For those families new to soccer, and those who still feel new regarding the rules, the following "Simlified Rules of Soccer" should be a handy guide through the many years of soccer enjoyment ahead. The information is courtesy of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
LAW # 1 - THE FIELD OF PLAY
The soccer field should always be rectangular with a maximum length of 130 yards
and a minimum length of 100 yards. The width should be a maximum of 100 yards and
a minimum of 50 yards. With the proportions correct, junior fields can be smaller
depending on the age level.
LAW # 2 - THE BALL
WCSC uses size 3 balls for ages up through U-8, and size 4 balls for U-10 through
U-12 and size 5 for U-14 and up.
LAW # 3 - NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Each side is composed of 11 players with the number of subs to be no more than 5.
(U-6 = 3 vs. 3: U-8 = 4 vs. 4: U-10 = 6 vs. 6: U12 8 vs. 8) A complete roster of players and subs
must be presented to the referee before the game starts. The referee must be notified
before a substitution can occur. Any player ejected form the game may not be replaced.
LAW # 4 - PLAYERS' EQUIPMENT
The usual uniform of the soccer player is a jersey, shorts, calf socks, shin gaurds
and shoes. Nothing potentially injurious to another player may be worn. Cleats are
normally rubber. The goalkeeper must wear a different
color than the other members of the team.
LAW # 5 - THE REFEREE
The referee is in charge of all game activity and is to make sure each team abides
by the rules. His decisions are final. It is the referee's responsibility to keep
the game clock, stop for injuries, and remind players of proper game conduct. He
can eject players who do not show gentlemanly conduct.
LAW # 6 - LINESMAN OR SIDE REFEREES
There are usually two linesmen - one for each sideline. Their main responsibility
is to assist the referee by calling ball out of bounds, offsides, indicate corner
kicks, and goal kicks. Linesmen can be overruled by the referee.
LAW # 7 - GAME DURATION
Most adult games are divided into 45 minute halves. U-8 games have 8 6 minute periods.
U-10 games have four 12.5 minute quarters. U-12 have two 30 minute halves. U-14 have
two 35 minute halves. U-16 have two 40 minute halves. U19 have two 45 minute halves.
LAW # 8 - START OF PLAY
To start play there is a kick off. This happens at the start of the game, halftime
and after a goal has been scored. A forward player standing near the center line
kicks the ball to a fellow player. After the ball makes one complete revolution the
game is officially started. The kicker may not touch the ball until it has been kicked
by another player.
LAW # 9 - BALL IN AND OUT PLAY
After the ball wholly crossed the sideline or goal line it is out of play. Any ball
striking a referee, goal post, corner post and remaining on the proper field is in
play.
LAW # 10 - GOAL SCORING
A goal is scored when the ball wholly crosses the goal line, between the goal posts
and under the cross bar. The winner of the game is determined by the margin of goals
scored.
LAW # 11 - OFFSIDES
While going toward an opponent's goal the offensive team may not have a player ahead
of the ball unless there are two defending players present. The exception to this
statement is when the player is in his own half of the field of play or if the ball
was last touched by an opponent. The referee has the right to call or not call the
offsides infraction depending upon whether the offending player is seeking an unfair
advantage.
LAW # 12 - FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
A. There are nine prohibited acts for which a referee can award a direct kick to
the offending team.
1. Kicking
2. Tripping
3. Jumping at Opponent
4. Violent charging
5. Striking opponent
6. Holding
7. Pushing
8. Handling ball
9. Charging from behind
B. An indirect kick shall be awarded when these acts occur:
1. Dangerous play (high kicking)
2. Charging away from the ball
3. Charging the goal keeper when he dosen't have the ball
4. Opponent obstruction
5. A goalkeeper takes more than four steps
LAW # 13 - FREE KICKS
The two basic kicks awarded by the referee are the: A. Direct Free Kick (a goal can
be attempted or a pass made to a teammate) B. Indirect Free Kick (must touch another
player before a goal can be scored)
LAW # 14 - PENALTY KICKS
A penalty kick is awarded after a serious rule infraction (law # 12, part A) takes
place in the penalty area. It is a direct kick taken 12 yards from the goal line.
All players except the goalie and kicker must stay outside of the penalty area. The
goalie must stand on the goal line and may not move until the ball is kicked.
LAW # 15 - THE INBOUNDS THROW
After the ball wholly crossed the sideline, the team that didn't touch the ball last
shall be awarded the throw in. These rules should be remembered as a part of the
throw in regulations.
A. Both feet must be out of bounds when the throw is made (on or behind the sidline).
B. The ball must be thrown by both hands directly over the head.
C. Both feet must be touching the ground as the throw is made.
D. On incorrect throws the ball is awarded to the opposite team.
LAW # 16 - GOAL KICKS
A goal kick is awarded when the ball (after being kicked by the offense) crosses
the goal line but not within the goal scoring area. The ball is usually placed on
the corner of the goal area nearest the side where the ball went out of bounds. The
ball must travel 10 yards before it can be regarded as in play. The kick is usually
taken by the fullback or goalkeeper.
LAW # 17 - CORNER KICKS
A corner kick is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line last touched by a defensive
player, and doesn't result in a goal. One member of the attacking team takes the
kick on the quarter circle nearest the corner flag post. A goal may be scored from
this kick. Also remember: A. The opposing team must remain 10 yards from the ball
as it is kicked. B. The kicker may not kick the ball a second time until touched
by another player.
Here is the Parent's Code, as adapted from the United States Youth Soccer Association
Codes of Conduct, reprinted from a brochure made available by the USYSA and Coca-Cola.
Parents should remember that:
Don't curse the athletes down there.
They are our children, you see.
They are only just children you know.
They mean a lot to me.
We did not raise our children, dear fan,
For you to call them names.
They may not be super stars,
It's just a soccer game.
So please don't curse those children down there,
They never tried to lose a game,
They're children and you're a fan.
The game belongs to them, you see,
You are just a guest.
They don't need a fan like you,
They need the very best.
If you have nothing nice to say,
Please the athletes alone,
And if you have no manners,
Why don't you stay at home.
So please don't curse those children down there,
Each one's a parent's daughter or son.
Win or lose or tie, you see,
To us they're number one.
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