Our Rulebook

I. Game Ball

top

II. Number of Players on the Field

top

III. Equipment

All players must wear shin guards and soccer shoes or sneakers. Team shirts will be issued to players and must be worn during games. No jewelry or sunglasses. Baseball cleats can be worn only if cleat on shoe toe has been cut off.

top

IV. Duration of Game

top

V. Game Rules

1. Due to time constraints there will be no overtime play or penalty kicks to decide a tie game. Games ending in a tie after regulation will remain a tie.
   
   
2. Throw-in requires that the player must be behind the line with both feet on the ground. The ball must be thrown with both hands from a position brought from behind the thrower's head.

• U6, U8 - Improper throw-in is allowed a second chance. There is no third chance; the opposing team gets possession.
• U10, U12, U15 - One chance only.
  
  

3. When a player is injured, the game will stop at once. The referee will note who has possession of the ball. All players remianing on the field must sit or take a knee until the game official indicates otherwise. Play will begin with a throw-in by the team with possession.
   
   
4. A goalkeeper cannot touch the ball once he/she is out of the penalty area.
   
   
5. The entire ball must cross field marking lines in order to be considered out of play or count as a goal.
   
   
6. A handball occurs if a player deliberately touches a ball. For the purposes of this rule, a hand is considered to be from fingertip to shoulder.
   
   
7. No slide tackling is allowed.
   
   
8. If the goalie has control of the ball (on the ground with one hand on it) it is not to be kicked. Do not kick the goalies hands or any other part of the goalie.
   
   
9. If circumstances warrant a dropped ball, neither center can touch the ball until it hits the ground.
   
   
10. An offsides rule will only be applied to U12 - U15. There should be at least two opponents between the offensive player and the goal line when the ball is played to the offensive player. Being in an offsides position is not necessarily an offsides foul.
    
    
11. There are no direct kicks in U6 - U12. The indirect kick will be at the sight of the infraction. U15 will follow standard direct kick criteria.
    
    
12. Substitutions
    • U6 - Anytime
    • All Others - Open substitutions may be made when the ball is not in play with the approval of the referee.
      
      
13. Players will not be prohibited from playing in a game because of missed practice.

top

VI. Discipline

Infractions to include, but not be limited to: Overt pushing, slide tackling, fighting, abusive language directed at officials or other players, or other incidents at the officials discretion. Although yellow and red cards will not be issued, this policy is intended to coincide with generally accepted practices.

Should the game official determine that an incident so warrants, a player or parent may be dismissed without prior warning. Coaches are encouraged to support the game officials by stressing the importance of proper conduct on the field and the necessity for on field discipline.

top

VII. Officials

Referees for the Delaware County Recreational Soccer League games consist of individuals who have distinguished themselves as players, referees, linesmen, and volunteers. Many of our officials are players with several years of game experience. Coaches and parents are encouraged to support the decisions of our officials.

Each team playing will be requested to provide a linesman (read, parent volunteer") to work the field. Each linesman will be provided a flag with which to indicate possession for throw-ins, corner kick, or goal kick when the ball leaves the playing field. This linesman must follow the play of the ball and refrain from sideline coaching (no sitting). No coaches or siblings/children allowed. Ball must cross entire marking line to be out of play or count as a goal.

U12 - U15 The linesman may also indicate offsides violations. In all cases, linesman calls may be accepted or overruled by the referee.

top

VIII. Typical Field

Field size varies depending on age group.

top