RULES AND REGULATIONS - UPDATED May 2009

PREFACE

The Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer Association (WVYSA) exists to foster and perpetuate the game of soccer where fair play and proper sporting behavior will be displayed at all times. The following will be the rules and regulations governing team play in the Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League for the age groups U-6 (under six) through U-18 (under eighteen).

The following clubs are members of the Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League and agree to abide by the following rules: BACK MOUNTAIN, BEAR CREEK, COSMOS, FORTY FORT, HANOVER, KINGSTON, LARKSVILLE, MOUNTAINTOP, NANTICOKE, PLAINS, PLYMOUTH, SKYHAWKS, and STONERS

I. LAWS OF THE GAME AND RULES GOVERNING PLAY

The laws of the game will be governed by the FIFA rule book except where modified herein.

Practice may begin on August 1st.

III. FIELD OF PLAY

A. The designated home team (club) in any game is responsible for the preparation of the field before that game. The field should be distinctly lined and goal nets should be provided. Corner flags should be provided where possible.

B. All lines should be adjusted appropriately for downsized fields. All coaches and substitute players must remain within the designated area.

C. A spectator line of two yards deep must be provided parallel to each touch line

D.  Teams and players are to be positioned on one side of the playing field and spectators must be positioned on the opposite side of the field when possible. 

IV. PLAYERS

A.     All players must be properly registered through EPYSA and must be registered on that team's roster.

   B Permission must be obtained from WVYSA board in order to receive approval to over roster players on

    a team. A written request is required and the reason for this request must be given

C. Every rostered player present must play a minimum of half the game. This pertains to players playing periods, quarters or freely substituted during U-15/16 and U-17/18 games.

V. EQUIPMENT

A. The use of shin guards is mandatory.

B. Shirts must be tucked into shorts.

C. Socks must be pulled up over shin guards.

D. No metal spikes are allowed.

E. No rings, earrings, necklaces. bracelets or jewelry as well as hard hair clips will be allowed.  Eye glasses and medical alert bracelets will be permitted however these bracelets must be taped to players wrist.

F.  The designated home team is responsible for providing two (2) suitable game balls for each game.

G. Coaches should carry ice packs as well as emergency contact information during game day.

VI. REFEREES

A. A licensed FIFA referee is highly recommended for all age levels of play. However, if a licensed FIFA referee is not available or  the assigned referee does not arrive to referee the game, the two coaches must then agree upon a referee for the game. If an agreement cannot be reached, they may choose not to play the game.

B. During U-11 and up it is highly recommended to have two referees where possible.

C. It is suggested that the referee of the game, when possible, be at least two years older than the age level he/she is officiating.

VII. CONDUCT

A. All players, coaches, parents, spectators, etc. are expected to demonstrate proper sporting behavior at all times. Reference the Wyoming Valley Soccer Association Code of Conduct.  Refer to page 10.

B. Each team's coaches are responsible for insuring that their team's parents, spectators, etc. follow the rules of conduct and that the rule regarding the spectator line is followed.

C. Coaches and players must stay in the coaching box when provided. Once sides are established, coaches and players should not cross mid field line. There is absolutely no coaching from behind either goal.

D. If complaints are received, A Wyoming Valley sanctioned representative picked by the league will be sent weekly to evaluate games with complaints against coaches/parents. This Wyoming Valley official has the right to enter the field of play any time at his or her discretion to advise the official.

E. If a yellow card is given a player (U7-14) must be substituted and can return at the beginning of the next quarter; (U16-18) can return at the next stoppage his/her team�s advantage.

    F. If a red card is given to any player, a suspension of that game and next scheduled game will be

        given to that player. Team must finish the game, short 1 player.  (See red card addendum)

G.. A Violent act (physical or verbal) directed toward a referee will be reported directly to EPYSA.

VIII. CLUB ATTENDANCE AT LEAGUE MEETINGS

A. Clubs missing two consecutive Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League meetings will be fined $25.00 per missed meeting. After the fourth meeting missed the club's voting rights will be suspended. The club's president will be informed of this action by way of a registered letter. Their teams may continue to play in the league. To regain their voting rights, the club must attend two consecutive meetings and pay all fines.

B. It is the responsibility of the individual clubs to make sure they know when and where the meetings are to be held.

IX. GAME DAY

A. In the event that two teams are wearing similar uniforms, the team wearing colors not previously registered with the Wyoming Valley Youth Soccer League must provide alternate colored jerseys/pinnies during game day.

B. When a club�s fields are closed due to weather conditions, 2 hour notification of closure to club presidents before game time is required.

C. If a team is unable to roster the minimum number of players, a 2 hour notification to the club president and opposing coach is required.  

D. In the event a team does not attend a scheduled Wyoming Valley League game and does not notify the opposing coach, or the president of Wyoming Valley, via a personal phone call, or a phone call
from your clubs president, that team's parent club will be required to pay for referees present.

E.  A maximum of three coaches are allowed on the sidelines during a game.  Coaches are to be situated in the coaching area (half-way line to the top of the penalty area in their own half).   All coaches must have completed the risk management form.

X. PUBLICITY

Newspaper articles promoting youth soccer or publicizing intramural teams will be permitted, provided team records and / or standings are not included. Any club breaking this rule will be  fined $25.00 for each offense.

The Board of Directors; which includes the elected officers and club representatives of the WVYSA, reserves the right to take whatever action it feels may be necessary to correct any violation of the rules and regulations to ensure continued success of the soccer program for the youth of Wyoming Valley.

XII.  RULES

A. Start of Play-All players must be in their own half of the field with one team kicking off. Opponents must remain outside the center circle until the ball is played. Before the game decide who will kick off to begin the game and then change the kick off team at the beginning of each quarter. Kick off is intended to ensure possession and must go forward.

B. Ball In and Out of Play-When the WHOLE of the ball goes over the WHOLE of a boundary line, the ball is out of play.

C. Method of Scoring-A goal is scored when the WHOLE of the ball goes over the WHOLE of the part of the goal line defined by the cones or actual goal. Scoring goals is possibly the MOST fun a soccer player has during a game. Give players every opportunity to score a goal.

D. Goal Kick-If the team attempting to score a goal kicks the ball over the goal line outside the goal posts, the opposing team puts the ball back into play with a goal kick. The kick should be taken within the goal area and opposing players must remain outside of the penalty area until the ball is in play..

E. Corner Kick-Use an indirect free kick with the opponent 5 yards (10 yards U-11 and up; becomes a direct kick) away. If the team defending against a goal being scored kicks the ball over the goal line outside the goal posts, the opposing team puts the ball back into play with a corner kick.