EKYSA MATCH PROTOCOL

SPRING 2004

 

In addition to EKYSA standards, the following document contains some provisions from applicable FIFA Laws and KYSA rules that are included for ready reference.  Otherwise State and National rules, FIFA Laws, and common sense apply:

 

THE  FIELD

Teams will occupy one touchline and spectators will occupy the other.  Spectators are not permitted on the goal lines or behind the goals.  Coaches will stay within their technical areas, on either side of the halfway line.  Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at any EKYSA soccer facility.  Other than sanctioned tournaments, EKYSA teams shall not play on any venue against any teams that are not members of KYSA. 

EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY

Players may not wear anything that the referee considers dangerous to themselves, their teammates, or opponents.  Shin guards, worn under the socks, are mandatory. Molded round rubber cleats are recommended for most conditions.  Shoes with a single toe cleat are not allowed.  Shoes with metal/hard plastic cleats specifically designed for soccer, such as the screw-in type, are allowed at U14 and above.  All items of jewelry are normally considered dangerous.  An item of clothing or jewelry that is clearly religious or medical in nature should be permitted to be worn if the referee determines it is not dangerous and not likely to provide the player with an unfair advantage.  Except for the keepers, players must tuck their jerseys inside their shorts.  Only keepers are allowed to wear caps, pads, or other special items clearly related to the goal keeping function.

 

THE PLAYERS

 

The referee is only obligated to insure that the number of players per side on the field is at least the minimum and no more than the maximum.  Short sides may add only younger or same age-group players from other teams but no more than required for a full side.  Players may only play up one division.  Substitutions can only be made with the referee’s permission.  Referee must receive prior notification of any keeper changes made during the match or at halftime.  Substitutions in and out shall be made where the halfway line meets the touchline on the team side of the field.  Players from either team will wait off the field at this location until the above conditions are met and the center referee allows the substitution.  The playing time for all recreational players is a minimum of one-half the game and all attempts shall be made to comply with the same.  A coach may bench a player for misconduct regardless of the amount of time played in the match. 

THE REFEREE

In cases where no assigned referee shows up for a match, coaches will attempt to obtain a neutral party to act as referee.  If no neutral party can be obtained for the entire match, coaches, assistants, or spectators from each team can alternate officiating the halves.  Under no circumstances will any match have more than one center referee on the field at a time.  If requested by the referee, each team shall provide a club linesman, usually a parent.  Club linesmen shall ONLY call in and out and signal the direction of the throw-in.  Out is when the whole of the ball crosses the whole of the line.  Club linesmen may cheer their team but should do no coaching.  Certified referees will notify the center referee if their children are in the match or they otherwise have a conflict of interest.  Unless otherwise instructed by the center referee, they shall act as club linesmen and not as Assistant Referees for that match.

THE MATCH
 
Duration:

U19 – two 45 minute halves

U16 – two 40 minute halves

U14 – two 35 minute halves

U12 – two 30 minute halves

U10 – two 25 minute halves

U08 – four 10 minute quarters

Halftime shall be 10 minutes.  Quarterly breaks shall be 2minutes.  Under no circumstances will the coaches or referee shorten these breaks below the minimum without the consent of the players. Teams will change ends and possession of the ball for the second half kick-off.  If the referee has decided to suspend, terminate, or abandon a match for reasons covered under Law 5, coaches shall not override that decision.  Coaches are not obligated to resume a suspended match if they believe their players are in imminent serious danger.  If another match is scheduled that day for that field, the suspended match will be terminated or abandoned if it will delay the start time of the following match by more than 15 minutes.  In any case, a match will be terminated or abandoned if it cannot be completed within 1 hour from the original finishing time.  When lightning or thunder are first noticed, the referee will temporarily suspend the match.  Players will get inside of cars or a suitable building.  The primary responsibility to insure that players wait in a safe manner lies with the coaches.  The match will not restart earlier than 20 minutes from the most recent sign of thunder or lightning.

FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

Slide tackling is not allowed at U12 and younger age groups and referees shall, as a minimum, apply the Law 12 criteria for playing in a dangerous manner.  Law 12 otherwise applies and certain factors may dictate a more severe penalty.  Ejected players will sit out the next scheduled game that their team plays and the player attends.  This will carry over to the following season where applicable.  Misconduct of spectators or coaches that affects the game should be handled early.  EKYSA official personnel witnessing such misconduct or unruly behavior should actively support referees and others.  Where it is safe to do so, they should tactfully approach the offender before the situation gets out of hand.  Serious misconduct shall be reported to the Board.  Should a spectator(s) become unruly, abusive, or unsporting to the extent that it affects the match, the referee may stop the match and confer with opposing coaches.  If deemed necessary by the referee, the coaches will ask the offending spectator(s) to leave the field.  If the offender fails to leave, the referee will terminate the match.  Sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or other unsporting behavior directed at the referee by coaches or players may result in the referee asking the offending person(s) to leave the field.  If no responsible adult can assume coaching responsibilities, the referee shall suspend the match.  At the referee’s discretion, coaches may politely and constructively ask at halftime or after the match for an explanation of a ruling.  Negative criticism of a youth referee expressed publicly by coaches, referees, or other league officials will not be tolerated.  In addition to counseling the offender, EKYSA official personnel witnessing such conduct shall report it to the EKYSA board in a timely manner.