TUSA ADP - Game Rules

• August 2011 (revised March 2012)

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US Youth Soccer Official Playing Recommendations

• US Youth Soccer recommended modifications to the FIFA Laws of the Game.

• FIFA Laws of the Game can be found at www.ussoccer.com/referees.

The Field of Play

• The center circle gives the players a concrete marking on where to be for the kick-off and after a goal is scored. Only the attacking team may enter the center circle. The defending team must remain outside of the circle until the kick has been taken. Once the ball is in play anyone on the field may enter the center circle.

• The goal area is used only in leagues that permit a goalkeeper. The goal area determines where the goalkeeper may use their hands. If the goalkeeper picks up the ball anywhere outside of the goal area the play is stopped and an indirect direct free kick is awarded from the spot of infraction.

• The 6 yard box is not used in this league. This box determines where the goal kick will be taken from if sent out of bounds (beyond the end line) by the attacking team.

• The corner arc is where the corner kick will be taken from if sent out of bounds (beyond the end-line) by the defending team.

Players

• Regardless of the age group, all players are expected to play a minimum of 50% of the game. If a player has missed an exceptional number of practices for unexcused reasons, coaches may reduce playing time as necessary.

• All formats provide the opportunity for the children to further develop their running, jumping and kicking coordination. These are valuable traits for all soccer players to develop. The smaller number of players takes into account the egocentrism of the age groups and therefore allows each child more opportunities for kicking and dribbling the ball. With fewer players on the field each child has an increased number of contacts with the ball and has more actual playing time. Additionally, the players will be required to make more decisions and experience repeating game situations frequently. The work rate and involvement of players will be more consistent. While learning both offense and defense, players will become well rounded and will understand more readily the roles and importance of teammates.

• In the case of one team being “short” one or more players, coaches are encouraged to allow players from the team with sufficient numbers to ‘loan’ a player or two to the team that is short players and then PLAY.

• Goalkeepers are to be protected at all times. Incidental contact is anticipated and could happen but under no circumstances should a player intentionally make contact with the goalkeeper during play. Players should be instructed to avoid contact with goalkeepers if there is any doubt during the course of the game. Goalkeeper possession is defined as the goalkeeper having control of the ball at any time with their hands. Even if the goalkeeper has a fingertip on the ball it is deemed as possession and players should avoid contact. In the event contact is made the play is ruled “dead” and an indirect kick is given to the goalkeeper from the spot of the infraction.

Equipment

• Uniforms are provided for all players through the league. It is expected that all players will wear the required uniform for league games. If weather is cold and/or rainy players are permitted to dress accordingly but should still wear league uniforms over their clothing to distinguish between teams.

• Shin-guards are mandatory for all practices and games. There should be no exceptions to this rule since it is the only safety equipment players are required to wear.

• Cleats are recommended for all players but sneakers are acceptable. No other type of footwear should be worn during practices or games.

Goals

Goals will vary depending on the age group. All goals must be secured with a sandbag prior to starting any practice or game. Sandbags should be located on the rear of each goal. In the event there is no sandbag on the goal for your practice or game please secure the goal with some type of weight bearing source and notify your league director immediately so the sandbag may be replaced.

No players shall be permitted to hang on the goals. If noticed please ask the child to get down immediately. This mostly occurs with the youngest leagues but is possible with any age group.

Note - The tipping of goals is one of the leading sources of deaths in youth soccer. Whether caused by high wins or players hanging on the goals, it is imperative that you help monitor the safety of our young players and ensure the goals are properly secured prior to any practice or game taking place.

Format and Rules

• Kick-Offs: A kick off occurs at the start of the game, quarter, half or after a goal has been scored. Only the attacking team may enter the center circle. The defending team must remain outside of the circle until the kick has been taken. Once the ball is in play anyone on the field may enter the center circle.

• Throw-Ins: A throw-in occurs when the ball crosses the sideline and goes out of play. On a throw-in both feet must be on the ground and the ball must be placed behind the players head prior to taking the throw-in. If a violation occurs the players should be awarded a take-over.

• Goal Kicks: A goal kick occurs when the ball crosses the end-line kicked by the attacking team. A goal kick shall be taken approximately 3 yards inside the field nearer to the goalpost that it went out of bounds.

• Corner Kicks: A corner kick occurs when the ball crosses the end-line kicked by the defending team. A corner kick shall be taken within the designated corner kick arc.

• Fouls and Misconduct: Soccer is a contact sport and some physical contact is anticipated with every age. However if this physical contact is deemed dangerous or violet in nature it needs to be handled accordingly by the coaches and officials. If a child is being too rambunctious then the game official will ask the coach to make a substitution of that player to give the child a chance to calm down before returning to play. If no referee is present then the coach is expected to make a substitution of that player to give the child a chance to calm down before returning to play. No players are to be sent off from a game unless the player has been given repeated warnings and is deemed “out of control” by the referee and or coach. If this has occurred with any player it is important that you report this incident to your league coordinator immediately and they will handle the situation appropriately with the child’s parent or guardian.

• Free Kicks: If a foul is committed the play is immediately stopped and restarted with a indirect free kick to the opponent from the spot of the infraction. Players stand at least five (5) yards from the ball until it is put into play.

• Off-sides: Leagues employ the “poaching rule”. Poaching is when a player clearly makes no attempt to remain in an onside position and seeks to gain an advantage.  Some coaches take advantage of the “no off-sides” rule by instructing players to camp in front of the opponent’s goal and this will not be tolerated. If poaching is called, the play is stopped immediately and the play begins with a direct free kick awarded to the opponent from the point of infraction.

• Scoring and Standings: No league shall keep scores and standings unless the league director keeps results to ensure balance and parity for teams and end of season festivals or tournaments.

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US Youth Soccer Recommendations

• Opposing coaches, players and parents should shake hands after each match.

• Parent/coaches, non-participating players and spectators should be there to enjoy and encourage the activity of the youngsters.

• No alcoholic beverages or tobacco products will be consumed or allowed near the playing area.