East Longmeadow Soccer Association Rules and Regulations

INSTRUCTIONAL SOCCER Grades 3/4/5

Team makeup:

               1. Maximum per team shall be 15 players

               2. Teams will play 8 on the playing field, including the keeper

               3. Goalkeeper must be changed every half.

Game makeup:

            1. The game shall consist of two 25 minute periods, but may be modified by the referee to stay

               on schedule

            2. There will be a five-minute break between the halves

            3. A toss of a coin will used to decide which team has the ball at the beginning of the game

            4. All players must have equal playing time

            5. Teams shall play at equal strength. In the event that one team does not have enough players,

               the coaches will decide whether to play short,  or whether the larger team can furnish a player or

               players for the smaller team to even up the sides

            6. Goalkeepers must wear a contrasting colored shirt

            7.  Substitutions may be made only at goal kicks, either team’s throw-in or after a goal is scored, by

               notifying the referee

            8. Shin guards must be worn during ALL GAMES AND PRACTICES as defined by the Recreation

               Department

            9. Coaches will not be allowed on the playing field unless summoned by the referee

            10. The referee should explain ALL rule infractions to the offending and/or offended players

Rules of play:

            1. ALL decisions of the referee(s) are FINAL

      2. A HANDBALL must be touched with the “intention to gain advantage” before it is considered to be a                violation

            3. Throw-ins will be treated under normal FIFA rules, in that the ball will be awarded immediately

               to the opposite team after an illegal throw-in

            4. The Offside pass rule WILL be enforced. Note: the offside player must be involved in the play

            5. Unnecessary roughness (Unsportsmanlike conduct) will not be allowed. FIFA rules will apply

            6. Penalty kicks WILL NOT be awarded, an indirect kick from a point safely outside the penalty

               area will be taken for appropriate fouls

            7. All players must sit or kneel for all injury time-outs.  Play will resume by way of a DROPPED ball

            8. ALL changes to the schedule must be made through the Recreation Department

            9. Soccer is sometimes played in inclement weather.  Unless notified that games have been

                canceled, assume the game to be played.  The final decision is left with the referee on the

             field. Decisions will not be made until 5:00 PM weekdays,  and 11:00 am on weekends,

               after which coaches will be notified

          10. Absolutely no jewelry may be worn

          11. All players must be in uniform, with shirts tucked in, and socks pulled up

                 Note: The “blousing” of shirts is considered a contravention to this rule and is NOT allowed

          12. NO spectators or coaches will be allowed behind the goal area

If you have any questions please call The Recreation Department between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm on weekdays at 525-5437 

revised 7/31/2008