BRYSA Blue Ridge Youth Soccer Association Recreational Division Policies and Procedures Abridged Rule Summary for Referees This abridged version of the Policies and Procedures is provided as a reference tool. The complete Policies and Procedures is the official document for BRYSA. I. PURPOSE 1. The primary purpose is for children to learn the fundamentals of soccer and to participate in a team sport, in a recreational league setting. It will attempt to provide each child with learning and growing experience in the development of soccer skills and sportsmanship. 2. This purpose is best served through experiences of participation. Concern and emphasis on winning is secondary to the enjoyment of the game. Pressuring players to win solely for the sake of winning is strongly discouraged and will not be tolerated by the Association. 3. Every child plays! The participation of every child is equally important and no child shall have his or her opportunity to participate fully in practices and games limited in any way. 4. Participation shall be open to every child regardless of level of skill in the available age groupings of the program. No child shall be discouraged from participation because of his or her level of skill. No child shall be excluded from full participation by reason of sex, race, or non-disabling handicapping condition. II. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Referee Committee: Assigns referees to games and works with Referee Liaison to resolve officiating issues. Referee Liaison: The Referee Liaison is typically one of the primary referee trainers in the region. This person provides expertise on officiating and assists with referee issues. III. TEAM STRUCTURE Page 1
IV. DIVISION STRUCTURE V. REGISTRATION VI. SEASON Each year, the Association will offer a Fall Season soccer program and a Spring Season soccer program. A. Practices: B. Games: All BRYSA Recreational Division policies and procedures shall apply to all games whether regular season, playoff, or tournament. 1. Playing Time: All players who attend at least half of the practices shall receive equal amount of playing time during each game. If this rule is violated, the Association should be notified immediately, and the Chairman of the Coaches Committee shall discuss the philosophy, policies and procedures of BRYSA with the coach concerned. 2. Pre-Game Warm-Up: Recreational Division teams shall not require a practice longer than 15 s prior to any regular season game. 3. Official Dress: The official dress for each player on the field of play during the game shall be: Team jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards and soccer or tennis shoes. Shin guards must be worn and must provide a reasonable degree of protection. Long sleeve shirts may be worn under the team jersey. It is recommended that these shirts be white or identical to the jersey in color. If long pants are worn, it is recommended that they be sweat pants, athletic pants commonly known as body armor, or any like athletic pant. Only the Goal Keeper may wear a hat or a visor. The goalkeeper in every game must wear a jersey color, which does not conflict with either team s jersey colors. Players who do not conform to this dress rule shall not be permitted to play. 4. Each team must have at least one coach approved by BRYSA present at the game. 5. If the assigned referee fails to appear within 10 s after the scheduled game time, the coaches by mutual agreement may appoint a substitute referee. Such agreement of a substitute shall be binding for the game unless mutually withdrawn. If the coaches cannot agree on a substitute referee, the game will be rescheduled, through the Scheduling Committee. 6. Positions Around Field: a. No one will be permitted behind the goal lines during a game. b. Spectators shall be restricted to one side of the field and the teams to the opposite side of the field. c. The coach, up to two assistant coaches, and members of the teams are the only individuals allowed on the team sidelines during the game. d. The coach, assistant coaches, and members of the team are restricted to the area along the team sideline from mid-field to the top of the penalty area. In U-8 and younger divisions, coaches are allowed from mid-field to the goal line for the purpose of instructing their players. 7. Coaches are expected to make a reasonable effort to keep score differentials in games from exceeding five (5) goals. Coaches may do one or more of the following to accomplish this: a. Place stronger players in more defensive positions. b. Have players complete series of three or more passes, prior to shooting. c. Limit shooting to players, who have not scored a goal during the season. Page 2
d. Remove a player from the field to play short compared to the other team. 8. Appeals: Any appeal of decisions involving games must be submitted in writing within 48 hours after the completion of the game in question. All appeals are submitted to the BRYSA Recreational Division Commissioner. A review panel, made up of the Referee Liaison and two Board members, shall review a violation of these policies and procedures. The decision by the committee shall be final. 9. Cancellations and Reschedules: a. Field Closures: The local parks departments determine whether a field is in playable condition. b. The only acceptable reason for re-scheduling a game is because of poor or unsafe playing conditions. Rain, cold or heat is not in and of themselves factors that may cause the cancellation of a game. The Scheduling Committee may adjust the starting time of a scheduled game to accommodate re-scheduling needs. c. Game cancellations originate with the Scheduling Committee at any time, up to one hour prior to game time. Beginning one hour prior to game time and extending through the conclusion of the game, the decision to cancel play is the responsibility of the center referee in consultation with the coaches and the Park Ranger, if present. d. If a game has not been cancelled, then both teams are required to have a minimum number of players present at game time. e. The Scheduling Committee has the responsibility and authority to the reschedule games. The Scheduling Committee will try to honor requests concerning rescheduled games. In the event there is a major conflict, however, the demands of fields may frequently result in these requests not being honored. When a date has been announced for a rescheduled game, it assumes the same status as the original scheduled date, and no rescheduling is permitted except for the conditions noted above. Coaches shall not reschedule their own games under any circumstances. f. A regular season game suspended due to poor or unsafe playing conditions after it reaches half-time is considered an official match. C. Team Standings: D. Play-off and Tournament Play: E. Awards: VII. SAFETY A. Inclement Weather: The BRYSA Recreational Division will hold games and practices whenever it is safely possible to do so. Games can be played in light rain, snow, and during chilly or windy weather. Weather related situations can cause interruptions in play however there is no justifiable reason for continuing play in severe weather conditions. The decision to cancel a game that is in progress or to stop a game in progress is the responsibility of the center referee in consultation with the coaches. Park Rangers have the authority to stop games at any time. The decision to stop a practice that is in progress is the responsibility of the coach. For the safety of the players and spectators, activities will be cancelled for the following weather-related reasons: 1. Thunder and Lightning: In the event of lightning/thunder, all games or activities shall be stopped immediately. During practice, the practice is cancelled immediately. During a game, the game is stopped immediately. It is the responsibility of coaches and referees to clear the fields immediately when lightning is spotted or thunder is heard. Coaches and referees shall be Page 3
responsible for player safety. Individuals may return to the fields 30 s after the last hearing of thunder or spotted lightning. In the event a game must be suspended because of conditions, if a game reaches halftime it is considered an official match during the regular season. Otherwise, BRYSA will try to reschedule the game, if possible. 2. National Weather Service Severe Weather Warnings: All activities will be postponed/cancelled during an active warning for our area from the National Weather Service for severe weather (Tornados, Severe Thunderstorms, Hurricanes, etc.) 3. Refer to the following web site for further information on what to do in severe weather conditions: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm B. Dangerous Field Conditions: 1. Fields a. If the fields are in a condition that presents a dangerous playing environment for players or where play may cause significant damage to the fields, practice/games will be cancelled or postponed. b. Teams may not play on any fields when the fields are closed by the Frederick County Parks and Recreation Department or by the BRYSA Recreational Division Board of Directors. c. Teams may not play on fields that are closed due to maintenance or rehabilitation. d. Coaches and referees should inspect fields prior to play looking for debris, holes, sprinkler heads or anything else that might cause harm to a player. If the problem cannot be corrected the field should not be used. 2. Goals a. Maintenance of the soccer goals used by BRYSA participants is the responsibility of the Frederick County and Winchester Parks and Recreation Departments. b. Coaches will check goals before each practice. Coaches and referees will inspect goals before each game. Do not use the goal unless the goal is properly anchored. If there is a problem with the goal, keep all players away from the goal and contact the BRYSA hotline as soon as possible, so the deficiency can be corrected by the parks and recreation departments. c. Under no circumstances will a game be played on a goal that is not anchored properly. d. Players are not allowed to play on the goals or nets. The coach will instruct players at the beginning of the season that they must stay off the goals. Coaches and parents shall remind players to stay off the goals if players are hanging on the goals or nets. e. Goals shall NEVER be moved by BRYSA coaches, parents, or participants unless permission is granted by a BRYSA Board member or by the parks and recreation departments. If a goal has been found to be moved, report it immediately to the BRYSA hotline and leave it where it is. f. Goal safety is everyone's responsibility, especially those that are at the site, referees, coaches, parents and spectators. VIII. CONDUCT 1. BRYSA has a zero tolerance for physical or verbal abuse to any referee or any participant of BRYSA. 2. Coaches shall be responsible for the conduct of their teams' players and Page 4
supporters while they are at the game, practice field or facility. Improper conduct on the part of the coaches, players or spectators may result in penalties against the individual, including expulsion from the field or facility, forfeiture of a game if deemed necessary by the referee. Referees shall provide, within 48 hours, a written report to the Referee Committee and the Referee Liaison describing the circumstances surrounding the sending off (red card) of a player or a coach. 3. In addition to those penalties required by the Laws of the Game for the issuance of a card, the following will also apply: a. Any player sent off the field by receiving a red card from the referee shall be suspended for the remainder of that game and the next in which he or she plays. Ejected players shall not be replaced or substituted for at any time during the game. b. Although coaches may not be cautioned and shown the yellow card, they may be warned that their behavior is at risk of being considered irresponsible. If the behavior continues, they may be expelled from the field but not shown the red card. The coach will be suspended for the reminder of the game and the next in which he or she is supposed to coach. The field includes both sidelines so if expelled the coach needs to go to the parking lot. c. A player receiving a yellow card shall be removed from the field and may not re-enter the game until the next regular substitution. A player so removed may be substituted for upon removal. A player receiving a second yellow card in a match will be sent off and no substitute will be allowed and the team will play short. 4. A point system as follows will be in place for yellow and red cards: 5. Issues concerning the conduct of players, coaches, officials, and other persons connected with the program of the Association are now governed by the Policy & Procedures of the Virginia Youth Soccer Association. Any member desiring of copy of the Adjudication Manual of Virginia Youth Soccer Association should call the BRYSA hotline 540-662-6380 or go to the web page of Virginia Youth Soccer Association at www.vysa.com. IX. REFEREES A. Procedures: 1. Game Reports: a. Results are reported by game cards completed and filled out by the referee within 48 hours from the end of the game. b. The following information must be legibly printed on the game card: 1) Date and Time of game 2) Team Names Official name used on BRYSA schedule (usually the name of the team sponsor) 3) Coach s names 4) Scoring and final game score Even in divisions where scoring records are not kept, the score of the game must be recorded on the game card. 5) Center referee s name and phone number 6) (If applicable) Assistant Referee name(s) 2. Misconduct: Referees shall provide, within 48 hours, a written report to the BRYSA Board Referee Committee Chairman and the Referee Liaison describing the circumstances surrounding yellow cards, red cards, or inappropriate behavior by coaches or spectators. Page 5
3. Assistant Referees (AR): For U-10 and older divisions, two AR s should be assigned to assist the center referee. If AR s are not assigned to a game, the center referee shall ask each coach to provide a linesman. B. Game Rules: 1. Refer to Laws of the Game section for any BRYSA modifications to the Federation International De Football Association (FIFA) rules. 2. Substitutions: Refer to the Laws of the Game section. 3. The referee must explain all infractions of the law to the players in the U-11 and all younger Divisions. 4. Injuries: a. Players who are injured are required to leave the field under either of the following two conditions: 1) The referee has stopped play solely to address a serious injury. 2) The referee signals approval for anyone (team official, medical personnel, etc.) to enter the field to attend to an injury (regardless of whether that person enters the field and regardless of why play was stopped). 3) Exemptions: Goalkeepers, any field player injured along with a goalkeeper in a collision, and teammates who collide are not required to leave the field. b. Although the treatment of injuries is not normally permitted on the field, the referee is authorized to allow this in the case of severe injuries where further movement of the injured player would be dangerous. Goalkeepers (and field players injured as a result of a collision with the goalkeeper) may be treated on the field. c. A player who left the field for treatment of an injury, and is not substituted, may return during play with the permission of the referee, but only from the touch line. If the ball is out of play, the player may return with the permission of the referee across any boundary line. 5. When a team repeatedly substitutes to consume time, the referee shall notify the coach of the offending team that repetition will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct and time may be added to the end of the game. If it continues, the referee should verbally caution the coach for improper behavior and record the incident in the game report. 6. Out of Hand Game (See details in the Laws of the Game section, under The Duration of the Match): If a game has progressed approximately halfway through the second half and there is a differential of six (6) or more goals, the game may be considered Out of Hand. The losing coach has the option to terminate the game without penalty. If the Out of Hand game rule is used to end a game early, the referee should note this on the game report. Page 6
X. LAWS OF THE GAME A. Summary of Playing Rules: The following table summarizes the playing rules for the BRYSA Recreational Division: BRYSA Recreational Division Summary of Division Rules Division Players: Field/Roster* Min to Play Ball Size Field Size U-5 Coed 3v3 No teams N/A #3 25x20 yards 4v4 / U-6 Coed Min: 7, 3 #3 25x20 yards Max: 9 4v4 (5v5) U-7 Coed Min: 7, 3 #3 35x25 yards Max: 9 5v5 / U-8 Coed Min: 8, 4 #3 35x25 yards Max: 10 U-10 7v7 / 60x40 yards Coed/ Min: 9, 6 #4 (26x12 Girls Max: 11 penalty area) U-12 Coed and Girls U-14 Coed and Girls U-14 8v8 Option U-19 Coed and Girls U-19 8v8 Option 8v8 / Min: 10, Max: 14 11v11 / Min: 12, Max: 16 8v8 / Min: 10, Max: 14 11v11 / Min: 12, Max: 16 8v8 / Min: 10, Max: 14 6 #4 7 #5 6 #5 7 #5 6 #5 80x50 yards (34x14 penalty area) 110x70 yards (44x18 penalty area) 80x50 yards (34x14 penalty area) 110x70 yards (44x18 penalty area) 80x50 yards (34x14 penalty area) Goalkeeper / Goal No / Pug Goals No / Goal: 3x5 ft No / Goal: 3x5 ft No / Goal: 3x5 ft Yes / Goal: 6-7 feet x 18-21 feet Yes / Goal: 7 x 21 feet Yes / Goal: 8 x 24 feet Yes / Goal: 7 x 21 feet Yes / Goal: 8 x 24 feet Yes / Goal: 7 x 21 feet Game Duration Offside Penalty Penalty Kick TBD N/A N/A TBD Four 10- quarters Four 10- quarters Four 10- quarters Two 25- halves Two 30- halves Two 35- halves Two 35- halves Two 45- halves Two 40- halves The roster size may be altered to accommodate the number of players registered in a specific season. N/A N/A N/A Yes N/A N/A N/A Yes Throw-In Two chances Two chances Two chances One chance (Two - 1 st two weeks) Yes Yes One chance Yes Yes One chance Yes Yes One chance Yes Yes One chance Yes Yes One chance B. Playing Rules: The Playing Rules shall be the laws of the game as authorized by the Federation International De Football Association (FIFA) and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) shall apply in all cases, except as amended by the following: Page 7
1. The Field of Play: a. The BRYSA Recreational Division will normally use full-size fields for divisions playing 11v11. Smaller fields may be used when a smaller number of players are competing. b. The following field sizes and proportions will be used by the Recreational Division: Page 8
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Players must stay out of Goal Box area unless playing the soccer ball Page 11
Players must stay out of Goal Box area unless playing the soccer ball Page 12
2. The Ball: See BRYSA Recreational Division Summary of Division Rules 3. The Number of Players: a. Number of Players: See BRYSA Recreational Division Summary of Division Rules b. Equalizing Field Players: In order to keep games competitive and fun, it is required to alter the number of field players when there is a disparity between the teams. When a team is short players, due to illness, injury, or similar circumstance, the opposing team must reduce the number of field players to maintain a competitive game. This does not apply to Red Card ejections. In cases where equalizing field players will result in one team having excess substitutes, leading to significantly reduced playing time, BRYSA encourages coaches to share players in an effort to reasonably equalize roster size for the game. The age group equalizing standards are listed below: 1) U8 and Younger: The number of field players should always be equal. 2) U10 and Older: The number of field players should not vary by more than one. c. The game will be forfeited if the minimum amount of players is not available by 10 s after the scheduled game time. In the event a game is started late, the referee has the option of reducing the playing time of the game to accommodate the starting time of the subsequent games, and shall so notify the coaches. d. Substitutions: The Referee must be informed before any proposed substitution is made. Substitutions are permitted in the following situations: 1) Half-Time or Quarter Breaks 2) After a goal has been scored 3) Goal Kick: Either team may substitute. 4) Throw-in: Only the team in possession of the ball may initiate substitutions. If the team in possession substitutes, then the other team may substitute as well. 5) Injury: An injured player may be substituted. 6) Yellow Card: A player receiving a yellow card may be substituted. 7) Substitutions are not permitted during corner kicks. 8) Ejected players shall not be replaced or substituted for at any time. 4. The Player s Equipment: This applies to any equipment, which, in the opinion of the center referee, is dangerous (rings, necklaces, earrings, watches, etc.). Types of equipment which are always illegal include: a. Projecting metal or other hard plates on clothing or person. b. Knee, head, arm thigh or hip pads containing sole leather, fiber, metal or any unyielding materials, unless covered with proper padding. The center referee will make the determination if the padding is sufficient. c. Medical casts may be worn by U-10 and higher players if a medical release is signed by a health provider and received by BRYSA, if properly wrapped with padding, and if, in the opinion of the Referee, for that particular game, no hazard exists for the casted player or for the opposing team players; the Referee s decision is final. No casts are allowed for U-8 and younger divisions. The Cast Rule Physician s Release Form is Page 13
available on the BRYSA website in the Recreational Documents. d. Players may wear special clothing or equipment needed for a medical condition if it does not present a hazard to the player or opposing players and does not interfere with the rules and flow of the soccer game. For a particular game, the Referee will make the FINAL decision on the safety of players clothing and equipment. A completed Medical Condition Release Form must be submitted and approved by BRYSA prior to a player participating. The Medical Condition Physician s Release Form is available on the BRYSA website in the Recreational Documents. e. Wrapping: NO BUBBLE WRAP ALLOWED. Casts must be sufficiently covered with at least ½ inch thick of closed cell foam then wrapped securely with a soft elastic athletic bandage. f. A knee brace may be worn, but shall be wrapped. g. Referees, coaches, parents and any member of the Association shall act responsibly to the wearing of illegal equipment. h. Proper soccer shoes, in conformity with the official lawful standards are the only acceptable soccer shoes. Sneakers may be worn, but no hard sole street shoes are permitted. i. All players shall without exception, wear shin guards. Shin guards must be covered entirely by socks. Kneepads and elbow pads may be worn. j. Glasses and contact lenses may be worn; however, the player and/or his or her parents or guardian accept the responsibility and liability for replacement, damage or injury, if such are worn. Wearing of such apparel is discouraged. 5. The Referee: No amendments 6. The Assistant Referees: No amendments 7. The Duration of the Match: a. Standard Game Duration: See BRYSA Recreational Division Summary of Division Rules b. Out of Hand Game: If a game has progressed approximately halfway through the second half and there is a differential of six (6) or more goals, the game may be considered Out of Hand. The losing coach has the option to terminate the game without penalty. The game is terminated once the referee has been notified by the coach or captain of the losing team that the Out of Hand game rule is being invoked. The coach of the losing team has the sole discretion when to implement this rule. This rule does not apply to the U-8 and younger games, since no official score is kept. 1) When a six (6) goal differential has been reached and the game has progressed as listed below, the referee should notify the coach of the losing team, that they have the option to end the game using the Out of Hand rule. i. U-10: 1 st half plus 12 s of the 2 nd half ii. U-11: 1 st half plus 12 s of the 2 nd half iii. U-12: 1 st half plus 15 s of the 2 nd half iv. U-14: 1 st half plus 15 s of the 2 nd half v. U-19: 1 st half plus 20 s of the 2 nd half 2) If the Out of Hand game rule is used to end a game early, the referee should note this on the game report. 8. The Start and Restart of Play: a. Quarters: In those games played in quarters, the team kicking off in the Page 14
first quarter shall also kick off to start the game in the second quarter. The team kicking off in the third quarter shall also kick off to start the game in the fourth quarter. 9. The Ball In and Out of Play: No amendments 10. The Method of Scoring: No amendments 11. Offside: The referee shall not apply the offside rule in U-8 and younger games. a. U-6, U-7, and U-8 Goal Box: Players are not permitted inside the Goal Box (see field layouts) unless they are actively playing the soccer ball. These younger age groups do not have goalkeepers and should not have a player standing in front of the goal guarding it. 12. Fouls and Misconduct: No amendments 13. Free Kicks: No amendments 14. The Penalty Kick: a. U-8 and Younger Divisions: A direct free kick will be used in lieu of a penalty kick. b. U-10, U-11, and U-12 Divisions: The penalty kick shall be taken 10 yards from the goal line. c. U-13 and Older Divisions: The penalty kick shall be taken as defined by FIFA. 15. The Throw-In: a. U-8 and Younger Divisions: One retry on a foul throw in shall be allowed. The coach shall explain the proper method before allowing the player to retake the throw in. 16. The Goal Kick: a. U-8 and Younger Divisions: 1) Opposing Team: Prior to taking the goal kick, all players of the opposing team must stand behind the midfield line on their side of the field. The opposing team players MUST stay behind the midfield line until play restarts. 2) Kicking Team: Players from the kicking team may stand anywhere on the field during the kick. 3) Ball: The ball is placed anywhere within the goal area box for the kick. 4) Play Restart: Play restarts after the ball has been kicked AND has been touched by another member of the kicking team or has crossed the midfield line. 5) Retake: If the opposing team crosses the midfield line prior to the Restart criteria being met. The kick will be retaken after explaining the rules to the players. b. U-10 and Older Divisions: The goal kick shall be taken as defined by FIFA. 17. The Corner Kick: No substitution is allowed on corner kicks. Page 15