NEW HAMPSHIRE SOCCER LEAGUE Operating Rules:

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1 NEW HAMPSHIRE SOCCER LEAGUE Operating Rules: NHSL Operating Rules: The following information is provided as an overview of the NHSL rules and procedures. The definitive sources for specific information are the Constitution and Bylaws of the League, which may also be found on the NHSA web site. Questions may be addressed to the NHSA staff at any time; contact information is provided on the NHSA web site, In keeping with policy mandated by USSF, USYS and NEW HAMPSHIRE SOCCER ASSOCIATION (NHSA); NHSL requires that all adults interacting with players under the age of 18 complete a volunteer disclosure form i.e. Kid Safe Form at such time as they begin their position whether it be as referee, coach, asst. coach, team mom, team manager, club officer, etc. and for each subsequent season (EVERY TWO YEARS) as they continue such interaction. AFFILIATION: The league operates under the auspices of the New Hampshire Soccer Association, Youth Division and abides by the NHSA rules and regulations, following USSF and USYSL protocols. Games played in this league will count as NHSA State Cup, and Presidents Cup qualifying games. TEAM COMPETITION: The league shall consist of teams formed of players within a city or town, or a collection of small towns or cities from forming a combined team in order to seek a competitive level. There shall be no restrictions preventing a collection of towns or cities from forming a combined team in order to seek a competitive level. At any time during the seasonal year, (August 1 to July 31) the number of players that can be roster on any team, (11v11) in age groups U-13 and above, maximum number of players that may be on a roster shall be twenty two (22) players, of whom only a designated eighteen (18) may play in any scheduled league match. The maximum number of players which may be on a roster for 6v6 teams shall be fourteen (14) players and for 8v8 a maximum of eighteen (18) players (NOTE: U12 8v8 teams participating in NHSA State Cup and Presidents Cup must adhere to a 14 player roster per USYS Region 1 rules). The stamped NHSA roster, valid NHSA virtual player passes, virtual NHSA rosters, and or a NHSL game card shall be the acceptable roster presented by any team to the referee prior to the start of any game. Roster changes can be made as per NHSA rules. REGISTRATION: Teams must register with the league registrar by the deadline established each season (Spring January 31 st / Fall August 1). If you are practicing, you should be registered for insurance purposes with NHSA. We follow the NHSA player registration requirements. Once the season starts and, you may register additional, players up to the maximum described above nhsl operating rules - rev 08 Page 1 of 5

2 CLUB PASS: Players properly registered with NHSA, on a roster to other teams within the same club will be allowed to be added to the individual game roster. We ask clubs to avoid gamesmanship, defined as adding a better quality player, typically from a higher division team, for the sole purpose of winning a game. We ask that club pass be used to increase playing opportunities and to allow a player to play up to experience better competition. SCHEDULE: The league publishes a schedule for participating teams prior to the start of each season, fall and spring. Clubs will have the option to schedule all home games. Should they decline, NHSL will schedule the games. NHSL will close the scheduling period approximately 21 days before the start of the season. Clubs will have 5 days to review and request changes. Schedules will be released a minimum of ten days prior to the start of the season. NHSL will open a team to team communication tool contained in the Got Soccer team account. This tool can be used to speak with other teams about scheduling changes. If both teams agree, the league will pass the request to the Home club. Should they agree, we will move the game. We will try and schedule 8 games for each season. FIELD COORDINATOR SYSTEM: LOCATION MANAGER: A. For scheduling purposes, each Club shall designate a Field Coordinator who will interface with NHSL regarding scheduling matters. B. During the season, the Field Coordinator will be the primary point of contact between his or her Club and NHSL or other Clubs regarding changes, cancellations and rescheduling. RULES OF PLAY: Game Length: U-7/8 (4v4) four 12 min. periods U-10/U-9 (6v6)-four l2 min. periods U-11/U-12 two 30 min. halves U-13/14 two 35 min. halves U two 45 min. halves Game Ball: A properly inflated game ball shall be provided by the Home team according to the following sizes: U-8-9 and under Size 3 ball. U-10 to U12 Size 4 ball. U-13 + and older Size 5 ball nhsl operating rules - rev 08 Page 2 of 5

3 RULES OF COMPETITION: All Small Sided Games shall be governed by the USYS rules of play. All 11 v 11 games shall be governed by the FIFA and USSF Laws of the Game", unless accepted herein below. Substitutions shall be unlimited for all age groups in NHSL. Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the referee at any stoppage of play. COACHES DURING A GAME: Team and team officials (maximum of four coaches/managers) will be allowed on the sideline. Parents and spectators will be on the opposite sideline. Coaches will remain in the designated coach's box, as defined by the referee. This area begins ten (10) yards from the halfway line and runs for ten (10) yards down the touchline. It is no closer to the touchline than 1 yard behind the touchline. Coaches can leave their respective bench areas momentarily to give players instructions, but must retreat back into their bench area and remain there for the duration of the match. At no time can they enter onto the field of play (unless beckoned (invited) by the referee). They cannot wander up and down the touchline, get in the way of the assistant referee, and must behave responsibly at all times. NHSL has a zero tolerance policy for any referee abuse and/or harassment from coaches and bench personnel. COACHES AND MANAGERS: Teams must have a responsible coach or manager present at each game whose responsibilities shall include maintaining control and discipline over the team. A team, which appears without a coach, or a clearly responsible adult substitute (with positive ID, to include proof of current Kids Safe registration) if such person is without a pass card, shall forfeit. Coaches (or their adult, approved substitute) must be on the stamped, approved team roster. Coaches and managers are responsible for their conduct and for the conduct of their players and fans at all times. Abusive or obscene language, violent play, violent conduct or other behavior detrimental to the game will not be tolerated. Coaches must remain within the designated coaching area during the course of play. They must refrain from loud, persistent or intrusive coaching of field players from the touchline. They must not referee, or attempt to intimidate, influence, or work the referee (or assistant referees) in any manner whatsoever. Only qualified and currently Kids Safe certified coaches and managers may be present on the sidelines with the team during a game. Parents and other spectators must remain on the opposite sideline. Coaches or and managers who are dismissed by the Referee, or who are under suspension, must remain completely away from the playing field or site. Failure to abide by this rule may result in additional disciplinary action. All head coaches are required by the league to be licensed or certified by NHSA or other approved organization under US Soccer or FIFA. The League recommends that assistants be licensed also. Additionally, all team coaches are required to have a current Kids Safe background check, and have evidence of this (coach s pass w/kids SAFE CHECKED visibly stamped on the pass) to present to the match referee, upon request nhsl operating rules - rev 08 Page 3 of 5

4 A coach or bench personnel dismissed shall have the information regarding their behavior recorded on a supplemental report form. DISCIPLINARY REPORT: If a coach displays irresponsible behavior and they are dismissed, there needs to be an accurate, verbatim description recorded on the referee supplemental game report. PLAYER SUBSTITUTION: Players, Substitutes or Substituted Players: Any information regarding cards issued to players, substitutes or substituted players shall be recorded by referees on the first page of the USSF Referee Report form, as is the usual method of reporting. POINTS SYSTEM: The standings of teams in their respective divisions shall be figured by points. TIE BREAKERS: Three (3) for a WIN One (1) for a TIE (to each team) Zero (0) for a LOSS Zero (0) for a FORFEIT (forfeiting team) The score of a Forfeit shall be 4-0. If at the end of the regular season, two or more teams are tied, the winner shall be determined through the following tie breaker methods: HOME TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Head to Head Competition; if three teams are tied, head to head will be used AFTER Goal Differential, and only if ONE team was eliminated by goal differential. 2. Goal Differential, up to a maximum of 4 per game; 3. Fewest Goals allowed, up to a maximum of 4 per game; 4. Goals for MAX of 4 PER GAME 5. Most Wins; 6. Coin Flip The home team will provide a suitable soccer pitch that is visibly lined, has acceptable goal posts, nets, and flags. If any club cannot, or has not provided such, then that club will be scheduled for all away games the next season, unless guarantees are made, in writing that such field problems will not occur again. Teams must be present at the pitch 30 minutes prior to the scheduled game time nhsl operating rules - rev 08 Page 4 of 5

5 PLAYER CARDS, GAME ROSTERS, UNIFORMS and COACHE S AREA: Each team shall present NHSA, registration passes (paper or virtual) and the game card with the players playing in the game to the referee (or Assistant Referee) prior to the start of the game. The referee (and/or assistant referee) will check in the two team s players against the approved, roster and players passes, and conduct a pre-game player equipment and safety check. Referees will ensure all players jerseys have visible numbers on their back (numbers on goalie shirts are optional), and these players numbers match the corresponding numbers for each player on the approved stamped team roster. There shall be no duplicate player numbers on any single team (including any and all guest players.) It is the coach s responsibility to correct any discrepancies identified by the referee or his/her assistant referees. All players shall wear numbered jerseys. Shin guards must be used by all players that provide a reasonable degree or protection and are made of suitable material (both are referee judgments), and which are completely covered by the socks, shirts must be tucked in, and any visible undergarments (compression shorts, full-length spandex (tights), long sleeve t-shirts/spandex) shall be of matching color to the uniform shorts and shirt, and no undershorts will be Hanging out below the team shorts. Full length spandex is allowed providing the color is approximately the same for all team members. U12 SMALL SIDED RULES U12 Small Sided competition is played with seven (7) field players and a goalkeeper for each team. It is strongly recommended by US Youth Soccer. This field is 75 (+/-) 5 yards in length and 50 (+/-) 5 yards wide. See the US Youth Soccer website for a complete definition.[ Youth Soccer Official under 12 playing recommendations.pdf. Goal size should be 6 x 18 or 6 ½ x 18 ½, but 7 x 21 is acceptable nhsl operating rules - rev 08 Page 5 of 5