Policies

General Rules and Regulations

Applies to all ages levels

Equipment: (Provided by Player)

1. Cleats (if worn) must be soccer cleats.

2. Shin Guards must be worn at all games and practices.

3. Soccer Ball – Size 3 for U4-U8; Size 4 for U10; Size 5 for U12 and U15

4. Turtleneck may be worn on cooler days under the uniform

5. NO jewelry or hard item in hair.
 

Parking:

1. Parking is available using the Gardens Elementary parking lots.

2. Do not park on basketball court, grass, and playground.
 

Uniforms:

1. Uniforms are provided as part of your Registration fees.  Uniforms must be worn to all games.  Additionally, it is help to wear them at practices as teams tend to scrimmage during the week.

2. Each child is responsible for their own shin guards and ball.  Shin guards must be worn at all practices and games.  Bring your ball to all practices unless otherwise instructed by coach.

3. No extra clothing under uniform.  Only exception is turtlenecks as needed.

4. Cleats are not required, but if you purchase cleats they must be soccer cleats.  Soccer cleats do no have a toe cleat.  If you are not sure ask the store clerk.  Children will not be allowed to play if they are not wearing either tennis shoes or soccer cleats.
 

Weather:

1. Games will be cancelled for thunder and/or lightning, severe cold or poor field conditions.

2. Games will be cancelled for inclement weather one hour prior to game time.

3. It is the intent of the League to only cancel games if absolutely required.  We will play if it is only raining.

4. U8 and above will make-up any games missed.  Make-up dates will be assigned as required.

5. U6 and U4 may make-up any games missed at the discretion of the coaches of the teams involved.

 

U4 – U10 Rules and Regulations

(U12 and U15 follow FIFA Rules)

1. Equipment

a. No jewelry is to be worn.  This includes watches, rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

b. Protective guards must be worn.  (i.e. Shin guards)

2. Team

a. Field players may use any part of their bodies except their hands.

b. The goalie may use his hand only while in his own penalty area.

3. Timing and Substitution

a. Time starts when the ball is kicked.

b. The clock is running at all times, time may be added to the end of the period for injuries, time-outs, or other delaying items.

c. Substitutes may enter game at any time. (even while ball is in play)

d. Substitutes must enter from midfield

e. Goalie may substitute only when the ball is dead.  (wait for whistle)

4. To Start the Game or Kickoff

a. Either “direction” or “the ball” may be selected.

b. The kickoff will be at midfield with two offensive players in the center circle.

c. The ball must roll forward and be played by both players.

d. The first player to touch the ball may not play the ball twice.

e. All other players must be outside of the circle and on their sides of the field until the ball is kicked.

f. A goal cannot be scored directly from the kickoff.

5. Goalie

a. The goalie may touch the ball with his hands only while in his own penalty area.

b. The goalie may punt the ball.

c. He may kick the ball if he has not first held it in his hands.

d. He may not, after having held the ball, place the ball on the ground and kick it.

e. The goalie may not be charged.  He is to be left alone if he is:

                      i.      In his own penalty area.

                      ii.      In possession of the ball.

6. Restarting Play

a. Throw In is awarded if the ball is unplayable at sidelines.  The throw must be made with both feet on the ground, two hands on the ball, and from above the head.

b. Corner Kick is awarded if the defensive player kicks it out of the end line.

c. Goal Kick is awarded if the offensive player kicks it out the end line.

7. Fouls

a. Pushing with any part of the body.

b. Tripping with no intent to play the ball.

c. Striking or swinging with the arms or legs.

d. Kicking an opponent deliberately.

e. Holding with the hands, arms, or legs.

f. Hand Ball being the entire arm from the hands to below the shoulders.  (Note:  Only deliberate hand balls are fouls.  Accidental touchings or movements to protect are not penalized.)

g. Charging in a dangerous manner or from behind.

h. No bunching

8. Team Fouls

a. Dangerous play such as high kicking.

b. Obstruction (Similar to setting screens in basketball) 

 

Ten Rules for Good Conduct

1. Win with humility and lose with grace.

2. Be prepared mentally and physically for every challenge.

3. Offer courtesy to all opponents, officials and team members.

4. Contribute 100% effort, no matter what the odds or conditions

5. Be a responsible and reliable team member.

6. Practice fairness with all participants at all times.

7. Place teamwork above individual performance.

8. Set a good example through positive words and actions.

9. Always value sportsmanship above winning.

10. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

 

Guidelines

 1. Do not leave any child unattended at the practices or games.  This is to protect your child as well as your coaches.  Adult supervision is required at all times.  If you need to leave you child in the custody of another adult, they must have a medical emergency release form filled out by the child’s guardian.  Junior High students need medical release forms signed by their guardian to attend practices/games alone.  Always leave an emergency phone number and pick your child up on time.  Remember, soccer can be a dangerous; if your child gets injured we need to be able to contact you.

2. Respect your coach.  Be on time for both practices and games.  You are part of a team, without you it is not a full unit.  If you need to be absent please notify your coach ASAP.

3. Do not leave anything behind on the field.  This is Garden’s property and it is only with their permission we are able to use these fields.  If we want to continue to use these fields we must pick up and dispose of our trash.  No smoking, alcohol, glass bottles, weapons, or pets are allowed.  Additionally, there is no parking on the basketball and playground areas.  Please make visiting relatives and onlookers aware of these rules.

4. Play by the rules of the game.  Some rules are altered or added to ensure the safety of our players.  No one is allowed in the goalie box or to use their head with the exception of the Junior High who will be playing with the full FIFA rule set.  These are both very dangerous for the smaller players.  Please do not yell at your referees for any disagreement of calls either made or not made.  Not all fouls result in a free kick.  Soccer utilizes a rule called advantage.  This means that if the team that was fouled is about to score a goal, the referee may waive the foul if it does not impede the scoring of that goal.  We do not want players to get into the habit of fouling to prevent a goal.  Some fouls include charging, kicking, pushing, tripping, holding, hitting, handling the ball, or any other dangerous play as deemed by the referee.

5. Do not EVER yell, holler, or scream at any referee, coach, child, or other parent.  This is cause to be removed from the premises.  Any child guilty of these transgressions will be disciplined as follows:  1st offense – warning; 2nd offense – out for game; 3rd offense – dismissal from league.  Parents remember you are a role model along with the coaches and referees.  If you disagree with the coaches, referees, other parents, or children at any time, address them in private.  Please do not discuss them in front of the players or parents.  If you do not show respect they will not either.  If parents do not adhere to these rules, their child will sit out for 15 minutes and if it continues they will be dismissed from the league.  We want what is best for the children.  Remember, don’t live through them.

6. Do not holler instructions to the players in the middle of the game, they have a coach.  If the players hear too much around them they will get confused who to listen to.  It has happened several times every season that a well meaning parent would holler out instructions that were contrary to the coaches instructions.  This usually ends up with the child losing out on a scoring opportunity.  Please root for your child and their team in positive constructive ways but refrain from actual instructions.

7. CHEER!  CHEER!  CHEER!  Not only for you child, but all players on the field.  If someone makes a good play, cheer for them.  This helps promote self esteem.  We as parents make all the difference between a good experience and loving soccer or end up hating it!  Remember: Children First.  We are EVERY child’s role model.  Always keep in mind that children are reflections of us.

8. Our main goal and most important rule of all……We want to see smiles on every child on this league.  Their main goal for being here is to play with their friends, play soccer, and have fun!!! Do not burn them out.

9. No pets are to be brought on the fields at any time.  Remember this is a children’s playground.

10. Do not let anyone hang on the goals.  They can tip and are very dangerous.

11. First games of the day are responsible for bringing and setting up the corner flags.  Last games of the day are required to retrieve and carry the corner flags to the fence.

To reduce liability and injuries there will be no heading on this league.  Heading the ball can cause many permanent injuries.  If a child heads the ball they will be given a warning.  It is very important to stress this to everyone.  The only exception is Junior High players who play the full FIFA rule set.

The M.Y.S.A. Board of Directors reserves the right to discipline players, parents, and coaches as necessary to ensure that all rules and regulations are followed.  This includes but is not limited to, asking said person to leave the field area, probation and/or suspensions from activities, and removal from League without refund of registration fees paid.