APPENDIX A
LAWS OF THE GAME
LAW 1. THE FIELD OF PLAY
A. A field less than 100 yards in length may be permitted for all U10 games. Actual sizes will be determined by the commissioner.
B. Coaches and spectators should remain on opposites sides of the field and should remain at least 18 yards away from the goal lines.
C. No one will be permitted within three feet of the sidelines during a game except for coaches and referees.
D. In the U5 Division a maximum of two coaches from each team will be allowed on the field during games to aid in player positioning. Coaches should avoid being too close to the action while the ball is rolling. There is no goalkeeper in this division and coaches will not station players permanently in the goal box.
E. In the U6 Division one coach from each team will be allowed on the field during games to aid in player positioning. While the ball is rolling no coach is allowed in either of the penalty areas. If a coach interferes with a shot on goal while in the penalty area even unintentionally the opposing team will be awarded a goal.
LAW 2. THE BALL
A The ball sizes used by each House Division will be determined by the Board of Directors. Ball sizes for Travel and Select teams will be as designated by their respective leagues
LAW 3. NUMBER OF PLAYERS
A VSA generally follows National guidelines in having a maximum of 7 players on the field for any team having players 10 years of age or younger. This policy may be adjusted for practical reasons by the Commissioner. In all divisions games will be played with equal numbers of players from each side.
B Substitution may be made freely according to FIFA and USSF rules Injured players may be substituted for at any time with proper notification to the referee the opposing coach will be offered a one for one substitution opportunity. The referee will be notified when a goalkeeper change is to be made. No substitutes will enter the field of play until told to do so by the referee.
C No roster changes may be made once the playing season begins unless authorized by the Registrar.
LAW 4. PLAYER EOUIPMENT
A The referee will not permit the wearing of clothing or equipment that, in the opinion of the referee, is dangerous to the player or to others. This may include but is not limited to the following: metal spikes or cleats, hats with brims, jewelry, casts of any material, projecting metal or other hard plates or any sharp-edged objects on clothes or person and pads (knee head arm thigh or hip) containing any unyielding material whether covered with soft padding or not.
B The referee does not have the right to permit the wearing of illegal equipment even if both coaches approve.
C In cold weather players may wear long sleeved shirts and/or sweat pants but the uniform jersey and shorts must remain fully visible. Jerseys will be tucked inside shorts at the beginning of each period.
D. Shoes, shin guards and socks that cover the shin guards are required for all practices and matches.
LAW 5. REFEREES
A. One referee will normally officiate each game. Some matches will also involve assistant referees. The referee may ask parents or coaches to serve as volunteer as assistant referees.
B. If the assigned officials fail to appear within 10 minutes after the scheduled game time the teams by mutual agreement may appoint a substitute referee. That substitute will have all the rights and authority afforded to a certified referee.
C. Decisions on game situations involving the judgment of the referee are final and may not be appealed. However a coach may seek clarification or explanation from the referee of any call made. Questions should be held until the next quarter or half break or until after the game.
LAW 6. Assistant referees
A. Volunteer assistant referees will only indicate when the ball is out of play unless otherwise instructed by the referee.
LAW 7. DURATION OF THE GAME
A. The duration of matches will be determined by the Board of directors and posted on the website.
LAW 8. THE START OF PLAY
A. NO AMENDMENTS.
LAW 9. THE BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY
A. NO AMENDMENTS.
LAW 10. METHOD OF SCORING
A. NO AMENDMENTS.
LAW 11. OFFSIDE
A. A penalty for offside will not be assessed in the U5 through U8 Divisions.
LAW 12. FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
A. Players receiving a Yellow card may be replaced by a substitute at the coaches discretion, but may re-enter the game after a suitable cooling off period in which the coach instructs the player as to proper conduct and/or technique. Ejected (Red carded) players wiII leave the game immediately and may not be replaced. They will also be suspended for the next regularly scheduled game.
LAW 13. FREE KICKS
A. There will be no direct kicks awarded for infractions in the U5 through U8 divisions. Indirect kicks only will be taken from the poinnt of the infraction.
LAW 14. PENALTY KICKS
A. There will be no penalty kics awarded for infractions in the U5 through U8 Divisions.
LAW 15. THROW INS
No amendments
LAW 16. GOAL KICKS
A. NO AMENDMENTS.
LAW 17. CORNER KICKS
A. NO AMENDMENTS.
Adopted February 1980
Revised February 2005
