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BAY AREA SOCCER REFEREE ASSOCIATION HANDBOOK |
6 PLAYING RULES
BASRA members will use the FIFA Laws of the Game, latest edition, to officiate all USSF-sanctioned matches. Local competition amendments to the Laws will be enforced unless they infringe upon the powers and duties of the referee as set forth in Law 5, or otherwise are in direct contradiction with the Laws.
A complete set of the Laws of the Game is supplied to all new and recertified referees as part of their registration package. Additional copies may be purchased from USSF or at some local soccer supply stores. An electronic copy may be viewed at the FIFA Web Site (http://www.fifa.com).
Each year, USSF issues a memorandum clarifying the IFAB changes to the Laws of the game and explaining how USSF expects referees to interpret and apply those changes. The USSF Memorandum is mailed directly to all USSF-registered referees. An electronic copy may be viewed and printed at the USSF Web Site (http://www.us-soccer.com).
USSF has issued an excellent guide on some of the finer points of the Laws. This guide is available to all referees who complete the recertification clinic, or may be viewed and downloaded on the USSF Web Site (http://www.us-soccer.com).
Each year, referees are subjected to abuse and sometimes assault from players, coaches, and spectators. If not addressed promptly and effectively, these situations can result in referees leaving the program or suffering physical injury.
The only way we can effectively deal with these situations is for any of us who experience abuse or assault to immediately file a report. Follow the guidelines in Section 9 of this Handbook. If a USSF Report is not available, use a BAYSA Misconduct Report, or just a sheet of paper. Any of your BASRA Board members will assist you with the paperwork.
Once the report is filed, don't recant. You may feel that you don't want to pursue it, it's too much trouble, or the violator has learned his/her lesson. But you must think of other referees who could be exposed to similar mistreatment. If you allow it to happen to you, you encourage it happening to someone else.
Remember, if you don't report these situations they will only continue, and others will be exposed to this unacceptable behavior.
Excerpted from the Bay Area Youth Soccer Association 2004-2005 Rules of Competition
V. SCOREKEEPING
I. Game Report Cards
- The Referee Association has been asked to verify that the Game Card contains at least the following information before being accepted from the home team coach:
- BAYSA game number
- BAYSA five-digit team number
- BAYSA field number
- Clubs and Team names (printed legibly)
- Player names and jersey numbers (printed legibly)
- Both coaches' names (printed legibly)
- Scheduled (original, not make-up) game date and starting time (Referee will fill in actual date and time)
- Sex and Level of Competition
- Age division of play
- A player whose name appears on the game report card is considered to have participated in that game. The only exception is in the case of a player who has been suspended by BAYSA for disciplinary reasons for one or more games. If a player has been issued a red card and is sitting out a game, the player's name must be included with a notation as to which game of the required suspension is being served.
- Prior to player inspections before each game, it shall be the responsibility of the home team coach to supply the Referee with a completed BAYSA game report card. The home team coach must have obtained the visiting team's complete information prior to giving the game card to the Referee.
- The Referee is requested to follow these guidelines in completing the "Referee Game Report" section:
- Enter the scores for both teams.
- Record the actual game date and time of start of game.
- If a game is abandoned while in progress, report the half in which and time at which the game was abandoned.
- Make notation of any player ID cards that are not laminated, photo attached, and signed
- Report on any of the following as appropriate:
- Conduct of players, coaches, or spectators not covered elsewhere.
- Condition of the field and markings.
- Injuries to players.
- Other matters believed to be needing attention by the league.
- Fill out the portion of the game report card for the visiting team with the final score and any discipline cards given to the visiting team during the game and give this portion to the visiting coach.
- After the game, the Referee will give the completed game card to the home coach. The home coach will submit the game card to his club scorekeeper.
(From BASRA: The Referee and Assistant Referees shall print their names on the card and the Referee shall sign it along with both coaches. The Referee and Assistant Referees should record the Game Number and show it on their Games Rosters. As an aid in remembering this number, BASRA is making available Game Slips for Referees to use to record this information. These are not to be submitted with the Games Roster but are a handy way to record Game Numbers.)
VII. REFEREES
- At the end of each game, each Referee shall report on the game card the results of the game, personnel of the teams, all goals scored, and all disciplinary action taken before, during, or after the game, and shall give the completed form to the home team coach before leaving the field. For more information on game report cards, see Section V. Scorekeeping, I. Game Report Cards.
- By separate report, the Referee shall notify the Association D&P chairperson of all serious disciplinary actions taken during the game. This additional report shall be mailed within 48 hours of the game to the BAYSA D&P chairperson. (Note: By March, 1999, agreement, all coach misconduct should be reported to the BASRA President, who will forward it to BAYSA D&P.)
- Referees are not required to notify opposing coaches of players playing without proper ID cards. The Referee's sole responsibility will be to report on the game card to the Association any player whose identification is not proper.
XIV. RULES OF PLAY
A. General Requirements
- FIFA Laws of the Game as approved by the USSF are applicable to all Association-sponsored competitions except as noted in the Rules of Competition.
B. Player Eligibility for Games
- All players must present an official identification (ID) card to the Referee prior to participation in any BAYSA sanctioned competition.
- The manager, coach or captain of each team shall furnish the Referee, prior to the start of the game, with a roster of his/her players. A player not properly listed on the roster for a team shall not play in the game. The roster will also serve as the official game report.
- Uniforms for players are mandatory and consist of jersey or t-shirt, shorts, knee socks, shoes and shin guards. Included are the following:
a. Knee pads and elbow pads are permissible.
b. No player, including the goalkeeper, shall be dressed just like the referee.
c. All goalkeepers must have a jersey that contrasts with their own team and the opposing teams' jerseys.
d. Warm clothing, in cold weather, is acceptable provided the jersey is worn on the outside.
e. Bandannas of any style may not be worn during any game. Players may not wear a bandanna on their head, legs or arms.
f. It is mandatory that all players' jerseys be numbered with a 6" to 10" number with exception of the goalkeeper, and each player wear the same number throughout the game. Each player's jersey must have a number different from every other player jersey on their team.
g. No players will be allowed to play with a hard cast (plastic, plaster or fiberglass), padded or otherwise.
h. Socks must cover shin guards.
i. No jewelry of any type will be permitted during the game. Medical bracelets or necklaces may be worn provided they are taped to the skin with the medical condition displayed.
j. Hair clips that the referee determines may be dangerous to the players will not be allowed to be worn during a game.
k. Uniforms are mandatory by the second regular season game except in extreme hardship cases, which must be approved by the BAYSA executive board in advance.
C. Game Scoring Forms and Game Procedures
- All players must present an official identification card to the Referee prior to participation in any BAYSA sanctioned competition. All registered coaches should present an official identification card as well to the Referee prior to participation in any BAYSA sanctioned event. ... In absence of a registered coach, substitute coaches will be allowed with a photo ID. The Referee shall check all ID cards and note on the game report any player whose ID card is not properly prepared (photo, signed, and laminated).
- The home team must change jerseys if the Referee decides that a color conflict exists providing the visiting team is wearing its official team uniform. If the visiting team is not wearing its official colors and a color conflict exists, then the visiting team must change.
- The Referee will turn the game card over to the home coach after each game...
D. Minimum Play
Minimum playing time is policed solely by the clubs, not by the Referee, and is not a matter of protest.
E. Sideline Coaching and Behavior
- When teams occupy the same side of the field, it is the home club's responsibility to choose and designate which end of the field to occupy. Each team is allowed a maximum of three coaches/assistant coaches with the team. Coaching will be allowed only from this side and only from the midfield line (halfway line) to the top of the penalty box (penalty area) on the team's end of the field. All other spectators will be placed on the opposite side of the field. Also, team members will be restricted to the area between the midfield line (halfway line) and the top of the penalty box (penalty area) on the team's end of the field.
- For games that have both teams positioned on the same side of the field, the spectators shall be positioned opposite the team they are supporting between the midfield line (halfway line) and the top of the penalty box (penalty area). They may not go beyond the midfield line (halfway line) into the other spectator section to cheer for their team.
- Sideline coaching of players on the field during a game shall be permitted by coaches only from their side of the playing field, along the touchline, and between the penalty boxes (areas). Excessive coaching may be limited by the Referee no matter where the source is located.
- All persons except coaches are required to stay 6-feet back of the touchlines.
- No verbal abuse or game interference shall be allowed regardless of source. The game may be stopped and the outcome referred to the D&P Committee if such actions continue after a warning from the Referee.
- A coach shall be warned or sent off for the actions of the sideline spectators (parents, friends, etc.). If, in the judgment of the Referee, that the coach is without fault in the excesses of these sideline spectators, and if those persons so ordered have left the area, then the Referee may permit the coach to remain on the sideline in his coaching capacity. Coaches are reminded that the Referee is under no obligation to permit them to remain in a no-fault situation. This rule merely gives the Referee the flexibility to allow the coach to remain if the coach is judged by the Referee to be without fault. The Referee will file the usual misconduct report concerning the incident, making particular note of the specific actions/conduct of the coach during any such incident for the records of the D&P Committee.
F. Sportsmanship Points for U-7 and U-8 Divisions
- Three categories of sportsmanship points will be used: coaches, spectators and players. A maximum of 5 points will be awarded in each category with 5 being exemplary; 4, above average; 4, average; 2, below average; 1 being unacceptable.
- At the end of each game the referee will award up to 5 points each for the sportsmanship of each category. ...
- No one may approach the Referee to ask about the number of points being awarded.
G. Forfeits Any of the following will result in forfeiture of a game.
- Failure to field a team with a minimum number of players per STYSA within 15 minutes of the scheduled starting time of the game according to the referee's watch. ...
- A coach or other responsible adult not present with the team during competition or failure to show up within 15 minutes of the scheduled starting time of the game.
- The appropriate team not chaninging jerseys when a color conflict exists. Color conflict is to be determined by the referee.
- Any team which receives a total of 27 STYSA discipline points during one game shall forfeit... All play will cease with the third ejection (send off) and all players required to leave the field. ...
(BASRA note: STYSA points are 3 for a Caution and 9 for a Send Off.)
H. Game Protest
If a coach intends to protest a game, he/she must make this intention known before leaving the field, i.e., the coach must notify both the Referee and the opposing coach before leaving the field. A game cannot be protested on a Referee's judgment call. ...
Any protest relating to late starts, the grounds, goal post, bars, or other appurtenances shall be entertained for consideration only if an objection has been lodged with the Referee in writing prior to the start of the game on the official team line-up sheets. This protest must also be verbally communicated to the manager/coach of the opposing team as well as the game Referee.
K. Disciplinary Point System
- In keeping with USYSA procedures, referees will not actually show warning and/or ejection cards to coaches.
- Any physical contact with a Referee or assigned neutral linesperson by a player, coach or spectator, documanted in a Referee's report, will result in an immediate BAYSA suspension, pending review by the STYSA D&P Committee.
L. Reschedules, Inclement Weather and Field Closures
- Rain during game. Once a game has started, only the Referee can decide if the game is to be called off because of foul weather or possible damage to the playing field. If the game is called off prior to the start of the second half, the game must be rescheduled and replayed in its entirity. If the game has started the second half, the game will stand with the score as it is at that particular time. The Referee has final authority to postpone a game because of weather and/or playing field conditions.
(See also 6.7 Inclement Weather Guidelines.)
XV. BAYSA MODIFICATIONS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME
The Rules of Competition for BAYSA shall be the International Laws of the Game as published in the current issue of the "Laws of the Game and Universal Guide for Referees USSF Supplement" as authorized by the International Football Association Board with the following modifications for BAYSA youth competitions. Those portions of the Laws not discussed in the following sections have not been modified. Some of the Laws listed below have not been modified, but are repeated for emphasis.
A. Law 1. Field of Play
The table* shows typical field dimensions for 11v11, 8v8 and 7v7 fields, with minimum and maximum dimensions. Deviations should only be made to accommodate specific field situations. Clubs shall mark a spectator restraining line approximately 6 feet off each touchline. (*The BAYSA Handbook provides diagrams; this table is based on them.)
|
Dimension |
7v7 |
8v8 |
11v11 |
|
Field width |
30 - 40 yds or
40 - 50 yds |
50 - 60 yds |
50 - 70 yds |
|
Field length |
50 - 60 or
60 - 70 yds |
70 - 80 yds |
100 - 130 yds |
|
Penalty area |
11 x 17 or
14 x 35 yds |
14 x 35 yds |
18 x 44 yds |
|
Penalty spot |
none * |
9 yds |
12 yds |
|
Goal area |
5 x 11 or
6 x 19 yds |
6 x 19 yds |
6 x 20 yds |
|
Goal mouth |
5 x 15 or
6 x 18 ft |
6 x18 or
7 x 21 ft |
8 x 24 ft |
|
Center circle radius |
6 or 8 yds |
8 yds |
10 yds |
|
Penalty Arc |
None |
6 yds |
10 yds |
* A nine-yard indirect free kick spot will be provided.
B. Law 2. The Ball
|
Division |
Number |
Circumference |
Weight |
|
U13 thru U19 |
5 |
27" - 28" |
14 - 16 ozs |
|
U9 thru U12 |
4 |
25" - 26" |
11 - 13 ozs |
|
U6 thru U8 |
3 |
23" - 24" |
8 - 10 ozs |
C. Law 3. Number of Players
A match shall not be considered valid if there are fewer than the minimum number of players on either of the teams. Ejected players cannot be replaced to meet this minimum.
|
Division |
Minimum |
Maximum |
|
U11 thru U19 |
7 |
11 |
|
U9, U10 |
6 |
8 |
|
U8 |
5 |
7 |
|
U7 |
2 |
4 |
|
U6 |
2 |
3 |
Substitutions (freely and without limitation) may be made with the permission of the referee as follows:
1. Throw-in in your favor.
2. By either team at a goal kick.
3. By either team following a goal.
4. By either team when the Referee stops play for the substitution of an injured player.
5. By either team at halftime.
Substitution by one team does not automatically give permission to the other team. This permission must be specifically given to each team by the Referee. No substitutions may be made during corner or penalty kicks. However, one of the field players may change places with the goalkeeper, provided that the Referee is informed before the change is made. The Referee must be made aware of all goalkeeper changes, even those that occur at halftime.
D. Law 4. Players Equipment
All players are required to wear a uniquely numbered jersey of a color matching (or similar to) that being worn by their teammates. This jersey shall be numbered with 6 to 10 inch high numerals and be worn by the same player throughout the game. Unless approved by BAYSA Executive Board, in advance, all teams must be wearing their jerseys by the second regular season game.
If, in the judgment of the Referee, teams do not have contrasting jersey colors, then the appropriate team shall be required by the Referee to change colors. These jerseys shall be marked with unique numbers using "masking tape", "magic marker", etc., but need not conform to the above dimensional limitations, or they may be unnumbered jerseys worn over the original jersey.
All players are required by USYSA and STYSA rules to wear shin guards in all games and practices that are commercially produced and specifically designed to provide protection to the shins.
No players will be allowed to play with a hard cast, padded or otherwise. Players using protective devices to gain advantage for themselves or cause danger to another player may be asked to leave the field by the Referee. A player sent off in this manner is not ejected and, therefore, may be replaced.
Bandannas of any style may not be worn during any game. Players may not wear bandannas on their head, legs, or arms.
The goalkeeper shall wear colors that distinguish him/her from other players and from the Referee. Goalkeepers should avoid wearing all black jerseys, particularly at the older age divisions.
E. Law 5. Referees
Game officials are normally assigned to all BAYSA games. The assigned official(s) can normally be expected to be at the field 15 to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off time. If the assigned official(s) does not appear within 15 minutes after the scheduled kick-off time, then a person mutually agreed upon by both coaches may officiate the game. The person agreed upon is the Referee with all the appropriate authority of an "assigned" Referee.
Law 6. Assisstant Referees (from BASRA)
If neutral Assistant Referees are not assigned, the use of Club ARs is optional with the Referee. If used, the Club ARs shall assist only in determining balls in or out of play along the touchline. Further, the Referee's Association has been requested to select an AR from each team. If, however, an AR cannot be supplied by a team, the Referee may select an AR from the other team. The Referee may remove an AR if that person's performance is not satisfactory to the Referee.
F. Law 7. Duration of the Game
Regulation time for all BAYSA sanctioned games shall be:
|
Division |
Regulation Time |
|
U17 thru U19 |
Two 45 minute halves |
|
U15, U16 |
Two 40 minute halves |
|
U13, U14 |
Two 35 minute halves |
|
U11, U12 |
Two 30 minute halves |
|
U8 thru U10 |
Two 25 minute halves |
|
U7 |
Four 12 minute quarters |
|
U5, U6 |
Four 8 minute quarters |
Half time intervals shall not exceed 10 minutes in all divisions.
If a championship/playoff game is tied at the end of regulation play, then two complete halves shall extend the game. The duration of these overtime halves shall be:
|
Division |
Regulation Time |
|
U15 thru U19 |
Two 15 minute halves |
|
U9 through U14 |
Two 10 minute halves |
If a championship/playoff remains tied after these overtime periods, then the outcome shall be decided by FIFA rules of taking kicks from the penalty mark to determine which of the two teams in the tied match shall be declared the winner. The rules as defined in the FIFA rulebook are to be followed for this procedure. Coaches are advised to be familiar with this procedure. Especially the fact that only players on the field at the end of the overtime are to take part in the taking of kicks. When the final overtime whistle blows, no players are to leave or enter the field.
Law 11. Offside (From BASRA)
The STYSA 2001-2002 Administrative Handbook Section 6.3.1.9.3 states that for 7v7 games, "The offside rule shall be interpreted liberally; however, no player may play in an obvious offside position in front of or near the goal such as a designated scorer."
It is the Referee's opinion when to make an Offside call, and it is not an arguable call.
G. Law 12. Fouls and Misconduct
Goalkeepers protection (all divisions). In order to reduce the incentive for dangerous player activity in and around youth goalkeepers, the following provisions have been adopted. Coaches are advised (to) train their players to be cautious in their play in the area of the keeper as the consequences are harsh for minor contact or foul play.
The Referee's Association has been requested to issue an immediate caution for any and all fouls, intimidating actions, and obstructive movements by attacking players against the keeper. Further, all verbal warnings, "soft" cautions, or the like for these actions should not be used except in the most unusual circumstances.
For U-8 and U-6 Divisions, all fouls will result in indirect free kicks. For fouls committed inside the penalty area, the Referee will place the ball at the 9-yard penalty spot for an indirect kick only. For all free kicks, the defending team must stay at least 6-yards away from the ball.
H. Law 14. Penalty Kicks
For U-8 and U-6 Divisions, there will be no penalty kicks during regular season games.
See V. SCOREKEEPING, I. Game Report Cards
Only the Referee may stop or terminate a match once started due to inclement weather or impaired field conditions.
Examples of weather bad enough to stop or terminate a match include:
- Severe weather such as tornado, hail, lightning either present or approaching;
- Rain or fog so heavy you cannot see the goal from the halfway line;
- Driving rain that makes running into it hard, almost painful;
- Strong wind that makes running into it almost impossible;
- Falling snow with freezing and dropping temperature;
- Falling sleet or ice and any temperature;
- Darkness such that the ball cannot be properly followed with the eye.
The first and the last three examples probably call for immediate match termination. The others can be "waited out."
There is no time limit on waiting for a restart. Common sense rules. Do not give up too quickly, but do not wait so long that any succeeding matches may be unduly delayed in starting.
Remember also that, even though the weather may clear and the skies may turn blue and sunny, the field conditions may have been severely impaired. Before trying to restart, check to make sure the field is safe for play. One rule of thumb is if half or more of the field is underwater, it is unsafe. If you don't feel safe running up and down the field, don't ask the players to do so.
If you elect to terminate the match, be sure to write an explanation on the Game card. This should be short and to the point (as "heavy rain", "lightning at the field", "field made unsafe by heavy rains" or similar), and must include the point of termination (as "5 minutes into the second half" or similar). Be concise and precise.
Referees do not determine forfeits or reschedules! This is the responsibility of the playing association, but they will rely heavily on the information recorded on the Game Card.
Don't let anyone talk you into or out of terminating a match. Your responsibility is to the safety of the players, not the inconvenience of the coaches or parents.
From the BAYSA 2004-2005 Handbook.
Each member club controls the use of fields within their boundaries. Only the club president (or designated board member) can close club fields before regularly scheduled BAYSA game times. ... The BAYSA Scheduler notifies BASRA. If a significant number of BAYSA member clubs close their fields, the BAYSA executive board will evaluate whether or not to cancel the entire association's weekend game schedule. Finally, if there is an impending weather threat that would affect the entire BAYSA area, the BAYSA president will announce a shutdown of the entire association's weekend game schedule. ... The (following table) indicate(s) club instructions and procedures for handling field closures and rainouts.
(See also Inclement Weather Guidelines.)
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Last page update September 12, 2004.