​PYSA Summer Recreational Rules for U8 - U14
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PYSA soccer is governed by the 17 Laws of Soccer as published by the United States Soccer Federation, with the following additions and/or modifications.
Special Rules:
a) Miscellaneous:
U8 - No offside. No Penalty Kicks. Players are allowed to re-try throw-ins. All free kick are indirect. For all goal kicks, opposing players must remain on their half of the field until the ball takes one rotation out of the goal box. No punting for goalkeepers. On-field coaching allowed.
U11 - No offside. No Penalty Kicks. On-field coaching allowed during July only.
4x2 Rule - In U8, U11 & U14 divisions if a team is up by 4 goals, the opposing team will play one player up (unless numbers do not permit; then winning team will play down 1 player) until score spread is reduced to 2 goals.
Heading - No "heading" instruction/encouragement for PYSA.
b) Playing time:
Required - Each child will play at least half of every game attended. (Except for discipline situations, yellow/red card, injury.)
Recommended - Each child should get the same (approx.) amount of playing time.
Coaches to coordinate the following prior to start of match:
Recommended - Players of equal strengths should play each other.
Recommended - Let least prolific lineup play during the fourth period of some games.
Recommended - Short manned teams may use players from opposing team so that game is not forfeited/canceled.
c) Injuries:
When the referee has deemed a player has been injured, play shall be stopped within 3 seconds. Substitution required (including goalkeeper).
d) Restricted areas:
The area behind the end lines and a three foot strip along each touch line shall be kept clear of spectators, players and coaches at all times during the game. Coaches/teams must stay on their own end of the sidelines. Coaches/teams and parents/spectators will occupy opposite sidelines during matches.
I. Field of Play:
The following divisions will play in the following size fields (yards):
U8 - 30 x 45
U11 - 45 x 70
U14 - 55 x 90
II. The Ball:
The following divisions will play with the following size balls:
U8 - Size 3
U11 - Size 4
U14 - Size 5
III. Number of Players:
U8 - 5v5 (minimum 4 or take players from opposing team)
U11 - 6v6 (minimum 5 or take players from opposing team)
U14 - 8v8 (minimum 6 or take players from opposing team)
Play in required formats (5v5, 6v6, 8v8). Do not alter format except for shortage of players, 4x2 rule, or for Red card ejections. Any other request to alter format must be approved by Summer Recreation President or Summer Recreation Director of Coaches. Recommend minimum of 2 substitutes.
Only players rostered to a team by PYSA may play on that team. No exceptions (except short manned team with players from opposing team).
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U8: Substitutions are allowed at any stoppage and are unlimited.
U11, U14: Substitutions are allowed on goal kicks, kick offs, and substituting team’s throw ins and are unlimited.
IV. Player Equipment:
Sneakers or soft rubber cleats are the only allowable footwear. Players wearing items, which the referee considers dangerous to other players, must remove the items prior to play. If play has already started, the referee will stop play, have items removed, or order the offending player from the field. The player may be substituted and the opposing team allowed a like number of substitutions. Shin-guards are MANDATORY; no player shall be allowed to play without them. Mouth-guards are optional. Players may not wear jewelry including but not limited to earrings and bracelets nor hard headbands.
V. Referee:
Referee shall be in charge of the game from the time he/she steps on the field. No disagreement with a referee's decisions will be tolerated, on or off the field, by players, coaches, parents or other spectators. Team coach is responsible for the conduct of players, assistant coaches, parents and team supporters. Persistent dissent to referees is subject to ejection from the game, suspension from future games as well as expulsion from the PYSA Summer Recreational program.
VI. Linesman:
U12/14: Each team shall provide one linesman (Duty Parent-Coach) for each game. The referee will provide linesman flags. Linesman calls will be limited as to whether the ball is in or out of bounds, and as to who shall inbound the ball. Referee may overrule any linesman call.
VII. Duration of Play:
U8 - 4 x 10-minute periods (running time)
U11 - 4 x 12-minute periods (running time)
U14 - 4 x 15-minute periods (running time)
Two minute break between 1st & 2nd and 3rd & 4th periods. Five minute break between 1st & 2nd half. Referee shall be in charge of time-keeping.
VIII. Start of Play:
As per laws of the game.
IX. Ball In and Out of Play:
As per laws of the game.
X. Scoring:
As per laws of the game.
XI. Offside:
As per laws of the game (No offside for U8 or U11).
XII. Fouls and Misconduct:
As per laws of the game.
Additionally, holding, shirt grabbing, excessive pushing will not be allowed. Swearing and the use of foul and/or abusive language will not be tolerated from anyone (coaches, players, parents, spectators). A yellow card will be given for the above infractions. The COACH is responsible for players, assistant coaches, parents and other team supporters.
a) Caution (Yellow card):
Players receiving a Yellow card will sit out for five minutes. The team may substitute for the player. Yellow cards may be given to players, players on the bench and/or coaches. Coaches/teams may be given yellow cards for inappropriate parent/spectator behavior.
b) Ejection (Red card):
Players or coaches receiving a red card are ejected from the game and MUST leave the field area. The team may not substitute for the ejected player and must play shorthanded for the remainder of the game. Player or coach receiving the Red card will not participate in the next game.
Receipt of a second red card will result in suspension pending notification of the parents and a review by the PYSA Board of Directors. Coaches who receive a 2nd red card will be suspended pending review by the PYSA board. A third red card will result in automatic suspension for remainder of the season.
c) Coach Misconduct:
If a coach becomes unruly or acts in an unsporting manner the referee may eject the Coach from the field. If the coach will not leave the field the referee will suspend the game. Coach will be subject to suspension by the PYSA Board. Coaches must represent PYSA and their sponsors in a positive and favorable manner at all times.
XIII. Free Kick:
As per laws of the game.
All U8 & U11 kicks are indirect.
XIV. Penalty Kick:
As per laws of the game (No penalty kicks for U8 or U11).
XV. Throw-In:
As per laws of the game.
U8 players are allowed to re-try throw-ins.
XVI. Goal Kick:
As per laws of the game.
U8 defending players must retreat to their half of the field and remain on their half of the field until the ball takes one rotation out of the goal box.
XVII. Corner Kick:
As per laws of the game.