The
purpose of these rules and regulations is to preserve the integrity of
the league; and also be a source of information for players, coaches,
officials and parents. Lack of knowledge of these rules will not
relieve any coach, team official, parent or player of a team
participating in or seeking entry into this program from the
responsibilities and possible penalties herein. All leagues, teams, team
officials, parents and players, by their participating in Pilot
Regional Soccer League play, agree that they are bound by these rules.
Housekeeping: The FLET has the authority to alter, change and update nomenclature at any time.
Academy: The FLET Academy Program is the select developmental program for boys’ and girls’ teams from U-9 through U-11.
Select: The FLET Select Program is the select program for select/competitive teams as defined by US Youth Soccer.
Administrative Procedures: Any questions on rules, policies, and procedures should be addressed to the FLET Directors for resolution. Each club has a director on the FLET board.
Team Registration
Ø Only teams properly registered with a league or association affiliated may be entered in the league.
Ø Clubs must adhere and be accountable to Tennessee Soccer's Policy 26 recruiting/transfer rules.
Restrictions
Ø No
For U9/U10, no team shall be allowed less than 6 or more than 14
registered players at any given time. For U-11 and U-12, no team shall
be allowed less than 8 or more than 14 registered players at any given
time. For U-13 to U-15 recreational and select, no team shall be allowed
less than 11 or more than 18 registered players at any given time. For
all teams U-16 and older, no team shall be allowed less than 11 or more
than 22 registered players at any given time; f these, no more than 18
shall be allowed on any game roster.
Electronic Registration: All teams entering the league submit registrations electronically.
Referees
Ø Every team has the right to a neutral referee and assistant referees.
Ø No
referee or assistant referee shall officiate a game in which a relative
is coaching or playing unless both coaches provide their specific prior
consent by signing both game cards.
Ø No
referee or assistant referee shall officiate a game where they were a
recent (within 1 year) member or coach of either team unless both
coaches provide their specific prior consent by signing both game cards.
(U-06- U-08 is exempt from this rule.)
Ø No Grade 9 referee shall act as Center Referee in any match U-14 or older.
Ø No
Grade 9 referee shall act as an Assistant Referee in any match of U-14
or older unless working in capacity as a club line. Both coaches must
provide their specific prior consent by signing both game cards.
Ø The individual leagues playing outside of FLET facilities are responsible for providing playing fields and times.
Ø In
the event the appointed referee fails to appear within 15 minutes of
the scheduled kick-off time, and where assistant referees are present,
one of the assistant referees shall take charge if he/she feels capable
of refereeing the game and both coaches mutually agree.
Ø In the event that neither assistant referee agrees to take charge, the coaches may agree upon a volunteer referee.
Ø If no such agreement is reached, the game will be postponed.
Ø In the event a referee becomes ill during the game; the above procedure shall be followed.
Ø If the game is postponed; both coaches should notify the league director by e-mail.
Ø The
dual system (i.e., two referees) of refereeing is not approved for FLET
youth games. Exception: Both coaches must provide their specific prior
consent by signing both game cards.
Ø The
referee(s) is in complete charge of the field and adjacent areas from
the time the referee arrives at the game site until the referee departs.
The referee is empowered to:
· Rule on what equipment or accessories are considered dangerous.
· Issue cautions, send offs, and dismissals for the entire period.
· Terminate a game for coach, player or spectator misconduct.
· Refuse
to allow the game to be played if in the referee's judgment, the field
is unplayable due to length of the grass, inadequate lines, or other
impediments.
· Refuse
to allow the game to be played if there is not a credentialed coach on
the sideline with each team present or, if necessary, a responsible
adult identified on the game card and associated with the team.
· The referee may depart the area certain of receiving his/her fee.
Pre-Game Check-in
Ø A team that does not present its passes to the referee prior to the beginning of the match shall forfeit that match
Ø Referees must collect and check the passes before each game.
Ø Any player without a proper pass shall not be permitted to play in the match.
Ø Passes and/or rosters will be returned after the match.
Ø Teams must be issued new player passes each year. Referees will only accept passes for the current season (fall or spring).
Team Obligations: Spectating and Field Set-up
Ø The
Home Team Coach is responsible for contacting the opposing coach the
week of, and at least 72 hours prior to the game to verify location,
time and uniform color.
Ø Coaches
will be responsible for contacting the opposing coach the week of, and
at least 120 hours prior, (Monday prior to a Saturday/Sunday scheduled
game), for any game cancellations other than unplayable fields.
Ø The
Home Team Coach will be responsible for notifying the FLET of any game
cancellations. This applies to all regularly scheduled and make-up
games.
Ø The
Home Team Coach will be responsible for contacting the opposing coach
as early as possible if their game should be canceled due to unplayable
field conditions.
Ø The
home team is to provide the game ball, a properly lined and cut field,
nets and corner flags if not playing at U.S. Cellular Soccer Complex.
Ø All
spectators, coaches, and sidelined players must stay clear of the
touchline between the corner and the 18-yard extension of the penalty
box.
Ø When
at all possible a LINE should be placed three to five (3 to 5) yards
behind the touchline to keep coaches, spectators and substitutes back
from the field and out of the linesman's way.
Ø All coaches, spectators and substitutes should remain three to five yards behind the touchline when physically possible.
Ø The referee or assistant referee may, at any time, restrict the sideline movement of coaches, players and spectators.
Ø A
FLET league representative may judge fields under their responsibility
unplayable. It shall be their responsibility to notify the opposing
coaches, referees, and other parties as soon as possible after a field
closure.
RULES OF US YOUTH SOCCER AFFECTING GAME PLAY
AND YOUTH MODIFICATIONS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME
U6/U8 Items for Informational Purposes Only
Ø The
Rules of Play used will be the "FIFA Laws of the Game", as modified by
the US YOUTH SOCCER Official Administrative Rulebook and those
modifications contained herein.
Ø In case of conflict, the appropriate Division Rules shall apply.
LAW #1: THE FIELD OF PLAY
Outer Dimensions (Yards)
|
Age Group
|
Minimum
L x W
|
Maximum
L x W
|
Recommended
|
|
U-06
|
20 x 15
|
30 x 20
|
25 x 20
|
|
U-08
|
25 x 20
|
35 x 30
|
35 x 25
|
|
U-9/U-10
|
45 x 35
|
60 x 45
|
50 x 40
|
|
U-11/U-12
|
60 x 40
|
100 x 60
|
80 x 60
|
|
U-13 to U-19
|
100 x 50
|
130 x 100
|
110 x 70
|
Inside Dimensions (Yards)
|
Age Group
|
Penalty Area
|
Goal Area
|
Penalty Kick Mark
|
|
U-06
|
Semi-circle
|
Optional
|
None
|
|
U-08
|
Semi-circle
|
12 x 3
|
None
|
|
U-9/U-10
|
26 x 10
|
18 x 6
|
8
|
|
U-11/U-12
|
30 x 14
|
18 x 6
|
10
|
|
U-13 to U-19
|
44 x 18
|
20 x 6
|
12
|
Goal Dimensions
|
Age Group
|
Inside Width
|
Inside Height
|
|
U-06
|
2 yards (approx.)
|
4 feet (approx.)
|
|
U-08
|
4 yards (approx.)
|
6 feet (approx.)
|
|
U-9 to U-12
|
6 yards (approx.)
|
6 feet (approx.)
|
|
U-13 to U-19
|
8 yards (approx.)
|
8 feet (approx.)
|
Ø No one (spectators or participants) shall be allowed behind the end lines during the course of a game.
Ø The referee shall halt the game, if necessary, to enforce this rule.
Ø Further action by the referee shall be considered, if necessary, under provisions of Law #5 and Law #12.
Ø Field size will not be a matter for protest.
Ø A
technical area, as defined in Law 3 of the Laws of the Game, shall be
marked in the area designated by the host league for players’ seating,
unless such marking is not feasible due to the layout or arrangements of
the particular field. The technical area shall not be marked nearer to
the touchline than one yard. There are no other specific dimensions
required for the technical area. Guidance for markings can be found in
the Laws of the Game. In situations where no bench is provided, it is
recommended that the technical area not exceed twenty yards in length
(parallel to the touchline) and that the two technical areas be defined
on the same side of the field equidistant from the halfway line. If on
the same side of the field, the technical areas should begin 10 yards
from the halfway line and extend 20 yards toward the goal line.
LAW #2: THE BALL
Ø U-06 and U-08 shall use a #3 ball.
Ø U-10 through U-12 shall use a #4 ball.
Ø All others shall use a #5 ball.
LAW #3: NUMBER OF PLAYERS & SUBSTITUTIONS
Ø The
following shall be the number of players for each age division to take
part in a match, the minimum required to begin a match, and the minimum
required to continue a match once started:
|
U-13 to U-19
|
U-11 to U-12
|
U-10
|
U-08
|
U-06
|
|
Maximum number on the field
|
11
|
8
|
6
|
4
|
3
|
|
To Start Match
|
7
|
6
|
5
|
3
|
3
|
|
To Finish Match
|
7
|
6
|
5
|
3
|
3
|
Ø Prior
to the start of a match, a complete team roster shall be prepared by
each team coach and presented to the referee, except in the U6/U8
program.
Ø The referee shall not allow a match to take place unless a roster is presented.
· For Select (U-11 Select and above): The
roster (i.e., electronic game card) shall be prepared on-line using the
Demosphere system. The roster/electronic game card shall include the
name of each registered player on each team, whether present or not, and
any Club Pass players if playing. All player names must be included
electronically; no names may be handwritten.
· For all other teams: If
the electronic form is not available, the team roster shall be written
on a league/club/state provided official game day roster and shall
include the name and jersey number of each registered player on each
team, whether present or not, and any Club Pass players if playing.
Ø For
Select (U-13 and above), a player not listed on the roster at the start
of the game, or whose name is hand written and not preprinted on the
game card, shall be ineligible to play in that game.
LAW #3: SUBSTITUTIONS -- all programs
Ø Whenever
the referee authorizes a coach/parent to enter the field to attend to
an injured player (excluding the goalkeeper or field player who has been
injured in a collision with the goalkeeper, and both are injured), the
player must leave the field. The injured player may only re-enter the
field after the match has restarted and with the referee’s permission.
Ø Players being substituted must exit the field of play prior to players coming on the field.
Ø All players should leave and enter the field at the middle of the field.
Ø In
playoff matches, subs may be made at the beginning of any overtime
period at the discretion of the coach. Compulsory substitution need not
be followed.
Ø Academy: Minimum playing time requirements are not mandated in the FLET.
Ø Select: Minimum playing time requirements are not mandated in the FLET.
Ø No player shall leave the field of play prior to the expiration of the game without the consent of the referee.
LAW #3: Substitutions -- All Select and Academy Programs and 11v11 Recreational Teams
Ø Substitutions shall be unlimited except where specified otherwise in the Rules and Regulations.
Ø Select competitions may specify substitution policies.
Ø Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the referee, at the following times:
· Prior to a throw-in in your favor.
· Prior to a goal kick, by either team.
· After a goal, by either team.
· After
an injury, by either team, when the referee stops the play.
Substitutions shall not be limited to only the injured player or his
team.
· At half time.
· After a caution, by either team.
Ø Substitutions are not allowed during the stoppage of play for a player being sent off (red card).
LAW #4: PLAYER'S EQUIPMENT
Ø All players on the same team shall wear the same color uniforms.
Ø They will be individually numbered and legible.
Ø The number on the shirt must correspond to the player number for that player as shown on the game card.
Ø The
goalkeeper shall wear a shirt of a different color from his teammates,
the referee, and his opponents, and does not require a number.
Ø The referee shall determine if there is a conflict of team colors.
Ø In the event of a conflict of team colors, the home team shall be required to change to alternate jerseys.
Ø Alternate jerseys may be T-shirts of contrasting colors.
Ø If a team is required to change to alternate jerseys, numbers on the jerseys shall not be required.
Ø Playing in "skins" shall not be allowed.
Ø U-10 and younger age groups shall wear only molded cleats or tennis shoes.
Ø Players shall not play with an unpadded cast.
Ø All
players must wear shin guards covered with socks. Shin guards must be a
commercially manufactured product specifically designed for the
purpose. Home-made products such as newspapers or bandages will not be
allowed.
Ø Players may not participate with improper equipment.
Ø U11
and older: Any screw-in cleat that is broken or damaged in any way so
as to expose any internal structure or present surface deformations with
sharp edges or projections that might endanger any player coming in
contact with it is prohibited and must be removed and/or replaced before
that player is allowed to play.
Ø The
use of improper equipment does not in and of itself create an illegal
player; however, fines and suspensions may be imposed on the coach or
the player or both.
LAW #5: REFEREES—No modifications
LAW #6: ASSISTANT REFEREES -- No modifications
LAW #7: DURATION OF THE GAME
Length of Games, Overtime Periods, and Ball Specifications (USSF 2107)
The length of games, ball size, ball-weight, ball dimensions for each age group shall be as follows:
Group
Game Ball Size
Circumference Weight
U-19
Two 45-min. halves #5
27-28
14-16 oz.
U-17
Two 45-min. halves #5
27-28
14-16 oz.
U-16
Two 40-min. halves #5
27-28
14-16 oz.
U-15
Two 40-min. halves #5
27-28
14-16 oz.
U-14
Two 35-min. halves #5
27-28
14-16 oz.
Group
Game Ball Size
Circumference Weight
U-13
Two 35-min. halves #5
27-28
14-16 oz.
U-12
Two 30-min. halves #4
25-26
11-13 oz.
U-11
Two 25-min. halves #4
25-26
11-13 oz.
u-9/U-10
Two 25-min. halves #4
25-26 11-13 oz.
U-08
Two 25-min. halves #3
23-24
11-12 oz.
U-06
Two 20-min. halves #3
23-24
11-12 oz.
Ø All
matches of U-9/U-10 age group teams and above shall have a 10 minute
half-time interval. All other age groups shall have a 5-minute half-time
interval.
Ø No overtime periods shall be played in the PRSL
LAW #8: THE START OF PLAY
Ø If
a team cannot field the required minimum number of players within 15
minutes after the scheduled kick-off time, that team will forfeit the
game. In the event that neither team is able to field the required
minimum number of players, then both teams will forfeit the game.
Ø For extenuating circumstances, the appropriate program Committee shall have the right to waive this rule.
Ø Each
team shall be represented at the field of play by a coach or assistant
coach for the duration of the game. A team not so represented shall
forfeit the match.
Ø The
referee shall make the final decision, at the field of play, as to
whether or not to begin the match, based upon his/her judgment of the
condition of the field of play, the weather, or any other factor he
considers pertinent.
Ø U-06: The opponents must be three (3) yards from the center mark while a kick-off is in progress.
Ø U-08: The opponents must be six (6) yards from the center mark while a kick-off is in progress.
LAW #9: BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY -- No Modifications
LAW #10: METHOD OF SCORING
Ø All forfeits shall result in a score of 4-0 against the team being penalized.
Ø In
the event of a forfeit, the 4 goals shall not be credited to any one
member of the winning team, but to the team as a whole.
LAW #11: OFF-SIDE
Ø U-06 and U-08: There is no off-side.
Ø In the case where one center official is used, he/she will make the offside call at his/her discretion.
LAW #12: FOULS AND MISCONDUCT -- U-10 and Under Modifications
Ø U-06 and U-08: It is recommended that the game official explain ALL infractions to the offending player.
Ø Harassing
the Goalkeeper: When the goalkeeper has taken possession of the ball
within his own penalty area, opposing players are required to move away
and to the side so as not to interfere with the goalkeeper putting the
ball into play.
Ø Opposing players shall not play or touch the ball until it has left the penalty area.
Ø PENALTY:
For any infringement of this modification an indirect free-kick shall
be awarded at the spot of the infringement given the overriding
provisions of Law XIII.
Ø Pass-back
to the Goalkeeper: A goalkeeper shall be penalized for handling the
ball intentionally passed to him from the feet of a teammate.
Ø Cases and Rulings:
· Case: The goalkeeper punts the ball, which strikes an opponent who is in the penalty area.
Ruling: Indirect Free Kick to the goalkeeper's team at the spot where the ball contacted the opponent.
· Case: The goalkeeper parries the ball to the ground.
Ruling:
The goalkeeper took initial possession with the parry (not deflection).
The ball is not playable by the opposition until the ball clears the
penalty area.
· Case: The goalkeeper punts the ball, which strikes a teammate within the penalty area and rebounds into the goal.
Ruling: Goal. The ball is in play.
· Case: After
taking possession of the ball, the goalkeeper and a teammate pass the
ball back and forth repeatedly within the penalty area.
Ruling: Indirect Free Kick from spot where time wasting is determined by referee.
· The
goalkeeper parries the ball to his feet and dribbles to the top of the
penalty area. If the ball is picked up by the goalkeeper, this would be a
second possession infringement. If the ball is kicked from the ground
out of the penalty area, play on, no infringement.
· Case: After
taking possession of the ball, the goalkeeper rolls the ball to a
teammate who is within the penalty area. The teammate then kicks the
ball out of the penalty area.
Ruling: Play on, no infringement.
LAW #13: FREE KICK -- (Direct and Indirect)
Ø U6 and U8: All free kicks will be indirect.
Ø U6: All fouls shall result in an indirect free kick with the opponents three yards away.
Ø U8: All fouls shall result in an indirect free kick with the opponents six yards away.
Ø U6: No kicks shall be taken by the attacking team within 3 yards of the defenders’ goal.
Ø U8: No kicks shall be taken by the attacking team within 6 yards of the defenders’ goal.
LAW #14: PENALTY KICK
U6 and U8: No penalty kicks are to be taken during games.
LAW #15: THROW IN
U6
and U8: A second throw-in must be allowed if the player makes an
improper throw-in on the initial attempt. The second throw-in takes
place after the game official briefly explains the proper method.
LAW #16: GOAL KICK
Ø U6:
The kick may be taken within three (3) yards from the goal line and the
opponents must be three (3) yards away from the ball.
Ø U8:
The kick may be taken within three (3) yards from the goal line and the
opponents must be six (6) yards away from the ball.
LAW #17: CORNER KICK
U6:
Throw-ins may be taken in place of corner kicks. If corner kicks are
used, the opponents must be three (3) yards away from the ball.
U8: Opponents must be six (6) yards away from the ball.
Sportsmanship
Ø Conduct
Ø All that is dishonorable, un-sportsmanlike, and ungentlemanly is particularly and expressly condemned.
Ø All persons in authority will conduct themselves in a manner that will not contribute to the delinquency of minors.
Ø FLET encourages moral and social responsibility.
Ø Any
player, coach, or parent guilty of such violations will be subject to
disciplinary action by their respective leagues or by the FLET or by
both.
Ø Rules of conduct to be adhered to by participants at all Youth Soccer events are:
· Offensive, insulting, and abusive language will not be tolerated, either on field of play or in field's general area.
· Ungentlemanly conduct will not be tolerated.
· Respect for referee, either on field or in field's general area, must be shown by all.
· Punctuality by both teams and referee must be practiced out of courtesy for others.
· Dangerous play must not be taught or encouraged. All players must be taught to "play the ball" and not the "man".
· Proper respect for opposing teams and spectators must be exhibited by all.
· Alcoholic beverages will not be permitted in the general area of the field.
Ø Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, officials and spectators.
Ø Physical violence, foul and abusive language, harassment of players or referees WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
Ø The use of noise-making or amplifying devices is PROHIBITED.
Ø Such conduct will be reported by the referee even in situations where cards were not awarded.