South West Slopes Soccer Association

Version 8.5 South West Slopes Soccer Association COMPETITION RULES April 2009 President: Competition Secretary: Geoff Bush Rodney Anderson

South West Slopes Soccer Association CONTENTS Competition Rules 9 Years to 14/15 Years Rule 1 General Page 3 Rule 2 The Field of Play Page 3 Rule 3 Competition Points Page 4 Rule 4 Match Balls Page 4 Rule 5 Duration of Games Page 4 Rule 6 Number of Players Page 4 Rule 7 Age Divisions Page 4 Rule 8 Grounds Page 4 Rule 9 Player s Equipment Page 5 Rule 10 Referees Page 5 Rule 11 Player Discipline Page 6 Rule 12 Corners and Goal Kicks Page 6 Rule 13 Player Registration Page 6 Rule 14 Use of Under Aged Players Page 7 Rule 15 Game Cards Page 7 Rule 16 Interchange Page 8 Rule 17 Forfeits Page 8 Rule 18 Finals Series Page 8 Rule 19 Eligibility to Play in the Finals Series Page 9 Rule 20 Representative Players Page 9 The Rules of Rooball 6 Years to 8 Years Page 10 2

South West Slopes Soccer Association COMPETITION RULES UNDER 9s to Under 15s 1 General The main objective of the South West Slopes Soccer Association (SWSSA) is for all players to enjoy the game in a safe and controlled situation. The fundamental principle of the SWSSA is that every player has the right to equal opportunity on the field irrespective of their skill level. A secondary objective is to give the players who wish to, the opportunity to play representative soccer. The purpose of these rules is to ensure fairness to all players. FIFA Laws of the Game & Football NSW Rules shall apply in all South West Slopes Soccer Association (SWSSA) competition games, with the addition of the following rules, hereafter called the Rules 1.1 These Rules are subject to alteration as required. However, such alterations should be made prior to the commencement of each competition. 1.2 Any matters not covered in these competition rules or otherwise needing clarification shall be referred to the SWSSA. 1.3 The competition is organised on a home and away basis in all age groupings. For the 9yrs to the 15yrs age divisions, competition points and tables will apply, with a finals series. For the 6yrs, 7yrs and 8yrs age divisions, competition points will not be awarded and finals will not be held. 1.4 The jurisdiction of the SWSSA shall extend to all committees, players, clubs, team officials, parents, members, spectators and all other persons associated with the competition. 1.5 Any team found to be in breach of these rules will forfeit each game the offence occurred. The coach or manager will be advised at the earliest opportunity of the SWSSA decision. The coach, manager or president from the offending team may make an appeal to the next SWSSA meeting. 1.6 If both teams in a match are found to have breached a rule, then neither team will be awarded points. 1.7 It is the responsibility of each club, SWSSA delegates and committee to identify any offence within their own and other clubs and bring it to the attention of the SWSSA. 2 The Field of Play 2.1 Large Field: The 11yrs, 12yrs, 13yrs, 14yrs and 15ys age divisions shall play on full size fields defined by the FIFA Laws of the Game. 2.2 Mid Sized Field: The 8yrs, 9yrs and 10yrs age divisions should play on fields 75% of the full size fields. The goal box, penalty area and other field marking shall be in proportion to the overall field size. 2.3 Small Field: The 6yrs and 7yrs age divisions should play on fields 50% of the full size field. The field will be marked with a half way line and goal box with a radius of 4 metres. It is acknowledged that some club s grounds are restricted in their capacity to lay out fields of these dimensions for the mid sized and small fields. Clubs should use reasonable endeavours to achieve these sizes. 3

3 Competition Points 9yrs 15yrs Age Divisions Win Draw Loss Bye Win by forfeit/disqualification Loss by forfeit/disqualification 4 points 2 point 0 point 0 points 4 points (3-0 goal difference) 0 points (0-3 goal difference) 4 Match Balls 6yrs, 7yrs, 8yrs... Size 3 9yrs,10yrs, 11yrs,12yrs,13yrs... Size 4 14yrs,15yrs... Size 5 The home club must provide a match ball of approved standard for each game. 5 Duration of Games 5.1 6yrs & 7yrs 2 halves of 15 minutes each 8yrs & 9yrs 2 halves of 20 minutes each 10yrs & 11yrs 2 halves of 25 minutes each 12yrs &13yrs 2 halves of 30 minutes each 14yrs &15yrs 2 halves of 35 minutes each 5.2 A half-time break of at least 5 minutes, but not longer than 10 minutes, applies to each game. 5.3 Allowance will generally NOT be made for lost time, except for major stoppages for injury or other causes, and for deliberate time wasting near the end of a game. The allowance for time lost shall be at the discretion of the referee. The referee must advise each coach of any added time. 6 Number of Players 11yrs to 15yrs each team consisting of no more than eleven players, one of which must be a goal keeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer then seven players. 8yrs to 10yrs each team consisting of no more than nine players, one of which must be a goal keeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer then six players. 6yrs to 7yrs each team consisting of no more than six players, one of which must be a goal keeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer then four players. 7 Age Divisions Age divisions unless other wise agreed shall be: 6yrs, 7yrs, 8yrs, 9yrs, 10yrs, 11yrs, 12yrs/13yrs, and 14yrs/15yrs. 8 Grounds 8.1 Spectators are not permitted within two metres of the field of play during games. 8.2 Players, managers, and coaches may only enter the field of play with the permission of the referee. 8.3 Only the players, coaches, managers and trainers are permitted within the technical area. All other persons must be outside the technical area. 8.4 Spectators and coaches must remain on the sideline and not behind the goal line while the game is in progress. Coaching or distracting the goal keeper from behind the line is not permitted. 8.5 Host clubs may rule on the fitness of the ground for play. In the event of a dispute the referee 4

is to act as arbitrator. 8.6 It is the responsibility of the home club to have the fields set up to playing standard in time for the start of play 8.7 Games may only be cancelled at the discretion of SWSSA, the referee or an official from the host club. 8.8 In the event of the abandonment of a game the SWSSA committee will decide on any points allocation. 8.9 All Clubs must have ice (or substitutes) available at the ground. 8.10 In the event of grounds being closed due to wet weather, the visiting club may host the games. Cut off times for a change in venue will be Thursday night unless agreed between the two clubs. 9 Player's Equipment 9.1 All club/team uniforms must be approved by SWSSA before the start of the competition. 9.2 Where the playing colours of the two competing teams clash, in the opinion of the referee only, the away team, (the team mentioned last in the draw) must change to a different colour or wear bids of an appropriate colour. 9.3 All players in all matches must appear in proper football uniform. Shirts, shorts and socks are to be in club colours. Goalkeepers must wear a shirt that distinguishes them from the colours worn by their own team, the opposing team and the referees. 9.4 All players must wear shinpads. 9.5 Football boots must not have metal studs. Screw in studs of any type will not be allowed after the end of the 2009 season. 9.6 Players must not wear anything that may cause a danger to themselves or other players. This includes rings, necklaces and all earrings. 9.7 Headgear is compulsory for all goalkeepers playing junior competition in or for the SWSSA. If a goal keeper does not have headgear the game will be suspended. If headgear is not available after 10 minutes the offending team will forfeit the game and match points will be allocated to the opposing team. 9.8 All teams must wear numbered shirts, no number shall be duplicated and numbers worn must correspond with those recorded on the match card. Teams are encouraged to issue players with the same shirt number all season. 10 Referees 10.1 All games are to be refereed, where possible by qualified referees. 10.2 Where qualified referees are not available, the host club will appoint suitable people to referee the games. 10.3 Jurisdiction for qualified referees acting as referees, assistant referees and fourth officials will be by the SWS Referees Association. 10.4 Jurisdiction for non-qualified referees will be with the host club and SWSSA. 10.5 The host club will appoint referees, except in the final series. In the final series referees will be appointed by SWSSA and the SWS Referees Association.. 10.6 Whenever possible, all games on the large field (11s, 12/13s, 14/15s) should have assistant referees on both sidelines. 10.7 Referees are empowered to caution or send off players for infringements of the rules. A notation must be made on the back of the game card. A written report may be required to be submitted to the SWSSA Disciplinary Committee. 10.8 Referee fees are at the discretion of the host club, but will not exceed the amounts setout by Football NSW. 5

11 Player Discipline 11.1 Any player who is sent from the field by the referee shall be automatically suspended for the next competition game. The SWSSA President must be notified of any player sent from the field by the Tuesday following the match in question. 11.2 All yellow card offences must be noted on the game card. 11.3 Any player who receives three yellow cards in any one season will receive a one competition match suspension commencing the day after the match in which the last caution was issued. 11.4 An appeal of the automatic suspension may be lodged with the SWSSA President no later than the Tuesday following the match in question. The appeal will be heard by the South West Slopes Disciplinary Committee (SWSDC). The SWSDC will consist of a minimum of three SWSSA members, with only one member from any one club. The SWSDC hearings may be held by telephone. 11.5 During the hearing of any appeal lodged under 11.4 above, a player may not be represented by a member of the "Legal Profession" in a professional capacity. 11.6 The SWSDC must notify the President or his nominee of the club of the offending player, before the next competition game of the disciplinary report and provide him/her with a Referees report or club report of the incident, 11.7 The SWSDC may impose penalties as it sees fit. 11.8 The player/supporter/official may appeal this decision to the SWSSA President or his nominee within 24hrs. 11.9 The SWSDC will meet within five days and hear the appeal. 11.10 Any player who is requested to attend a SWS Disciplinary Committee hearing must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 12 Corner Kicks and Goal Kicks 12.1 11yrs and 12/13yrs age groups will take corner kicks from a point 7.5 metres out from the penalty area. 12.2 11yrs and 12/13yrs age groups will take goal kicks from an imaginary line drawn through the penalty spot parallel to the goal line. (ie: 11.0 metres from the goal line). 13 Player Registration 13.1 All players must turn 5 before 1st August. 13.2 A player cannot be registered after 30 th June, unless transferring from another club. 13.3 Only players who are registered with SWSSA may participate in any competition organised by SWSSA. 13.4 The age the player turns in the calendar year is the age group a player can register and play in. 13.6 Dispensation may be given by the SWSSA for players to play outside their correct age division. 13.7 Dispensation may be given by SWSSA for players older than the maximum allowed age to play. 13.8 Clubs with multiple teams in any one age division may transfer a player from one team to another in the same age group up to the 4 th game by notification to the SWS registrar. 13.9 Clubs with multiple teams in any age division are to attempt to make the teams of equal ability. 6

13.10 Should a significant' imbalance be identified by the end of the first round, SWSSA may request that adjustments be made to those teams to correct the imbalance. Failure to make appropriate adjustments will result in all competition points awarded to that time in the competition being lost 13.11 Registration forms for each player will be prepared as part of the registration by each club. 13.12 Each club shall submit a player registration sheet for each team to the Competition Secretary prior to the start of the first competition games. These team sheets should be updates as required. 13.13 If the age or registration status of a player is disputed, it shall be the responsibility of the club concerned to supply to the SWSSA evidence of the player s date of birth and the date of registration. 13.14 All players that attend for a match for their registered team must be given the opportunity to play AT LEAST half a game. This also applies to extra time played in the final series. 13.15 A player is deemed to have played in a game when they actually play on the field and not just a reserve. 14 Use of Under Aged Players 14.1 Teams may use players from lower age divisions but only to take the team number to "Players on the field plus 2 reserves". 14.2 Over-use of lower age players at the expense of regular team members is not permitted. 14.3 Under age players are to be only used as required. This may be to give regular players a rest due to injury or fatigue. It must not be used to suboff weaker regular players for strong Under Age players. However, if a player rarely comes to games or training and an underage player regularly plays with the team, it would be reasonable to give the reliable underage player some game time. Also if an underage player is asked to stay back after their game is finished to be a reserve then again it would be reasonable to give that player some game time. 14.4 If at the start of a match, a team has less than on field plus two regular players, underage players may be added to the card. If an additional correct age player arrives during the first half, this player s name may be added to the card at half time. If this brings the playing numbers up to more than on field plus two one of the underage players must take no further part in the match. A note to this effect must be made on the card. It should be witnessed by the referee, SWSSA official or the opposition coach. This does not apply to games in the final series. 14.5 A player who plays for one team in an age division cannot play for another team in the same age division. Underage players may only play for one team in an older age division on any one day. 14.6 A player must give priority to playing in their correct age team, before being considered for an older age team. 14.7 A player may play up two years in age divisions. eg: 8s to 10s, 10s to 12s but 11s are not to play 14s. 15 Game Cards 15.1 In all competition matches conducted by SWSSA, the host team will be responsible for providing the game cards. (The home team will be deemed to be the first team on the draw). The game card is to be made available to the away team at least 20 minutes before the start of the game. 15.2 The game may not start until the referee is in possession of the game card for that game. 15.3 Each player's name must be neatly printed on the team sheet. The player's shirt number must correspond with the player's number on the team sheet with no duplication of numbers. 7

15.4 During the normal season, team cards are to be filled out and available to the referee ten minutes prior to the start of the game. Only players whose names are on the card can take the field. Names may be added or removed from the card up to the start of the second half. The names of any player who has been written on a card and has not arrived by the start of the second half must have their names removed from the card and therefore cannot play. 15.5 In the final series the card must be with the referee 10 minutes prior to the start of the game. Only players whose names are on the card can take the field. Names may not be added or removed from the card. 15.6 A players will only be deemed to have played in the game when he/she enters the field of play and it is recorded as such on the team sheet. If a player is written on a card and does not enter the field of play, then a notation should be made on the card. 15.7 At the conclusion of the game, the referee will present the game card to each coach for signing and verification of the score and other details. 15.8 The host club must email all results (9yrs to 15yrs) to the SWS Competition Secretary, by 8.00 pm of match day. All match cards must be mailed to the SWS Registrar on Monday following the match day. 16 Interchange 16.1 Unlimited interchange of all players (including the goalkeeper) is permitted but all interchange players must report to the referee or assistant referee prior to entering the field of play and may only enter the field of play from the centre line. The ball must be out of play before an interchange can be made. 16.2 Any change of goalkeeper must be notified to the referee prior to the change taking place. The goalkeeper may be changed from either an interchange player or one from the field. 16.3 The referee may not allow an interchange, of player or goalkeeper, if, in his opinion it is time wasting or close to half time or full time. 16.4 Up to five interchange players will be permitted for each team, unless otherwise determined by the SWSSA prior to the start of the competition. 17 Forfeits 17.1 Teams intending to forfeit must give as much notice as possible to the opposition club by telephone. 17.2 A period of no more than ten minutes after the scheduled kick off time for a match will be allowed before the referee declares a forfeit by the absent team. 18 Finals Series 18.1 At the completion of the normal competition, the first four teams on the competition ladder will play off in a knockout competition to decide the grand final winner. This competition will be known as the Finals Series. Draws for the final series will be determined by SWSSA in consultation with host clubs. Unless amended the final series shall be played as follows: 18.2 The final series' shall consist of Semi-finals, Preliminary Finals and a Grand Final to be played between the top four point scoring teams in each age group. 18.3 If at the end of the normal season, two or more teams are equal on percentage, then the team with the most numbers of games won shall be deemed to qualify. 18.4 If still equal then the team with the most number of goals scored in the games between the two teams. 8

18.5 then if still equal then by a toss of a coin. 18.6 1st semi-final: 1 v 2. 2nd semi final: 3 v 4. The winner of the first semi-final shall progress to the grand-final. The loser of the first semi-final shall compete in the preliminary final. The winner of the second semi-final shall compete in the preliminary final. The loser of the second semi-final shall be out of the series. The winner of the preliminary final shall progress to the grand-final and the loser shall be out of the series. The winner of the first semi-final and the winner of the preliminary final shall play in the Grandfinal. If in the semi-finals and preliminary finals the scores are even at the conclusion of normal time, ten minutes each way extra time will be played with the first team to score a goal declared the winner. If the scores are still even at the end of extra time there will be a penalty shoot-out. If in the Grand Final the scores are even at the conclusion of normal time, ten minutes each way extra time will be played with the first team to score a goal declared the winner. If the scores are still even at the end of extra time, both teams will be declared Joint Premiers. 19 Eligibility to Play in the Finals Series 19.1 To qualify for the final series for any team a player must have played at least 3 games for that team. 19.2 An underage player who has qualified to play for more than one overage team in an age division, may only play for one overage team in each age division in the final series. 20 Representative Players 20.1 All registered players are encouraged to play in representative matches, if selected to represent THIS ASSOCIATION. 20.2 Players do not need to be selected by their clubs to try out for a SWSSA representative team but may attend at the discretion of the parent or guardian. 20.3 Local competition may be postponed to accommodate representative fixtures. 20.4 All players are to be registered in the current year and play with their local club to be eligible to represent SWSSA (provided there is a club competition for them to play in). 20.5 Only players registered in the year prior to the championships are eligible for selection 20.6 However, if a representative team is short of eligible players then a player who is registered for the current year but was not registered in the year prior to the championships may be selected. 9

South West Slopes Soccer Association THE RULES OF ROOBALL 6 Years, 7 years and 8 Years General FIFA Laws of the Game, Football NSW Rules and South West Slopes Soccer Association Competition Rules for 9 years to 15 years, shall apply in all South West Slopes Soccer Association (SWSSA) games, with the addition of the following rules: Competition points will not be awarded and finals will not be held. Number of Players If player numbers are short, players in the 6 years and 7 Years age divisions may play for other teams in the same age division. Registered players for a team must be given preference. To keep in the spirit of Rooball, clubs should attempt to have the same numbers of players as the opposition. Borrowing of players from the opposition is also acceptable. Free Kicks/Goal Kicks/Corner Kicks The 6 years age group will not have corner kicks. Any ball over the goal line will be taken as a goal kick. All free kicks are indirect. There are no penalty kicks. Any free kick given for a foul inside the goal area will be taken from the edge of the box. Goal kicks may be taken from anywhere within the goal area. Corner kicks are taken from the corner of the field. Opposing players should be 7 metres from the ball at the taking of a free kick, goal kick or corner kick. Throw-Ins For the 6 Years and 7 Years, players should be given at least two attempts to throw in the ball correctly, after which play will continue. 8 Years should be given two attempts to throw in the ball correctly, after which the throw-in is awarded to the opposing team. Offside Offside will not be played. Placing players in an off side position should be discouraged. If in the 8 Years age division, a referee believes that a coach is deliberately placing a player in an offside position in order to gain an unfair advantage, the referee will request the coach to reposition that player. Repeated offences can result in an indirect free kick being awarded against the offending player. Interchange Unlimited interchange of players is permitted during all Rooball games. For 6 years and 7 Years, interchange can be conducted while the game is in play. For 8 Years, the referees should be advised of any interchange. Up to four interchange players will be permitted for each team. Coaches Coaches of the 6 Years and 7 Years, are allowed on the field during play to coach and assist players so long as they don t interfere with play. They must keep out of the goal circle at all times and when not assisting players, retire to within two metre of the sideline. 8 Years age division coaches are allowed on the field for the first four matches of the season. Team Sheets Coaches or team managers are encouraged to fill in the team sheets correctly. They will fill in the team sheet before the start of play with player s full name and shirt number. At the end of the match the completed team sheet is to be returned to the canteen by the referee. Fouls and Misconduct The main objective is for all players to enjoy the game in a safe and controlled situation. 10

The referee is to consider the intention of players in relation to an offence. Often poor skills and coordination may cause an unintentional foul. All players must be encouraged to try to play fairly and without causing undue injury to others. The game should be allowed to flow as much as possible. 11