The soccer program is intended to provide an organized program that is fun for the participants, and also provides opportunities to teach all players the skills, fundamentals, teamwork, strategy and sportsmanship of soccer. Winning is important, but the main emphasis should always be a strong commitment to the improvement of skills and enjoyment of the game.

Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) - Soccer Rules will be used with the following modifications:

1. Age Groups

• Age groups will be divided into 3 is U4 , 4 & 5 is U6, 6 & 7 is U8, 8 & 9 is U10 10 &11 is U12, 12-14 is U15 by cut off dates of August 1st of previous year .

2. Registration for Soccer:

Players must turn in registration forms, fees, and waiver forms within the sign-up period before participating in any practices or games.

We also Require birth certificates for each child to be turned in by the childs first scheduled practice.

3. Field of Play:

Due to limitations in where we can place fields, field size may increase or decrease during a given season. All attempts will be made to provide as close to regulation fields that are appropriate for each age group.

4. Teams & Number of Players:

Teams will be drafted on an annual basis every Spring season if there is three or more teams. All teams that retain greater than 50% of its players will stay in tact the following Fall season. Any teams that fall below 50% will be dissolved and the players will be reentered into the following season’s draft. The Soccer Committee will determine the number of players per team based on the number of players registered prior to the draft.

5. Duration of Game

• 4 8 minute quarters for 4-5, 4-12 minute quarters for other age groups 6-7

• 5 minutes for halftime for ages 4-1 0

• 2 minutes between each quarter for ages 5-1 0

• 2 (20) minute halves for 8-9 league.

• 2 (25) minute halves for 10-13 league.

• 5 minutes between the halves for 4-7 league.

• 7 minutes between the halves for 8-16 league.

• A point system will be used in all leagues. Three (3) points for a win, one (1) point for tie and no points for a loss. The year ending tournaments will be seeded by the total season points, in case of a tie head to head results will be used, if the tie remains then a “2 round” drawing will determine tournament seeding. First draw will determine the order, the second drawing will set the tournament seed position.

6. Number of Players

4-5 league: The game shall be played with a maximum of (5) players (no goalkeeper) at any one time. The game may be played with (4) players on the field per team.

6-7 league: The game shall be played with a maximum of (6) players (including goalkeeper) at any one time. The game may be played with (5) players (no goalkeeper) on the field per team. If there are only (6) available players (excluding an injured player which the returns to the game within (5) minutes of exiting and the same performance capacity) the game will be considered a forfeit

8-9 league: The game shall be played with a maximum of (8) players (including goalkeeper) at any one time. The game may be played with (9) players (including goalkeeper) on the field per team. If there are only (8) available players (excluding an injured player which the returns to the game within (5) minutes of exiting and the same performance capacity) the game will be considered a forfeit

10-14

leagues: The game shall be played with a maximum of (11) players (including goalkeeper) at any one time. The game may be played with (9) players (including goalkeeper) on the field per team. If there are only (8) available players (excluding an injured player which the returns to the game within (5) minutes of exiting and the same performance capacity) the game will be considered a forfeit.

Any forfeit must be turned into the league director (i.e. league director is defined by the MCAA Soccer Committee) by the referee. It is the coaches’ responsibility to make sure a forfeit has been recorded by the referee. A forfeit results in a 3 - 0 goal loss. If it is not turned in as a forfeit, the game will be considered as a legally played game. If a team does not show up for the game – resulting in a forfeit – the team deemed winning the forfeited game must have the at least the minimum number of players at the scheduled game time to be verified by the referee. If both teams do not show up for the game – it is considered a double forfeit - not a tie – no point awards to the teams.

If a team has one less player than the maximum number of players, the opposing team must play equal number of players. If a team has the minimum number of players the opposing team may only play one player up.

7. Equipment

Ball Size

• 5-6 age group - #3 size

• 7-8 & 9-10 age groups - #4 size

• 11- 13 & 14-16 age group - #4 size

All players without exception must wear:

• Shin guards. Socks must fully cover the shin guards.

• No steel cleats

• All jewelry, including earrings/studs, rings, watches, chains, or anything that, in the opinion of the referee is dangerous, must be removed prior to play.

• No metal hair clips are allowed (use rubber bands).

· Children wearing glasses must use a secured strap for their glasses.

8. Mandatory Participation Rule

• Each child must be played fairly. As per the coach discretion.

9. Rainouts

• The League Director at the field will call Rainouts unless otherwise notified.

• Make-up games for rainouts will be played only if possible.

Inclement weather is posted on the website www.gomcaa.com under inclement weather.

10. Injuries

• Play will be immediately stopped by the referee in the event any player on the field is believed to be injured.

When the referee stops play, the injured player must leave the field. The player may return to the game at the next legal substitution.

• If the opposing team is in control of the ball at the time the whistle is blown, they will be awarded an indirect kick. Otherwise, a drop ball is played.

• In the event the goalkeeper is injured during the last two minutes of play, the new goalkeeper MUST come from the bench. In the event there are no eligible players to substitute for the goalkeeper, only then may a player be moved into the keeper position.

• To reduce the possibility of injury – no slide tackles are allowed in the 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10 age groups. Violation of this of the rule will result in a direct kick. If the foul occurs inside the goalie box a penalty shot will be awarded.

11. Referees Duties

Officiate the game, keep the clock and score during the game and abide by the normal duties outlined in the rules and the official rulebook. The referee must enter the team, date, time of game, goals scored by player, and referee names on the score card.

12. Coaches

• Coaches must be on the opposite side of the field from the spectators

• Coaches are not allowed to go past the mid-line, referees will call this. Consistent violation will mean ejection by referee.

• Coaches are encouraged to speak with all parents and inform them of these rules.

• Substitutions may only be made during a throw-in, corner kick or goal kick. You must be in possession of the ball to substitute. All substitutions will be made through the referee.

· Coaches are directed to increase play time of less fortunate players, in games that are “well-in-hand”, by sitting more fortunate players. Failure to abide by this rule may result in suspension and/or termination.

13. Goalkeeper

• Harassing the Goalkeeper: While the goalkeeper has taken possession of the ball within his own penalty area, attacking players are required to move to the side of the goalkeeper as the ball is returned. (Possession of the ball by the goalkeeper includes holding, bouncing, throwing the ball into the air and catching it again, or when releasing the ball into play).

• The goalkeeper can only be substituted in a dead ball situation. You may not substitute before direct or indirect kicks.

• The goalkeeper cannot be substituted in the last 5 minutes of the game.

• Rules restricting a goalkeeper throwing a ball back into play will be enforced. For all age groups, the goalkeeper has a maximum of (10) seconds to get rid of the ball. Violation of this rule will result with an indirect free kick at the edge of the goal box for the opposing team.

14. Yellow and Red Cards

• Soccer rules provide for the use of yellow and red cards to warn or eject players and/or coaches for actions on the field of play. Yellow cards will be used for rough play and excessive trash talking. Two yellow cards in a game will be an automatic ejection. A red card will be issued for offensive language and violation of rules that endanger another player. If a player is ejected that player will not be replaced. All calls are made by the referee. The referee’s decision will be final. If a player is ejected two games in a row, he/she is suspended for the next game.

· Suspensions: If a coach or assistant receives a red card, a minimum of a 1 game suspension from MCAA coaching responsibilities and facilities will be implemented in addition to the game involved. Each incident will be handled on a case-by-case basis for review by the league to determine the severity of the incident and any further suspensions. If the incident involves any physical contact with another person, an automatic suspension for the remainder of the season will be implemented. If actions by a coach or assistant occurs prior to or following a game while involved in coaching activities, and these actions are deemed to be in violation of the MCAA Coaches Responsibilities and Code of Ethics, the league will review the incident and has the authority to implement a suspension. All suspensions may be appealed as described in the MCAA Coaches Responsibilities and Code of Ethics.

15. Spectators

• Parents are expected to adhere to the agreed upon Parents Code of Conduct.

• No spectators are allowed behind the goal line

• Spectators must remain on the side opposite the players and coach behind the parent line.

16. Post Season Play:

Play-off games will follow regular season rules with the following exceptions:

• There will be no post season play in the 5-6 league. All 5-6 participants will receive a participation trophy.

• There will not be a tie in play-off games. If an even score exists at the end of regular play, a shoot-out will determine the winner.

• Shoot-out: Only those players that were on the field at the end of regulation are eligible to participate in shoot-outs. Each team will choose 3 players to take a shot, at the penalty mark, on the opposing team’s goalkeeper (the goalkeeper can be chosen as one of the 3 players). The goalkeeper in the shoot-out must be the player who finished regular play as the goalkeeper. Each shot will be rotated between teams. The first team to shoot will be determined by the referee. If an even score still exists at the end of the first shoot-out, 3 different players will be chosen for a second shoot-out. If an even score still exists at the end of the second shoot-out, 3 different players will be chosen for a third shoot-out. If an even score exists after the 3^rd shoot-out, 1 to 1 shoot-outs will be played until a winner is determined. Any player from the players on the field at the end of regulation play is eligible for the 1 to 1 shoot-out. Each team will choose a new player to shoot after every shot until a winner is decided.

• Each player must play a minimum of 25% of every post-season game.

17. Awards

Trophies will be awarded to the winner in each division for the regular season (7-15). In case of tie, the tiebreaker is defined section 4 above. Trophies will be awarded to the tournament winner and runner-up.

18. Violations

Any violation of league rules by player, coach or spectator may result in suspension or dismissal by the McGee’s Crossroads Athletic Association.

19. Protest/Grievances

Protests and grievances are designed to help improve the McGee’s Crossroads Athletic Association and are not intended to have games or outcomes of games overturned or replayed.

· Any protest/grievance of a game, participants, spectator, coaches, and/or referees must be made within one hour following the incident, unless the protest is made to the referee before the game is over. The referee will make a note of the protest on the score card.

· No protest may be filed on the basis of the referee’s judgment call.

· Protest may be made only by an acting head coach and must be presented to a member of the protest committee in the form of a letter (after verbal protest has been made as per section 1) no later than 24 hours from the end of the game.

· A protest committee will be designated at the beginning of each year. The committee will be made up of the officers of the board and the directors of each league. In the event the protest involves any member (or members) of the committee, said members will not be involved in the process, other than to be questioned by the committee. The protest committee will convene in a meeting if the protest is valid and requires discussion beyond the letter provided by the acting head coach.

· Any coaches involved in the protest must be available to be questioned by the committee.

20. Concession Policy

The policy is based upon the home team providing a volunteer for the concession stand.

Parent volunteers should arrive (1) hour before game time (30 minutes if first game of day). The same person can volunteer for more than one game and if there are multiple volunteers for the same date, all are welcome. Volunteers will be asked to serve food and drinks and either help open or close the stand depending on the game time. Lowest ranked team must provide a volunteer during tournament play. The volunteer is required to register (i.e. provide attendance documentation) their name / date / team name to insure proper validation for their volunteer time.

· Failure to show on your chosen date will result in a three point deduction on the team’s total points. This reduction will apply towards the league championship and the tournament seeding.

· Coaches are required to supply the appropriate volunteer to work the MCAA Concession stand. Failure to do so will result in the removal of future coaching privileges.

· Coaches are required to work the concession stand if no volunteer is supplied.

21. Overview of Some Game Rules

This is intended as a guide and supplement, but does not replace the rulebook used.

• Start of Game

• Choice of ends of field and kick-off shall be determined by a coin flip. The winner of the flip shall have choice of either end or the kick-off.

• Play shall be started by a kick-off at the center of the field after the referee's signal.

• At halftime, ends will change and the kickoff will be by a player of the opposite team that started the game.

• A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-off unless touched by another player.

• Kick-Off

• Opposing players must be outside the center field circle.

• The ball must move forward at least the diameter of the ball.

• The kicker cannot play the ball a second time before another player has played it.

• Ball In and Out of Play

• Lines are regarded as part of the field. All of the ball must be over the entire line to be out.

• If the ball rebounds off the referee when in the field of play, goal post/bar or corner flag, the ball continues to be in play.

• Hand balls

• Not all instances in which the ball makes contact with a players hand is it considered to be a hand ball. The contact must result in a change in play or provide an advantage to the offending team. Hand balls are at the discretion of the officials.

• Off-Side

• A player is in an OffSide Position if he is nearer to his opponent’s goal line, unless

· The player is in his own half of the field of play, or

· There are at least two of his opponents (including the goalie) nearer their own goal-line than he is.

· The player is not in the immediate vicinity of the play.

• Fouls and Misconduct

• For age groups 5-6, 7-8, 9-13 & 14-16, a foul is any play which could result in an injury or for intentionally handling the ball.

• Nine Direct offenses are

• Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent

• Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent

• Jumping at an opponent

• Violent or dangerous charging

• Charging from behind

• Striking or attempting to strike an opponent

• Holding

• Pushing

• Handball

The decision on whether or not to call any foul rests with the referee. The referee in rendering his decision will judge the players intent. A penalty kick is awarded if any of the above offences is committed by a player inside his own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball, provided it is in play.

• Seven Indirect offenses

• Dangerous play (i.e. high kick)

• Charging fairly, when the ball is not within playing distance

• Obstruction

• Unfairly charging the goalkeeper

• Goalkeeper delaying the game

• Goalkeeper touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate.

• Goalkeeper touches the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate.

• Penalty-kick

• All players, except the goalkeeper and the penalty kicker, must be outside the penalty area and at least ten yards from the penalty mark. The goalkeeper must stand on his own goal line without moving his feet until the ball has been kicked.

• The kicker must make a smooth and uninterrupted approach to the ball.

• Throw-In

• At the time the ball leaves the hands, both feet must remain on the ground.

• Both feet must be on the touchline or outside the field.

• The ball must be brought back over and behind the head.

• A re-throw will be taken if the ball does not enter the field of play.

• There is no offside on a throw-in.

• The throw-in must be taken within 1 yard of where the ball left the field.

• A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in unless touched by another player.

• After throwing the ball into play, the thrower cannot touch the ball again until it touches another player.

• An opponent may not jump in front of a person trying to throw a ball into play.

• Goal-Kick

• When a goal kick is taken, the ball may be placed anywhere within the goalie area. The intent of this rule is to place the ball back into play as quickly as possible.

• When the ball is kicked it must travel beyond the penalty area before being played again. If it fails to clear the penalty box area, a re-kick will be taken.

• In the 5-6 age group, all players of the opposing team must be beyond the mid-field prior to taking the kick.

• Corner-Kick

• A corner-kick will be awarded when the ball exits the field over the goal line and was last touched by a defender and a goal was not scored.

• There are no offsides on corner-kicks.

• A goal may be scored directly without touching another player.

• The ball must be placed entirely inside the corner kick.

• In 5-6 age group, opposing players must be at least five yards from the ball. In all other age groups, opposing players must be at least ten yards from the ball.

• Free Kicks

• If a direct kick is kicked directly into the opponents’ goal, a goal is awarded.

• If a direct kick is kicked directly into the team’s own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team.

• An indirect kick must be touched by another player before it enters to goal – for the goal to be awarded.

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