RULE 1 THE FIELD OF PLAY
1.1 DIMENSIONS: The length of the field of play shall not be more than 240 feet, nor less than 220 feet, and its width not more than 150 feet.
1.2 MARKING: The field of play shall be marked with distinctive white lines not less than three inches (3”) nor more than five inches (5”) in width. A halfway line shall be marked out across the field of play. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of 15 ft is marked around it.
1.3 THE GOAL AREA: A goal area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 6 yds from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 6 yds and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.
1.4 THE PENALTY AREA: A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 16 yds from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 16 yds and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area.
1.5 THE PENALY KICK MARK: Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made 12 yds from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them. An arc of a circle with a radius of 10 yds from each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area.
RULE 2 - THE BALL
2.1 APPROVED BALL SPECIFICATIONS: The ball to be used is the FIFA approved ball, which shall meet the following specifications: The ball shall be spherical and the outer casing shall be leather or other approved material. No material shall be used in its construction that might prove dangerous to the players. The ball size for all adult games shall be size 5.
2.2 BALL CHANGE: The League will provide game balls for all fields. All game balls will be divided equally among both ends of the field and will be placed on the outside of each goal off the field of play.
2.3 BALL PROPERTY: The ball used in all games will be provided by the league. In the event of a shortage the teams may provide game balls. All potential game balls must be approved by the referee prior to the start of the game. All game balls provided by the Rancho California Soccer League will be left on the field for the next game.
2.4 DEFECTIVE BALL: If the ball bursts or becomes deflated during the course of the match, the game shall be stopped and restarted. If the ball bursts or becomes deflated during a stoppage of the game or during a restart after a stoppage of the game, the game shall be restarted with the appropriate restart.
RULE 3 – PLAYERS AND SUBS
3.1 TEAMS: A game shall be played by two (2) teams, each consisting of not more than seven (7) nor fewer than five (5) players on the field, one of whom must be the goalkeeper. Each team must have at least five (5) players on the field to avoid a forfeit. The home team and the visiting team may each dress a maximum of fifteen (15) players for (All Divisions).
3.1.1 CO-ED MODIFICATIONS: Each team will consist of not more than seven (7) nor fewer than five (5) players on the field, one of whom must be the goalkeeper. Each team must have 3 female players on the field of play at all times during the game. In the event a team does not have enough female players to have 3 females on the field at all times, then that team must play short a player. At no time may the number of men players exceed 4 on the field at any given time. Female players may fill the goalkeeper position. Combinations may include:
4 men - 3 women
2 men - 5 women
1 men - 6 women
3.2 SUBSTITUTES: Only registered players listed on the Game Report Form will be authorized to substitute during the play of the game. All registered team players listed on the Official Game Report Form shall be subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the Referee. Only players that are listed on the Game Report Form may play in the game.
3.3 UNLIMITED SUBSTITUTION: Substitutions are done at midfield only and may be done on the fly; when a player exits the field of play (no need to inform the referee of a substitution). However, the exception to the midfield substitution is if a player is injured that player may exit the field of play via the most direct route, but the oncoming player must enter the field of play at the midfield point.
3.4 TEAM CAPTAIN: Each team shall appoint a captain who shall be identified by wearing an Official Armband furnished by each team. Goalkeepers, head/assistant coaches or Team Managers shall not be permitted to be captain. The League will look into providing armbands for future seasons.
3.5 GOALKEEPER SUBSTITUTION: Goalkeepers may be replaced with any other player on the team. The Referee must be notified of a goalkeeper substitution prior to it taking place. The goalkeeper substitution can only be made during a stoppage of play.
3.6 GOALKEEPING: The goalkeeper is the only player that may slide tackle. (Goal box area only)
If the goalkeeper slides outside of his/her area, he/she will receive a Yellow card.
A goalkeeper may use his hands to receive a ball that has been passed to him by a teammate in the following manner: (head or chest or knee)
The goalie is permitted to bounce the bal while in possession of the ball in the penalty area.
Half Line Rule:
Goal Kicks - MAY NOT cross the midfield line without touching a player first.
Punts & Throws – MAY cross the midfield line at any time
3.7 GOALKEEPING RESTRICTIONS: Goal Kicks may not cross half field line without touching a player.
If the ball crosses half field line from a goal kick (without touching a player), the opposing team will regain control of the ball anywhere at the midfield point.
A wall may be placed six (6) yards from the spot of the ball
Once the goalkeeper has gained control of the ball with his hands he/she:
He/she has six (6) seconds to release the ball once it is picked up. He/she may take as many steps as necessary within the six (6) second limit.
After releasing the ball, he/she cannot play the ball again with his/her hand until an opponent has touched it.
He/she may not handle the ball after a goal kick has been taken until an opponent has touched it.
At no time may a goalkeeper handle a ball that is intentionally played to the goalkeeper by the foot of a teammate.
The goalkeeper shall not touch the ball with his/her hands after receiving it directly from a throw-in
The goalkeeper that ends the game must stand in goal for the first four (4) penalty shots in the event of a shootout during playoffs, and tournaments. (Only after the first four ((4)) shots, may a goalkeeper change occur).
3.8 INJURED PLAYER: In cases where a player from either team becomes injured (minor injury) the referee will not stop the clock. In cases where the injured player may require medical attention the referee will stop the clock. If the injured player is able to move off the playing field under his/her own power they may do so and at which time the referee will resume the match. If the player is not able to be moved then the referee is authorized to delay the match until the player has been moved by medical professionals. In the event that an extended amount of time has passed as a result of the injury, then the referee will contact the League Official (Director/Asst Director) who may elect to delay/postpone or reschedule the match as to keep on schedule for the remainder of that days games.
RULE 4 – PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT
4.1 EQUIPMENT: The required equipment for a player (during the entire game) is a shirt, shorts, socks, shin guards, soccer footwear. Numbers shall be required to appear on the back of the shirt. The number on the back shall not be less than eight inches (6”) in height. Shirts are to remain tucked into the shorts, and socks are to be pulled to the knee, thereby covering the shin guards. Protruding apparel under the shorts, if worn, must be of the same color as the dominant color of the team’s shorts. (Courtesy to family members as they do not need to see any under garments)
All teams are required to have matching jerseys, T-shirts of the same color with numbers.
4.2 FOOTWEAR: A player’s footwear must conform to the following standards: Flat soled shoes or other footwear designed for artificial or natural surface must be worn. A player who loses a shoe during the normal course of play may continue to participate until the next stoppage in play.
4.3 SHINGUARDS: All players must wear shin guards during play. This is a FIFA Mandated Rule. Shin guards are defined as protective equipment that is commercially available and designed specifically to protect the shins. A player who loses a shin guard during the normal course of play may continue to participate until the next stoppage in play. Under no circumstances may a player leave enter the field without shin guard. The referee is authorized to send a player off the field if he/she does not have shin guards on.
4.4 GOALKEEPERS: The goalkeeper shall wear colors that distinguish himself/herself from field players, and the Referee. Any field player who replaces the goalkeeper must wear a goalkeeper jersey. The goalkeeper may wear protective headgear if approved by the referee.
4.5 DANGEROUS EQUIPMENT: Players shall not be permitted to wear necklaces, chains, hanging or dangling earrings or bracelets at any time during the playing of the game. Wedding rings are permitted be worn; however if the ring has a protruding stone, then the player shall be required to properly tape the ring to his finger to ensure that it does not present a danger to him/her or other players. Any player with a cast must be properly padded to the satisfaction of the Referee. If a Referee finds that a player is wearing articles not permitted by the Rules and/or constitute a danger to him/her or other players, the player shall be told to properly pad or remove the dangerous articles.
RULE 5 – THE REFEREES
5.1 REFEREES: One (1) Referee shall officiate each game. The authority of the Referees commences when they enter the field of play.
5.2 REFEREE RESPONSIBILITIES: The Referees are responsible for the over control of the match. Insuring that the score, infractions, players who scored each goal during the match by jersey number, then annotating this on the Game Report Form When complete the Referee must turn in the Game Report Form to a League Official (Director/Asst. Director) or place it in the Referee Binder provided by the League.
The referee will act as the official time keeper for the match. The league may or may not provide a scoreboard for each field, which will have the running game time as well as the score of the match, the Referee, is the OFFICIAL time keeper and has the OFFICIAL score of the match.
5.3 POWERS: Referees’ decisions on points of fact connected with play shall be final so far as the result of the game is concerned. The Referee’s power to assess penalties, and maintain control of the game, extends to violations of these Rules committed during play, during stoppages, and as players and other team personnel proceed to and from the field of play.
5.4 GAME REPORT: The Referee shall file a Game Report that includes information on any disciplinary action taken against players, and/or team officials and any other reportable incidents that occurred before, during, or after the game.
5.5 REFEREE DECISION: The decisions of the Referee regarding facts connected with play and interpretations of the Rules are final. The referee may only change a decision on realizing that it is incorrect or, at his discretion, provided that he has not restarted play. League Officials (Director/Asst. Director) are not authorized to over turn a decision made by a Referee.
RULE 6 – INFRACTIONS
6.1 INFRACTION CARDS:
Yellow Card: If a player receives a caution (yellow card) and then receives a second caution (yellow card) within the same match will result in a final award of a (red card), that player is out of the remainder of the game.
Reminder – Any player not designated as the Team Captain for there respective team that attempts to talk/question/argue with the referee will be give an automatic (yellow card).
Red Card: If a player receives a direct (red card), (aggressive play, bad intention, etc.) that player is ejected from the remainder of the match; in addition that player will serve a one (1) game suspension (next scheduled match). This information will also be placed on the Leagues website.
Note: The Red Card rule will be enforced and the manager of that team will be send a courtesy notification via e-mail, prior
6.2 INFRACTION PENALTIES: Any team that accumulates five (5) direct red cards will receive a one (1) point deduction from the overall team standings. For every three (3) additional direct red cards after the first initial five (5), an additional one (1) point will be deducted from the teams overall standings points score and so on.
RULE 7 – SLIDE TACKELING
7.1 SLIDE TACKELING: NO SLIDE TACKLING IS ALLOWED.
7.2 SLIDE TACKLE PENALTY: Slide tackling will result in a yellow card and indirect free kick.
7.3 DEFINATION OF A SLIDE TACKLE: A slide tackle is defined as a player going to the ground to take the ball from an opposing player. For the slide tackle rule to be enforced, both a slide and tackle must occur. (Only the Goal Keeper may slide tackle in the penalty area).
7.4 SLIDING TO SAVE BALL: Sliding to save a ball that is about to go out of bounds is allowed, but only when another player is not (in the eyes of the referee) in “Harms Way” of the slide. Sliding to save a ball from a goal is also permitted, however, only when another player is not (in the eyes of the referee) in “HARMS WAY”.
Note: Sliding without a tackle is not illegal
RULE 8 – DURATION OF THE GAME
8.1 DURATION: The duration of a regulation game shall be two (2), thirty-five (35) minute halves, running time for all Divisions.
8.2 INTERVALS BETWEEN PERIODS: A five (5) minute time interval shall be provided between the first and second half. This interval may be altered by the referee only.
8.3 GAME STOPPAGES: The clock will not be stopped during (minor injuries), however during an injury that requires medical attention the clock will be stopped.
8.4 GAME DELAY TACTICS: Players who intentionally use delay tactics, (i.e. kicking the ball out of bounds on purpose with the intent to delay or withholding the ball from the apposing team during stoppage) will allow the referee (at his/her discretion) to stop the clock or add time to compensate for the intentional delay.
RULE 9 – GAME START TIMES
9.1 GAME DAYS: All league games will be played on Sundays, with exception to weekends that fall with-in a holiday period.
9.2 GAME TIMES: All league games will begin at 8:00 am every scheduled Sunday of play.
9.3 GAME TIME DELAYS: At no time will any league game be delayed for any reason other then the following:
- Weather Delay
- Poor/Unsafe field conditions
9.4 GAME CANCELLATIONS: The League Official (Director/Asst. Director) shall govern the acceptability of field conditions as a result of weather, or other damage, that may render the playing field unsafe. Decisions to cancel or postpone any league games as a result of weather and/or field conditions will be posted on the leagues website. As well as a League Official (Director/Asst. Director) sending notification via e-mail to all league members who provided e-mail address, as well as calling each team manager to notify them. It will be the responsibility of each Team Manager to notify there individual players of any cancellation.
9.5 GAME DELAY PENALTIES: In the event that any team is not ready to play there scheduled match at the schedule time, the referee will allow a 10 min grace period. After the end of the 10 minute grace period the referee will award one (1) goal to the apposing team. For every five (5) minutes after the grace period the referee will award an additional one (1) goal to the apposing team until the match begins. After a period of twenty (20) minutes the game will be called by the referee with the final score resulting in 3 – 0. (1 point for 10 min, 1 point per additional 5 min up to 20 min = 3 points) (Rule 10.1 is included in this rule)
RULE 10 – FIELD SET UP & TEAR DOWN
10.1 FIELD SETUP: The teams that are listed on the schedule every Sunday for the first games of the day (8:00) are responsible for setting up the Goal Posts and Nets on one side of the field they are playing on. This must be completed prior to the scheduled start of the match. If one side of the field is not set-up prior to the scheduled start of the game refer to (Rule 9.5 Game Delay Penalties) as this will fall under that rule.
10.2 FIELD TEAR DOWN: The teams that are listed on the schedule as the last game of the day on that respective field, are responsible for the removal of the Goal Posts and the nets from that field. The teams will be required to return the goal posts and nets to the League Trailer. There will be a League Official (Director/Asst. Director) there to assist.
10.3 FIELD TEAR DOWN PENALTIES: In the event a team does not tear down one side of the fields goal posts and nets that team will be penalized one (1) point from the overall team standings.
RULE 11 - BEGINNING THE GAME
11.1 BEGINNING THE GAME: The team that is listed on the schedule as the home team shall be awarded with the kick-off. The team listed as Visitors will be awarded with choice of field side. Players from both teams shall remain in their own halves of the field until the ball is in play. The ball shall be deemed in play when it has been played (touched) in any direction. The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until another player has touched it. A goal can be scored directly from a kick off.
11.2 SIX SECOND PLAY REQUIREMENT: Failure by a team to put the ball into play within six (6) seconds after the Referee has signaled the ball ready for play or by the blowing of the whistle, shall result in a possession turnover to the opponent. This restart shall also require a whistle.
RULE 12 – METHOD OF SCORING
12.1 LEGAL GOAL: Except as otherwise provided by the Laws, a goal is scored when the whole of the ball has passed over the goal line, between the goal posts and under the crossbar, provided it has not been thrown, carried or intentionally propelled by hand or arm, by a player of the attacking side, except in the case of a goalkeeper who was within his own penalty area when he legally propelled the ball.
12.2 SCORING: All goals shall be of equal value except as listed below:
Men’s & Women’s Divisions: The team scoring the greater number of goals during the game shall be declared the winner.
Co-Ed Divisions: All goals scored by a female member of the team will be counted as 2 points, except in the case of a penalty kick, which will count as 1 point.
In the event that a direct shot by a female player ricochets off a male player or is redirected by a man, the goal will be awarded as one point.
Goals scored by men will be counted as 1 point.
Officials will always determine ricochets and deflections
Exception to this rule is when (Rule 9.5) is being enforced.
12.3 OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE: A goal cannot, in any case, be allowed if the ball has been touched and/or prevented by some outside agent from passing over the goal line. If this happens in the normal course of play, other than at the taking of a penalty kick (see Rule ****), the game shall be restarted in accordance with Section 8.5
12.4 TIE GAMES/OVER TIMES: No shootout or over time will be added during regular season
Regular Season: In the event a match is tied at the end of regulation time the game will remain a tie with each team being awarded 1 point.
Playoffs/Tournament: In the event a match is tied at the end of regulation time the game will then go to penalty shots.
12.5 PENALTYS: Will be taken from the penalty shot 12 yds from the goal.
12.6 PENALTY SHOTS: Each team will select four (4) players to take the first four (4) initial penalty shots. If the score remains tied after the first (4) players, “sudden death” penalty shots will take place one (1) player per team until there is a winner!
12.7 PENALTY SHOT RESTRICTIONS: The goalkeeper that ends the game must stand in goal for the first four (4) penalty shots. (Only after the first four (4) shots, may a goalkeeper change be made.)
12.8 LEAGUE POINT SYSTEM:
Win - 3 Points
Loss - 0 Points
Tie - 1 Point
RULE 13 – COACHES/MANAGERS/PLAYERS
13.1 COACHES/MANAGER/PLAYERS: Coaches/Team Managers will provide the referee or league official (Director/Asst. Director) with a league team roster sheet (Game Report) prior to the start of the game. This roster sheet will contain the players name, jersey number, game time, date, field, team name and opponent.
13.2 OFFICIAL LINE-UP ROSTER: Not later than ten (10) minutes prior to the commencement of the game, each team Manager or Captain is required to complete the Official Game Report Form. The Game Report Form shall be completed and submitted to the Referee or a League Official (Director/Asst. Director) who will then give them to the Referee of each game. All registered team players names and their jersey numbers shall be placed on the Game Report Form with the rest of the form being completed but the team Manager or Coach. In the event a team does not have the game report form completed prior to the start of the match the referee will make note of the infraction to this rule and will require the team to present the Game Report Form to the referee during the half. Failure to turn in a Game Report Form to the Referee or League Official at the conclusion of your match and departing the field area for the day will result in 2 points being deducted from your teams total points in the overall standings in there respective division. Also failure to have the Game Report Form Completed prior to the start of the match or during the half time break will not constitute a delay in the game start time. The Game Report Form will NOT DELAY game START or RESUME times.
13.3 IDENTIFICATION CARDS: Coaches/Team Managers/Players are required to present their official league ID card to the referee prior to the start of matches. Cards are required to play in the Rancho California Soccer League. This is subject to modification by the league officials only.
13.4 CONDUCT: Coaches & players are responsible for the conduct of themselves, as well as the conduct of their entire sideline. This is a must!!!! Do not let your sideline begin a confrontation with the other players on the field. Coaches/Manager/Players that are on the sideline are subject to the jurisdiction of the referee, and are subject card violations.
13.5 BEHAVIOR: It is the responsibility of the Coaches and player to address unethical actions/behavior of team fans, parents or the spectators in their area.
13.6 VERBAL ABUSE: Verbal abuse towards the referee, participants or others (i.e. profanity) is unsportsmanlike like and will result in a card violation (yellow or red).
13.7 TEAM CAPTAINS: Coaches/Managers must designate one player to be the Captain for each match. The Team Captain is the only player that will be allowed to talk to the referee, during game play.
13.8 PLAYER SUSPENSION/LEAGUE EJECTION: Any player or coach that is involved in any physical altercation on the field of play may be suspended/ejected from the league in accordance with the leagues Violent Conduct Rule.
Any player or players that injure another player referee, or spectator, and that individual requires medical treatment will be ejected from the league immediately and will not be permitted to return to Rancho California Soccer League.
Any player who joins in an altercation in progress from the bench or another area on the field of play will be ejected from the game and will be dealt with in accordance with the leagues Violent Conduct Rule. All players involved the altercation will be subject to suspension or ejection from the league.
13.9 EJECTED COACH RESTRICTIONS: An ejected coach may not, from the time of his ejection until the conclusion of the game, have any communication with his team's players in the arena, exclusive of his team's dressing room. This prohibition shall include any type of communication through gesticulation, radio, electronic device, or otherwise. The Referees shall report any such action to the League.
RULE 14 – PHYSICAL CONFRONTATION
14.1 PHYSICAL CONFRONTATION: In the event of a physical confrontation the referee will make a determination as to the severity of the penalty, and if it falls with-in the scope of the Violent Conduct Rule.
14.2 VIOLENT CONDUCT: Any type of violent conduct will not be tolerated in any Rancho California Soccer League sanctioned match. If violent conduct occurs during the course of play the individuals will be dealt with in accordance with the Leagues Violent Conduct Rule. No Exceptions.
RULE 15 – ADVANCEMENT/RELAGATION
15.1 PREMIER DIVISION: No higher division for advancement. The team that places in last place in this division will be relegated to the lower division for the next season. The League Director only for the benefit of the League may waive the relegation. This is subject to modification or change by a League Official (Director/Asst. Director).
15.2 FIRST DIVISION: There is no lower division for relegation. The First place team in this division, has the opportunity to advance their team to the next higher division (premier) for the next season. This advancement is not mandatory and me be declined by the team coach/manager.
RULE 16 – PLAYOFFS/CHAMPIONSHIP
16.1 PLAYOFFS/CHAMPIONSHIP: After the completion of the regular season of play, there will be either a Single or Double Elimination tournament for all divisions. The number of teams that will participate in the tournament from each division is dependant on the number of teams that played in each division during the season.
16.2 GOALIE WAR TOURNAMENT: The League will periodically hold a Goalie War Tournament either in conjunction with the end of a season tournament or as a stand alone Tournament. All goalies and potential goalies in the league will be able to participate. Goalkeepers that are from outside the league will be also be allowed to participate in the Goalie War Tournament. There will be an additional fee for this tournament.
RULE 17 – AWARDS
17.1 AWARDS:
Regular Season: Team trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Individual prizes/awards will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
Tournaments: Team trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
RULE 18 – FEES/PENALTIES/FORFEITS
18.1 FEES: The flowing fees will take effect July 1, 2006
REGISTRATION FEE: $59.00 per player, paid in full at time of registration. (see General Rule I)
TEAM SECURITY DEPOSIT: $150.00 Team Security Deposit, due on the first (1st) weekend of play, prior to Game Starting. No Exceptions. Security Deposit or remainder of deposit will be refunded at end of season.
Note: The Team Security Deposit will only be used to cover referee fees for teams that forfeit games during the season.
18.2 PENALTIES: Due to recent and ongoing issues within the League the following penalties will be enforced beginning July 1, 2006. There will be no exceptions to the penalties that will be imposed.
Penalties to be imposed will be reflected in the overall point system within the standings for each division.
The following penalties to take effect 1 July 2006: (points will be taken from the over all team points from there standings
STANDINGS POINT PENALTIES – (1) point per
Accumulation of five (5) Direct Red Cards per team.
Accumulation of three (3) additional Direct Red Cards per team after the first initial five (5).
Last Team on the field for the day not braking down there goal post and nets and returning them to League Trailer.
STANDING POINT PENALTIES – (2) points per
Failure to turn in a Game Report Form to the Referee or League Official at the conclusion of your match and departing the field area for the day.
STANDING POINT PENALTIES – (5) points per
Team forfeiting of five (5) league games in one season.
GOAL POINT PENALTIES – (1) point per: Team failure to be ready to start match on schedule time. As follows:
TEAM LATE: Referee will allow a 10 min grace period. After the end of the 10 minute grace period the referee will award one (1) goal to the apposing team. For every five (5) minutes after the grace period the referee will award an additional one (1) goal to the apposing team until the match begins. After a period of twenty (20) minutes the game will be called by the referee with the final score resulting in 3 – 0. (1 goal for 10 min, 1 goal per additional 5 min up to 20 min = 3 goals)
FAILURE TO HAVE GOALS SETUP: This must be completed prior to the scheduled start of the match. Refer to section above (TEAM LATE) penalties are the same.
18.3 FORFEITS: In the event a team forfeits a match during the course of a season, the referee fees for that match will be taken from the Team Security Deposit. In the event a Team should use up all the Security Deposit, another Security Deposit will be required in the amount of $150.00 prior to the start of the next scheduled game. No exceptions will be made.
Forfeiture of five (5) league games will result in a deduction of five (5) points from that teams point standings. No exceptions.