COLLINGWOOD OPTIMIST YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE

FOR THE PURPOSES OF THESE RULES – MINI-SOCCER IN THE COYSL ENCOMPASSES U4-U10!!!!

Our League Constitution states that "The purpose of this League is to promote, develop and organize the game of soccer within the Collingwood & District Area for all children from age 3 to 18. Must be 3 as of January 1 of the current soccer year. Our objective is to accomplish this in a fun atmosphere while emphasizing good sportsmanship, fair play, equal play and respect of players and volunteer’s alike...".

Game Cancellation : Games will be played rain or shine and will only be cancelled due to sighting of lightening or other dangerous conditions. Before a game begins only the referee, President or the Vice President of the league can cancel the game. Unless notified of cancellation, in advance of game, coaches should ensure that all players show up at the field at game time. After a game has started only the referee can cancel the game for reasons stated above. If a game, halted by a referee, has reached at least the end of the first half then the score shall stand, otherwise, the game is scratched and will be treated as not played. Any games that are scratched or cancelled before they begin may or may not be replayed. Standings are determined on a percentage basis to allow for different number of games by different teams. Notify scheduler, Jerome Wihby at 445-4742, of any cancelled games

FIFA laws will apply for all games with the following exceptions:

Law 1 -Field of play - will be modified for micro, mini and 3/4. Markings on these fields will also be modified.

· Micro soccer will be played across the mini fields.

· Mini field will have a 2 yd. wider than goal X 3 yd. goal box and a 6 yd. wider than goal X 10 yd. penalty box.

· For micro and mini, no opponents are allowed in the goal box. Opponent cannot kick or retrieve a ball which is inside the goal area.

· 3/4 field will have a 6 yd goal box and a 13 yd wide X 18 yd. penalty box. The centre circle will have an 8 yd radius.

Law 2 - The Ball - see list below

Law 3 - Number of Players - see list below

· Teams for house league must agree to play equal number of players except with the following condition. Team cannot play less than 1/2 their players in attendance.

· Substitutions: All teams may make unlimited substitutions on a throw-in or a goal kick, but only after obtaining the referee’s permission. On throw-ins only, the team in possession of the ball must initiate the substitution at which point, the other team may ask to substitute as well. Players must leave the field before substitutes may enter. For the U4 - U6 micro age groups there will be automatic stoppages in play every 5 minutes to allow for substitutions.

· LEAGUE POLICY STATES THAT ALL PLAYERS MUST BE GIVEN EQUAL PLAYING TIME. IT IS THE DUTY OF THE COACHING STAFF TO KEEP TIME OF SHIFTS IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THIS POLICY FOR ALL GAMES.

Law 5 - Referee -

· It is the duty of the referee to stop a match for an injury if they are of the opinion that the player is in further danger on the field or in need of immediate attention. In micro and mini soccer, referees will stop play immediately for any child in obvious distress. In full field games referees will exercise some discretion. It is recommended that players kick the ball over the touch-line to stop play when a player is down and there is no scoring opportunity at hand.

Law 7 - Duration of Match - see list below.

· Games must end on time if another game follows. Warm up off the field and be prepared to start on time.

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play –

· If a team is unable to field the minimum number of players by 10 minutes after the scheduled kick off, then that team will forfeit the game. A fun game can be played at this time. - Note this on game sheet.

Law 11 - Off side -

· There are no off sides in all of mini soccer.

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconducts - same as FIFA

Law 13 - Free Kicks -

· There are no direct free kicks in micro or mini soccer. This includes a penalty kick which is a direct free kick.

· Also for micro or mini soccer there are no indirect free kicks within the penalty area. For any infraction inside the penalty area, the ball is to be moved to the marking of the goal area.

Law 15 - Throw ins –

· U4-U6 will be given instructions and help.

· U7-U10 will be given a second chance if the situation warrants it. (Decision of the referee)

· U11 and Up if ball is thrown incorrectly the first time, the other team will take the throw.

· Players must remain 2yds from the person taking the throw in.

Law 17 - Corner Kick -

· Corner kicks for U11 and U12 divisions will be taken from the corner of the penalty box.

NOTE:

1. Coaches who are on the field to assist with their U4 - U6 teams during play, must not interfere with the duties of the referees or show dissent from a ruling. The referee may eject the coach for such actions The referee is the sole authority on the field as regards to the laws and conduct of the match. **Please note that during the year-end tournament coaches are not allowed on the field for any divisions.

2. Coaches and parents are not allowed behind or within 10 yds. of the goal nets.

3. Coaches, players and parents must at all times refrain from complaining or openly criticizing a ruling by a referee. Please respect the referee as you would a player or opponent. ABUSE OF OUR OFFICIALS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! Referee Support Policy

Age	Duration of Game	Size of Ball	# of Players	Field Size	Comments
U4	2 X 20 min.	3	4 min. 3	Micro	Coach allowed on Field (not tnmt)
U5	2 X 20 min.	3	5 min. 4	Micro	Coach allowed on Field (not tnmt)
U6	2 X 20 min.	3	5 min. 4	Micro	Coach allowed on Field (not tnmt)
U7	2 X 25 min.	3	7 min. 5	Mini
U8	2 X 25 min.	4	7 min. 5	Mini
U9	2 X 25 min.	4	7 min. 5	3/4 field
U10	2 X 25 min.	4	7 min. 5	3/4 field
U11	2 X 25 min.	4	11 min. 7	3/4 field
U12	2 X 35 min.	4	11 min. 7	Full Field
U13	2 X 35 min.	5	11 min. 7	Full Field
U14 up	2 X 40 min.	5	11 min. 7	Full Field
** # of players includes Keeper - Teams must play equal numbers but not less than 1/2 your team