1. Referee

The referee’s decision is FINAL.  If the referee wishes, he may consult with both coaches concerning a decision but his decision is final.  

2. GOALKEEPER SAFETY

    In order to protect our goalies, any time that a goalie has what an official deems to be positive possession of the ball, the official may call the ball dead and resume play. Players are not allowed to charge the goalie or continue to kick the ball if it is in contact with the goalie who is on the ground.

   One warning will be issued by the referee to the team if any player on a team commits an infraction of this goalie rule.  On the second infraction in a game by any member of the previously warned team, a penalty kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

   If a goalie dives at the feet of an oncoming offensive player in an effort to block an attempted shot, no warning should be issued to the offensive player for violating the goalie protection rule.  In this instance, the goalie has created the dangerous situation not the offensive player.

    

3. Substitutions and Play Requirements

Girls U12, Coed U11 and Below - Substitutions can be made only between periods, at half time, and mid-period of the last period of the game.

        Girls U15 and Coed U13-U19 – Substitutions may only be made:

• After a goal is scored

• Before a goal kick

• When play is stopped by the referee for an injury

• On a throw-in when your team is throwing the ball in

   Head coaches are to meet with the referee prior to the game to discuss the substitution policy that will be followed for that game.  BOTH head coaches must agree to follow the same policy for the duration of that game.  While the referee will not dictate this policy, they will enforce the one that is agreed at the beginning of the game for that entire game. If no discussion is held prior to the game, then substitution rules for the U11 and Below will be enforced. There is no limit on the number of players that can be substituted during each substitution point.  The maximum allowable number of substitution points that will be allowed by any agreement between coaches is twice per period.  Coaches are urged to try to limit it to one per period or less if possible to reduce the number of disruptions to the flow of the game

• Defenders will be required to move up to 1/3 rd line when ball is controlled by own teams’ offense and are in shooting position. Defenders will not be allowed to ‘camp’ in own penalty box waiting for offense to come down field. Defenders will be allowed to move back from this line if ball is in possession of opponent and has crossed the mid-field line.

3. Line Judge and ball person: Each team is required to provide a ball person (retrieves balls kicked out of bounds) and a line judge (signals possession of the ball on out of bounds plays on their side of the field).
    

4. No Jewelry allowed at practices or games (including earrings).
    

5. Shin guards must be worn during all practices and games.
    

6. Display of Good Sportsmanship:

• Players in the U11-U19 will determine out-of-bounds possession.  Referee will decide possession if in dispute.

• Goal scorers will shake the hand of the defending goalkeeper after each goal as a sign that both made attempts to give it their best effort.

SOAR Specific Rules

 U7 (Micro) & U9:

•  Micro goalkeepers will be allowed to use their hands in designated area running approx 5 yards off end line and stretching from  sideline to sideline. U9 goalkeepers will only be allowed to use hands inside the designated penalty box area.

• No offside called in micro or U9 soccer. Players should be discouraged from ‘cherry picking’ or advancing too far up the field for an unfair advantage.

• Goal Kicks shall be taken by goalkeeper. Opposing team should stand no closer than 10 yards from the ‘goalie box’. Referees should back players up before ball is kicked.

• Goalie coaches will be allowed for the first 5 games only and will be allowed to stand behind the goal to assist the goalkeeper. The second 5 games we will not permit goalie coaches standing on the end line.

• Defenders may kick back to the goalkeeper without penalty.

• No penalty kicks will be allowed. Players will be allowed to take only indirect kicks (ball must touch another person before crossing the goal line), on penalties and must be moved at least 10 yards from goal line.

• Players may score off kickoffs and from goalie punts.

• Players will be allowed two tries for a proper ‘throw in’ before returning it back to opposing team.

• No overtimes will be allowed. Tie games will stand as a draw.

One warning will be issued by the referee to the team if any player on a team commits an infraction of this “No Slide Tackle” rule.  On the second infraction in a game by any member of the previously warned team, a penalty kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

• Players may score off kickoffs and from goalie punts. ‘Offsides’ will be called.

• Players will be allowed two attempts for a proper ‘throwin’ before returning it back to opposing team during the first 5 games. After the 5th game, improper throw ins will result in a change of possession.

• In the event of a goal kick, the ball kicked must travel across the penalty box line before any player (defense or offense) is allowed to touch the ball.

• Ball is to travel all the way outside/across the line to be called ‘out of bounds’.

• Penalty kicks will be allowed.

• A five minute overtime will be held if after regulation there is a tie score. The full five minutes will be played. Tie overtime games will stand as a draw.