General Rules
Salem Youth Soccer League Rules & Regulations
These rules are based on the official rules of youth soccer as set forth in the United States Youth Soccer Association Rules, and are meant as a guide for players and parents unfamiliar with the game of soccer. However, the United States Youth Soccer Association Rules remains the final authority in the event of any discrepancy.
The Salem Youth Soccer League hopes your child or children have a fun and learning experience in America’s fastest growing sport.
Please remember to stress good sportsmanship and work with the coaches.
The Salem Youth Soccer League is supported and sponsored by area merchants, businesses and organizations.
SYSL Code of Conduct for Parents
Being a parent of a soccer player is unlike being the parent of any other sport in the United States. This is true for one simple reason; referees are instructed to maintain order and will not tolerate dissent from coaches, parents or players. Games in baseball and football are of players, coaches, and parents abusing the officiating. This does not occur in soccer matches.
  1. If your child is unable to attend a practice or a game, please have the courtesy to call the coach and inform him/her.
  2. Stress good sportsmanship from your son or daughter.
  3. Treat the referee with respect, regardless of the call made. Dissent from parents and other spectators will not be tolerated by the referees. Referees are instructed to stop games if dissent during the game continues. Forfeiture of the game may result. Continued dissent will result in you and your child being removed from active participation in the SALEM YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE.
  4. Treat your son's or daughter's coach with respect. Remember he/she is a volunteer and is devoting the hours of time necessary to improve the soccer skills of your child. Feel comfortable in asking questions about soccer of coaching strategies. (See #10 below)
  5. Help maintain a climate of enjoyment among all participants and spectators. DO NOT harass or criticize the play of any player, especially your own, on or off the field. DO NOT harass the coaches on the field or the spectators in attendance.
  6. Offer support and praise of all members of your child's team regardless if you won or lost.
  7. Profanity or vulgar language will not be tolerated from spectators or players. Remember if you remain calm in viewing the game, the players on the field will remain calm and focus on playing soccer.
  8. Don't try and "coach" the players from the sidelines during the game. Screaming directions accomplishes nothing. If you yell at all, yell encouragement to the players on the field. In actuality, most of the players hear very little of what is yelled at them during a match.
  9. Exhibit exemplary conduct at both practices and games.
  10. Feel free to offer feedback to your child's coach concerning potential problems and ways to improve. If you have any questions about coaching methods of a particular coach, talk with that individual away from the ears of the players.
I. ORGANIZATION of AGE DIVISIONS, PRACTICES, and GAMES
U-6/Under 6
  1. AGE Player must be five (5) years old on or before August 1st. The player does not have to be in kindergarten.
  2. PRACTICES Practices may begin on August 1st. Coaches and assistant coaches should encourage parents to stay and help at practices. Players are to be encouraged to have fun at practices as well as at games.
  3. GAMES The field size is 20 yards wide by 30 yards long. Players are rotated around the field every quarter. No score is kept and there is no record of wins/losses.Coaches can help players during games. There are no direct kicks, indirect kicks, penalty kicks, corner kicks, or goal kicks.When the whole ball goes over the touchlines, or goal lines the player closest to the area where the ball went out throws the ball in.
  4. NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON THE FIELD DURING GAMES There are 6 players per team, on the field at one time.
  5. DURATION OF THE GAME The game consists of 4 quarters, each 8 minutes in length. There is a 5-minute break between quarters.
  6. SUBSTITUTIONS Substitutions are made in the event of an injury or when the coach of a team sees the need.
  7. THE REFEREES The coaches are the referees of the games.
  8. LINESMEN No linesmen are needed.
U-8/Under 8
  1. AGE Player must be six (6) or seven (7) years old on or before August 1st.
  2. PRACTICES Practices may begin on August 1st. Coaches and assistant coaches should encourage parents to stay and help at practices. Coaches can schedule weekday practice games during their practice times. Players are to be encouraged to have fun at practices as well as at games.
  3. GAMES All games are played on weekdays and Saturdays. The field size is 30 yards wide by 50 yards long.No score is kept and there is no record for wins/losses.Coaches are encouraged to help players during games.The fouls to be called include hand balls; striking or spitting; foul or abusive language; incorrect throw-ins; tripping an opponent; holding or pushing opponent with hands, arms or legs. See Fouls and Misconduct Rule #13. Offsides will not be called.Following offenses (fouls and misconduct), indirect free kicks, free kicks, penalty kicks, corner kicks, goal kicks, and throw-ins may be awarded to the opposing team. See rule #13.
  4. NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON THE FIELD DURING GAMES There are a minimum of 10 players on a team. In U-8 soccer, thegames are played 6 vs 6, which mean that each team has 6 players including the goalie, on the field at one time. If a team has less than 6 players it may improvise so the game can be played.
  5. DURATION OF THE GAME The game consists of 4 quarters, each 10 minutes in length. There is a 5-minute break between quarters.
  6. SUBSTITUTIONS There are unlimited substitutions and they should be made at the end of each quarter or during a stoppage of play. A player can only play goalie 1 quarter per game. Every child is guaranteed 1/2 of a game.
  7. THE REFEREES The coaches are the referees of the games.
  8. LINESMEN No linesmen are needed.
U-10/Under 10
  1. AGE Player must be eight (8) or nine (9) years old on or before August 1st.
  2. PRACTICES Practices may begin on August 1st. Coaches and assistant coaches should encourage parents to stay and help at practices. Coaches can schedule weekday practice games during their practice times. Players are to be encouraged to have fun at practices as well as at games.
  3. GAMES All games are played on weekdays and Saturdays. Field size is 50 yards wide by 80 yards long.The goalie must be changed every quarter. A player can only play goalie 2 quarters per game and must play 1 quarter in the field. Every child is guaranteed 1/2 of a game.Scores and a record of wins/losses will be maintained.Coaches must remain on the sidelines.The fouls to be called include hand balls; striking or spitting; foul or abusive language; incorrect throw-ins; tripping an opponent; holding or pushing opponent with hands, arms or legs. See Fouls and Misconduct Rule #13. Following offenses, indirect free kicks, free kicks, penalty kicks, corner kicks, goal kicks, and throw-ins may be awarded to the opposing team. 4. NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON THE FIELD DURING GAMES In U-10 soccer, the games are played 8 vs 8 which means thateach team has 8 players including the goalie, on the field at one time. There must be 7 players on the field or the game is forfeited.
  4. DURATION OF THE GAME The game consists of 4 quarters, each 12 minutes in length. There is a 5-minute break between quarters. All games will be started promptly at the scheduled times with a five (5) minute grace period. For teams with less than seven (7) players, no coach or coach designate, the game will be forfeited.
  5. SUBSTITUTIONS Unlimited substitutions and the referee must be notified of substitutions. Substitutions may be made by both teams after a goal, injury time, or goal kicks. A team may substitute on throw-ins if they have possession of the ball or if the other team substitutes on they’re thrown in.
  6. THE REFEREES There will be a minimum of one (1) referee per game. Ideally, there will be two referees.
U-12/Under 12
  1. AGE Players must be ten (10) or eleven (11) years old on or before August 1st.
  2. PRACTICES Practices may begin on August 1st. Coaches may encourage parents to stay and help at practices. Coaches can schedule weekday practice games during their practice times.
  3. GAMES All games are played on weekdays and Saturdays. The field size is 50 yards wide by 100 yards long. Every child is guaranteed 1/2 of a game.Scores and a record of wins/losses will be maintained.Coaches must remain on the sidelines.Fouls will be called. Sell Fouls and Misconduct Rule #13. Following offenses, indirect free kicks, free kicks, penalty kicks, corner kicks, goal kicks, and throw-ins may be awarded to the opposing team.
  4. NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON THE FIELD DURING GAMES There is a minimum of 14 players on a team. In U-1 2 soccer, thegames are played 11 vs 11 which means that each team has 11 players including the goalie, on the field at one time. There must be 9 players on the field or the game is forfeited.
  5. DURATION OF THE GAME The game consists of two 25-minute halves. There is a 5-minute break between halves. All games will be started promptly at the scheduled times with a give (5) minute grace period. For teams with less than nine (9) players, no coach or coach designate, the game will be forfeited.
  6. SUBSTITUTIONS Unlimited substitutions and the referee must be notified of substitutions. Substitutions may be made by both teams after a goal, injury time, or goal kicks. A team may substitute on throw-ins if they have possession of the ball or if the other team substitutes on they’re thrown in.
  7. THE REFEREES There will be a minimum of one (1) referee per game. Ideally, there will be two (2) referees.
U-15/Under 15
  1. AGE Player must be twelve (12), thirteen (13) or fourteen (14) years old on or before August 1st.
  2. PRACTICES Practices may begin on August 1st. Coaches may encourage parents to stay and help at practices. Coaches can schedule weekday practice games during their practice times.
  3. GAMES All games are played on weekdays and Saturdays.Salem teams will play each Salem team a minimum of two times. Every attempt will be made to schedule and play one game with teams from the surrounding areas. One game will be played with each of these teams to avoid grudge matches.Scores and a record of wins/losses will be maintained.Coaches must remain on the sidelines.Fouls will be called. See Fouls and Misconduct Rule #13.Following offenses, indirect free kicks, free kicks, penalty kicks, corner kicks, goal kicks, and throw-ins may be awarded to the opposing team.
  4. NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON THE FIELD DURING GAMES There are a minimum of 1 4 players on a team. In U-1 5 soccer, thegames are played 11 vs 11 which means that each team has 11 players including the goalie, on the field at one time. There must be 9 players on the field or the game is forfeited.
  5. DURATION OF THE GAME The game consists of two (2) 30-minute halves. There is a 5-minute break between halves. All games will be started promptly at the scheduled times with a five (5) minute grace period. For teams with less than nine (9) players, no coach or coach designate, the game will be forfeited.
  6. SUBSTITUTIONS Unlimited substitutions and the referee must be notified of substitutions. Substitutions may be made by both teams after a goal, injury time, or goal kicks. A team may substitute on throw-ins if they have possession of the ball or if the other team substitutes on their throw in.
  7. THE REFEREES There will be minimum of one (1) referee per game. Ideally, there will be two (2) referees.
Traveling Teams
Traveling teams will follow the YAYSL (Youngstown Area Youth Soccer League) rules, regulations and schedules. August 1st is the birth date cut off.
  1. UNIFORMS: A uniform shirt is supplied by the SYSL. Under 6 - Under 15: The shirts have a sponsor’s name on the front and a number on the back
  2. EQUIPMENT: All age divisions
    1. Players must have approved soccer equipment, which consists of soccer shoes, shin guards, socks over shin guards, and a shirt. Shin guards must be worn at all practices and games. NOTE: baseball spikes are not allowed unless the toe cleat is cut off. Football and golf spikes are not allowed under any circumstances.
    2. The ball size is determined by the age division. It is recommended that each player have a soccer ball, bring it to practice, and play with it at home.
      1. Under 6 (U-6) - #3
      2. Under 8 (U-8) - #3
      3. Under 10 (U-10) - #4
      4. Under 12 (U-12) - #4
      5. Under 15 (U-15) - #5
  3. THE REFEREES
    1. No slide tackling. Penalty: red card (Yellow Card) for first offense; red card for second offense.
    2. Profanity of any kind by parents/players/coaches will not be tolerated. Penalty: yellow or red card depending on severity; penalty kick awarded.
    3. Fighting or attempting to start a fight will not be tolerated. Penalty: Immediate red card; removal from complex; penalty kick awarded.
    4. Referee abuse or harassment will not be tolerated. Penalty: yellow or red card depending on severity. Penalty kick awarded.
    5. All other soccer rules related to play will be enforced.
    6. Yellow card results in mandatory two minute penalty for the offender. Team plays man-down for two minutes.
    7. Red card results in player being ejected and team playing one man down for five minutes.
  4. THE LINESMEN
    1. There are usually two (2) linesmen, one for each side of the field. Linesmen assist the referee by calling the ball out of bounds, indication corner kicks and goal kicks.
    2. The referee may overrule linesmen.
    3. In youth soccer, linesmen are not usually provided. The referee will require each team to provide one or more linesmen (at least 16 years old), and ensure that they are made known to the coaches.
  5. CONDUCT ON THE SIDELINES It is the responsibility of the coach to control the conduct of his/her players on the sidelines and also the conduct of the spectators.
  6. START OF GAME The ball must travel forward one complete rotation before anyone can touch it. The defense must stay out of the circle until the ball is kicked off. After one rotation it is a free ball.
  7. BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY The ball is out of play when it has wholly (completely) crossed over the touch-line (side lines) or the goal line. The ball must be returned to play by means of a throw-in, corner kick or a goal kick.
  8. THROW-IN When the ball has wholly (completely) crossed over the touch-line (side line), the team that did not touch the ball last is regarded the throw-in. When an incorrect throw is made, the referee will award the ball to the opposing team for a throw-in. The player throwing the ball must remember these rules:
    1. Both feet must be out of bounds when the throw is made. Feet may, however, touch the sideline.
    2. The ball must be thrown directly over the head, from behind the head, using BOTH HANDS placed on the side of the ball.
    3. Both feet must be touching the ground at the time the ball is released.
    4. In youth soccer, linesmen are not usually provided. The referee will require each team to provide one or more linesmen (at least 16 years old), and ensure that they are made known to the coaches.
  9. GOAL KICK When the ball wholly crosses over the goal line, but not in the goal, and the attacking team last touches it, the ball is placed on the goal box line anywhere the defending kicker wants to put the ball. A defending player kicks the bail back into play. The ball must be kicked beyond the penalty area before it is in play or it must be re-kicked.
  10. CORNER KICK When the ball wholly crosses over the goal-line, but in the goal, and it is last touched by a defensive player, a player from the attacking team places the ball at the corner of the field nearest to where the ball went out of play and kicks the ball back into play. The ball must be placed inside of the corner kick arc.
  11. FREE KICKS Players must stand at least 10 yards from the player who is awarded a free kick. There are two kinds of free kicks:
    1. A Direct Kick: A goal may be attempted or pass to a teammate.
    2. An Indirect Kick: The ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored.
  12. PENALTY KICKS A penalty kick is given when any infraction for which a direct free kick is awarded occurs in the penalty area. Regardless of the point of infraction, the ball is placed on the penalty spot 12 yards from the center of the goal line. All players from both teams, except the goalie and the kicker, must stay out of the penalty area. The goalkeeper must stand on the goal line and may not move until the ball is kicked. All other players can't move until the ball is kicked.
  13. FOULS AND MISCONDUCT All fouls and offenses are called in the referee's judgment. Offenses for which the referee MAY award a DIRECT FREE KICK to the opposing team are:
    1. kicking or attempting to kick an opponent.
    2. tripping an opponent
    3. jumping at an opponent
    4. charging in a dangerous manner
    5. charging from behind
    6. striking or attempting to strike an opponent
    7. holding with hands or arms
    8. pushing with hands or arms
    9. touching the ball with hands or arms
    10. offsides: See the referee or the coach before the game. This will not be called in the U-6 or U-8 division. Offenses for which the referee MAY award an INDIRECT FREE KICK to the opposing team are:
      1. Dangerous play (high kicking in the presence of an opponent, kicking the ball while lying on the ground)
      2. Charging an opponent when the ball is not in playing distance
      3. Charging the goalkeeper unless he/she has the ball
      4. Intentionally obstructing an opponent
      5. When the goalkeeper carries the ball more than four (4) stepsbefore kicking or throwing the ball to another player
      6. Harassing the goalkeeper from anywhere on or off the field
      7. Unsportsmanlike conduct (swearing, spitting, throwing the ball, calling fouls and out of bounds, etc.)
      8. Only a team captain may request an explanation or a referee's call. Players and coaches who persist in dissent will be issued a red card (ejected)
      9. Kick back to goalie rule: goalie cannot pick up a ball kicked back to him/her by own team member and must kick the ball. A ball headed back to goalie can be picked up and thrown.
      10. Player ejected from the game will not be replaced. Coaches ejected must leave the playing field area completely. If the coach refuses to leave, the game is terminated.
  14. TEAM AREA
    1. All players and coaches must stay within a 20-yard area of the midline. When both teams are on the same side of the field, they must remain on their own side of the mid-line. All extra players must remain at least three (3) yards (9ft.) from the touchline (sideline).
    2. The location of the team area is the opposite side of the field from the fans.
  15. RESCHEDULING OF GAMES
    1. Upon the decision of the referee, a game suspended due to inclement weather may be rescheduled within seven (7) days.
    2. Games called to inclement weather, darkness, or Acts of God, will be considered complete if at least half of the game is completed.
    3. If half of the game is not completed, and called by the referee due to the above named conditions, the game shall be called a draw, no matter what the score.
    4. Whenever a half or more is completed and called by the referee due to the above named conditions the score shall stand.
  16. REGISTRATION
    1. All fees must be paid at the time of registration. Players not signed up by the deadline will be placed on a waiting list in their respective age division. When additional players are needed to fill team vacancies, players will be picked on a first come-first serve basis.
    2. A player may play Recreational League or on a Traveling Team, but not both.
  17. TEAM SELECTION
    1. Coaches attend the draft and select their team members by the means of a blind draft.
    2. During the draft, the coach will automatically get his/her child(ren), plus the assistant coach's child(ren).
    3. Each age division will be drafted from 4 groups of players. 1st year boys, 1st year girls, 2nd year boys and 2nd year girls.
  18. PROTESTS In soccer, there are no protests to games or game situations. The referee decisions are final.
  19. DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
    1. A player may receive a yellow card, at the referee's discretion, for minor infractions of the rules.
    2. A player may receive a red card, at the referee's discretion, for major infractions of the roles.
    3. Any player that is yellow carded must leave the field until the next opportunity for legal substitution. The yellow-carded player can bereplaced by another player from the same team.
    4. Any player that is red carded is automatically ejected from the game and cannot be replaced by another player during the said game. If this ejection leaves his/her team with less than seven (7) for U-10 or nine (9) for U-12 & U-15 players on the field, the game is forfeited.
    5. Any player issued 2 (two) yellow cards is automatically ejected after receiving the second yellow card and the player cannot be replaced by another player during the said game. If this ejection leaves his/her team with less than seven (7) for U-10 or nine (9) for U-12 & U-15 players on the field, the game is forfeited.
    6. Any player that is red carded is automatically ejected from that game and must sit out the next game. If any player receives a second (2) red card, he/she is automatically ejected from that game and must sit out the next two (2) games. If the player receives a third (3) red card, he/she is automatically ejected from that game and is automatically suspended from play/practice for the remainder of the season.
    7. A coach may keep a player or players out of a game for disciplinary purposes. The coach must notify the league president in order to obtain league approval in writing two (2) days prior to the game being affected. The written notification must include the reason the player is to be held out of the game. This notification must be approved by the officers of the SYSL in order to take effect.
Salem Youth Soccer League   ●   salemyouthsoccer.org
P.O. Box 262   ●   Salem, OH 44460   ●   330 831-5545
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