Judge Dowd Soccer League - League Rules

 

NUMBER OF PLAYERS / ELIGIBILITY Pre-K and Kindergarten Leagues: each team fields 6 players one of whom is the goalkeeper. Eligible players are children in Kindergarten and Pre-K (age 4 prior to the start of the season). First Grade League: each team fields 7 players one of whom is the goalkeeper. Eligible players are children in First Grade and Kindergarten. Second Grade League: each team fields 8 players one of whom is the goalkeeper. Eligible players are children in Second Grade and First Grade. If a team has less than the regulation number of players at game time, the other team should field the same number of players to equalize the number of on-field players on each team. EQUIPMENT Shinguards are compulsory equipment for all players.  Players cannot wear anything that is a danger to themselves or other players including a hard cast or jewelry.  DURATION OF GAME Games consist of 4 twelve minute quarters with a two minute break between quarters.  Pre-K and Kindergarten coaches have the option to play ten minute quarters.  Play is suspended and the game clock is stopped when a player is injured on the field. 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 vest/pinny 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 defend at start of the game.  If both coaches agree, teams will not change ends at half-time. 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. A referee evaluation form is available on the website to advise the League Commissioner of any complaints about the officiating. If the referee doesn't show up for a game, the game will still be played with the on-field coaches refereeing 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. 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. 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 negative comments, hitting, kicking, spitting, committing numerous fouls, committing an intentional foul, or committing a serious foul such as a high kick or slide tackle or any action that reflects harmful intent. Coaches should remove a player exhibiting aggressive play for a brief period to give them an opportunity to calm down. MERCY RULE If the score differential reaches 4 goals, then the team with more goals must remove one field player. If the goal differential returns to 2 goals, then the teams return to the original number of players. If the score differential reaches 6 goals, then the team with fewer goals may add one player.  If the goal differential returns to 2 goals, then the teams return to the original number of 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. THROW - INS Players will be allowed a second attempt to make a correct throw-in.  Play will continue if player makes a 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. 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.  If play is stopped due to an injury or unusual situation, the game shall be restarted by a direct kick by the team in possession of the ball at the place of the ball when play was stopped. 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 Msgr. Meyer Center and the west side of the Lindenwood Park 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 unplayable field conditions or weather conditions will be posted on the website.  Coaches should contact the League Commissioner if they have concerns about playing a game (not canceled) due to weather or field conditions.  The final decision to play a game with questionable field conditions is made by the coaches. Make-up games for any canceled 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 Rulebook will apply.