Winter Development League 2024-25 season competition rules

Game length

~  The game clock will begin the moment the previous game ends. For example, if your game is listed to be 45 minutes and it takes 3 minutes for the two teams to get organized the game duration will be 42 minutes.

~  For all 9v9/10v10 (half field) games the game slot is 45 minutes

~  For 7v7/8v8 games most game slots are 45 minutes but on certain days and fields the time slots will be 40 minutes.

~  There will be no half time.

~  Teams must immediately vacate the field when the game ends to allow for the next game to start promptly.

Officiating

~ All games will be officiated by a single referee

Number of players on the field

• ~  The standard number of players on the field is 7v7 or 8v8 (U8-U115) and 9v9 or 10v10 (U16-U19).

• ~ Both coaches should mutually agree on the number of players on the field prior to the game starting.

Rules of the game

• ~  Throw-ins for all age groups. No kick-ins

• ~ If a field with boards is used, the boards will be considered in play. 

• ~  No punting from the goalkeepers. This includes drop kick punts. Ball must be distributed by the keeper by playing the ball from ground with the feet, or by rolling or throwing the ball with the hands.

• ~  No slide tackling for U8-U15 age groups. Slide tackling is allowed for U16-U19

• ~  Offside rules:

  • ~  No offside for 7v7/8v8 divisions

  • ~  For 9v9/10v10 divisions (1⁄2 of full 11v11 field) the offside line will be the top of the penalty box for each team, which should be marked approximately 15 yards from the goal line. In the event there are no field lines for the penalty areas, cones shall be used.

• ~  Build out line is to be implemented for U8-U10 age groups. The build out line shall be marked with a cone on either side of the field approximately 15 yards from the goal line.

• ~  Substitutions shall be on the fly for all age groups.

Uniform conflict

~ In the event of a color conflict the home team listed must change jersey

Spectator areas

• ~  Rockford indoor #2 - bleachers behind the netting

• ~  Rockford Dimke 1-4 - behind the glass partition or on the bleachers on the opposite side of the glass.

~  Campton facility - spectator area behind the glass

Spectators are not permitted to watch the game from the coaches / players sideline

Scores and Standings

~ WDL is a developmental league. Although we strive to create competitive games, there will be no scores or standings posted. 

Player or Coach red cards

• ~  Any player or coach ejected from a game will be suspended from the next game.

• ~  If serious foul play occurs the WDL league management reserves the right to increase the suspension from 1 game to 3 games.