, or person acting in such capacity (including assistants coaches), shall be presumed and deemed fully acquainted with and knowledgeable of all of both the FIFA Rules and regulations and also the League Playing Rules.  It shall be each coach's responsibility to become fully knowledgeable and educated respecting same. "Ignorance” of the Rules shall not be excuse for violations thereof, either by player or coach.

 

Section 25

 

BALL SIZE

 

The size of ball used in play shall be as follows:

(a)        for players Grades K/1/2, an official size 3 ball

(b)        for players Grades 3/4/5, an official size 4 ball

 

Section 26

 

KICK-OFFS

 

 

 

 

 

CHANGE OF ENDS

 

The ball shall be placed into play at the start of each half via a place-kick from the center point of the field commonly known as a "kick-off," as follows:

(a)        beginning of the game; by the team which, after the flip of a coin between team captains, has elected to kick-off

(b)        at the start of the second half by the team which shall have not "kicked-off" the first half

(c)        after a goal by the team which has been scored upon

An exchange of ends of playing field to be defended shall be exchanged only at the expiration of the first half and prior to the second half.   Ends of the playing field will be determined after the coin toss where one team has elected to defend one end of the playing field.

 

Section 27

 

THROW-INS

 

At Grade levels K/1/2 there shall be an unlimited number of attempts to properly perform a throw-in.  At Grade 3 there shall be two (2) attempts to throw-in; after the 2nd improper attempt possession will go to the opposing team.  At Grade levels 4/5 only one (1) attempt is permitted.

 

Section 28

 

GOAL KICKS FOR K/1/2 DIFFER FROM FIFA

 

GOAL KICKS 3/4/5 CORNERS K THRU 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

The placing of the ball and location of taking goal kicks shall differ from FIFA regulations as follows:

(a)        Goal kicks for Grades K/1/2 shall be taken from a point along the penalty line, as indicated/directed by the referee

(b)        Corner kicks for Grades K/1/2 will be taken from FIFA designated points. 

(c)        Goal kicks and corner kicks for Grades 3/4/5 will be taken from FIFA designated points.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 29

 

"QUICK KICK" OF INDIRECT & DIRECT FREE KICKS

 

 

 

NO DELAY TO SET DEFENSE

 

Free kicks awarded to a team as a consequence of an infraction of the Rules by the opposing team may be taken as immediately as may be desired by the kicking team, irrespective of whether such kick is "direct" or "indirect," and irrespective also of whether opponents are, immediately prior to such kick being taken, positioned the minimum requisite distance of ten (10) yards therefrom if a "quick kick" is employed.  The Referee need not, delay the taking of such a "quick kick" if so desired, so as to allow the opposing team time or opportunity to position defensively thereagainst, and thereby deprive the aggrieved kicking team of any advantage which they might be seeking through the use of a "quick kick."

 

 

 

"10 YARDS DISTANCE" RULE

 

The rule that players in opposition to a "free kick," whether direct or indirect, shall be positioned a minimum of ten (10) yards distant from the ball immediately prior to kicking thereof, shall be adhered to, except when a "quick kick" thereof shall be taken.  Player shall be expected to observe, follow, and adhere to this rule, without the necessity of being informed and instructed with respect thereto by the Referee.  Failure to do so shall subject any player violating this Rule to a "caution"/"yellow card" and/or "red card" in the event of repeated violation following receipt of a "caution."  Undue delay in acceding the requisite space distance shall be similarly dealt with and penalized, as shall be premature movement towards the ball by an opposing player; encroachment in any form shall not be tolerated.  Delay of taking of the "free kick" by either offensive or defensive team, in order to position their players, shall be similarly penalized.

 

Section 30

 

CHARGING OF GOALKEEPER

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHALLENGING OF GOALKEEPER

 

 

 

 

 

FOUR STEP RULE

 

Goalkeepers shall not be "charged," that is, intentional physical contact thereupon by an opposing player shall not be permitted, when a goalkeeper shall have actual physical possessory control of the ball.  For the purposes of K/1/2 only "actual possessory control" means an effort by the goalie while touching the ball to control it.  Otherwise, a goalkeeper is generally not deemed to have such control when he shall have rolled the ball apart and away from his hand; in such instance, as well as when the goalkeeper does to have the requisite possessory control, opposing players shall be permitted to attempt to gain possession thereof, providing that intentional physical contract thereby upon the goalkeeper does not occur.  Once the goalkeeper shall obtain actual physical possessory control, no opposing player shall be permitted to "challenge" the goalkeeper or otherwise attempt to obtain possession until after the goalkeeper shall have either deliberately thrown or kicked the ball away from his own possession; a goalkeeper at Grade levels K/1/2/3/4 shall be permitted to take (carry) the ball forward to the boundary of the penalty area, without challenge, hindrance, obstruction, interference, or threat thereof, irrespective of the number of steps he shall take in doing so.  Goalkeepers in Grade 5 shall only be permitted four (4) steps while carrying the ball in accordance with FIFA Rules.  Goalkeepers, however, carrying the ball beyond the penalty zone or failing to release the ball before leaving the penalty zone are subject to a "hand ball" infraction and awarding of a direct "free kick" to the opposition, said kick being taken from a point outside the penalty area where the infraction occurred as may be determined by the Referee.

 

Section 31

 

DROP BALL - POSITION

 

The placing by the Referee of the ball into play via a "drop ball" shall not be made within the penalty area but shall be dropped at the nearest point immediately outside the penalty area.  This Section shall not be interpreted to affect or preclude the awarding of a "drop ball" when circumstances warranting such occur within the penalty area, but rather shall be understood to affect only the actual location of the dropping of any such "drop ball" so awarded.

 

Section 32

 

HAND BALL IN PENALTY AREA

 

An intentional hand ball in the penalty area is a major violation of game playing Rules.  In Grade levels K/1/2 the first violation by a player in any game shall result in an explanation by the Referee to the players that the violation is serious, and would result in a red card under FIFA Rules; any repeated intentional violation of the rule by any player on the team previously warned shall result in a yellow card being issued.  In Grade 3 a violation of the rule shall result in a yellow card and a Referee explanation that it is a red card violation under FIFA Rules;  any repeated intentional violation of the rule by any player on the team previously warned shall result in a yellow card being issued.  In Grade levels 4/5 a violation of the rule shall result in a red card.      In any event the foul shall result in a penalty kick.

 

Section 33

 

WARNINGS

 

CAUTIONS

 

 

YELLOW & RED CARDS

 

Ungentlemanly or unsportsmanlike conduct, either by player or by coach, parent, or spectator, and violent play, shall be dealt with by the Referee and penalized in accordance with FIFA Rules, irrespective of the age or experience of the "violator."   It is to be noted that, although customary, it shall not be necessary for a violator to have been either orally warned or formally "cautioned" via a yellow card, prior to the awarding of either a yellow card or a red card; such can, may, and shall in the judgment of the Referee be awarded at any time circumstances are deemed in his opinion to be so warranted.  The awarding of such shall not be subject either to protest or review, although such shall be reported to the Referee Manager of the League.  NOTE:  a "yellow card" or "red card" may be presented for prohibited conduct committed off the field of play but reasonably adjacent thereto, and also for conduct committed prior to the start of and/or thereto, and also for conduct committed prior to the start of and/or following the conclusion of the play of the game, when such conduct related to the play of that game.

 

Section 34

 

SANCTIONS FOR RECEIVING "YELLOW" OR "RED CARD"

 

1st RED CARD

 

 

 

2nd RED CARD

 

 

 

 

The receiving of either a "yellow card" or a "red card" by any player, coach, parent, or spectator, during the course of play or prior thereto, shall subject such violator to those penalties and sanctions provided by the FIFA Rules.  Additionally, the receiving of either a "yellow card" or a "red card" by any such person at any time during the season of play shall result in the following League sanctions:

 

(a)        the receiving of a "red card" shall result in an automatic "suspension" and preclusion of play/participation in the next one (1) immediately following scheduled League games;

 

(b)        the receiving of a second "red card" during the same season shall carry with it the aforementioned sanctions, plus subjecting such violator to review by the Disciplinary Committee of the League as to permitted continued play and/or re-registration for the next playing season;

 

 

CARRY-OVER OF SANCTIONS

 

 

 

 

 

TWO YELLOW CARDS IN A SEASON

 

 

 

 

RED CARD TO A COACH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REPORTING THEREOF

 

(c)        the aforementioned sanctions and preclusion from play shall if necessary be carried over in effect into the next playing season; the application of the aforementioned sanctions shall not be limited or negated by the termination of the playing season or by the voluntary withdrawal from League membership of such violator;

 

(d)        the receiving of three (3) "yellow cards" during the same playing season shall have the cumulative effect identical to that of receiving a "red card"; a one-game "suspension" shall result if violations were non-violent in nature, but otherwise, a two-game "suspension" preclusion from play/participation;

 

(e)        the receiving of a "red card" by a coach shall subject that coach to the sanctions set forth above, and additionally, shall subject that coach to a review by the Disciplinary Committee of the League as to his being permitted to remain a coaching member participant of the League. The President may continue suspension until the Disciplinary Committee has opportunity to conduct a review.

 

(f)         the circumstances of the awarding of any "yellow card" or "red card" shall be reported in writing and in detail by the Referee so involved, to the League's Referee Manager within forty-eight (48) hours; telephone notice thereof should be made thereby as soon after the conclusion of the game is feasible and possible.  The Referee Manager shall report all "red cards" and "red card effect" sanctions to the President of the League.

 

 

Section 35

 

"STANDINGS"

PRECLUDED

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparative team "standings" or other similar rankings within respective divisions shall generally not be utilized or computed, except where specifically authorized by resolution of the Board of Directors of the League.  Any publication thereof of purported but unauthorized "standings"; or assertions thereof, shall subject the publicant to disciplinary action by the Board, including the sanction of exclusion from continued participation in the League.

 

 

Section 36

 

REFEREE MANAGER RULE INTERPRETATION

 

The Referee Manager's shall be the ultimate determining authority respecting any questions which may arise under the League and FIFA Rules.  To this end, the Referee Manager may publish and amend Referee Guidelines which are not inconsistent with League Rules, and vary from FIFA Rules for reasons of player safety.  The Referee Manager's determinations on Rules interpretations shall be final, unless the Board, in its sole discretion, decides otherwise.

 

Section 37

 

BINDING NATURE

 

INQUIRY

 

 

FAILURE TO ABIDE BY PLAYING RULES

 

By his/her participation in the League each player, parent and coach agrees to be bound by these League Rules not to subvert the Rules, and to timely, candidly and civilly respond to inquiries by the Referee, League officers or the Board itself concerning compliance with these Rules.  Failure to so respond (specifically including any dishonesty or deception) shall itself be considered a major failure of these League Rules.

 

Any player, coach, parent, or team who fails to comply with these League Rules, by word or deed, including FIFA Rules, as set forth hereinabove, shall:

(a)        in the event refusal affects the playing of a game, forfeit such game to the opposing team; and/or

(b)        in any event, be subject to disciplinary review and action by the Board of Directors of the League, including the sanction of exclusion of a player, team, coach or parent from continued participation in the League.

 

 

 

NOTE:THESE PLAYING RULES, AS REVISED AND PUBLISHED AUGUST, 1996, SHALL SUPERSEDE

ANY AND ALL PREVIOUS EDITIONS THEREOF, AND SHALL ALSO SUPERSEDE ANY PROVISIONS

CONTAINED IN ANY OTHER SECTION, IN THE EVENT OF CONFLICT AND/OR CONTRADICTION THEREOF.

 

Revised August, 1996