Judge Dowd Soccer League - League Rules

 

DURATION OF GAME / PLAYERS / EQUIPMENT Games consist of four twelve minute quarters, two minutes between quarters, and five minutes between first and second half. Kindergarten coaches have the option to play ten minute quarters.   Kindergarten and First Grade teams field 6 players including the goalkeeper. Second Grade teams field 8. All players shall receive an equal amount of playing time each game. Shinguards are compulsory equipment for all players. HOME TEAM / VISITORS Home team is the first team listed numerically on each weeks schedule.  Home team should furnish game ball (#4).  Home team is responsible for wearing a shirt/penny of contrasting color when both teams have similar colored jerseys.  Home team takes the kick-off to start the game and the third quarter.  The visiting team chooses which goal it will attack at start of the game.  If both coaches agree, teams will not change ends at half-time. THROW - INS Players will be allowed a second attempt to make a correct throw-in.  Second grade teams only lose possession of ball on foul throw-in on second attempt. GOALKEEPER Opposing players must not interfere with the goalkeeper when releasing the ball.  Goalkeeper may go to end of penalty area to release the ball.  Steps will not be called on goalkeeper.  Goalkeeper has no time limit when controlling the ball with his/her hands.  Goalkeeper should wear colors which distinguish him/her from the other players. SUBSTITUTIONS Unlimited substitutions for both teams may be made when play has stopped with the permission of the referee. Coaches shall make quick substitutions to facilitate the continuous flow of the game. COACHES Only one coach from each team is permitted on the field and one coach on their own goal line, next to, but not behind, their own goal.  On-field coaches should be careful not to intimidate players or interfere with ongoing play.  On-field coaches are not allowed in the penalty area.  Please refer to the Coaches Code of Conduct for more. REFEREES Each game is controlled by the referees who have full authority to enforce the rules. Their decisions are final and shall not be challenged or criticized. Coaches may discuss the officiating with the referee provided it is done in a civil manner but not while the game is being played. Coaches should contact the League Commissioner with any complaints about the officiating. OFFSIDES Offsides will not be called unless it is a flagrant violation.  For example, a player that is more than 15 yards offsides. FREE KICKS / GOAL KICKS There are no penalty kicks, indirect kicks or dropped balls.  All free kicks are direct kicks.  If a foul is committed in the penalty area the free kick shall be taken outside the penalty area.  All other fouls will result in a free kick taken from the location of the foul.  Goal kicks are taken at the corner of the penalty area. PLAYER MISCONDUCT A player who exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct will be warned, along with his/her coach, that if the conduct continues, the player will be ineligible to continue to play and a substitution must be made for that player.  Unsportsmanlike conduct includes committing numerous fouls, committing an intentional foul, or committing a serious foul such as a high kick or slide tackle.  A player will be ejected from a game for fighting without prior warning and subject to expulsion from the league. COACH MISCONDUCT A coach that exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended or expelled from the league. Unsportsmanlike conduct includes verbally abusing a referee, player or opposing coach; the use of profanity; repeated violations of league rules. Coaches are held responsible for the unsportsmanlike conduct of their players and spectators. This is a zero tolerance rule. FIELD OF PLAY / GOALS The north and south fields at Magdalen Parish Center are 40 yards wide and 60 yards long.  Goals are 6 feet high and 12 feet wide.  Msgr. Sullivan Memorial Field is 50 yards wide and 68 yards long.  Goals are 8 feet high and 18 feet wide. Lindenwood Park Field is 33 yards wide and 66 yards long. Goals are 8 feet high and 18 feet wide. TEAMS/SPECTATORS Coaches and players should be on the opposite side of the field away from spectators. The area between the North and South fields at Mullally and the North side of Msgr. Sullivan field is reserved for coaches and players. Spectators should remain a minimum of 5 yards from the side lines. Spectators are not allowed behind the goal lines. This rule shall be enforced by the coaches. CANCELLATIONS / MAKE-UP GAMES Game cancellations due to unsafe playing conditions or weather conditions will be posted on the website.  Coaches make the final decision to play a game with questionable playing conditions.  Make-up games for any cancelled games are played at the option of the coaches.  Contact League Commissioner to schedule a make-up game. CYC RULES Apart from these rules, the CYC soccer rules will govern.