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General Rules and Regulations
Offsides: Offsides will be called in Divisions for Grade 3 – 8.
Goal Kicks: Both teams may substitute.
Corner Kicks: Teams with possession may substitute.
Injuries: If a coach enters the playing field due to injury of one of his/her players, the injured player must leave the field and may not return until that team’s next possession.
Coaches: Only two (2) officially identified coaches will be allowed on the sidelines during games at all times.
Spectators: ALL parents and other spectators are required to watch the games from the side of the field opposite to the Team Benches (unless individual is identified as a Coach). Spectators should NOT stand or sit behind the goals.
Attendance: Players and/or parents must make every effort to call their coach prior to practices or games if they cannot attend.
Practices: Coaches are expected to have a minimum of 1 practice per week.
Scores: All scores must be sent in by the winning coaches to their respective Division Directors
NO CASTS or HARD BRACES ALLOWED (No exceptions!)
Game Play
The following rules for game play apply to ALL divisions
(unless otherwise noted in specified game info for each division below)
Start and Restart: At the beginning of each half (period or quarter for younger divisions) the ball should begin at midfield with teams switching possession at each start (with the exception of starting play after a goal)
During the course of a game, players and coaches will remain in the team bench area. They shall NOT be allowed to move up and down the sidelines. No parents, fans and/or other personnel will be allowed in this area. No parent or coach shall be behind any goal.
The league does not encourage head balls.
Coaches are NOT allowed to teach head balls.
Player substitutions may be made when the ball goes out of the end line, after scores, at half time, and on throw-ins with possession of the ball.
Both teams may substitute on Goal Kicks or Corner Kicks
If the offensive team makes a substitution, the defensive team can as well.
Entering the Field: No player, coach or any other team representative shall come onto the field without prior permission from the referee. Failure to abide by this rule may result in a yellow card, red card and potential forfeiture of game.
Forfeit: If a team cannot field a sufficient number of players, including the goal keeper within ten minutes of the referee whistle/flip of the coin, the game will be forfeited and the score will be noted as 3-0. If neither team fields the minimum number of players, both teams record a loss. A referee may forfeit a game against a team if it does not comply with the rules of the Holyoke Youth Soccer League (or Quabbin Valley Soccer League – if applicable).
Injuries: In the event of a non-serious injury every effort must be made to remove and treat the player off the field on the sidelines. This will provide a continuous flow in the game and help prevent a series of late starts in later games. If a coach enters the playing field due to injury of one of his/her players, the injured player must leave the field and may not return until that teams next possession.
Playing Time for Game: All players at any game must participate in a minimum of one half of playing time, unless restricted by injury or disciplinary reasons. If identified by the other coach or by a league director, validated failure of a coach to play all players at least one half may result in the forfeiture of a game. Player restrictions must be identified to the referee and the other coach prior to the start of the game.
Female players may use their arms to protect the upper part of their bodies by crossing their arms over the upper part of their body flat against the chest. They may not use their arms to trap or direct the ball.
Boys and girls will NOT be allowed to wear barrettes, earrings, necklaces or other forms of jewelry during a game.
FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN FORFEITURE OF THE GAME
Grade K – 2 Division
• 6 players on the field including the goalie
• 8 minutes quarters
• 2 minute breaks between quarters with a 5 minute break between halves
• There will be approximately the same number of 5 and 6 years old on each team
• No standings
• No “official” scores
• Corner kicks will replace penalty kicks
• No time outs
• Slide tackling is absolutely forbidden
• Rotating positions: Coaches will rotate all players at different positions quarterly
• It is recommended that all players play as many positions as many times as possible. This includes goalies
• No tournament
• One coach will be allowed on the field (per team) during the game to position and assist players
• Coaches are NOT allowed to touch the ball
• Coaches should NOT interfere with play
Grade 3 – 4 Division
• 8 players on the field including the goalie
• 25 minute halves
• 5 minute halftime break
• Throw ins will not be allowed a second opportunity (if initial attempt is deemed illegal)
• Penalty kicks will be from the 10 yard line
• Indirect kicks by placement of the referee
• Offsides will be called
Grade 5 – 6 Division
• 9 players on the field including the goalie
• 25 minute halves
• 5 minute halftime break
• No time outs
• Offsides will be called
Grade 7 – 8 Division
• 11 players on the field including the goalie
• 30 minute halves
• 5 minute halftime break
• No time outs
• Offsides will be called
