Programs

Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time of each game.

Age groups with “Quarters”: Substitutions will be made at the end of each quarter except in the case of an injury.

No Punting

Punting is not allowed in our recreational programming, at any age group or division.

No Goalkeepers in (4v4):

There are no goalkeepers in 4v4 modified small-sided play. This development age is meant to be played 4 (field players) versus 4 (field players). Having a field player act as a goalkeeper that simply does not use his/her hands is prohibited as well.

Goal Kicks (4v4):

When a team is taking a goal kick, all players of the opposing team should remain in their own half until the goal kick is taken. The kick is Indirect.

Kickoffs (4v4):

Kickoffs are Indirect in 4v4 in the interest of player safety. A player cannot score directly from the kick.

Inflatable Boundaries (4v4) (5U & 6U only):

Inflatable boundaries are used in our youngest age groups to mitigate continued stoppages and lengthy restarts. We believe this also maximizes the number of touches players receive during the games. Players and spectators should not sit, bounce, or climb on the inflatable boundaries at any time. The playing areas are marked for regulation play without the inflatables in the should weather or other circumstances prevent the inflatable boundaries from being used.

Build Out Line (7v7 only):

The build out line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting. When the goalkeeper has the ball, either during play (from the opponent) or from a goal kick, the opposing team must move behind the build out line until the ball is put into play. Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball into play (punting is not allowed). After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build out line and play resumes as normal.

Players must have a chance to play all positions to ensure technical and tactical development. No specialization is permitted. No player shall play more than a half at ANY position on the field. (THIS INCLUDES GOALKEEPER)

Coaches and Assistant Coaches are required to stay inside the coaching area marked on the opposite side of the field from the spectators. No parents/spectators are allowed in the coach’s area, on the coach’s sideline, or behind the goals.

4v4 Exception

Coaches may enter the field of play during stoppages to help organize their groups. Examples could include: Getting players beyond midfield for a goal kick by the opposing team; getting the players facing the correct direction for kickoff; or helping players with throw-ins or restarts. This is not intended to be an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage in the game. It is meant only to help keep the game moving and ensure all players have a positive experience.

Shin guards are MANDATORY and are to be worn under socks against the skin at practice and on game day. Tennis shoes or soft cleat soccer shoes are allowed. Players during the game are not allowed to wear jewelry including earrings. The no jewelry policy applies to starter earrings also. For the sake of your child, do not have their ears pierced immediately before or during the soccer season as earrings will have to be removed during games. This policy is for the safety of all children.

All pets, noisemakers, and skateboards/scooters are NOT PERMITTED. SMOKING is PROHIBITED, except in designated smoking areas.

Parents should NEVER ENTER THE FIELD OF PLAY without the permission of the referee UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

Spectator Tip: If you can’t say “Good” or “Great” in front of whatever you are about to say, it probably needs to go unsaid from the sideline. Let the kids play and have fun. Leave the coaching to the coaches and the refereeing to the referees.

You probably wouldn’t like someone shouting at you to Turn, Go Faster, Slow Down, Turn Around, or anything else while driving. Your kids, and other people’s kids, probably don’t need that noise and distraction either.

Coaches should remember that recreational soccer is meant to be a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. This also includes the referees and assistant referees. They are to be treated with respect at all times. Questions regarding the officiating must be directed to the Directory of Referees, Referee Assignor, or any Board Member. They should not be directed to the referee crew before, during, or after the match.