East Longmeadow Soccer Association Rules and Regulations

INSTRUCTIONAL SOCCER Kindergarten

TEAM MAKEUP:

            1. Maximum per team shall be 10 players

            2. Teams will play 4 vs 4 on each of the two playing fields

            3. The game is played without goalkeepers

GAME MAKEUP:

            1. The game shall consist of four 8 minute quarters but may be modified by the coach

2. There will be a five-minute break between each half, and a two minute break between other     quarters

3. A toss of a coin will used to decide which team has the ball at the beginning of the game, opponents are to be no closer than three yards from the ball, and the ball must move forward on the first touch

            4. The objective is to maximize each player’s 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. Substitutions may be made at any whistle by notifying the coaches

7. Shin guards must be worn during ALL GAMES AND PRACTICES as required by the             Recreation Department

8. A size 3 ball will be used

9. All players must sit or kneel for all injury time-outs.  Injured players may be substituted, play will resume by way of a DROPPED ball

10. A parent, coach or assistant will referee, ALL rule infractions should be explained to the offending and/or offended players

RULES OF PLAY:

1. Handballs must be touched with the “intention to gain advantage” to be considered a violation  Unlike FIFA rules, the ball will be given to the non-fouling team by way of an INDIRECT kick at a point safely away from the goal area

2. Instructions may be given by the coach after illegal throw-ins. The player will have up to three attempts to complete the throw-in properly before the ball turned over to the other team

4. The Offside pass rule will not be enforced, however gross violations of this rule will NOT result in a goal being awarded

5. Unnecessary roughness (Unsportsmanlike conduct) will not be allowed. Unlike FIFA rules,       the ball will be awarded to the offended team by way of an INDIRECT kick at a point safely   away from the goal area

            6. Penalty kicks will NOT be awarded for appropriate fouls; instead the ball will be given to the     offended team for an INDIRECT kick from a point safely away from the goal area

7. All players must sit or kneel for 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 played in inclement weather.  Unless notified that games have been canceled, assume the game to be played.  The final decision is left with the coach 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, 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 will NOT be allowed

11. Opponents must be at mid-field when a goal kick is taken

12. No corner kicks will be taken, instead a throw-in will be taken

            11. No spectators 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 weekdays at 525-5437

Revised 7/31/2008