RULES OF
COMPETITION
INTRODUCTION
All competitions shall be governed by the RULES as
stated herein in all cases where they are applicable and where they are not in
conflict with the WSYSA Bylaws. All affiliated members of WSYSA shall be
governed by these Rules of Competition.
All games and competitions under the jurisdiction
of the WSYSA shall be conducted subject to the "Laws of the Game" as published
or authorized for publication by FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football
Association), with those modifications published by WSYSA. In all cases where a
game has been postponed or abandoned by a referee due to inclement weather,
league and tournament directors shall determine whether the game is to be
replayed in its entirety or whether the score at the time of postponement or
abandonment shall stand and the game be counted as a completed game.
301.1
Field of Play
(a)
The following specifications are applicable to all competitions
administered by the WSYSA. These WSYSA standards are recommended for league play
administered by Member Associations; they are not mandatory.
(b)
Acceptable deviations from Law l of the "Laws of the Game" (FIFA) for
goal posts shall be: plus/minus 6-inches in width; plus/minus 3-inches in height
from inside measurements.
301.2
Game Duration, Overtime Periods, and Ball
Size
Age Group Game Duration
Ball Size Circumference Weight
Under-19
Two 45 min. halves
#5
27” – 28”
14-16 oz
Under-18
Two 45 min. halves
#5
27” – 28”
14-16 oz
Under-17
Two 45 min. halves
#5
27” – 28”
14-16 oz
Under-16
Two 40 min. halves
#5
27” – 28”
14-16 oz
Under-15
Two 40 min. halves
#5
27” – 28”
14-16 oz
Under-14
Two 35 min. halves
#5
27” – 28”
14-16 oz
Under-13
Two 35 min. halves
#5
27” – 28”
14-16 oz
Under-12
Two 30 min. halves
#4
25” – 26”
11-13 oz
Under 11
Two 30 min halves
#4
25” – 26”
11-13 oz
Overtime periods
U-18 two 15 min. halves
U-19 two 15 min. halves
U-16 two 15 min. halves
U-17 two 15 min. halves
U-14 two 10 min. halves
U-15 two 15 min. halves
U-12 two 10 min. halves
U-13 two 10 min. halves
U-11 two 10 min halves
POINTS OF
EMPHASIS
Overtime
applies only once the competition moves into Elimination
rounds
Referees are
expected to know whether a match is a Group round or an Elimination match. Group round matches can end in a
tie. The only exception is when
rule 606.A.4(i)(3) applies, and in that case, the referee will be notified
before the match. Unless you are
notified beforehand, a Group round match that ends in a tie is a
tie. Once the competition moves
into Elimination rounds, all matches must be played to a winner. In that case, use overtime and (if
necessary) Kicks from the Penalty Mark to determine the
winner.
301.3
Number of Players
(a) Each team will have a limit of eighteen (18) registered players, unless a
variance for good cause has been granted by the Association Registrar, the
District Commissioner, and the WSYSA Registrar. No team shall be allowed to have
fewer than eleven (11) registered players. (Exception: General Procedures, Rule
204.9).
(b)
Any coach, manager or official found guilty by a WSYSA, District, or
Member Association Board of Directors or a WSYSA Disciplinary or Ethics
Committee of knowingly using an ineligible player(s) (over-age, improperly
registered, or under disciplinary suspension) will be suspended from
participation in all WSYSA activities not to exceed the current and subsequent
seasonal year.
POINT OF
EMPHASIS
U17, U18 and
U19 teams in Championship Cup competition may carry 22 players on their roster,
but only 18 may suit up for any given match.
USYSA rules now allow these older age groups to carry
larger rosters, but the teams must still suit up no more than 18 active players
for any given match. Please note
that these expanded rosters apply only in Championship Cup competition –
Challenge Cup and Commissioner’s Cup teams are still limited to 18-player
rosters.
301.4
Substitutions
(a)
Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the referee, during any
stoppage in play.
(b)
The number of substitutes shall be unlimited unless a competition
superseding the jurisdiction of this Association determines otherwise; special
competitions may be more restrictive.
(c)
Players not on the field of play must remain two (2) yards behind the
touchline and not within 18 yards from the corner of the field.
301.5
Player's Equipment
(a)
All player equipment shall conform to the requirements of Law 4 of the
Laws of the Game, as amended from time to time, and the WSYSA Rules of
Competition.
(b)
It is the duty of the referee, pursuant to Law 5 of the Laws of the Game,
as amended from time to time, to enforce the Laws of the Game and the WSYSA
Rules of Competition concerning player equipment.
(c)
All players must be attired in matching uniforms to the satisfaction of
the referee. A proper uniform
consists of shorts, jersey, socks, shin guards, and footwear. In case of a color clash, the designated
home team will change jerseys. Goalkeepers must wear colors which distinguish
them from other players.
(d)
All or any member(s) of a team are permitted to wear extra protective
clothing against the cold, including gloves without dangerous, protruding or
hard objects, provided that:
(1)
The proper team uniform is worn outermost; and
(2)
Any hat should be without peak, bill or dangling or protruding object of
any kind; however, the goalkeeper may wear a soft billed hat; and
(3)
Referee discretion may be used to determine if an item of protective
clothing is considered to go beyond the purpose of providing a means of
retaining body heat.
(e)
Protective orthopedic devices, prosthetic devices and any equipment,
gear, appliance or apparatus that is protective for a known medical condition
may be worn during a regularly scheduled game provided that the referee
determines that the device conforms to Law 4 of the Laws of the Game.
POINTS OF
EMPHASIS
Jewelry is NOT
allowed.
Per the
requirements of FIFA Law 4, no jewelry is allowed, period.
NO EXCEPTIONS.
Referees
should apply discretion to protective clothing and
gear.
The above rule
gives referees discretion when considering protective clothing. Referees are encouraged to use the
broadest possible interpretation of this rule during inclement weather. For example, clothing used for warmth
that is exposed under the player’s shorts should not have to be the same color
as the shorts. Referees must also
be aware that the USSF memorandum of September 3, 2003 directs them to approve
protective headgear such as Full 90’s and sport glasses consistent with the
guidelines therein. Additionally,
WSYSA specifies that the wearer of casts or orthopedic devices is participating
in the match at their own risk, so the referee need only ensure that the player
does not use them as an offensive weapon.
301.6
Officiating
(a) A referee shall be appointed to officiate each game with the authority
assigned to him as specified in the "Laws of the Game" (FIFA). Officiating of
all games will be governed by the Rules of Play and the Rules of
Competition.
(b)
All referees assigned to any game of the Commissioners’ Cup or the State
Championships must be assigned by a licensed referee assignor through a
recognized referee association/chapter.
(c) Failure of a scheduled referee to
show up will not be the cause for canceling the match. A substitute official
must be chosen upon agreement by both coaches and his decisions will be
final.
301.7
Charging the Goalkeeper
(a)
The following Rule applies to all competitions under the jurisdiction of
the WSYSA:
(b)
In all Under-11 age groups and below: No player shall make physical
contact with the goalkeeper, or attempt to play the ball once the goalkeeper has
control of the ball in any manner and to any degree whatsoever. For infringement
of this special Rule, an indirect kick shall be awarded.
(c)
In all Under-12 age groups and above: No player shall make physical
contact with the goalkeeper WITHIN THE GOAL AREA, harass the goalkeeper, or
attempt to play the ball once the goalkeeper has control of the ball in any
manner and to any degree whatsoever. For infringement of this special Rule, an
indirect kick shall be awarded.
(d)
Note: Also included in "having control of the ball" is, if the goalkeeper
holds the ball on the ground with one or both hands.
POINT OF
EMPHASIS
The above rule
applies only when the goalkeeper has possession of the
ball
The USSF has
determined that a ball which is controlled by the goalkeeper cannot be legally
played by an opponent. This
includes when a goalkeeper tosses the ball slightly into the air with the
obvious intent of punting the ball away.
However, until the goalkeeper gains possession of the ball, he or she is
not entitled to any special protection against
charging.
301.8
Coaching
(a)
Coaching from the sidelines - giving direction to one's own team on
points of strategy and position - is permitted, provided:
(1)
Neither mechanical nor electronic devices are used;
(2)
The tone of voice is informative and not a harangue;
POINT OF
EMPHASIS
Artificial
noisemakers used by spectators are not specifically prohibited by WSYSA, but may
be prohibited by some venues.
Referees are reminded that while WSYSA Rule 301.8 (a)(1)
prohibits coaches from using mechanical or electronic devices to
communicate with their teams, there is no specific prohibition regarding
noisemakers used by supporters.
As long as the venue allows such devices, spectators can use bells,
whistles, drums and similar noisemakers to support (or annoy) their team. Yes, they can be loud – but unless the
venue rules specifically prohibit them, referees should consider the supporters’
cacophony to be an expression of irrational
exuberance.
(b)
Each coach, substitute, or player is to remain within the "coaching area"
(2 yards behind the touchline, and not within 18 yards from the corner of the
field).
(c)
No coach, substitute, or player is to make derogatory remarks or gestures
to the referees, other players, substitutes or spectators.
(d)
No coach, substitute, or player is to use profanity.
(e)
No coach, substitute, or player is to incite, in any manner, disruptive
behavior of any kind.
(f) If the above rules are
violated, the referee shall ask the offending party for compliance with the
rules. The referee may file a written report with the Board of Directors
responsible for the match.
(g)
In the event that compliance is not received from the offending party,
the referee shall ask the offending party to leave the playing area. If this
request is made, the referee must file a written report with the Board of
Directors responsible for the match. If the offending party refuses to leave the
playing area, or returns after leaving, the referee shall abandon the match and
file a written report of the game abandonment with the Board of Directors
responsible for the match.
(h)
It shall be the responsibility of each team to maintain proper spectator
conduct. Each coach, manager and team, club or league official shall be held
primarily accountable for the conduct of the spectators for or from their
respective teams. At no time shall foul or abusive language be permitted at any
field.
POINT OF
EMPHASIS
Misconduct by
Coaches and Other Bench Personnel
When enforcing rule
301.8,
referees are reminded that red and yellow cards should be displayed only to
players and substitutes, NEVER be shown to coaches and other bench
personnel. However, the referee
MUST verbally inform the coach being sanctioned for the misconduct. Suitable statements might include: “You
are being cautioned and this will be reported to WSYSA as a yellow card caution”
or “You are being sent off, and this will be reported as a red card offense to
WSYSA”. In each of these cases,
“reported” means that referees are required to file a written misconduct report
or supplemental report with WSYSA.
Referees must file these reports using the online functions available on
your local referee website or via WASRC.org under Referee:
Misconducts.
301.9
Restarting Play After An Injury
In the case of a temporary suspension due to an
injury or any unusual situation, if one team is clearly in possession of the
ball, the game shall be restarted by an indirect free kick by the team in
possession of the ball at the point where the ball was when play was suspended.
Should there not be clear possession at the time play is suspended due to an
injury or any unusual situation, there will be a drop ball at the spot where the
ball was declared dead.
301.10 Procedures to
Determine the Winner of a Match
Where WSYSA, District or Member Association
administered competition rules require there be a winning team after a match has
ended in a draw, teams shall then play two full age-appropriate overtime
periods. If no team is ahead at the end of the two overtime periods, the match
is then to be decided according to the FIFA “Kicks from the Penalty Mark”
procedure.
Rule 302 SMALL-SIDED PROGRAM RULES (specifically for
U11 tournament play)
302.1
Field of Play
(a)
The following specifications are applicable to all small-sided
competitions within the WSYSA:
U-11: The field of play must be rectangular. The
length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line. The
maximum length is 80 yards and the minimum length is 50 yards. The maximum width
is 50 yards and the minimum width is 35 yards. Interior markings shall conform
to FIFA.
(b)
The following goal and field marking specifications are applicable to all
small-sided competitions administered within the WSYSA:
U-11: The
goal size shall be 8’ x 24’
Field markings: The outside edge of the field may
be indicated by chalked or painted lines not more than 4” in width. When painted
lines are not feasible or permitted other means may be used.
302.3
Number of Players
Teams shall have no more than the following number
of players and roster sizes:
Age Group
# Players on the Field
Roster Size
U-11
9
14
302.9
Small-Sided Rules of Play
(a)
Start of Play
(1)
At the time of the kickoff, every player will be in his/her half of the
field. Every player of the opposing team to that of the kicker shall be, at
U-11, ten (10) yards from the center mark
(f) Fouls and
Misconduct
(3)
Penalty Kicks can be
granted. They will be
taken at ten (10) yards from the goal.
(h)
Goal Kicks
(2)
A goal kick may be taken from any point inside the goal area.
(i) Corner Kicks
(2)
The ball shall be placed within a three (3) foot arc from the corner flag
or cone and shall be kicked into play from that position by an attacking
player.
(j) Miscellaneous
Rules
(1) Unless otherwise modified by these rules, the
standard laws of the game will govern.
(2) Good judgment, sportsmanship and fair play
should govern the decisions and actions of all coaches, referees and
spectators.
POINT OF
EMPHASIS
Please note
that U11 matches use small-sided rules of play.
WSYSA rules stipulate that U11 matches be played
9-a-side. Expect some
variation in field size depending on availability, but be aware that all State
Cup U11 matches will be played 9-a-side.
Even though some State Cup matches may be played on fields that are
almost full-size, and even if both coaches request it, referees ARE NOT to allow
U11 teams to field more than 9 players.
Specific field
markings for U11 small-sided play
Note that U11
tournament play MUST occur on a rectangular, reduced-size field. Where the field is narrower than 44
yards, the penalty area will extend from touchline to touchline. Where field markings are not painted,
the field can be marked with “other means”, such as cones or wazmarkers. If this is the case, then it is
recommended that you NOT mark the center circle, goal area or corner arcs, as
the cones or markers can interfere with
play.
Goals should
be full-size (8 yards x 8 feet).
The center circle should also be full-size (10-yard radius). However, the penalty kick distance is
shortened to 10 yards. The semifinals and finals of this age group
will be played on specially-marked fields at Starfire Soccer
Complex.
Rule 303
STATE SPONSORED TOURNAMENTS:
US YOUTH SOCCER WASHINGTON
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS, CHALLENGE CUP AND COMMISSIONERS’ CUP
303A.2(g) All players in
the State Cup tournaments must possess a valid US Youth Soccer player pass
issued by the WSYSA. These passes are to be surrendered to the referee prior to
each game. In the event a player does not receive a pass, they cannot play. The
referee will return all cards to the coach at the conclusion of the game. The
cards will be used to copy accurate information for the referee's misconduct
report.
303A.2(h)
Championship Cup
Credentials
303B/C.2(g) Challenge Cup and Commissioners’ Cup
Credentials
- The following items will be required:
(1)
Credentials for play must be in order before the beginning of the
preliminary rounds. Any noncredentialed or improperly credentialed player or
coach shall have their passes pulled and they may not play or participate in the
remainder of the tournament without a hearing.
(2)
US Youth Soccer player passes will be issued to every player in the
various State Cups. They will be required to have a current picture, signature
and team ID number. They shall be physically separated (individual cards),
laminated and be present at every game.
(3)
A current coach’s/administrator’s pass must accompany every adult who is
working with the players. The pass must have a current picture and signature and
be laminated individually and be present at every game in order to be
valid.
(4)
Referees will check all player and coach passes at the beginning of each
game. If an individual does not
possess a valid pass, they will not be allowed to participate.
POINT OF
EMPHASIS
All players
and coaches MUST have State Cup credentials
Referees must
check all player and coach credentials against team rosters before every State
Cup match. Please confirm that the
player name, the team name and the photo all match. Teams that had player and coach cards
during league play will use the same cards; only district teams and players that
transferred to new teams will have new cards made up. If there is a problem, WSYSA wants
referees to distinguish between credentials that are considered invalid and those that are considered
lost or
forgotten.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Be advised that PDL “club passes” are NOT VALID. PDL teams may NOT use their club passes
to interchange players between teams for state cup play. Their rosters freeze
per the state rules at the same time as all other
teams.
What is an
invalid pass?
If a player or coach’s credential is missing or not properly processed (no
photo, no signature, not laminated, etc.) it is considered an
invalid
pass and that person cannot take part
in the match despite what the coach or manager may claim. Please note subsection (4) above -
if an individual
does not possess a valid pass, they will not be allowed to participate. Players must change out of their team
uniform and coaches are not allowed in the technical area (where one is
defined). Referees should identify
the disqualified players and coaches on the rosters and match report. INVALID PASS,
NO PLAY – NO EXCEPTIONS!
What if the
team manager lost or forgot to bring the
credentials?
If the team manager has
lost or forgotten
all or some of
their team’s credentials, WSYSA wants this match played anyway, with the final
result subject to validation by the State Cup Committee. In this case, the referee should inform
both coaches and the assignor that the match is being played subject to
validation. Following the match the
referee will note this on the roster sheets and also write a supplemental
report. Assignors, please let me
know RIGHT AWAY if a match has been played subject to validation. My cell # is 206-214-6544. The objective is to deliver both the
rosters and supplemental report to the State Cup Committee by the Monday night
meeting – via email, fax or hand-carried.
The team will then have until the Monday State Cup Committee meeting to
produce the missing credentials.
The match results will not be official until that team’s credentials are
validated – failing that, the State Cup committee can change the result to a
forfeit.
Rule 605
DISCIPLINARY-RULE
605.1 Notes and
definitions:
(a) Reports of Misconduct include cautions and
sendoff (yellows, reds) and any supplemental reports submitted by the game
official(s).
(1) Players receive cautions and sendoffs. Players
are shown cards.
(2) All other participants as defined by WSYSA
Rule 214.4 (b) receive either warnings (caution/yellow card equivalent, or
dismissals/ejections. (sendoff red card equivalent.) Participants (other than
players) are not shown a card.
(3) The seasonal year shall be as defined in the
WSYSA Bylaws.
(b) Penalty points will be accumulated over the
seasonal year. Yellow cards will be accumulated at one (1) point each, red cards
at three (3) points each.
(c) Any players, coaches or other team officials
who are shown the red card/sent off the field of play for a violation of the
Laws of the Game, will be ineligible to participate in the next regularly
scheduled match. A more severe penalty may be applied by the Disciplinary
Committee.
(d) The referee must send a written report
for any carded/cautioned/sent off/warned/ejected player(s), coach, or team
officials to the WSYSA disciplinary system within forty-eight (48) hours
following the completion of the match.
POINT OF
EMPHASIS
Team rosters
and misconduct reports
Referees are
to send in ALL team rosters from their matches, whether or not any misconducts
occurred. Every Monday morning,
make a point of mailing or faxing that weekend’s rosters in to the WSYSA office
at 500 S. 336th Street, Suite #100, Federal Way, WA
98003.
Only WSYSA
State Cup roster sheets are acceptable.
WSYSA is adamant on this point. Every team has been given State Cup
roster sheets and they are expected to use
them.
NO
recreational league roster forms.
NO
district roster forms.
NO
PDL roster forms.
NO
CYL roster forms.
NO
handwritten lists on random paper.
If a team
manager hands you any of the above, insist that he or she give you a State Cup
roster. If the team does not
have one, send the manager to borrow one from the opponents, or to obtain one
from the association rep, even if it means the manager misses the match. As with the team credentials above, go
ahead and play the match, then make a note of this discrepancy on the rosters
and in your match report.
If a match is
abandoned or not played for any reason, the referee MUST file a supplemental
report RIGHT AWAY.
WSYSA expects
the referee to file a supplemental report whenever the match is abandoned or not
played. The tournament directors
use this report to decide whether that match needs to be replayed or whether the
result stands as is. Please note
that this decision needs to be made any time the referee abandons a match – even
if there are only a few minutes remaining.
Referees
should call their assignor from the field following an abandonment or decision
to not play a match, and the referee is expected to file the supplemental report
that SAME EVENING. If necessary,
the assignor should help the referee write the report
up.
214.1
Protests
(a)
PROTESTS are complaints arising out of the misapplication of the Laws of
the Game or misapplication of a league/district/state administrative rule. The
protest must be based upon violations of the published rules of the competition
or WSYSA rules or FIFA Laws of the Game. Only those directly involved are
permitted to file a protest. Only
the coach of record for the game may file a protest.
(d)
If a match will be protested, the referee and opposing coach must be
notified within ten (10) minutes of the final whistle.
(e)
Any protest must be submitted in writing, accompanied by a $100.00 fee
(money order or cashier's check), to the proper authority as outlined in the
procedures described herein within forty-eight (48) hours of the event being
protested. The fee is refundable if the protest is upheld. No hearing or other
administrative action shall result from circumstances or charges which are only
communicated verbally.
(2) All protests must include the specific
circumstances and rule / Laws of the Game violation(s) which lead to the
protest.
Important –
Procedures to follow in case of a protest
The State Cup tournaments function on a very short
timeline. Matches played on a given
weekend are reviewed and confirmed by the Tournament Committee on Monday night,
scarcely 24 to 48 hours after they are played. Therefore, the window of opportunity to
validate, then uphold or deny a protest is extremely brief. Referees cannot wait until Monday to
file a report.
For a team to file a protest properly, the coach must
notify the referee and the opposing coach of their intent to protest within 10
minutes after the match. Once this
happens, the referee has two obligations.
First, write up a short report (50 words or so) about the reason for
the protest. Include the
minute, the facts of the incident, the outcome, and whether or not the coach
properly informed the referee about their intent to protest. Second, immediately send the report
plus the match rosters to the referee assignor. If possible, send the original match
reports. If not, faxed or scanned
copies are acceptable as long as they are clearly
legible.
The referee
assignor must then forward the paperwork immediately to the Association
Representative, who will
present it at the meeting on Monday night.
Without the referee’s report, the tournament committee will not have the
information necessary to make a decision on the protest, so don’t make me have
to call you on a Monday night!
606.A State
Championships, Challenge Cup and Commissioners’ Cup
606.A.3
Scheduling
(b) (1) All tournament games shall be
played on the day scheduled. To declare a field unplayable due to adverse
weather conditions will be the prerogative of the referee, the Tournament
Director or the WSYSA VP of Competition. ALL AGE GROUPS U-14 AND BELOW, IN THE
TOURNAMENTS, NORMALLY WILL PLAY ON SATURDAYS WITH AGE GROUPS U-15 AND ABOVE
NORMALLY SCHEDULED TO PLAY ON SUNDAYS. The Tournament Committee reserves the
right to require teams to play both Saturday and Sunday if circumstances
necessitate. If games are canceled due to an unplayable field or adverse weather
that prevents a team from traveling to the venue site, the Tournament Director
will determine the rescheduling.
(2)
Failure of a scheduled referee to show up will not be the cause for
canceling or protesting the game. A
substitute official must be chosen upon agreement by both coaches and that
official's decision will be final and must be in writing.
(c)
Responsibilities of Coaches and Managers:
(1)
The following are the responsibilities of the assigned "home"
team:
(A)
Marking the field of play;
(B)
Providing a proper game ball;
(C)
Providing adequate directions to the opposing team to the "home" ground
no less than 72 hours prior to the game;
(D)
Providing nets.
(2)
Responsibilities of the assigned "visiting" team:
(A) If
the visiting team has not heard from the home team within 48 hours prior to the
game, please call your tournament representative.
(g)
If both teams are properly notified and one fails to show up, following a
15-minute grace period, the game will be forfeited to the showing team. If both
teams are properly notified and both teams fail to show up, both teams will be
ineligible to continue in any further tournament competition. (Extenuating
circumstances, i.e., transportation failure, must be favorably
considered.)
(i) All Semi-final and Final
games will be scheduled by the Tournament Committee and neutral referees will be
assigned.
POINT OF
EMPHASIS
Unplayable
fields and/or rescheduled matches
Referees
must go to the field to determine whether or not it is playable. If the field is unplayable, the referee
shall inform the referee assignor of this decision immediately. As you can see above, that decision
unleashes a long string of requirements, so make sure you can contact your
assignor right away. Take your
referee assignor’s phone number to the
field!
606.A.4 Tournament Playing
Rules
(a) All games will be played under “WSYSA Rules of Competition” unless stated
herein.
(c)
(1) Whenever games are
not played on neutral fields, the following preparations are the responsibility
of the home, coach, or manager:
(A)
Provide a proper game ball;
(B)
Provide proper field markings (line the field);
(C)
Assure that a referee has been assigned by their Association referee
coordinator;
(D)
Provide adequate directions to the opposing team to the "home" ground no
less than 72 hours prior to the game.
(2)
Neutral field coordination is the responsibility of the Association
donating the field.
(d)
(1) It shall be the
responsibility of each team to maintain proper spectator conduct. Each coach, manager, club, Association
or District official shall be held primarily accountable for the conduct of
spectators for or from their respective teams. At no time shall foul or abusive
language be permitted on any field.
(2)
Coaching from the boundary lines by coaches or supporters, i.e., giving
instructions to players on the field on points of strategy and tactics is
prohibited. Coaches may direct specific players to change field position
assignments, e.g., from fullback to mid-fielder, and may give positive
encouragement at any time.
POINT OF
EMPHASIS
Rule
discrepancy resolved – 301.8(a) supercedes 606.A.4(d)(2).
Please note that there is a discrepancy between these two
WSYSA rules regarding coaching. For
some reason, and despite addressing this discrepancy for three years in a row,
this rule has yet to be corrected.
The wording in Rule 606.A.4(d)(2) was supposed to have been
corrected to be consistent with Rule 301.8(a). Please note that Coaching from the
sidelines is allowed provided it complies with WSYSA Rule
301.8(a).
Please
ignore the word "prohibited"
in Rule 606.A.4(d)(2). In fact, if
you continue to read the rest of that rule, it states: "Coaches
may direct specific players to change field position
assignments, e.g., from fullback to mid-fielder, and may give positive
encouragement at any time."
That, in effect, is coaching.
(e)
From the Semi-final games on, a fourth official will be used at the games
and both teams will be on one side of the field. Substitution of players will be done
through the fourth official. If on
sidelines, spectators will be on opposite sides from the teams.
(f) Four (4) bench personnel will
be allowed on the field.
(g) Each player shall have a number on
the player’s jersey. The number shall be affixed to the back of the jersey,
clearly visible and a minimum of six (6) inches high. Each player on a team must
wear a number different from the number of every other player on the team.
Numbered jerseys for goalkeepers are
optional.
(h)
Each coach must submit a game roster sheet to the referee showing
players' name and jersey numbers prior to the start of each game.
(i) (2) Ties will stand in preliminary
rounds except as provided in (3) below.
(3) When two teams are tied for first
place in a Division, and they are playing each other in their final preliminary
round game, they will determine a winner as specified in Rule 301.10 using the
age appropriate overtime periods specified in Rule 301.2 to establish the first
and second place teams in that Division. Their association tournament committee
representative must notify the teams of the requirement that the match cannot
end in a draw and the winner be determined as specified above prior to the game
upon the direction of the tournament scorekeeper or Tournament Director. Game
results will be recorded as a tie.
(k)
(1) Ties in single
elimination games will be resolved as follows:
U-19,
U-18, U-17, U-16, U-15
Two full 15-minute overtime periods
U-14, U-13, U-12, U-11
Two full 10-minute overtime periods
(2)
If still tied after overtime periods, FIFA "kicks from the mark" will
apply to determine a winner.
(m)
(1) Home Team - The
"home" team will be listed first (1st) in a tie breaking, Elimination,
Semi-final or Final round game.
(2)
Uniform Color Conflict - The designated "home" team will be responsible
for changing color of the uniforms in the event of a color conflict.
(3)
All teams are required to carry a contrasting colored shirt to all
games.
