Greater Lafayette Regional Soccer Alliance

3. The GLRSA area representatives/board members handle the rostering. Players may not be moved from one team to another or added to a roster without prior approval from GLRSA once rosters are finalized and distributed at the coaches meeting. An additional fee (up to $30) may be charged if a player is moved at a parent’s request and GLRSA approves the move. Any team that is found to have an illegal player(s) will forfeit all games up to and including the affected game. An illegal player is one who does not appear on the roster of the team in question. Any team found to be playing an illegal player is subject to removal from the tournament schedule and/or other possible disciplinary action(s). Coaches should have a copy of their rosters at all games – provided by GLRSA.

Games will be played according to the NFHS rules with adoptions by the IHSAA and any modifications that GLRSA deems necessary. All referee calls are final once the start of the next play has begun. Exceptions are the following:

1) Playing Time and Ball Size: The U6 division will use a size 3 ball. The U7, U8, U9, U10, U12 divisions will use a size 4 ball. The U15 division will use a size 5 ball. The U6, U7, U8 games will consist of four 10-minute quarters. The U9, U10 games will consist of two 20-minutes halves. The U12 games will consist of two 25-minute halves; the U15 game will consist of two 30-minutes halves; the referee will be the sole judge of any extra time granted for ball retrieval, injury, etc. The referee may alter the time structure for weather-related reasons. Half-time should be five minutes and two minutes between quarters.

2) Players on the Field: U6 games should have 5 field players plus a goalie for a total of 6. U7, U8, U9, U10 games should have 6 field players plus a goalie for a total of 7. U12 games should have 7 field players plus a goalie for a total of 8. U15 games should have 10 field players plus a goalie for a total of 11.

3) Minimum number of players: U6 teams must be able to field 4 players (includes the goalie) to start the game. U7, U8, U10 teams must be able to field 5 players (includes the goalie) to start the game. U12 teams must be able to field 6 players (includes the goalie) to start the game. U15 teams must be able to field 7 players (includes the goalie) to start the game. If a team does not have the minimum number of players to start the game, then the game is declared a forfeit. The team with enough players will be given a 1-0 win. If both teams do not have a minimum number of players to start the game, then the game is declared a loss for both teams.

4) Offsides: A player is in an offside position if they are closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender (which is usually the last outfield player), but only if the player is on his opponent's half of the field (for U12 – U18). See below for guidelines applicable to U7, U8, U9, U10. A player is called for being in an offsides position when the ball is touched or played by a team mate and they become a part of the play or gained an advantage by being in an offsides position. "Being in an offside position" is a matter of fact, whereas "actively involved or a part of the play or gaining an advantage" is subject to the interpretation of the referee. Please review the link on our homepage to better understand what is and what isn’t offsides. For U7, U8 - only if camped in the penalty box. For U9/U10 - inside the penalty box with the front edge of the box extended to the sidelines. For U12, U15, U18 – midfield.

5) Slide Tackles: Slide tackles must be cleanly done to avoid a foul/penalty (never from behind). Slide tackles will not be allowed in the U6, U7, U8 age divisions.

6) Goal Kicks: A goal kick is awarded to the defensive team when the offensive team kicks the ball past the end zone/goal line. The goal kick will be taken six yards from the goal line (U6/U7/U8/U10) may take the kick from the top of the penalty area). When a goal kick is taken, the ball must clear the penalty area before it is officially in play. A re-kick is taken if the ball does not clear the area.

7) Corner Kicks: A corner kick is awarded to the offensive team when the defensive team kicks the ball past the end zone/goal line. The ball is to be placed within the white arc located at the corners of the field.

8) U6 Referees: One or two representatives from each team, which may be the coaches, will work together on the field to referee the game. The coaches of the U6 teams will be allowed on the field to position and/or instruct the players.

9) Fouls: For both major and minor fouls, no second whistle is needed for a restart unless the referee needs to move the defending players the required distance away from the ball. In order to be in play, the ball shall be moved in any direction. If a free kick is awarded to the defending team in its penalty area, the ball is not in play until it is beyond the penalty area and into the field of play. Failure to kick the ball as specified shall result in a rekick.

A) Minor Fouls - Indirect Kick: An indirect kick is signified by the referee raising his/her arm straight above the head. Ball must be touched by two (2) players before scoring. These fouls include: 1) dangerous play as determined by the referee; 2) offsides; 3) obstruction (intentionally blocking another player from the ball without attempting to play the ball); 4) while playing goal keeper, picking up the ball after it has been deliberately kicked back to you by your own teammate. Page 3 of 4

B) Major Fouls - Direct Kick: A direct kick is signified by the referee pointing his/her arm straight out from the body while facing the goal. The ball need not be touched by anyone else other than the kicker before scoring. These fouls include: 1) deliberately kicking or attempts to kick an opponent; 2) charging the goal keeper; 3) holding; 4) intentional hand ball (use of hands to gain advantage); 5) jumping at an opponent; 6) pushing; 7) slide tackles when the ball is not being played or when no contact is made to the ball prior to player contact; 8) spitting at an opponent; 9) striking an opponent; 10) tripping; 11) unfair shoulder charge (lowering the shoulder). A penalty kick is awarded if the major foul occurs within the penalty area while the ball is in play.

10) Flagrant Violation: Any player found to be in flagrant violation of any rule will be asked to leave the game until the referee has decided to allow his/her return. This time is not to exceed one quarter. The coach will be allowed to substitute that player. The coach must ask for permission for offending player to return. In the event the player is asked to leave again in the same game, the player will not be allowed to return and the team must play one player short for the remainder of the game. If a player is found to be playing violently or with extreme unsportsmanlike conduct, the player will be removed immediately from the game without substitution. The referee will possess the authority to award a team a penalty kick for any coach, parent, or fan found to be expressing unsportsmanlike conduct. If the coach, parent, or fan continues, he/she will be asked to leave. If the coach, parent, or fan persists, the game can or will be terminated. U12, U15, U18 players may be penalized with a yellow or red card. If a player receives a "hard" red card, that player will be required to sit out the rest of the game and the next game. The team will be required to play a person short the rest of the current game.

11) Substitutions: The coach may substitute any player on the field when his/her team has a throw-in or corner kick, on any team’s goal kick, or after each goal. The coach must first get the referee's attention, at which time the referee will stop play and allow the substitution. Play will resume at the direction of the referee. The team not in possession of the ball may substitute an unlimited number of players on a throw in and corner kick if the team in possession of the ball is also substituting. Substitutions should take place at the half line. Once you are ready to have a substitute enter the game, please have them report to the half line and wait for the referee to call them onto the field.

12) Stopped Play: Game play continues until a goal is scored or the referee stops play by telling the player to hold the throw or kick. If the referee has not told a player to hold the throw or kick, then play will continue (i.e. corner kicks, free kicks, and throw-ins are all live play unless otherwise directed by the referee). Once the referee has stopped play, it will resume only under his/her direction.

13) Coaching: Coaching shall be in a positive manner. In the heat of the game, please remain in control. There will be no coaching by anyone from the goal line. Refer to sideline rule below for further information.

14) Field Cleanup: Please be considerate by cleaning up the area after your game. If you are the last game of the day, please take care of any obvious litter concerns. This is greatly appreciated by the league and the people who live in the area. If you have lost or found any items, please check the website or send us an email to glrsa1@aol.com.

15) Required Equipment: All players have been given a game shirt for the current season. This shirt, along with shin guards, must be worn in order to participate in any game. Players are not required to wear soccer cleats or mouth guards, however; both are recommended. Shoes with a toe cleat cannot be worn unless the shoe is altered in such a way as to be safe. If unsure, please check with the referee.

16) Jewelry: Jewelry shall not be worn except for religious or medical medals. A religious medal must be taped and worn under uniform. A medical alert must be taped and may be visible. If unsure, please check with the referee. If the player wants to keep earrings in (i.e. starter earrings), the earrings must be covered with a band-aid or tape.

17) Casts: If a player wears a cast, the cast must be wrapped in ½ inch of foam or other soft material.

Coaches shall be on one side of the field, and the spectators on the other. Each team’s coaches shall be permitted to walk only one half of the field, and shall not cross the center line during play. A diagram is enclosed in your coach’s packet. Coaches are to review with their parents prior to the first game. The U6 division is exempt from this rule.