VSA is an instructional league. We do not record match scores or post standings for U-12 and younger. Our goal is to provide a positive, fun soccer experience for children in this area. A positive attitude is expected of referees at all times. Remember, this is a job. You receive pay for your services. The number and level of matches that you receive in the future will depend upon your performance and your enthusiasm for the job.

 

The weather can be unpredictable. The county may close the fields at times to protect them from adverse conditions. Check the VSA Web Site regarding the field status before you head out to the matches at www.vsaonline.org. Be aware that sometimes matches are cancelled on the Grass field, but not on the Artificial Turf fields.  If teams are already on the fields and the weather changes prior to the matches, the commissioner will make the decision on play. Once the matches have started, the decision rests with the referees.

 

Our policy is that every child that shows up for a match will play at least ½ of the match. If you notice an obvious violation of this rule please contact Scott Thoden, VSA President

 

The duration of matches are as follows:

 

U5    15 minute halves              U12    25 minute halves

U6    18 minute halves              U14    35 minute halves

U8    20 minute halves              U16    40 minute halves

U10 24 minute halves               U19    40 minute halves

 

Duration of the matches may be shorted at the discretion of the commissioner.

 

Matches should be played with the SAME number of players from each team. Coaches from opposing teams may decide to play with uneven numbers of players but this must be a firm agreement by both coaches. No coach should be intimidated into accepting this situation if it is not what they want. Maximum number of players per side is:

 

 

The size of the ball for each division is:

U5: #3              U6: #3              U8: #3              U10: #4            U12: #4            U14 & Up: # 5

 

In the U5 and U6 divisions, 1 coach is allowed on the field to assist the players with positioning. Coaches should avoid being too close to the action when the ball is in play. While the ball is in play no coach is allowed in the penalty area.

 

There are no goalies in the U5, U6, and U8 divisions. No players are allowed to enter the Arc in front of the goal at Any time. Should the ball come to rest inside the arc, play will stop and a goal kick will restart the match. If an attaching player touches the ball in the arc or gains any advantage by being in the arc, a goal kick will be awarded. If a defending player touches the ball inside the arc or gains an advantage by being in the arc, a corner kick will be awarded.

 

In the U6 and all higher age divisions, coaches and spectators must stay on opposite sides of the field from each other during the match. Coaches or spectators should not stand behind the goal lines during the match. The home team (Blue) decides which side they will take; the away team (Gold) will take the other side.

 

There will be no direct kicks or penalty kicks in the U5, U6, and U8 divisions. Indirect kicks only from the point of the infraction. All Kick Offs, Goal Kicks & Corner Kicks are considered Indirect Kicks; therefore Goals will Not be awarded if the ball is kicked directly into the goal. The offside rule is not used in these divisions. Substitutions can be made during any stoppage in play. There is NO Slide Tackling allow in these age groups! Even if no contact is made, play should be stopped and an indirect kick awarded.

 

For U-10 and higher including SFL the coach may request a substitution prior to their own throw in, before a goal kick by either team, after a goal is scored, or at half breaks. Plus, if the team throwing in the ball is substituting the opposing team may also substitute. If a player must leave for injury, the referee should offer the opposing coach the opportunity for one substitution as well. Players, who are red-carded, must leave the match and not return and cannot be substituted for (the team must play one player short for the duration of the match).

 

Referees should wear an Official uniform on the field. All black shorts, official jersey, with a 2010 Patch, referee socks pulled up over the calves, and black shoes. If you must wear a jacket, I would ask that it be predominately black. All referees should have with them at all times a whistle, flags, a coin, red and yellow cards, and a watch with a time keeping feature. You should be at your field 15 minutes prior to the match start time. This will allow for all pre-match activities (Place Corner Flags; Inspect Field; Insure Teams & Spectators are on Opposite Sides of the Field; Player Equipment Inspection, Pre-Match Conference with Referee Team U-10 & Higher; Coin Toss; Etc.) If you referee the last match of the day on your field, it is your responsibility to returns the corner flags to the soccer shed.

If you have a conflict with the schedule you have been assigned contact Kevin Driscoll as soon as possible.

 

 

Kevin Driscoll

703-754-4042