GENERAL RULES OF PLAY
ALL LEVELS AND AGES
EXCEPTIONS AND ADDITIONS
TO FIFA LAWS
Updated 7.12.09 with
changes from July 12, 2009 GBM
Except
as otherwise noted in these rules, FIFA Laws will govern the play of all games
in STYSA Competitions for youth play.
6.0. AGE GROUPS
All South Texas Youth Soccer Association play must be
between teams of the same age groups.
Age groups are determined by the player’s age as of
The age groups are as follows:
Under 19 years of age
Under 18 years of age
Under 17 years of age
Under 16 years of age
Under 15 years of age
Under 14 years of age
Under 13 years of age
Under 12 years of age
Under 11 years of age
Under 10 years of age
Under 8 years of age
Under 6 years of age
Any coach or assistant coach who is responsible for
knowingly playing an ineligible player will be subject to suspension from
participation in any STYSA sanctioned program.
6.1. SPECIAL RULES OF PLAY – Under-13 through
Under-19 Age Groups
EXCEPTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO FIFA LAWS
6.1.0. Age Group
a. A player with his / her parent’s and coach’s
permission, and in compliance with the local association playing rules, may
play in an older age group; however
b. Except as provided herein, no player may play
in a younger age group that the age group for which he/she is eligible. For Division III players only, if a medical
condition exists (substantiated in writing by a licensed physician) that will
prohibit or severely hinder a player from playing in his/her own age group, the
player may seek special approval from his/her Local Association / Club Board
and Member Association to allow the player to play down in a younger age group. All requests must be submitted to and
approved by the STYSA Executive Committee prior to the player’s first game.
6.1.1. Law 1 -
The Field of Play; Technical Areas
a. The
Under-19 through Under-13 age groups shall have a field whose width is between
50 yards and 100 yards and whose length is between 100 yards and 130
yards. The recommended width is 55 yards
to 70 yards and the recommended length is 110 yards to 130 yards. The
association / club / league which controls the fields shall determine the
location of the teams, players, coaches, fans and supporters in relation to the
field and each other and of the Technical Area, in compliance with applicable
STYSA rules and FIFA Laws, decisions and recommendations.
b. For
Under-13 through Under-19 Only. If there is a Technical Area marked for each
team, it will include, but not be limited to, that team’s “bench area.”
Coaches, players, and eligible adults permitted to be present with the team
must remain within the markings and within their half, except for substitution
and warm-up. If both teams are assigned to one side of the field, only coaches,
players, and eligible adults permitted to be present with the team may be
within the Technical Area.
6.1.2. Law II - The Ball
The size of the ball should be as follows:
Under-19 = Size 5 Ball
Under-18 = Size 5 Ball
Under-17 = Size 5 Ball
Under-16 = Size 5 Ball
Under-15 = Size 5 Ball
Under-14 = Size 5 Ball
Under-13 = Size 5 Ball
6.1.3. Law III - Number of Players
6.1.3.1. No team, U13 through U15, shall be allowed
more than eighteen (18) nor less than seven (7) registered players at any given
time. The minimum number of players on
the field to start the match shall be seven.
(Changed 7.12.09)
No team, U16 through U19, shall be
allowed more than twenty-two (22) nor less than seven (7) registered players at
any given time. The minimum number of
players on the field to start the match shall be seven (7). The maximum number of players in uniform and
eligible to play at any one game shall be eighteen (18). (Changed
7.12.09)
6.1.3.2. Substitutes:
In youth play, substitutions shall be unlimited with the following
constraints:
a. For all Super II, Division II and Division III
competitions, coaches must make every effort to play each registered player
that is present at least one-half of the game unless unable to do so due to
player’s illness or injury or for disciplinary reasons. In the event that a player is present but
will not be playing, the coach must inform the referee and the opposing coach
as to the reason that player will not participate.
b. In Division I there is no minimum playing time
for each registered player on the team.
6.1.3.3. The prior permission of the referee is
required in order to make any substitution at any time, except at the
resumption of play after the half time break:
** On a throw-in (by the team in possession)
** On a goal kick (by either team)
** After any goal (by either team)
** After stoppage of play for an injury (either team)
** At half time (by either team)
** After a caution (the player receiving the caution)
6.1.4. Law IV - Equipment
6.1.4.1. All players will wear shinguards which are commercially produced
and specifically designed to provide protection to the shins.
6.1.4.2. No player will be allowed to play with a hard cast (padded or
otherwise), nor will any player be allowed to play with any brace (knee or
otherwise) that contains exposed metal or hard plastics, unless it is wrapped
with a minimum of ½ inch high-density foam wrapping or the manufacturer’s
recommended protective coating.
6.1.4.3. Players may wear sliding, bike, cyclist or tight fitting pants
which do not protrude below the top of the knee and are the same color as the
shorts. This does not prohibit players
from wearing loose fitting, long-legged sweat pants or tights when it is cold
or goalkeepers from wearing goalkeeper pants which may be tight and have
padding.
6.1.4.4. Bandannas of any style may not be worn during any game. Players may not wear a bandanna either on
their heads, legs or arms. Exceptions
may be made at the local level for medical reasons.
6.1.4.5. Each member association is responsible for establishing a system of
yearly inspection of goals utilized by its member clubs, leagues and
associations. A statement shall be
provided to STYSA with the submission of Fall registration that the goals have
been inspected prior to the beginning of the Fall season and found to be in
safe condition. A statement or form and
criteria shall be established by STYSA for a standardized procedure of
inspection. The statement shall be
signed by an officer of the member association.
This requirement must be met or the member association shall not be in
good standing.
6.1.5. Law V - Referees
The referee’s judgment decisions shall be final in
all matters concerning the rules governing the playing of the game, the
playability of the field and the appropriateness of the uniforms. At the completion of the match, the referee
shall have each coach sign the game report and submit the game report to the
tournament representative.
It shall be the duty of the referee to declare a forfeit
in the event that a team has less than the required minimum number of players
on the field ready to play within 15 minutes after the game was scheduled to
start. If neither team has the required
number, it shall be a double forfeit and shall be scored as a loss for both
teams. In the event that the referee
rules that the field is not playable, or that the uniforms are inappropriate,
then he should note these facts on the game report and have each coach sign it.
A game card will be completed by the referee for all
play within STYSA. This card will, at a
minimum, contain the following:
** association, age group, division, game
location, date, game time
** team names and final score
** cautions (yellow cards) or ejections (red
cards) issued, by team with player / name
** any protest noted and brief basis for those
protests
** Prior to each STYSA sanctioned match, each
team shall present to the referee the
These game cards are to be retained through the end
of the District or STYSA Tournaments.
Disputes must be noted on the referee’s game report
and a complete description of the incident shall be submitted to the
appropriate Disciplinary and Protest Representative.
6.1.6. Law VII - Duration of the
Game
The duration of the games shall be as follows:
Under-19 = two 45-minute halves
Under-18 = two 45-minute halves
Under-17 = two 45-minute halves
Under-16 = two 40-minute halves
Under-15 = two 40-minute halves
Under-14 = two 35-minute halves
Under-13 = two 35-minute halves
The half-time interval shall be five (5) minutes.
6.1.7. Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct
The FIFA Law with respect to the charging of the
goalkeeper shall not apply in youth play.
There shall be no charging of the goalkeeper, fairly or unfairly, in
STYSA sanctioned competition. Any such
act will be considered as “dangerous play” at the least and punished
accordingly.
6.2. SPECIAL
RULES OF PLAY – Under-11 and Under-12 Age Groups – EXCEPTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO
FIFA LAWS (Changed 7.12.09)
There shall be two age groups in which the number of
players on the field may be fewer than that specified in the FIFA Laws of the
Game: Under-11 and Under-12. (Effective 9.1.08)
6.2.1. Age
Group
a. A
player with his/her parent’s and coach’s permission, and in compliance with the
local association playing rules, may play in an older age group; however,
b.
Except as
provided herein, no player may play in a younger age group than the age group
for which he/she is eligible. If a medical
condition exists (substantiated in writing by a licensed physician) that will
prohibit or severely hinder a player from playing in his/her own age group, the
player may seek special approval from his/her Local Association/Club Board and
Member Association to allow the player to play down in a younger age
group. All requests must be submitted to
and approved by the STYSA Executive Committee prior to the player’s first game.
6.2.2.
Number of Players
a. Each
team during a league game shall play with no more than eight (8) on the field
at a time, including a goalkeeper. (Changed 2.8.09 – effective 9.1.09)
b.
Under-11 and
Under-12 teams may participate in eleven (11) aside play, where offered in
sanctioned invitational tournaments.
c.
Coaches must
play each registered player that is present one-half of the game unless unable
to do so due to a player’s illness or injury or for disciplinary reasons. In the event that a player is present but
will not be playing, the coach must inform the referee and the opposing coach
as to the reason the player will not participate
6.2.3.
Size of Teams: The maximum number of players
per team shall be fourteen (14). (Changed 7.12.09)
6.2.4.
Forfeits for too few players: The referee
shall declare a forfeit if a team has fewer than the requisite number of
players on the field ready to play within a reasonable time after the game was
scheduled to start. The requisite number
of players shall be six 6) players. (Changed
2.8.09 – effective 9.1.09)
6.2.5.
Goalkeeper: There shall be no charging or intentional or
reckless contact with the goalkeeper in any manner whatsoever. Any such conduct shall be considered at least
“dangerous play” and punished accordingly.
6.2.6. Ball:
#4
6.2.7. Field of Play: The association / club / league which controls
the fields shall determine the location of the teams, players, coaches, fans
and supporters in relation to the field and each other. (Changed 2.8.09 – effective 9.1.09)
Size: 40 to 70
yards wide by 60 to 90 yards long
Goals: 21 feet wide
by 7 feet high or 18 feet wide by 6 feet high
Center
Circle: 8 yards in radius
Penalty
Area: 14 yards by 35 yards
Goal Area: 6 yards by
19 yards
Penalty
Spot: 9 yards and perpendicular from the midpoint
of the goal line
Penalty Arc: 8 yard
radius from the penalty spot
6.2.8. Length of Games:
6.2.9. Offside: The FIFA Offside Rule shall apply.
6.2.10. 11v11 Grandfather for U12
teams (effective until 7/31/2010)
Only U11 teams that were formed in an 11v11 format in either the Fall
2008 and/or Spring 2009 season will be permitted to return as a U12 team
participating in an 11v11 format through the end of the Spring 2010
season. Returning teams must roster 50%
+1 of the previous players from the final roster of the last season that they
participated in as a U11 team using the 11v11 format to qualify as a U12
grandfathered team. (Added 7.12.09)
6.3. SPECIAL RULES OF PLAY – Under-6
through Under-10 Age Groups Division IV - EXCEPTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO FIFA LAWS
There shall be three age groups in which the number
of players on the field shall be fewer than that specified in the FIFA Laws of
the Game: Under-6, Under-8 and Under-10
6.3.1. Age Group
6.3.1.1. A player with his / her parent’s and coach’s
permission, and in compliance with the local association playing rules, may
play in an older age group; however
6.3.1.2. Except as provided herein, no player may
play in a younger age group than the age group for which he/she is
eligible. If a medical condition exists
(substantiated in writing by a licensed physician) that will prohibit or
severely hinder a player from playing in his/her own age group, the player may
seek special approval from his/her Local Association / Club Board and Member
Association to allow the player to play down in a younger age group. All requests must be submitted to and
approved by the STYSA Executive Committee prior to the player’s first game.
6.3.2. Under-10
Players
6.3.2.1. Number of Players
a. Effective
9/1/2007 – Each Member Association / Club shall determine whether their
Under-10 teams will play with no more than eight (8) or six (6) players on the
field at a time.
b. It
is the policy of this Association to prohibit eleven (11) aside teams in
Under-10 in both league play and invitational tournaments.
c. Coaches
must play each registered player that is present one-half of the game unless
unable to do so due to player’s illness or injury or for disciplinary
reasons. In the event that a player is
present but will not be playing, the coach must inform the referee and the
opposing coach as to the reason that player will not participate.
6.3.2.2. Size of Teams: The maximum number of players per team shall
be twelve (12) if playing 8-a-side (effective
6.3.2.3. Forfeits for too few
players: The referee shall declare a
forfeit if a team has fewer than the requisite number of players on the field
ready to play within a reasonable time after the game was scheduled to start. The requisite number of players shall be six
(6) players if playing 8-a-side or (effective
6.3.2.4. Goalkeeper: There shall be no charging or intentional or
reckless contact with the goalkeeper in any manner whatsoever. Any such conduct shall be considered at least
as “dangerous play” and punished accordingly.
6.3.2.5. Ball: #4
6.3.2.6. Goals: 21 feet wide by 7 feet high if playing
8-a-side or (effective
6.3.2.7. Fields:
Size: 40 to 60 yards
wide by 60 to 80 yards long if playing 8-a-side or 30 to 50 yards wide by 40 to
60 yards long if playing 6-a-side.
Center
Circle: 8 yards in radius if playing 8-a-side or
(effective
Penalty
Area: 14 yards by 35 yards if playing 8-a-side or
(effective
Goal Area: 6 yards by
19 yards if playing 8-a-side or (effective
Penalty
Spot: 9 yards and perpendicular from the midpoint
of the goal line if playing 8-a-side or (effective
Penalty Arc: 8 yard
radius from the penalty spot if playing 8-a-side or (effective
6.3.2.8. Length of Games:
6.3.2.9. Offside: The FIFA Offside Rule shall apply.
6.3.3. Under-8 Players
GENERAL: FIFA rules
shall apply except where such rules conflict with these rules and, in these
instances, these guidelines are recommended.
(Effective
6.3.3.1. Number of Players
a. Each
League / Club shall have the option to organize a U8 program with teams playing
either 4v4 or 7v7 depending on their circumstances and needs. Each league / club may run a U8 program with
two separate divisions, i.e., one division of 4v4, another division of
7v7. If playing 4v4, there shall be no
goalkeeper.
b. It
is the policy of this Association to prohibit eleven (11) aside teams in
Under-8 divisions in both league play and invitational tournaments.
c. Coaches
must play each registered player who is present one half of the game unless
unable to do so due to player’s illness or injury or for disciplinary
reasons. In the event that a player is
present but will not be playing, the coach must inform the referee and the
opposing coach as to the reason that the player will not participate.
6.3.3.2. Forfeits for too few
players: If playing 7v7, the referee
shall declare a forfeit if a team has fewer than the requisite number of payers
on the field ready to play within a reasonable time after the game was
scheduled to start. The number is to be
specified by the Member Association, but in no event shall the minimum number
of players to cause a forfeit exceed five (5).
If playing 4v4, provided that at least two (2)
players from each team are present at game time, there shall be no
forfeit. Coaches shall accommodate the
situation to insure that the game is played by sharing players.
6.3.3.3. Size of Team: If playing 7v7, the maximum number of players
per team shall be twelve (12). If
playing 4v4: For teams playing on a
single field, the maximum number of players is eight (8) per team; however,
seven (7) is recommended.
The Dual Field Method is played on two side-by-side
parallel Under-8 fields with a channel area separating the fields. The channel is designated as the bench
area. During the course of the matches
on the two fields, played simultaneously, players may participate in either
match. For teams participating in the
Dual Field Method, the maximum number of players is twelve (12) per team.
6.3.3.4. Goalkeeper: If playing 7v7, there shall be no charging or
intentional or reckless contact with the goalkeeper in any manner
whatsoever. Any such conduct shall be
considered at least dangerous play and punished accordingly. If playing 4v4, there is no goalkeeper
6.3.3.5. Ball: Size #3
6.3.3.6. Goals: If playing 7v7, 15 feet wide by 5 feet high
or 18 feet wide by 6 feet high are recommended.
If playing 4v4, the goals shall be the size of hockey goals up to 6 feet
high by 12 feet wide.
6.3.3.7. Fields:
Size: 40 to 50
yards wide by 60 to 70 yards long if playing 7v7; 25 to 40 yards wide by 35 to
60 yards long, with the length longer than the width, if playing 4v4.
Center
Circle: 8 yards in radius if playing 7v7; 5 yards in
radius if playing 4v4
Penalty
Area: 14 yards by 35 yards if playing 7v7; None if
playing 4v4
Goal Area: 6 yards by
19 yards if playing 7v7; 3 yards from each goal post and 3 yards deep if
playing 4v4
6.3.3.8. Length of Games: Effective
6.3.3.9. Awards. Standings will
not be maintained, and no trophies or awards will be given except for
participation and / or sportsmanship.
6.3.3.10. Penalties for fouls:
a. If
playing 7v7, there shall be no penalty shots for fouls within the penalty area. If playing 4v4, there will be no penalty area.
b. All
fouls shall be penalized with indirect kicks.
c. From
the point of taking an indirect kick or corner kick, opponents shall not be any
closer than six (6) yards if playing 7v7; From the point of taking an indirect
kick or corner kick, opponents shall not be any closer than five (5) yards if
playing 4v4.
6.3.3.11. Offside: The Offside rule shall be interpreted
liberally; however, no player may play in an obvious offside position in front
of or near the goal such as a designated scorer if playing 7v7. If playing 4v4, there shall be no offside.
6.3.3.12. Throw-ins: If there is an infraction of the FIFA
throw-in rules, the player throwing the ball in shall receive one additional
throw-in after a correcting instruction from the Referee. If the player violates the FIFA throw-in rule
on his / her second throw-in, then the opposing team shall be awarded a
throw-in.
6.3.4. Under-6 Players
6.3.4.1. Size of Team: For teams playing on a single field, the
maximum number of players is six (6)
The Dual Field Method is played on two side-by-side
parallel Under-6 fields with a channel area separating the fields. The channel is designated the bench
area. During the course of the matches
on the two fields, played simultaneously, players may participate in either
match. For teams participating in the
Dual Field Method, the maximum number of players is ten (10) per team.
6.3.4.2. Number of Players
a. Each
Under-6 team during a game shall play no more than three (3) players on the
field at a time.
b. It
is the policy of this Association to prohibit eleven (11) aside teams in
Under-6 divisions in both league play and invitational tournaments.
c. Coaches
must play each registered player who is present one half of the game unless
unable to do so due to player’s illness or injury or for disciplinary
reasons. In the event that a player is
present but will not be playing, the coach must inform the referee and the opposing
coach as to the reason that the player will not participate.
6.3.4.3. Forfeits for too few
players: Provided that at least
three (3) players from each team are present at game time, there shall be no
forfeit. Coaches shall accommodate the
situation to insure that all players get as much playing time as possible. If either team has fewer than three (3)
players present, the game shall be abandoned, but no winner shall be declared
nor forfeit awarded.
6.3.4.4. Goalkeeper: There will be no goalkeeper
6.3.4.5. Ball: #3
6.3.4.6. Goals: Goals shall be approximately 4 feet tall by 6
feet wide. Hockey goals may be
used. Cones spaced 6 feet apart may be
used.
6.3.4.7. Fields: The field shall be rectangular with the
length in all cases exceeding the width.
Size: 15 to 20
yards wide by 20 to 30 yards long
Center
Circle: 3 yards in radius
Penalty
Area: none
Goal Area: none
6.3.4.8. Length of Games: The game shall be divided into four
eight-minute quarters. There shall be a
two-minute break between quarters one and two and another two-minute break
between quarters three and four. There
shall be a half-time break of five minutes between quarters two and three.
6.3.4.9. Awards. Standings will not be maintained, and no
trophies or awards will be given except for participation and / or
sportsmanship.
6.3.4.10. Penalties for fouls:
a. There
shall be no penalty shots.
b. All
fouls will be penalized with indirect kicks.
c. From
the point of taking an indirect kick or corner kick, opponents shall not be any
closer than three (3) yards.
6.3.4.11. Offside: There shall be no off-sides.
6.3.4.12. Coaches on Field: Coaches may not be on the field of play
during conduct of the game.
6.3.4.13. Throw-ins: If there is an infraction of the FIFA
throw-in rule, the player throwing the ball in shall receive one additional
throw-in after a correcting instruction from the Referee. If the player violates the FIFA throw-in rule
on his / her second throw-in, then the opposing team shall be awarded a throw-in.
Some associations may elect to play without
throw-ins. In such cases, the ball will
be returned to play by an indirect kick taken from the touchline where the ball
exited the field of play.
STYSA-sanctioned tournaments will use the throw-in.