BASKETBALL RULES
10-15 minute quarters and 5-minute half (dependent on team size and facilities time; to be discussed by coaches before each game)
- 3 point shots count
- Jump for ball to start the game
- Goes on possession afterwards (if a good score keeper can keep track)
- 5 fouls per player
- Foul shots only on shot - get two on all shots except 3 point attempt, then you get three shots
- If shot is made, then team gets the points and another foul shot
- Technical is two shots and the ball
- We will follow traditional high school rules except the following:
~ No defense in the back court (except if a team is down by more than 10)
~ No turn over after closely guarded for five seconds
~ Five seconds in the lane instead of three
~ 10 seconds backcourt
- Also, we would like the following rules loosely called at first and then we can tighten at the end:
~ Traveling
~ Double dribble
~ 10 seconds backcourt
~ Five seconds on the throw in and moving around during the throw in
~ Clock runs except on foul shots (if there is a good clock operator)
- The following are rules we will watch closely:
~ Charging - when the player on offense runs into the defensive player and the defensive player has her or his feet set
~ Reaching/blocking - when a defensive player impedes the progress of the player on offense. This is a foul when the player on defense is not set.
~ Moving screens/picks - offensive player must have feet set and not moving when setting a screen for his/her teammate.
- 3 point shots count
- Jump for ball to start the game
- Goes on possession afterwards (if a good score keeper can keep track)
- 5 fouls per player
- Foul shots only on shot - get two on all shots except 3 point attempt, then you get three shots
- If shot is made, then team gets the points and another foul shot
- Technical is two shots and the ball
- We will follow traditional high school rules except the following:
~ No defense in the back court (except if a team is down by more than 10)
~ No turn over after closely guarded for five seconds
~ Five seconds in the lane instead of three
~ 10 seconds backcourt
- Also, we would like the following rules loosely called at first and then we can tighten at the end:
~ Traveling
~ Double dribble
~ 10 seconds backcourt
~ Five seconds on the throw in and moving around during the throw in
~ Clock runs except on foul shots (if there is a good clock operator)
- The following are rules we will watch closely:
~ Charging - when the player on offense runs into the defensive player and the defensive player has her or his feet set
~ Reaching/blocking - when a defensive player impedes the progress of the player on offense. This is a foul when the player on defense is not set.
~ Moving screens/picks - offensive player must have feet set and not moving when setting a screen for his/her teammate.
flag football rules
*Approved 9-14-11* **Updated 8-22-22**
For Players:
The Basics
·The game is split into two 20 minute segments (1st half, 2nd half), with a 5 minutes “halftime” break
·You need to pull the flag from the player who has the ball in order to stop a play
·You can’t tackle or hit another player – but you can “block” by getting in the way – you “own” the ground you are standing on. If another player gets in your way, you must move around them. You cannot run into them. Defensive players must always go around the offensive player – offense “owns” the ground.
· “Offense” means your team has the ball and is trying to score. “Defense” means the other team has the ball, and you are trying to stop them from scoring.
Gear/Clothing
·Mouth guards are required!
·Plastic cleats are permitted – metal are not (cleated shoes are not required gear)
·All shirts must be tucked in at all times
·No hats
·No jewelry – remove all earrings, etc.
·No sunglasses or belts
·Teams should strive to wear similar colored jerseys
The Game
General Info:
·The game starts by flipping a coin to see who gets the ball first. The team that wins the toss can choose to receive the ball, or start by letting the other team have it first. The team giving up the ball can throw or kick the ball to the receiving team – they do this from their own 10 yard line.
·The second half starts the same way – but the team that threw or kicked the ball away to start the 1st half now gets it first to start the 2nd half.
·When you are on offense, you get 4 plays, or “downs” to cross the middle of the field (the “50”yard line). If you don’t cross it in after your 3rd play, you use your 4th play to kick the ball to the other team (“punt”) - they catch the ball and start from their 5 yard line - or you can try to cross the line with your 4th play. If you don’t get across, the other team gets the ball right where you were stopped. If you do cross, you get 4 more chances to score.
·If you score you automatically get 6 points. Then your team makes a choice – you can either try for 2 more points by scoring again on an extra play from the 5 yard line, or give up that chance and take an automatic extra 1 point.
·Each team lines up 7 players. You must have 4 of these players standing on the line that the ball is resting on (the “line of scrimmage”) when the play starts. Both offense and defense must follow this rule.
·Fumbles – if a player drops the ball during a play, it is called a fumble (Note* this only counts on passing plays if the player actually catches the ball – if they drop the ball it is a dead ball…the play is over). Fumbles are automatically dead on the spot! Do not dive for a fumbled ball! The play is over, and the team that dropped the ball loses a “down” turn.
·Interceptions – if the offense throws the ball and a player from the defense catches it, the play is automatically dead at that spot. The ball automatically goes to the defensive team at that spot – the team that threw the ball loses it.
Offense
The details:
Downs…
·Other than the start of the first and second half, every time the offense gets the ball you start on your own 5 yard line (***Except when you get the ball through an interception or a failed 4th down attempt – in those situations you start where the ball was intercepted or where the 4th down play ended).
·You have 4 tries or downs to get to the midfield point. If you don’t get to midfield in three downs, you can use the 4th down to punt the ball away to the other team – pinning them deep in their own territory (play starts on 5 yard line).
·If you use the 4th down to try to cross midfield and fail, the other team gets the ball right where the 4th down play ended – in your territory!
·If you use the 4th down and do cross midfield, you get 4 more downs to try to score.
·If you get inside the 5 yards where you can score a touchdown, you can only throw the ball to score – you cannot start a play by running the ball. If your play starts from anywhere outside that five yard zone, you can pass or run to score.
Moving the ball…
·The “center” snaps the ball between his/her legs and gives it to the quarterback (or another player) to start the play
·The quarterback can either throw the ball, or hand it off or toss it to another player who can run – or throw – the ball (they can even pass it back to the quarterback).
·The quarterback can only run the ball IF the other team sends players over the scrimmage line to try to pull his/her flag (“rushing the passer”).
·**The quarterback only has 5 Mississippi seconds to give the ball to another player**– after that the play is dead. (The defensive coach will count these)
·A forward pass – a pass that is moving toward your scoring area – is only allowed if it is thrown from behind your own line of scrimmage.
·The quarterback can toss or pitch the ball, as well as throw it or hand it off. A quarterback (or any player anywhere on the field) can toss or throw the ball backwards (a “lateral”) – but if the ball is not caught, it counts as a fumble and a loss of a down.
·The player trying to move the ball can run and spin, but leaping/jumping/diving is NOT allowed.
·Players moving the ball cannot use their arms to protect their flags (“flag guarding”).
·If a player steps out of bounds, the play is dead. Both feet have to be in bounds to catch a ball.
·The play is dead when someone pulls a flag from the player with the ball.
·If the flags fall off the player moving the ball, the play is dead when they are “tagged” with two hands
·The play is also dead if the person moving the ball touches the ground with one knee – it doesn’t matter if their flag is pulled or not.
Defense
The Details
·**You can rush the passer 3 seconds** after the ball is snapped (the coaches will be counting this out loud for you – we count “One Mississippi, Two Mississippi…”).
·Remember, the quarterback can only run the ball if you rush – if you want to force him/her to throw the ball or hand it to another player, don’t rush!
·The second a quarterback either hands the ball to someone else or throws it, you can forget the 4 Mississippi count and rush! Go get the flag!
·If you get the ball carriers flag, hold it up high so everyone knows the play is dead.
·Remember, you can’t tackle or hit another player – but you can “block” by getting in the way – you “own” the ground you are standing on. If another player gets in your way, you must move around them. You cannot run into them.
·You have as much right to catch a thrown ball as any person on the field. You can bat down a ball in the air, or catch it – this would count as an interception for your team.
·Remember, the offense can start a running play anywhere on the field except for when they are inside the 5 yard zone next to the “end zone” where they score. Any play that starts inside those 5 yards can only be a passing play!
Penalties
·If the opposing team commits a penalty, the other team can decide if they want to “accept” the penalty, or “decline” it – your coach or team captain decides based on what is better consequence.
·If a penalty is accepted, the consequence is imposed and the down is played over again
·If a touchdown is scored but the offense is called for a penalty, the touchdown does not count (if the defense “accepts” the penalty!).
Common Penalty Calls
· Off-sides (10 yards) – if anyone from the either team jumps over or lines up over the scrimmage line after the teams are “set” in place, but before the ball is snapped to the quarterback
· Not enough people on the line- (5 yards) There must be four people on the line at all times. Penalty is assessed against the team that commits.
· Delay of game- Offense has 50 seconds to get the play off
·Flag Guarding (10 yards) – using your arms or body to keep someone from pulling your flag
·Excessive Contact (10 yards) – pushing through someone on a block, pushing someone down, purposely bumping into other players (a warning is given for accidental contact, but repeated offenses will draw a penalty)
·Pass interference (10 yards and extra down) – making excessive contact with or physically interfering with a players right to catch a ball, or purposely blocking a players ability to see a pass, except when in a position to and attempting to intercept the pass
·Unsportsmanlike Conduct (15 yards) – Trash talking, talking back to referees or coaches, disrespect to either team, excessive taunting celebrations, overly physical or aggressive behaviors.
For Coaches and Refs
·Two 20 minute halves, 5 minute halftime
·Each team allotted two time-outs per half (2 minute duration maximum)
·Clock runs continuously during last two minutes of each half unless time out is called
·Team has 50 seconds in huddle once ball is placed on scrimmage line – provide warnings before imposing a 5 yard delay of game penalty
·Teams should share flags if necessary – each team should be using the same type of flag system
·Overtime - Coin flip to determine first possession. Winning team begins at half field marker and has 4 plays to score. Then the other team begins at half field and also has 4 plays to score. Team with higher score wins. Additional overtimes – as needed - can be provided if time permits and coaches agree.
Notes: Coaches can agree on who will call out Mississippi counts (usually the offensive team counts out loud for the defense), as well as shortening the game time due to darkness or inclement weather.
But…please avoid changing the fundamental rules to suit particular situations. We need to maintain consistent rules to avoid confusing players (and coaches) as we play team to team.
For Players:
The Basics
·The game is split into two 20 minute segments (1st half, 2nd half), with a 5 minutes “halftime” break
·You need to pull the flag from the player who has the ball in order to stop a play
·You can’t tackle or hit another player – but you can “block” by getting in the way – you “own” the ground you are standing on. If another player gets in your way, you must move around them. You cannot run into them. Defensive players must always go around the offensive player – offense “owns” the ground.
· “Offense” means your team has the ball and is trying to score. “Defense” means the other team has the ball, and you are trying to stop them from scoring.
Gear/Clothing
·Mouth guards are required!
·Plastic cleats are permitted – metal are not (cleated shoes are not required gear)
·All shirts must be tucked in at all times
·No hats
·No jewelry – remove all earrings, etc.
·No sunglasses or belts
·Teams should strive to wear similar colored jerseys
The Game
General Info:
·The game starts by flipping a coin to see who gets the ball first. The team that wins the toss can choose to receive the ball, or start by letting the other team have it first. The team giving up the ball can throw or kick the ball to the receiving team – they do this from their own 10 yard line.
·The second half starts the same way – but the team that threw or kicked the ball away to start the 1st half now gets it first to start the 2nd half.
·When you are on offense, you get 4 plays, or “downs” to cross the middle of the field (the “50”yard line). If you don’t cross it in after your 3rd play, you use your 4th play to kick the ball to the other team (“punt”) - they catch the ball and start from their 5 yard line - or you can try to cross the line with your 4th play. If you don’t get across, the other team gets the ball right where you were stopped. If you do cross, you get 4 more chances to score.
·If you score you automatically get 6 points. Then your team makes a choice – you can either try for 2 more points by scoring again on an extra play from the 5 yard line, or give up that chance and take an automatic extra 1 point.
·Each team lines up 7 players. You must have 4 of these players standing on the line that the ball is resting on (the “line of scrimmage”) when the play starts. Both offense and defense must follow this rule.
·Fumbles – if a player drops the ball during a play, it is called a fumble (Note* this only counts on passing plays if the player actually catches the ball – if they drop the ball it is a dead ball…the play is over). Fumbles are automatically dead on the spot! Do not dive for a fumbled ball! The play is over, and the team that dropped the ball loses a “down” turn.
·Interceptions – if the offense throws the ball and a player from the defense catches it, the play is automatically dead at that spot. The ball automatically goes to the defensive team at that spot – the team that threw the ball loses it.
Offense
The details:
Downs…
·Other than the start of the first and second half, every time the offense gets the ball you start on your own 5 yard line (***Except when you get the ball through an interception or a failed 4th down attempt – in those situations you start where the ball was intercepted or where the 4th down play ended).
·You have 4 tries or downs to get to the midfield point. If you don’t get to midfield in three downs, you can use the 4th down to punt the ball away to the other team – pinning them deep in their own territory (play starts on 5 yard line).
·If you use the 4th down to try to cross midfield and fail, the other team gets the ball right where the 4th down play ended – in your territory!
·If you use the 4th down and do cross midfield, you get 4 more downs to try to score.
·If you get inside the 5 yards where you can score a touchdown, you can only throw the ball to score – you cannot start a play by running the ball. If your play starts from anywhere outside that five yard zone, you can pass or run to score.
Moving the ball…
·The “center” snaps the ball between his/her legs and gives it to the quarterback (or another player) to start the play
·The quarterback can either throw the ball, or hand it off or toss it to another player who can run – or throw – the ball (they can even pass it back to the quarterback).
·The quarterback can only run the ball IF the other team sends players over the scrimmage line to try to pull his/her flag (“rushing the passer”).
·**The quarterback only has 5 Mississippi seconds to give the ball to another player**– after that the play is dead. (The defensive coach will count these)
·A forward pass – a pass that is moving toward your scoring area – is only allowed if it is thrown from behind your own line of scrimmage.
·The quarterback can toss or pitch the ball, as well as throw it or hand it off. A quarterback (or any player anywhere on the field) can toss or throw the ball backwards (a “lateral”) – but if the ball is not caught, it counts as a fumble and a loss of a down.
·The player trying to move the ball can run and spin, but leaping/jumping/diving is NOT allowed.
·Players moving the ball cannot use their arms to protect their flags (“flag guarding”).
·If a player steps out of bounds, the play is dead. Both feet have to be in bounds to catch a ball.
·The play is dead when someone pulls a flag from the player with the ball.
·If the flags fall off the player moving the ball, the play is dead when they are “tagged” with two hands
·The play is also dead if the person moving the ball touches the ground with one knee – it doesn’t matter if their flag is pulled or not.
Defense
The Details
·**You can rush the passer 3 seconds** after the ball is snapped (the coaches will be counting this out loud for you – we count “One Mississippi, Two Mississippi…”).
·Remember, the quarterback can only run the ball if you rush – if you want to force him/her to throw the ball or hand it to another player, don’t rush!
·The second a quarterback either hands the ball to someone else or throws it, you can forget the 4 Mississippi count and rush! Go get the flag!
·If you get the ball carriers flag, hold it up high so everyone knows the play is dead.
·Remember, you can’t tackle or hit another player – but you can “block” by getting in the way – you “own” the ground you are standing on. If another player gets in your way, you must move around them. You cannot run into them.
·You have as much right to catch a thrown ball as any person on the field. You can bat down a ball in the air, or catch it – this would count as an interception for your team.
·Remember, the offense can start a running play anywhere on the field except for when they are inside the 5 yard zone next to the “end zone” where they score. Any play that starts inside those 5 yards can only be a passing play!
Penalties
·If the opposing team commits a penalty, the other team can decide if they want to “accept” the penalty, or “decline” it – your coach or team captain decides based on what is better consequence.
·If a penalty is accepted, the consequence is imposed and the down is played over again
·If a touchdown is scored but the offense is called for a penalty, the touchdown does not count (if the defense “accepts” the penalty!).
Common Penalty Calls
· Off-sides (10 yards) – if anyone from the either team jumps over or lines up over the scrimmage line after the teams are “set” in place, but before the ball is snapped to the quarterback
· Not enough people on the line- (5 yards) There must be four people on the line at all times. Penalty is assessed against the team that commits.
· Delay of game- Offense has 50 seconds to get the play off
·Flag Guarding (10 yards) – using your arms or body to keep someone from pulling your flag
·Excessive Contact (10 yards) – pushing through someone on a block, pushing someone down, purposely bumping into other players (a warning is given for accidental contact, but repeated offenses will draw a penalty)
·Pass interference (10 yards and extra down) – making excessive contact with or physically interfering with a players right to catch a ball, or purposely blocking a players ability to see a pass, except when in a position to and attempting to intercept the pass
·Unsportsmanlike Conduct (15 yards) – Trash talking, talking back to referees or coaches, disrespect to either team, excessive taunting celebrations, overly physical or aggressive behaviors.
For Coaches and Refs
·Two 20 minute halves, 5 minute halftime
·Each team allotted two time-outs per half (2 minute duration maximum)
·Clock runs continuously during last two minutes of each half unless time out is called
·Team has 50 seconds in huddle once ball is placed on scrimmage line – provide warnings before imposing a 5 yard delay of game penalty
·Teams should share flags if necessary – each team should be using the same type of flag system
·Overtime - Coin flip to determine first possession. Winning team begins at half field marker and has 4 plays to score. Then the other team begins at half field and also has 4 plays to score. Team with higher score wins. Additional overtimes – as needed - can be provided if time permits and coaches agree.
Notes: Coaches can agree on who will call out Mississippi counts (usually the offensive team counts out loud for the defense), as well as shortening the game time due to darkness or inclement weather.
But…please avoid changing the fundamental rules to suit particular situations. We need to maintain consistent rules to avoid confusing players (and coaches) as we play team to team.
SOCCER RULES
Law 1- Field of Play:
Field max size is 50 x 70 with a centerline at the half. Field consists of a large rectangle with a centerline marking each team half. Each half has a penalty box and a smaller box inside of it called the goal box. There is a circle in the middle of the field to represent the distance for each team to stand on opposing kick-offs.
Law 2- The Ball:
Size 5 soccer ball will be used in all games.
Law 3- The Number of Players:
Teams play 8 v 8 including goalie. Coaches can substitute players when the game has been stopped by the referee (out of bounds, throw in, corner kick, goal kick, kick off, etc.) and the referee has been notified of the substitution. As this is a co-ed league, effort should be made by the coach to have an equal number of boys and girls on the field at any given time and provide equal playing time for all players.
Law 4- The Players’ Equipment:
Shin guards covered with socks must be worn at all times. Player must wear a t-shirt, shorts, and socks. No jewelry, watches, or metal may be worn. Soccer cleats and mouth guards are optional, but suggested.
Law 5- The Referee:
A referee enforces the laws of the game. Keeps official time of the game and stops play if there is a serious injury. A referee can require player to leave the field if they are bleeding or injured and suspend or terminate the game if needed. A referee can require that a coach, team official, parent or player leave the field if their behavior is grossly improper (a red card is shown).
Law 6 – The Assistant Referees:
Disregard this as our league will not use assistant referees
Law 7- The Duration of the Match:
2 halves of 30 minutes each with a 10 minute half time. This may be adjusted at the field between the two coaches as required.
Law 8- The Start and Restart of Play:
A coin is tossed and the team which wins the toss decides which goal it will defend. The other team takes the kick off. The team that wins the toss kicks off at the beginning of the 2nd half. Teams switch sides at the beginning of the 2nd half. A kick-off is direct, meaning that you can kick the ball in the goal straight from the kick-off. The player who takes the kick-off cannot touch the ball again until another player from either team has touched the ball. A drop ball is the way to restart play if play has been stopped for any reason not covered in the law.
Law 9- The Ball In and Out of Play:
A ball is in play until it completely travels over the line or play has been stopped by the referee. If the ball hits the goal post or the crossbar and returns back onto the field then the ball is still in play.
Law 10- The Method of Scoring:
A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line.
Law 11- Offside
Offside Position
It is not an offense in itself to be in an offside position. A player is in an offside position if he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent
A player is not in an offside position if: he is in his own half of the field of play or s/he is level with the second last opponent or he is level with the last two opponents
Offense
A player in an offside position is only penalized if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by: interfering with play or interfering with an opponent or gaining an advantage by being in that position
No Offense
There is no offside offense if a player receives the ball directly from: a goal kick or a throw-in or a corner kick
Infringements/Sanctions
In the event of an offside offense, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.
Having only one referee at a game will make calling offside difficult, so the foul will be a violation only when it is clear and obvious.
Law 12- Fouls and Misconduct:
The following fouls lead to a direct free kick: kicking an opponent, tripping an opponent, striking an opponent, jumping at an opponent, charging at an opponent, pushing an opponent, tackling and opponent (no slide tackling allowed ever), holding an opponent, spitting on an opponent, and deliberately handling the ball. If a direct free kick foul occurs inside the penalty area the referee awards a penalty kick to the team who was fouled. These misconduct fouls result in an indirect kick if done carelessly, recklessly, or using too much force. Misconduct fouls are making conduct with an opponent before contacting the ball, playing in a dangerous manner or impedes goalie from releasing the ball. Misconduct can occur in many situations: on or off the field, with the ball in play or not in play. The referee will give a yellow (caution) or a red (ejection) for fouls and misconduct at his discretion.
Law 13- Free Kicks:
A free kick is a way to start play again after some violation of a Law, misconduct or a foul. The free kick takes place where the event happened. All opposing payers must stand eight yards from the free kick. The player taking the free kick cannot touch the ball again unless another player has touched it.
Law 14- The Penalty Kick:
A penalty kick is the way to restart play again after a defender commits a direct free kick foul inside their penalty area. The referee signals the kick to be taken after the ball is placed on the penalty mark, the defending goalkeeper is on the goal line between the posts, the kicker is identified and everyone else is outside the penalty area. The ball must be kicked forward into play. Until the ball is kicked forward the goalkeeper cannot move forward (but can move sideways) and none of the other payers can go into the penalty area.
Law 15- The Throw-In:
A throw-in is the way to restart play when the ball leaves the field by completely crossing over a touchline. The team that did not touch the ball last takes the throw-in. Throw-ins must be taken where the ball left the field. The ball is thrown over the head using both hands and with both feet on the ground. If the throw never enters the field then it is retaken.
Law 16- The Goal Kick:
A goal kick is the way to restart play again when the ball leaves the field across the goal line, last touched by an attacking player. The ball is in play when it leaves the penalty area into the field. No one on either team can touch the ball until is leaves the penalty area.
Law 17- The Corner Kick:
These occur when the ball leaves the field of play across the goal line, last touched by the defensive team. The ball is placed inside the corner arc on the side of the field closer to where the ball went out. All opponents must remain at least ten yards away from the ball until it is in play. Corner kicks are direct.
Addendums
Moving the Ball:
Players can move the ball up the field by kicking and passing it or by using any other part of the body excluding the hands or arms (except during a throw-in). Only the goalie can pick up the ball with his or her hands. If a player accidentally touched the ball with his arm or hand, play continues. If the referee believes the touch was intentional, she’ll stop play and call a foul.
The Goalkeeper:
The goalkeeper defends the goal. Goalies are the only players who may use their hands to catch or propel the ball, as long as they remain within their own penalty area. However, when the ball is deliberately passed back by a member of her own team, the goalie must play the ball as if she were an outfield player, not be allowed to touch the ball with her hands or arms. Since s/he is privileged to use her hands, the goalie must wear a different-colored shirt that distinguishes her from the rest of the team.
Referees should contact Brian Pesci if they have any questions or issues. He may be reached by calling 828-226-0487 or by emailing [email protected] \\
$20 payed to ref - by home team and to be reimbursed by league
-
Field max size is 50 x 70 with a centerline at the half. Field consists of a large rectangle with a centerline marking each team half. Each half has a penalty box and a smaller box inside of it called the goal box. There is a circle in the middle of the field to represent the distance for each team to stand on opposing kick-offs.
Law 2- The Ball:
Size 5 soccer ball will be used in all games.
Law 3- The Number of Players:
Teams play 8 v 8 including goalie. Coaches can substitute players when the game has been stopped by the referee (out of bounds, throw in, corner kick, goal kick, kick off, etc.) and the referee has been notified of the substitution. As this is a co-ed league, effort should be made by the coach to have an equal number of boys and girls on the field at any given time and provide equal playing time for all players.
Law 4- The Players’ Equipment:
Shin guards covered with socks must be worn at all times. Player must wear a t-shirt, shorts, and socks. No jewelry, watches, or metal may be worn. Soccer cleats and mouth guards are optional, but suggested.
Law 5- The Referee:
A referee enforces the laws of the game. Keeps official time of the game and stops play if there is a serious injury. A referee can require player to leave the field if they are bleeding or injured and suspend or terminate the game if needed. A referee can require that a coach, team official, parent or player leave the field if their behavior is grossly improper (a red card is shown).
Law 6 – The Assistant Referees:
Disregard this as our league will not use assistant referees
Law 7- The Duration of the Match:
2 halves of 30 minutes each with a 10 minute half time. This may be adjusted at the field between the two coaches as required.
Law 8- The Start and Restart of Play:
A coin is tossed and the team which wins the toss decides which goal it will defend. The other team takes the kick off. The team that wins the toss kicks off at the beginning of the 2nd half. Teams switch sides at the beginning of the 2nd half. A kick-off is direct, meaning that you can kick the ball in the goal straight from the kick-off. The player who takes the kick-off cannot touch the ball again until another player from either team has touched the ball. A drop ball is the way to restart play if play has been stopped for any reason not covered in the law.
Law 9- The Ball In and Out of Play:
A ball is in play until it completely travels over the line or play has been stopped by the referee. If the ball hits the goal post or the crossbar and returns back onto the field then the ball is still in play.
Law 10- The Method of Scoring:
A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line.
Law 11- Offside
Offside Position
It is not an offense in itself to be in an offside position. A player is in an offside position if he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent
A player is not in an offside position if: he is in his own half of the field of play or s/he is level with the second last opponent or he is level with the last two opponents
Offense
A player in an offside position is only penalized if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by: interfering with play or interfering with an opponent or gaining an advantage by being in that position
No Offense
There is no offside offense if a player receives the ball directly from: a goal kick or a throw-in or a corner kick
Infringements/Sanctions
In the event of an offside offense, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred.
Having only one referee at a game will make calling offside difficult, so the foul will be a violation only when it is clear and obvious.
Law 12- Fouls and Misconduct:
The following fouls lead to a direct free kick: kicking an opponent, tripping an opponent, striking an opponent, jumping at an opponent, charging at an opponent, pushing an opponent, tackling and opponent (no slide tackling allowed ever), holding an opponent, spitting on an opponent, and deliberately handling the ball. If a direct free kick foul occurs inside the penalty area the referee awards a penalty kick to the team who was fouled. These misconduct fouls result in an indirect kick if done carelessly, recklessly, or using too much force. Misconduct fouls are making conduct with an opponent before contacting the ball, playing in a dangerous manner or impedes goalie from releasing the ball. Misconduct can occur in many situations: on or off the field, with the ball in play or not in play. The referee will give a yellow (caution) or a red (ejection) for fouls and misconduct at his discretion.
Law 13- Free Kicks:
A free kick is a way to start play again after some violation of a Law, misconduct or a foul. The free kick takes place where the event happened. All opposing payers must stand eight yards from the free kick. The player taking the free kick cannot touch the ball again unless another player has touched it.
Law 14- The Penalty Kick:
A penalty kick is the way to restart play again after a defender commits a direct free kick foul inside their penalty area. The referee signals the kick to be taken after the ball is placed on the penalty mark, the defending goalkeeper is on the goal line between the posts, the kicker is identified and everyone else is outside the penalty area. The ball must be kicked forward into play. Until the ball is kicked forward the goalkeeper cannot move forward (but can move sideways) and none of the other payers can go into the penalty area.
Law 15- The Throw-In:
A throw-in is the way to restart play when the ball leaves the field by completely crossing over a touchline. The team that did not touch the ball last takes the throw-in. Throw-ins must be taken where the ball left the field. The ball is thrown over the head using both hands and with both feet on the ground. If the throw never enters the field then it is retaken.
Law 16- The Goal Kick:
A goal kick is the way to restart play again when the ball leaves the field across the goal line, last touched by an attacking player. The ball is in play when it leaves the penalty area into the field. No one on either team can touch the ball until is leaves the penalty area.
Law 17- The Corner Kick:
These occur when the ball leaves the field of play across the goal line, last touched by the defensive team. The ball is placed inside the corner arc on the side of the field closer to where the ball went out. All opponents must remain at least ten yards away from the ball until it is in play. Corner kicks are direct.
Addendums
Moving the Ball:
Players can move the ball up the field by kicking and passing it or by using any other part of the body excluding the hands or arms (except during a throw-in). Only the goalie can pick up the ball with his or her hands. If a player accidentally touched the ball with his arm or hand, play continues. If the referee believes the touch was intentional, she’ll stop play and call a foul.
The Goalkeeper:
The goalkeeper defends the goal. Goalies are the only players who may use their hands to catch or propel the ball, as long as they remain within their own penalty area. However, when the ball is deliberately passed back by a member of her own team, the goalie must play the ball as if she were an outfield player, not be allowed to touch the ball with her hands or arms. Since s/he is privileged to use her hands, the goalie must wear a different-colored shirt that distinguishes her from the rest of the team.
Referees should contact Brian Pesci if they have any questions or issues. He may be reached by calling 828-226-0487 or by emailing [email protected] \\
$20 payed to ref - by home team and to be reimbursed by league
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