t. Henry occer Rulebook Introduction: The purpose of this book is to provide the basic soccer rules that the t. Henry occer League will adhere to. For situations not covered in this book, the FIF laws of the game will be the governing set of rules. The FIF laws are updated annually and can be found on the internet at www.fifa.com. Enough detail was put into this rulebook that hopefully additional resources will rarely be needed. This book is written for the benefit of the coaches, players, referees and fans alike. The Field & Positions: Diagrams and descriptions are shown in appendices 1 & 2. Equipment: hirts and stockings are provided to all players (any additional shirts or sweaters must be worn under the team shirts) hin guards are mandatory (stockings must cover shin guards) Cleats are recommended, but not required (baseball cleats have a toe cleat which is dangerous in soccer it is recommended to have the toe cleat cut off if baseball cleats are used; soccer cleats do not have a toe cleat) lack shorts are recommended, but not required player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry or casts) Goalkeepers must wear goalie shirts provided (colors are distinguishable from other players) Time: 1 st -2 nd grade: four quarters 9 minutes long, 2 minute break between qtrs., 5 minute halftime 3 rd -4 th grade: two halves 25 minutes long, 5 minute halftime 5 th -6 th grade: same as 3 rd -4 th grade Time does not stop except for an injury that runs a lot of time off the clock. dding time is the decision of the coaches/referee. The referee keeps the official time. Rev. 1 (03/12) Page 2 t. Henry occer Rules
tart and Restart of Play: Preliminaries: The first team on the schedule is the visiting team Visiting team calls coin toss, winner of toss decides which goal they will attack in the first half The other team takes the kick-off to start the match Teams switch ends in the second half and the opposite team takes the kick-off to start the second half (or second quarter for the 1 st -2 nd grade field) Kick-off: kick-off is the way of starting each quarter/half and after a goal has been scored goal may be scored directly from the kick-off Procedure: ll players start on their own half of the field Opponents of the team taking the kick-off must be outside the center circle The ball is stationary on the center mark Referee blows the whistle to signal the start of the kick-off The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward (the ball cannot be played backward) The kicker does not touch the ball a second time until is has touched another player fter a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by the other team Infringements: If the kicker touches the ball a second time before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the other team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (1 st -2 nd graders get a second try) For any other infringement, the kick is retaken Dropped all: dropped ball is a way of restarting play after a temporary stoppage such as an injury or when the ball goes out of bounds and the referee is unsure which team last touched it The referee drops the ball between two opposing players at the place where it was located when play was stopped Play restarts when the ball touches the ground The ball is dropped again if a player makes contact with it prior to it contacting the ground ubstitutions: ubstitutions can only be made when play is stopped. There is no limit on the number of substitutions that can be made during a match. 1. GOL KICK, FTER GOL, OR WHEN THERE I N INJUR either team can substitute. 2. THROW-IN only the team throwing the ball in can substitute 3. CORNER KICK neither team can substitute NOTE: When subbing in a player, make sure the player is ready when the referee calls for sub(s). Do not send your player to the flag until your player has all the information required. The referees will not allow late subbing and therefore, the sub will have to wait until the next available time. IMPORTNT: If play is stopped due to an injured player, that player will be required to sit out until the next substitution. Rev. 1 (03/12) Page 3 t. Henry occer Rules
The players coming into the game should stand next to the flag at the center of the field and when play is stopped, the referee will signal the substitutes to enter the field of play. all in and out of Play: ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the line. If it is obvious the ball is out of play, the referee will not blow the whistle in order to keep the noise down since several games may be going on simultaneously. He should immediately call the color of team who should throw the ball in and also point in the direction that team is attacking. If a ball rebounds from the goalpost, it is still in play. If a ball hits a referee, it is still in play. Unlike football and basketball, in soccer a player is permitted to move off the field to play a ball that is still in-bounds. Throw-Ins: throw-in is taken when the ball crosses the sideline and leaves the field. The player is not allowed to throw the ball directly into the goal t the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower: o faces the field of play o throws the ball in the direction his feet are pointing o throws the ball with two hands over his head o both feet are touching the ground (dragging a toe is acceptable) o has part of each foot on the sideline or outside the sideline o the thrower can hop, run or do cartwheels up to the point where the ball is released, but not when the ball is released o 1 st -2 nd graders can try again and again if failing to throw the ball in properly, older age groups that do it improperly will be whistled and the other team will then throw the ball in The thrower may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player (indirect free kick awarded if this is violated) Goal Kick: The goal kick is a method of restarting play. goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team goal kick is awarded when the attacking team last touched the ball before it goes out of bounds over the endline The ball is kicked from any point within the goalie box (1 st -2 nd graders normally place the ball on one of the corners of the goalie box ) Opponents remain outside the penalty box until the ball is in play The defenders and midfielders may be in the goalie box when the goal kick is taken The ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty box at this point anyone can kick it The kicker cannot play the ball a second time until it has touched another player ny infringements of the goal kick rules will result in the kick being taken again Corner Kick: The corner kick is a method of restarting play. goal may be scored directly from a corner kick corner kick is awarded when the defending team last touched the ball before it goes out of bounds over the goal line (endline) The ball is placed anywhere within the corner arc (the nearest corner arc must be used) The corner flag is left in place when taking the kick Rev. 1 (03/12) Page 4 t. Henry occer Rules
Opponents must be back 10 yards The kicker cannot play the ball a second time until it has touched another player ny infringements of the corner kick rules will result in the kick being taken again Direct and Indirect Free Kicks: Direct and indirect kicks are two primary ways that play is restarted after the referee stops play for an infraction. For both of these the ball must be stationary before it is kicked and the opposing players should be a minimum of 10 yards away. The simple difference between the two is this: On a direct kick you can score by kicking the ball directly into the goal. On an indirect kick you cannot score. n indirect kick must be touched by another player before it can go into the goal. Direct Fouls Direct Kicks Handling the ball (hand ball) Kicking, striking, pushing, tripping or holding an opponent Jumping at an opponent Charging an opponent dangerously Charging from behind Note: bumping or going shoulder-to-shoulder while competing for a ball is not a foul unless the hands or elbows come up Note: hand ball includes using any part of the body from the tips of the fingers to the shoulder o a ball that is kicked and hits a player s hand/arm is not a hand ball (the referee must decide if the contact was accidental or if the player is handling the ball) o putting it another way: all to Hand (legal) Hand to all (illegal) Indirect Fouls Indirect Kicks Dangerous play (high kicks, kicking goalie) Obstructing an opponent Goalkeeper delays play (allowed 15 seconds to distribute the ball) Goalkeeper handles an intentional passback (the goalkeeper must kick a ball that was intentionally passed back to him from a teammate) Player touches the ball twice in succession after a restart Offsides Note: liding while kicking (slide tackling) is not allowed at t. Henry. This is a dangerous play. Penalty Kicks: If a direct foul is committed by the defensive team in the penalty box, a penalty kick is awarded to the attacking team. ball is placed on the penalty stripe any member of the attacking team may take the penalty kick the goalkeeper s heels must be on the goal line (he can move side to side, but not forward or backward until the ball is kicked) Rev. 1 (03/12) Page 5 t. Henry occer Rules
during the kick all other players must be outside of the penalty box and arc until the ball is kicked once the ball is kicked, it is in play, but may not be played by the kicker again until it is touched by another player additional time is allowed at the end of the quarter/half to complete a penalty kick if the goalkeeper or any player on the defending team infringes the penalty kick rules, the referee allows the kick to continue and if a goal is scored, the goal stands; if a goal is not scored the kick is retaken if the kicker or any player of the attacking team infringes the penalty kick rules, the referee allows the kick to continue and if a goal is not scored, the kick is done; if a goal is scored, the kick is retaken if the kicker touches the ball a second time prior to someone else touching the ball (i.e. the kick bounces off the goal post), an indirect kick is awarded to the defending team where the infringement occurred for the 1 st -2 nd grade level the referee can use his judgment on how to handle the infringements for example if a first grader kicks the ball twice (not knowing), then the referee should let them retake the kick and explain to them their mistake coring: goal is scored when the entire ball crosses over the goal line, between the goal posts and under the cross bar. Tie games will end in a tie except in the 5 th -6 th grade tournament. core boards will be used for the 3 rd -4 th & 5 th -6 th grade fields. The scores of the 1 st -2 nd grade fields will not be emphasized. Offsides: This rule will not be enforced at the 1 st -2 nd grade level. They will simply be warned not to camp by the goal. The rest of you aren t so lucky this is confusing so hang in there First of all you cannot be offside on a corner kick, goal kick or throw-in. ou cannot be offside if you are on your half of the field. lso, the offside rule applies when the ball is kicked, not when the player receives the ball. It is not an offense for a player to be in an offside position. The player must be involved in active play and gain an advantage by being in that position as determined by the referee to be called offside. Per FIF, a player is in an offside position if: he is nearer to his opponent s goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent. In simpler terms: n attacking player can t be ahead of the ball and involved in the play unless there is a defender between him and the goalkeeper. ee appendix 3 for diagrams of what is and is not offsides. Rev. 1 (03/12) Page 6 t. Henry occer Rules
Disciplinary anctions: The referees have ellow/red cards available to discipline players if needed. t. Henry has typically just given verbal warnings in the past, but the cards may be used at the discretion of the referee. Red Card: Player must leave the field for the remainder of the game and he may not be replaced spitting at another player offensive and abusive language 2 yellow cards in one game violent conduct a player other than the goalie denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball ellow Card: Player is warned (player is not required to leave the field) 2 ellow cards in one games equals a Red card delaying the game (goalkeepers are allowed 15 seconds to distribute the ball) foul language fails to respect the 10 yard spacing on a restart kick Notes for Referees: The two refs should work diagonally so they each cover a sideline and an endline Check players for jewelry prior to the game (each ref. should check one team) Count players on the field prior to each kick-off Notify the coaches periodically of the remaining time thru the quarter/half so they can do a better job of getting their subs into the game Watch for substitute players at the mid-field flag and signal for them to come in when appropriate In order to call offsides, it is important to be in a good position (even with the last fullback) Coaches are to be off the field during play they are allowed to be behind the goal line to coach the defense; this is primarily for 1 st -2 nd grade, but it will also be allowed for the higher levels low whistle loudly and speak clearly so the kids and coaches understand the call For the younger players especially, explain why/what call is being made help coach them For the 1 st -2 nd grade level - when time expires, if a play is in action, let that play finish and then blow the whistle Hand signals should be used as much as possible for everyone s benefit o direct kick point to the goal with a straight arm o indirect kick point to the sky with a straight arm o corner kick point to the corner o goal kick point to the goal box o goal scored point to the middle of the field (back to kick-off position) o refer to the internet for visual aids of these signals and others Turn in one score card per game be sure the names of both refs are on the card soccer board treasurer will pay the refs at the conclusion of the season (score cards are turned in to the pink box in the concession stand) Referees are entitled to free water at the concession stand if needed while refereeing The watches are kept inside the door of the concession stand if you do not have your own. lso, the referee with the stop watch should stand on the coach s side so you can prompt coaches of the time left of the game. Rev. 1 (03/12) Page 7 t. Henry occer Rules
et the flags, first aid kit, score boards and game balls on the fields prior to the games and return them to the concession stand at the conclusion of the last game for the day In the event of lightning, clear the fields no play for minimum of ½ hr. after lightning ppendix 1: The Field Corner rea Penalty pot Goal Goal Endline Center pot Center Circle ideline Penalty rc Penalty ox Goalie ox The Field: ll three t. Henry fields have the same markings with the exception of the 1 st -2 nd grade field which has an additional line (not shown in the above diagram). It has an orange stripe down the center from one goal to the other. The purpose of this stripe is to help the kids know where they are at so they stay spread out better. The fields get larger for each age group. 1 st -2 nd grade play on the North field 3 rd -4 th grade play on the center field 5 th -6 th grade play on the outh field The Positions: The 1 st -2 nd graders play 8 against 8. The 3 rd -4 th & 5 th -6 th graders play 11 against 11. Diagrams of the kick-off positions are shown on the next page. The positions have different names. There is the goalkeeper (goalie), fullbacks (also called defenders), midfielders and strikers (also called forwards). The fullbacks job is defense, the strikers job is offense and the midfielders transition the ball from defense to offense. Technically any player can run anywhere on the field including the goalkeeper. The only restriction is that the goalkeepr cannot use his hands once outside of the penalty box. Realistically though, the kids need to be taught to play their position versus running the entire field. Rev. 1 (03/12) Page 8 t. Henry occer Rules
ppendix 2: The Positions = triker M = Midfielder F = Fullback G = Goalie M F F G tarting Positions for 1st-2nd Grade Field Rev. 1 (03/12) Page 9 t. Henry occer Rules
= triker M = Midfielder F = Fullback G = Goalie M F M F G M F tarting Positions for 3rd-4th & 5th-6th Grade Field ppendix 3: Offsides Diagrams The players marked are attacking the goal The players marked are defending the goal Direction of movement of ball Direction of movement of player X Offside: Diagram #1 passes the ball to. is offside because he is in front of and is nearer to his opponents goal line than at least two opponents when the ball was passed by. Rev. 1 (03/12) Page 10 t. Henry occer Rules
X Offside: Diagram #2 passes the ball to who is level with the second last defender. is not offside since, at the moment the ball was played by, he was not nearer to his opponents goal line than at least two opponents. X Offside: Diagram #3 1 passes the ball to. 2 runs from position 1 and collects the ball as it lands at position 2. X is offside since, at the moment the ball was played by, he was nearer to his opponents goal line than at least two of his opponents and gained an advantage by being in active play. Offside: Diagram #4 2 passes the ball to who runs from position 1 to position 2 to play it. 1 is not offside because at the moment the ball was played by, he was not in an offside position since he was not in front of the ball and was not nearer to his opponents goal line than at least two of his opponents. X Offside: Diagram #5 shoots for goal and the ball enters the net. is standing in front of the goalkeeper. The goal would not be allowed since, who is in an offside position, is involved in active play and is interfering with an opponent. Rev. 1 (03/12) Page 11 t. Henry occer Rules
X Offside: Diagram #6 shoots for goal and scores. lthough is in an offside position, he is not involved in active play and the goal would be allowed. X Offside: Diagram #7 shoots the ball at goal and the ball rebounds from the goalkeeper to player. is offside because he was in active play and gained an advantage by being in that position. Rev. 1 (03/12) Page 12 t. Henry occer Rules