Section 1 — Jurisdiction:

In accordance with the Gloucester County Soccer League By-Laws, Article VI, these playing Rules are agreed upon and will apply during the current season of the League, unless otherwise amended by the Executive Committee.

Section 2A — Protests:

The object of the League shall be to promote, foster and perpetuate the game of soccer on the youth level; to provide competition for all its members to play the game in accordance with the high standards of good sportsmanship and fair play; and to guard the interests of the teams and players on the youth level. In this spirit, it is the obligation of all concerned to do as much as possible to eliminate protests. Mutual consent of coaches is a strong factor and will be given predominate consideration in all protests. The associated actions of each coach to resolve the protest shall be considered. These playing Rules are to provide a framework for equitable competition and their use to gain advantage will not be tolerated.

A club which shall decide to protest any match hall do so through its League Representative, who shall notify the Grievance Committee or President of the League in writing.

Section 2B — Grievance Committee:

The Grievance Committee shall be the first step in the protest procedure:

A — Any protest arising out of any match shall be submitted to the Grievance Committee Chair Person or President within 24 hours and a written statement to follow within 72 hours with a check for $25.00 (protest fee), payable to G.C.S.L.

(1) The protest fee will be retained if the claim is denied but will be returned if the claim is upheld or the committee is overruled by the Executive Board or General Membership.

(a) The appeal Fee to the Executive Board is $20.00

(b) The appeal Fee to the General Membership is $50.00

B -- Only violations of G.C.S.L. rules and regulations or misapplication of the "LAWS OF THE GAME", published by FIFA shall be considered as proper subject for protest. All others shall be disallowed.

C -- Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse.

Section 3 — Team & Player Registration Deadline:

The Executive Committee shall fix a date in each season when the right of clubs to register teams and players for the respective season shall be terminated. Registration of teams for the Fall Season shall be determined by the Executive Board. Registration or reassignment of players is possible before the sixth game of the season.

Note: Exceptions my be brought to the Executive Board.

Section 4 — Game Card:

The Caption or Manager of each team shall, before the commencement of the match, had to the referee a complete list of players (names printed) on the official game card used for the season. Each Manager of the teams participating shall receive a copy of the opponent’s roster as also provided on the game card. Any registered player who name is not on the list, and who later appears, shall not be permitted to participate in that particular match. Players’ and coaches’ passes are to be present to the referee for inspection prior to start of the match.

Section 5 — Referee’s Report:

The game card shall be retained by the referee and used as his official report to the League within 24 hours after it’s completion. The referee shall include the names and numbers of all players cautioned and player or coach’s pass of any ejections with an explanation of the pertinent circumstances.

Section 6 — Reporting Games Scores:

Each club has the responsibility of providing an individual who will collect and forward all game results for that club in addition to telephoning the results to the Games Commissioner, before a time designated by the Executive Board, Sunday of the playing week.

Section 7 — Referee Fees:

Referee fees will appear on the Referee handout.

A — The referee fee will be paid by the home team at half-time, unless other arrangements have been made with the referee prior to the start of play.

B — The referee shall be paid the full fee. (1) when any match shall be terminated by darkness or other causes, over which neither club has control; (2) when any match shall be terminated because of any cause affected by either club, or which either club shall have, or should have had control; or (3) when any match shall be forfeited by either club.

Section 8 — Forfeit of a Game:

While the following forfeit criteria may or may not also appear in Section 10, FIFA Law Exceptions or clarifications, they are tabulated here for reference.

A — Upheld violations of the playing rules will be considered grounds for a forfeit if they affected the outcome of the game in favor of the offending team. The score shall be recorded as 1-0, or the number of goals scored by the non-offending team, which ever is the greatest. In all cases, the offending team will receive a score of zero.

B — Failure of a team to be prepared to play on the field at the scheduled game time shall forfeit the match to the opponent. The score of this forfeit shall be 1-0. (This includes less than 7 players.)

C — Every team which shall play an ineligible player in any association match shall forfeit to the opponent or opponents the match or matches in which the ineligible player appeared on the roster or played. The score of such a game shall be 1-0 for the team winning the forfeit, or the number of goals the team winning the forfeit has scored, whichever is greater.

D — A team unprepared or not willing to continue to play shall forfeit to the opponent. The score shall be 1-0, or the number of goals the team winning the forfeit has scored, whichever is greater. In either case, the team forfeiting receives zero goals.

E — Every club which shall decide to forfeit a match must notify the manager of the opponent club and the Games Commissioner at least two (2) days prior to the date of the match. The score of such a forfeit games shall be 1-0.

F — If, in the opinion of the referee, the field conditions prohibit the beginning of play, the game shall be rescheduled in its entirety. The two managers have one week to reschedule and play the game and must notify the Games Commissioner. If the rescheduled date of the game cannot be mutually agreed upon, the Games Commissioner will reschedule. All rescheduled games must be completed within the regular season or forfeit criteria will apply.

Section 9 — Loss of Forfeit Fee:

Any club which has a team which forfeited, regardless of reason or circumstance, will be obligated to:

A — Relinquish its $25.00 forfeit fee to the League.

B — Pay any referee fees associated with that game.

C — Repay a $25.00 forfeit fee to the League before that team’s next scheduled match. Failure to repay will result in continued forfeit and possible ejection from the League.

Section 10 — FIFA Law Modifications and Clarifications:

The F.I.F.A. Laws will apply with the following modifications which are deemed to be appropriate for youth play.

Law I — The Playing Field:

A — Restraints to keep spectators between the 18-yard lines and five feet outside the tough line is required. Spectators should be prohibited from behind the goal line and from the 18-yard line on the side or sides of the field where spectators are permitted.

B — Mid field flags are optional.

C — The home team is responsible for correct lining of the field and shall include coaches boxes extending five yards on each side of the mid field line. If both teams are on one side of the field (UNDESIRABLE) then the coaches boxes should be 10 yards on each side of the mid field line.

D — Goal nets and corner flags are required and must be securely fixed in place.

E — 8 vs 8 field size will be 50x80 and goal size 6 ½ ‘ x 18'

Law II — The Ball:

A — The home team shall provide a ball for the game. The referee shall determine the acceptability of the ball.

B — The following size balls will be used:

U10 & U12 Size 4
U14 & U16 Size 5

Law III — The Players:

A — The minimum number of players to constitute a team is seven.

(1) 8 vs 8 minimum of player to constitute a team is 6.

B — The number of substitutions allowed during the game is unlimited.

C — Substitutions may be permitted by the referee when the play has stopped for one of the following situations:

(1) Start of each half.
(2) After a goal has been scored.
(3) On a throw-in (only team with possession of the ball).
(4) On a goal-kick, (either team, team with possession first).
(5) When a player is injured, and only the injured player. Opposing team may also (one for one).
If a player is bleeding the coach must remove the player from the field until the bleeding has stopped
to the satisfaction of the referee.
(6) When a player receives a yellow card, the carded player may be substituted.

Law IV — Players Equipment:

A — A player shall not wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player. This includes jewelry, casts (padded or not), hair barrettes, or similar clasps to hold the hair.

B — The goalkeeper shall wear colors which distinguish him/her from the other players and from the referee.

C — If the uniform colors of the teams are similar, and the referee states they are too similar to play, the home team must change shirts. A white or non-conflicting colored tee-shirt does not need a number on it, as long as the player wears his or her regular jersey under it and that number corresponds to the number on the game card. All coaches are encouraged to call the opposing coach before game day and discuss team colors to prevent delay in starting the game.

D — Uniform

All players on the field of play shall wear and have showing:

(1) Jersey with a number (may wear sweaters, thermal shirts, etc. under jersey)
(2) Shorts
(3) Socks
(4) Shinguards (under socks).
(5) Proper soccer shoes or sneakers.

At players discretion: May wear cold weather garments under jerseys, shorts, and socks. Gloves may be worn but must be of cotton or wool. NO LEATHER GLOVES ALLOWED.

Exception: Goalkeeper may wear sweat suit, hat, and goalkeeper gloves; or anything to keep keepers warm. Outer wear should still distinguish keeper from both team players and referee.

Law V — Referees:

A — The Referee Assignor will strive to provide referees for all games. However, in the event a referee does not show:

(1) Dual Ref (preferred)

Each team will provide a volunteer who will be positioned in one-half of the field. They will not
exchange ends at half time. They will move near the side line and call out-of-touch. No club linesmen
will be required. The two volunteers must cooperate and share responsibilities and powers of the referee.
They should discuss this in the presence of the team managers before the start of play.

(2) Center Man (alternate)

If only one volunteer comes forward, the managers will agree on the volunteer to officiate referee
with all powers provided. Two club linesmen will be required.

B — Coaching from the coaches box may be tolerated as long as the tone is encouraging and within the spirit o the game. If, in the opinion of the referee, the coaches’ conduct is not within the spirit of the game, the coach may be warned, cautioned or ejected.

Law VI — The Linesmen:

A — Club linesmen will be used during the season and have the responsibility of signaling when the ball has wholly crossed the line and is out of touch.

B — The home team is responsible for providing flags for the linesmen.

C — Each team will provide a linesman.

D — They may be called upon by the referee to assist him in other matters he requests.

Law VII — Duration of the Game:

A — The duration of the game shall be two equal periods. The length of each half shall be as follows:

Each Half Between Halves Minimum (minutes) (rest period) (Half)

U-19 Division I 45 minutes 5 minutes 35 minutes

U-16 Division II 40 minutes 5 minutes 30 minutes

U-14 Division III 35 minutes 5 minutes 25 minutes

U-12 Division IV 30 minutes 5 minutes 20 minutes

U-10 Division V 25 minutes 5 minutes 15 minutes

**The minimum time per half shown above constitutes a regular scheduled game. A match can only be shortened further by agreement of both coaches, otherwise it will be rescheduled.

B — If darkness may result before a full game can be completed, the total duration of the match reduced to the estimated time before darkness and played in equal halves. This must be considered before the start of the match.

C — Suspended Game — If a game is suspended, the Executive Board and Games Commissioner will determine the means of resolving the match. Options:

(1) Let the score stand.
(2) Reschedule to complete the remaining portion of the game.
(3) Reschedule the complete match.
(4) Created circumstances — Executive Board will determine the disposition of the game.
(5) Other
(a) Notify Games Commissioner of the rescheduled date and time. The game must be scheduled and played within one week and before the end of the season.
(b) Each team will be responsible for sharing any additional referee fees.

D — Rain-Out — If a match may not be started due to current weather conditions or unplayable conditions from the weather, the match should be rescheduled and played by mutual agreement of the two managers within one week. If they cannot agree on a date, time or place, the game will be rescheduled by the Games Commissioner. The home team will not be responsible for referee fees if they have canceled and notified the Referee Assignor and Games Commissioner before 10 A.M. Any additional referee fees associated with the rescheduled match will be shared by each team.

All games must be completed before the end of the regular season!

Law VIII — The Start of Play: Same as FIFA. No modifications or clarifications.

Law IX — Ball In and Out of Play: Same as FIFA. No modifications or clarifications.

Law X — Method of Scoring: Same as FIFA. No modifications or clarifications.

Law XI — Offside: Same as FIFA. No modifications or clarifications.

Law XII — Fouls and Misconduct:

A — While the law uses the term player concerning conduct, the same conduct requirements pertain to coaches. Also, coaches are responsible for conduct of spectators.

B — If a player is ejected from a game, his or her player pass will be sent to the President or vice President of the Executive Board. Each coach should call their league representative and inform him/her of the situation. The circumstances will be reviewed by the Grievance Committee and the following could result:

(1) On the second red card during the season, a player may be restricted from participating in any remaining League activities.
(2) On the third red card during the season, a player will be PROHIBITED from participating in any remaining League activities.

C — If a player persists in conduct during the season which results in cautions (yellow card), the player will be dealt with as if a red card ejection had occurred.

Law XIII — Free Kick: Same as FIFA. No modifications or clarifications.

Law XIV — Penalty Kick: Same as FIFA. No modifications or clarifications.

Law XV — Throw-In: Same as FIFA. No modifications or clarifications.

Law XVI — Goal Kick: Same as FIFA. No modifications or clarifications.

Law XVII — Corner Kick: Same as FIFA. No modifications or clarifications.

Section II — Team Placement Into Playing Divisions:

It is the intent of the League to provide placement of a team with other teams of as near comparable ability as can be assessed. All must recognize that team and player skills will improve at different rates during the season. We must all strive to properly place teams before the season begins.

Team placement will be accomplished by the following steps:

Step 1. Each registered team must provide a complete team experience questionnaire for the season. Deviation from this will be on exception basis only.

Step 2. Representatives will review placement and recommend team placement season.

Step 3. A team experience value will be calculated and ranked from highest value to lowest.

Step 4. Any appeals regarding division placement may be appealed to the Executive Board. Final Division Placement will be based on the Board’s decision.

Section 12 — Divisional Places:

A — Divisional places will be determined by the amount of game points earned. Two games points are possible for each game. The winner earns both points, and in a tie, each team earns one of the points.

B — If game points are even, the tie will be determined in the following order until the tie is resolved:

(1) The win-loss record of the two teams when they played each other.
(2) The team which gave up the least number of goals when they played each other.
(3) The team which gave up the least number of goals.

If the tie-breakers do not resolve the tie then:

(a) If tie is for first place and the above criteria has not resolved the tie, a tie-breaker game will be scheduled.
(b) If the tie is not for first place, a toss of the coin will determine the place.
(c) If the tie is to determine the qualification to the Play-Offs, as with the first place, a tie-breaker game will be scheduled.

C — If a team has changed divisions during the season:

(1) If the team was moved prior to mid-season, they will keep their earned points, and placement is decided as though no change were made.
(2) If the team was moved at mid-season, they and all teams in their division will start over from zero points. Only second half points will count for final placement.
(3) When a team moves into other than a six team division in the second half, their game schedule will be determined by the Executive Board.
(4) Tie-breakers will follow the above rules with the exception that only the 2nd half statistics will be used. Ex: only goals scored against in the 2nd half.

Section 13 — Post Season Tournaments:

Post season tournaments will be provided in Olympic, Naherniak, President’s, Commissioner’s and Trustees’ Cup classifications. Qualifications for any post season tournament will be distributed.

Section 14 — Executive Board:

The Executive Board will have the final decision in all matters concerning the Playing Rules, final divisional standing and placement of team for playoff positions.