LAW 1: THE FIELD OF PLAY

FIFA LAW: "The field of play shall be rectangular ... marked with distinctive lines... (To designate) the goal area. The penalty area... the corner area ... (with) goals placed on the center of each goal-line and firmly secured to the ground..."

QCC Modifications:

A. Field Sizes: 

U7 and U8

40 yards wide by 60 yards long

40 to 50 yards wide by 60 to 80 yards long

Center circle's radius is 8 yards

Goal area extends 6 yards out from inside of each goalpost and 6 yards out from goal line

Penalty area extends 12 yards out from inside of each goalpost and 12 yards out from goal line

Penalty mark is 10 yards from goal line centered on the goal

B. Goal size (inside dimensions): 

U7 and U8

18 feet wide by 6.5 feet high 9-U through 12-U

U9 through U12

21 feet wide by 7 feet high 13-U and Up

C. Spectator Lines:

When fields are marked with a special Spectator Line, spectators must be encouraged to stay behind the Spectator Line to avoid accidentally interfering with play or impede the function of the referee and/or coaches.

LAW 2: THE BALL

FIFA LAW: "The ball shall be spherical and made of a suitable material..." 

QCC Modifications:

U7 and U8
Size 3 soccer ball

U9 through U12
Size 4 soccer ball

LAW 3: NUMBER OF PLAYERS

FIFA LAW: "A match shall be played by two teams, each consisting of not more than eleven players, one of whom shall be the goalkeeper..."

QCC Modifications:

A. Teams shall be grouped in accordance with age groupings employed by NCYSA in the Birth Year Matrix.

B. Players may play in an age group intended for older children without special permission from the QCC.  However,  players cannot play in an age group intended for younger players.

C. Players may only be placed on one roster. Double rostering is prohibited.

D. The QCC reserves the right to require participants to provide proof of birth date such as birth certificates or other identification stated as acceptable by NCYSA.

E. Number of players on the field: 

U7 and U8

7v7 with a goalkeeper

6 field players plus 1 goalkeeper from each team 9-U through 12-U

U9 through U12

8v8 with a goalkeeper

7 field players plus 1 goalkeeper from each team 13-U and Up

F. Team roster sizes: U7 and U8

U7 and U8

Minimum 7

Maximum 12 

U9 through U12

Minimum 8

Maximum 14 

G. No currently rostered Academy, Classic, or higher level players allowed.  Only players that have played in the current spring season of the UCYS league are allowed to participate in the QCC.

H. Substitutions:

Substitutions shall be unlimited; a player who has been replaced may return to the game.

All substituting players must be standing near the center line PRIOR to asking for a substitutionand may not enter the field until given permission from the referee.

Substitutions may be made at the following times ONLY with the referee’s consent:

Prior to a throw-in by either team

Prior to a goal-kick by either team

After a goal by either team

After an injury for either team when the referee stops play – the team with the injured player(s) may only substitute the injured player(s); the team without the injured player(s) may only substitute a number of players equal to or less than the team with the injured player(s)

After a player has received a yellow card when the referee stops play –– the team with the carded player(s) may only substitute the carded player(s); the team without the carded player(s) may only substitute a number of players equal to or less than the team with the carded player(s)

LAW 4: PLAYERS' EQUIPMENT

FIFA LAW: "The basic compulsory equipment of a player shall consist of a jersey or shirt, shorts, stockings, shin guards and footwear. A player shall not wear anything which is dangerous to another player... the goalkeeper shall wear colors which distinguish them from the other players and from referees..."

QCC Modifications:

A. Referees will check that all players are wearing proper equipment prior to the start of each match.

B. The only acceptable footwear for players shall be soccer cleats or sneakers. Cleats designated for sports other than soccer will not be allowed.

C. Players on the field of play must wear shin guards. If a player is without shin guards for the game, that player shall use the shin guards of a teammate not on the field at that time and shall not hold up play in switching shin guards.

E. The home team shall be responsible for ensuring that no uniforms conflict with the visiting team. Each team should have available sufficient pinnies of an alternate color to ensure compliance with this rule.

F. No audio amplification may be used during the match by coaches or spectators unless allowed by the referee.

LAW 5: REFEREES and LAW 6: LINESMEN

FIFA LAW: "A referee shall be appointed to officiate in each game. Their authority --- (shall) commence as soon as they enter the field of play --- They shall:

(a) enforce the laws

(b) refrain from penalizing in cases that, by doing so, he would be giving an advantage to the offending team

(c) keep record of the game

(d) stop the game for any infringement of the laws and to suspend or terminate the game (when necessary)

(e) caution (yellow card) any player guilty of misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior

(f) allow no person other than the players and linesmen to enter the field of play without their permission

(g) stop the game if, in their opinion, a player has been seriously injured

(h) send off the field of play (red card) any player who, in their opinion, is guilty of violent conduct, serious foul play, or the use of foul or abusive language.

QCC Modifications:

A. Referees will be assigned by the tournament. Referees will be given official QCC approved rosters and conduct player check in prior to the start of each game.

B. The referee has the authority to suspend matches, if conditions warrant. Games suspended at half- time or later due to weather conditions shall be considered as complete with the score at the moment of suspension being recorded as the final score.

C. Substitution for injuries: safety of the players is paramount! Any child injured in such a manner that a stoppage of play is necessary shall be required to leave the field of play if the coach enters the field of play. Substitution for an injured player shall be permitted.

D. Any player showing blood of any kind must leave the field immediately to receive first aid treatment. The player may not return to the field until the blood is completely cleaned up and no longer visible. Any player with a jersey showing blood must remove it and put on a different jersey to continue playing. Under these circumstances, players are allowed to share jerseys during the game.

LAW 7: DURATION OF PLAY

FIFA LAW: "The duration of the game shall be two equal periods of 45 minutes ... Allowance shall be made in either period for all time lost through substitution, the transport from the field of injured players, time wasting, or other cause, the amount of which shall be a matter for the discretion of the referee..."

QCC Modifications:

A. Game Length: 

7-U and 8-U

(4) 12-minute quarters

2-minute breaks between quarters (minimum)

5-minute break at halftime (minimum)

*The team kicking off for the 1st quarter shall again kick-off to start the 3rd quarter; their

opponents shall kick-off to start the 2nd and 4th quarters

9-U through 12-U

(2) 25-minute halves

5-minute break at halftime (minimum)

B. Only the head coach and three assistant coaches listed on the official team roster shall be allowed to remain on the bench side of the field while the ball is in play. All coaches must remain on the bench side of the field and are not allowed to pass beyond the midfield line or the top of the penalty box. 

C. No parents, coaches or spectators shall be allowed behind either goal line during games.

LAW 8: THE START OF PLAY

FIFA LAW: "At the beginning of the game, choice of ends and the kickoff shall be decided by the toss of a coin ... The referee having given a signal, the game shall be started by a player taking a place-kick (i.e. a kick at the ball while it is stationary on the ground in the center of the field of play), every player shall be in their own half of the field and every player of the team opposing that of the kicker shall remain not less than 10 yards from the ball until it is kicked off; it shall not be deemed in play until it has clearly moved; the kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player...”

"A goal may be scored directly against the opponents from the kick-off."

QCC Modifications:

A. Opponents' distance from kick-off (center circle): 

U7 and U8

6 yards 9-U through 12-U

U9 through U12

8 yards 13-U and Up

B. Minimum number of players required to start a match: U7 and U8

U7 and U8

5 players

9-U through 12-U

6 players

C. Each coach is responsible for providing the referee with an official QCC team roster when the referee is ready to check in the team prior to the start of the match. Each roster must list the team’s name and the coaches’ names, along with the name, jersey number, and date of birth for each player on the team. The referee will check the roster against the players and keep the roster. Players that arrive late for the start of the game may enter the game only with the permission of the referee. If any team reports for a match with less than the minimum number of players specified above, the referee shall delay the start of the game for 15 minutes to allow the team an opportunity for its players to arrive. If after the 15-minute delay the team still has fewer than the minimum number of players, the match shall be declared a forfeit with the opposing team being awarded a winning score of 3 to 0.

LAW 9: BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

FIFA LAW: "The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal-line or touch-line, whether on the ground or in the air, (or) when the game has been stopped by the referee. The ball is in play at all other times from the start of the match to the finish..."

QCC Modifications:

None

LAW 10: METHOD OF SCORING

FIFA LAW: "A goal is scored when the whole of the ball has passed over the goal-line between the goal posts and under the cross-bar, provided it has not been thrown, carried, or intentionally propelled by hand or arm, by a player of the attacking side..."

QCC Modifications:

A. Tournament pool play standings shall be determined on a point basis: 3 points awarded for a win, 1 point for a tie, and zero points for a loss.

B. Any tournament pool play games ending in a tie at the end of regulation time shall remain a tie.

C. Forfeiture of a tournament match shall be recorded as a 3 to 0 score with the team causing the forfeiture to receive the 0.

LAW 11: OFF SIDE

FIFA LAW: "A player is in an off-side position if the are nearer to their opponents’ goal-line than the ball, unless (a) they are in their own half of the field of play, or (b) they are not nearer to their opponent’s goal-line than at least two of their opponents. A player shall only be penalized for being in an off-side position, if at the moment the ball touches, or is played by one of their teammates, they are in the opinion of the referee, (a) interfering with play or with an opponent, or (b) seeking to gain an advantage ... A player shall not be declared offside by the referee if they receive the ball direct from a goal-kick, a corner-kick, or a throw- in..."

QCC Modifications:

The off-side rule is waived for the U7 and U8 age groups.
NOTE: Positioning an off sides player to Cherry Pick shall be considered unsportsmanlike conduct by the coach and result in an indirect free kick for the other team.

LAW 12: FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

FIFA LAW: "A player who intentionally commits any of the following nine offenses shall be penalized by the award of a direct free-kick to be taken by the opposing team from the place where the offense occurred.

1. Kicks or attempts to kick opponent

2. Trips an opponent

3. Jumps at an opponent

4. Charges an opponent in a violent or dangerous manner

5. Charges an opponent from behind unless the latter is obstructing

6. Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent or spits at him

7. Holds an opponent

8. Pushes an opponent

9. Handles the ball (except the goalkeeper in his own penalty area)

A player committing any of the five following offenses shall be penalized by the award of an indirect free- kick to be taken by the opposing team from the place the offense occurred...

1. Playing in a manner considered by the referee to be dangerous...

2. Charging ... when the ball is not within playing distance...

3. Intentionally obstructing an opponent...

4. Charging the goalkeeper...

5. When playing as goalkeeper ... from the moment they take control of the ball with their hands, they hold the ball for more than 6 seconds.

A player is cautioned (shown a yellow card) if guilty of:

1. delaying the restart of play

2. dissent by word or action

3. entering, re-entering or deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission

4. failing to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick, free kick, or throw-in

5. persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game (no specific number or pattern of infringements constitutes “persistent”)

6. unsporting behavior

A player, substitute or substituted player who commits any of the following offences is sent off:

1. denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (except a goalkeeper within their penalty area)

2. denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the opponents’ goal by an offence punishable by a free kick (unless as outlined below)

3. serious foul play
4. spitting at an opponent or any other person
5. violent conduct
6. using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures receiving a second caution in the same match

QCC Discrimination Policy:

For this purpose, Discrimination will be defined as anyone who offends the dignity of a person or group of persons through contemptuous, discriminatory or denigrating words or actions concerning race, color, language, religion, gender, origin or sexual orientation.
Anyone, player, coach, or spectator, found guilty of discrimination will be suspended for the remainder of the tournament.

QCC Policy on Heading:

NO HEADING is allowed in any QCC match.

If a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.

QCC Modifications:

A. Players receiving a red card (as an immediate red or a second yellow) will be immediately suspended. Suspended players may not be replaced in the game from which they are suspended. Further, the QCC requires the player to be suspended for an additional game (during which, the player's team shall not be required to play a person short). It is recommended the suspended player be required to attend the next game, sit on the bench, but not play in this additional game before the QCC suspension is satisfied.

B. Denying a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity will result in a caution (yellow card), as opposed to a sending off (red card).

C. Players receiving a caution (yellow card) shall be removed from the game and can be substituted for.

D. For the U7 and U8 age groups, all fouls shall result in the award of an indirect free-kick. Direct free- kicks and penalty kicks shall not be employed. All rule infractions should be explained by the referee to the offending player(s).

NOTE: For a foul occurring inside the box, the ball will be placed at the nearest location outside of the box in the field of play and an indirect free-kick will be employed.

E. Slide tackling 

U7 and U8

Slide tackling is not permitted at the U7 and U8 age levels; any infractions will result in an indirect free kick 

U9 and U10

A slide tackle at the U9 and U10 age levels that would be deemed legal by FIFA standards will result in a warning by the referee to the individual player and instructions that they should stay on their feet going forward; a second slide tackle by the same player will result in an indirect free kick

U11 and U12
Slide tackling is permitted at any age levels U11 and U12; normal FIFA rules apply

LAW 13: FREE-KICK

FIFA LAW: "Free-kicks shall be classified under two headings: "Direct" (from which a goal can be scored direct against the offending side) and "Indirect" (from which a goal cannot be scored unless the ball has been played or touched by a player other than the kicker before passing through the goal)..."

QCC Modifications:

For the U7 and U8 age groups, all free-kicks shall be indirect free-kicks.

LAW 14: PENALTY-KICK

FIFA LAW: "A penalty-kick shall be taken from the penalty mark and, when it is taken, all players with the exception of the player taking the kick, properly identified, and the opposing goalkeeper, shall be within the field of play but outside the penalty area...”

QCC Modifications:

A. For the U7 and U8 age groups, penalty kicks shall not be employed. Instead, an indirect kick shall be awarded (see Law 12 for placement of the ball if a foul occurs within the goal area).

B. Refer to the Qcc Modifications under Law 1 for placement of the penalty mark for the various age groups.

LAW 15: THROW-IN

FIFA LAW: "When the whole of the ball passes over a touch-line, either on the ground or in the air, it shall be thrown in from where it crossed the line, in any direction, by a player of the team opposite to that of the player who last touched it..."

At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:

- faces the field of play

- has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line

- holds the ball with both hands

- delivers the ball from behind and over their head

- delivers the ball from the point where it left the field of play

LAW 16: GOAL-KICK

FIFA LAW: "When the whole of the ball passes over the goal-line, excluding that portion between the goal-posts, either in the air or on the ground, having been last played by one of the attacking team, it shall be kicked direct into play...The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.”

Simplified, the ball does not have to leave the penalty area to be in play. Opponents must be outside the penalty area until the ball is in play. However, if the kicking team takes a quick goal kick and opponents have not had time to leave the penalty area, the referee will allow play to continue. If the opponents who are inside the penalty area or enter the penalty area before the ball is in play, touch or challenge for the ball before it is in play, the goal kick is retaken.

QCC Modifications:

For U7 and U8 age groups only, the attacking team must retreat behind the midfield line during a goal kick. The attacking team may cross the midline after the ball is kicked.

LAW 17: CORNER-KICK

FIFA LAW: "When the whole of the ball passes over the goal-line, excluding that portion between the goal-posts, either in the air or on the ground, having been last played by one of the defending team, a member of the attacking team shall take a corner kick..."

QCC Modifications:

None

The excerpts from the FIFA Laws of the game contained herein have been condensed in order to conserve space; please review the FIFA Laws to ensure complete understanding of the rules as employed by the QCC. Additionally, FIFA Laws are supplemented by FIFA International Board decisions and by QCC special rules, including but not limited to the following:

International Board Decisions

IBD #14: If, in the opinion the referee, a player intentionally uses their feet to play the ball back to the goalkeeper who then uses their hands to play the ball, the player shall be penalized by the award to the opposing team of an indirect free-kick from the spot where the goalkeeper touched the ball with their hands, provided that spot is not nearer than 6 yards from the goal-line. (Note: This decision will also be enforced if, in the opinion of the referee, the player uses obvious trickery to avoid using their feet to play the ball back to their goalkeeper.)

IBD #15: If, in the opinion of the referee, a player who is moving toward their opponents' goal with an obvious opportunity to score a goal is intentionally impeded by unlawful means, i.e. an offense punishable by a free-kick (or penalty kick), thus denying the aforesaid goal-scoring opportunity, the offending player shall be sent off the field of play (red-carded) for serious foul play in accordance with LAW 12.

IBD #16: If, in the opinion of the referee, a player, other than the goalkeeper within their own penalty area, denies their opponent a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by intentionally handling the ball, they shall be sent off the field of play (red-carded) for serious foul play in accordance with LAW 12.

IBD #17: The IFAB is of the opinion that a goalkeeper ... will be considered in control of the ball when they take possession of the ball by touching it with any part of their hands or arms. Possession of the ball would include the goalkeeper intentionally parrying the ball, but would not include the circumstance where, in the opinion of the referee, the ball rebounds accidentally from the goalkeeper, for example, after they have made a save.

QCC Modifications:

For the U7 and U8 age groups, players will not be sent off the field of play (red-carded) except for extreme situations, particularly ones that endanger the safety and welfare of another player. Sending-off offences laid out in IBD laws 15 and 16 will not be enforced.

For U9 through U12, the sending off offenses laid out in IBD laws 15 and 16 will result in a yellow card, as opposed to red.

QCC Special Rules

In relation to tournament and match procedure:

A. In cases of inclement weather, all decisions on whether or not to play, will be made by the QCC staff.

B. For U7 and U8 age groups only, the attacking team must retreat behind the midline during a goal kick. The attacking team may cross the midline after the ball is kicked. If a goalkeeper gains possession via normal play, play will resume per normal FIFA rules.

E. No protests will be allowed or accepted during the QCC.

F. The following addendum to LAW 7 shall be employed for the QCC for semi-final and championship matches ONLY.

LAW 7: DURATION OF PLAY (overtime addendum for age groups U9 - U12)

If the match is tied at the end of regulation play, two full, non-golden goal 5-minute overtime periods shall then be played with a one-minute break between overtime periods; usual substitution rules shall apply during the overtime periods. If the tie has been broken at the end of the 2nd overtime period, the game is over.

If the match is still tied at the end of the 2nd overtime period, the game shall follow FIFA shootout rules for penalty shots:

i. Any five players who are on the field at the conclusion of the 2nd overtime period may take one of the penalty shots.

ii. Any player who is on the field at the conclusion of the 2nd overtime period may be designated as the goalkeeper for the penalty shots

iii. The team scoring the most penalty shots is declared the winner and is awarded one goal to break the tie.

If the match is still tied at the end of five penalty shots, then sudden death penalty shots will ensue, utilizing the remaining players who were on the field at the end of the 2nd over-time period.

i. Teams shall alternate penalty shots, the first team to score during a round without the opposing team scoring during the same round shall be declared the winner and awarded one goal.

ii. The players who took the original five penalty shots are not permitted to take shots during this portion of sudden death.

If the match is still tied at the end of this portion of sudden death, alternating penalty shots shall continue until a winner is declared.

i. All players on the field at the end of the 2nd overtime period shall be eligible to take penalty shots in any order.

ii. A player may not have a second turn until each of the other eligible players has had a first turn.

LAW 7: DURATION OF PLAY (overtime addendum for age groups U7 & U8 only)

If, at the end of regulation time, the score is tied, there will be a 2-minute break and the teams shall come back on the field minus one player per team, with that player being the goalkeeper for each team. The teams will then play a full 3-minute, non- golden goal overtime period with no goalkeepers. If the score is still tied at the end of the overtime period, another 2-minute break will be taken and the teams will return to the field with one less player than in the first overtime period. Another full 3-minute, non-golden goal overtime period will be played.

The teams will continue to remove one player from each team for each consecutive non-golden goal overtime period until an overtime period finally ends with a true winner.

In relation to the behavior and actions of coaches and spectators:

A. All players, coaches, parents, and spectators shall be required to conduct themselves properly at all times. Parents and spectators shall refrain from interfering with referees, officials, coaches or players. The use of alcohol on the fields is strictly prohibited. Failure of a coach, player or parent to abide by this Code of Conduct shall be grounds for removal of the coach, player or parent. QCC has the authority to suspend or terminate offenders.

B. Coaches will ensure their bench area is completely cleaned before leaving the field after a match and teach their players to respect the field by not littering.

C. No artificial noise makers are allowed at the fields during games.

D.  Zero Tolerance Policy:  Any player, coach, or spectator, that is ejected from a QCC match will be required to leave Optimist Park immediately and will not be allowed to return for the duration of the tournament.