Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer: NLYS Rules of the Game

Click here to download a copy of NLYS Rules of the Game & Code of Conduct (.pdf)

Field & Ball Sizes: 

Number of Players:

In the U-4 & U-5 divisions there should be five (5) field players and no goal keeper. In the U-6 division, five (5) field players plus one (1) goal keeper are the appropriate number of players on the field of play. In the U-7 and U-9 divisions, there should be six (6) field players plus one (1) goal keeper for a total of seven (7) players. In the U-12 division, there should be seven (7) field players plus one (1) goal keeper for a total of eight (8) players. In the U-17 division, there should be a minimum of eight (8) total players and can have as many as eleven (11) players, which will be up to the coaches.

Time/Length of Game:

Length of the game can be adjusted due to extreme heat or cold as agreed upon by both team coaches. If the game does not start on time, referees may need to reduce playing time slightly so that the game ends on time. This will depend on how late the game starts and whether or not a game is scheduled right after the current game. There will be 1-2 minutes between quarters and 3-4 minutes between halves.

Players Equipment:

Players are required to wear their soccer jersey and shin guards to every game and practice. No player is permitted onto the playing field without shin guards. Black shorts and a mouth guard are recommended equipment but are not a requirement. No jewelry or hard hair restraints can be worn during a game or practice. All players should wear either cleats or sneakers. The goal keepers may wear goalie gloves and a hat if desired. If a player has a cast, it should be wrapped in cloth so it is not a safety hazard. It will be up to the referee to determine at game time if the cast is acceptable for play.

Restarts:

A kick-off will be taken at the beginning of the game, at the beginning of a quarter, or after a goal is scored. The referee will decide who will start the game with the ball. The teams will alternate restarts after each quarter. The team without the ball must stand outside the center circle on their side of the field. The team in possession of the ball is allowed inside the center circle but must be on their side of the field. The ball must be kicked forward. This kick does not have to be a “big” kick, but can be a pass to a teammate, as long as the ball travels forward. A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off.

Throw-ins:

A throw-in is a method of restarting play. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. A throw-in is awarded when the whole ball passes over the touchline (sideline), either on the ground or in the air. At the moment of delivering the ball the thrower: Faces the field of play, has part of each foot on the ground outside the field of play, uses both hands and delivers the ball from behind and over his/her head. The thrower may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. In the U7 and lower divisions, a player may have two (2) attempts to complete a legal throw-in. After two (2) attempts another player should take the throw-in. In the U9 and upper divisions, a player may have one (1) attempt to complete a legal throw-in.

Corner Kick:

A corner kick is a method of restarting the game. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick. A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the ball having last touched a player of the defending team pass over the goal line (end line), either on the ground or in the air. The ball is placed inside the corner arch at the nearest corner. A player of the attacking team kicks the ball and the ball is in play when it is kicked and moved. The kicker cannot play the ball a second time until it has touched another player.

Goal Kicks:

A goal kick is a method of restarting the game. A goal can be scored directly from a goal kick. A goal kick is awarded when the whole ball, having last touched a player of the attacking team, passes over the end line, either on the ground or in the air. The ball is kicked from any point halfway between the end line and the goalie line (first line). Opponents remain outside the goalie box and cannot play the ball until the whole ball has crossed the line. The defending team’s players do not have to be outside the goalie box when the ball is kicked and the goaltender does not have to be the player taking the kick (the goal keeper usually takes the kick because they do not get much action during their sentence in goal). A player may have three (3) attempts to complete a legal goal kick. After three (3) attempts another player should take the kick.

Fouls:

No slide tackles are permitted in Norfolk Lion’s Youth Soccer, except in the U-12 and U-17 divisions. For safety reasons, all coaches in the U9 and lower divisions should encourage field players to stay on their feet (this excludes the goal keeper).

Pushing, holding, and tripping are all fouls that result in a free kick for the opposing team. A player who repeatedly pushes, trips, or holds should be removed from the field of play by their coach and talked to by their coach. When the player “understands,” they can return to the game. Special note: in the U-4 and U-5 divisions it is more important to keep players on the field as much as possible, however, players still need to know that they should not push, trip, or hold.

The only player who is permitted to use their hands is the goal keeper (except in the case of a throw-in). A free kick is awarded if a field player intentionally uses their hands or arms.

 A free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences in a manner considered to be careless, reckless, or using excessive force: kicking or attempting to kick an opponent, jumps at an opponent, charges an opponent, striking or attempting to strike an opponent. Yellow and red cards will be issued in the upper divisions, if it is warranted.  A yellow card is a serious warning. Two yellow cards equal a red card.  If a player is issued a red card, the player is ejected from the game they are playing and is prohibited from playing in the next game. 

Offsides:

Offsides will be introduced and taught in the U-9 division but not strictly enforced. In the U-12 and U-17 divisions, there can be offsides during the game, however, if it is not affecting the play of the game and the team does not gain an advantage, the referee may choose not to call offsides. There are no offsides on throw-ins and corner kicks.

Special Notes

·       Substitutions can be made at any time during the game (on the fly, similar to hockey) except in U-12 and U-17 divisions. In the U-7 and upper divisions, coaches should encourage the players to be substituted to come to the center where they may be substituted when their team has possession of the ball (on a kick-off, a throw-in, or goal kick). Both teams can substitute at the same time.

·       Beginning with the U-7 division through the U-17 division, teams will switch sides at halftime.

·       The goal keeper can use their hands anywhere in between the end line and the goalie line (first line)

·       The goal keeper is permitted to kick, punt, or throw the ball back into play

·       The goal keeper does not have to run back in the goal mouth when they have the ball but can run up to the goalie line (first line) and return the ball into play

·       If there is a referee at the game no coaches are permitted on the field unless called onto the field to attend to an injured player. Once player is able, player and coach must come off the field.

·       U-4 and U-5 divisions are permitted to start the game with all their players on the field because at any given time half will be sitting on the blanket, picking flowers, looking at the clouds, wrestling with a friend/teammate, or holding hands with a friend/teammate.

Code of Conduct

·       The Norfolk Lion’s Youth Soccer program has adopted a “Zero Tolerance” policy. All parents, coaches and players are expected to abide by the following rules and guidelines at all times:

·       Absolutely no un-sportsmanship like conduct will be allowed. This includes booing, taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language or gestures.

·       Respect the officials and their authority during games and never question or confront referees/coaches at the game field. Be a positive role model and encourage sportsmanship by displaying respect and courtesy at all times.

·       Remember that doing one’s best is more important than winning. Never ridicule or yell at any participant for making a mistake.

·       An infraction of the above rules and guidelines could result in a season suspension or removal from the league.

If there are any questions regarding this policy, please contact a league official.

Revised 8/14/12

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