OLD DOMINION SOCCER LEAGUE RULES
Play in the OLD DOMINION SOCCER LEAGUE (ODSL) will be in accordance with FIFA laws of
the game as published in the current edition of the "FIFA Laws of the Game Guide for Referees
United States Soccer Federation" and these operating procedures.
All clubs and teams participating in the ODSL are bound by these rules and operating
procedures. Lack of knowledge of the ODSL Rules and Procedures will not relieve any coach, team
offical, parent, or player participating in the ODSL from their responsibilities.
LAW II. U-12 age groups and younger use a size 4 ball. U-13 age groups and older use a size 5 ball.
LAW III. The minimum number of players required to begin or continue a match is seven when playing eleven per side. The minimum number of players is six when playing less than 11 per side. A team may have a 15 minute grace period in which to meet the player minimum. The beginning of the game may be delayed 15 min if the field is unplayable, while the home team makes repairs or corrections. SUBSTITUTES: Substitutions may be made with the consent of the referee: Prior to a throw-in. Unlimited, by the team in possession of the ball. Prior to a goal kick. Unlimited, by both teams. After a goal is scored. Unlimited, by both teams. Injury causing a stoppage in play. At half time. Unlimited, by either team. After a caution has been issued, at the request of the player's coach.
LAW IV. Player cards should be checked by referees prior to each game. A team has until the end of the match to produce player passes if requested by either coach or the referee. Any irregularities should be reported on the referee report card. Casts or splints will be allowed only with the permission of the referee. If the referee believes the cast or splint presents a danger, he may disallow it and the player may not play. Field players' jerseys must be numbered and must be tucked into the shorts at all times. When there is a color conflict, the home team must change colors.
LAW V. If the referees do not arrive, the game may be started (played) using volunteers if BOTH coaches agree. A referee arriving after the start of a game will take position at the next stoppage in play, and continue the game as if he had been there the entire time. Referees are responsible for the enforcement of the laws of the game and for insuring proper behavior by spectators, coaches and other team personnel. The referee may banish a coach, team official or spectator from the area where the game is being played. The referee may send off a coach for persistent misbehavior on the part of a spectator who has been previously warned. The referee may suspend the game while the banished individual leaves the area to the satisfaction of the referee. If the person does not depart the area, the referee may terminate the game. Such actions must be reported. The ODSL REFEREE GAME REPORT must be completed and mailed within 24 hours.
LAW VII. Duration of the game.
U-19 - 90 minutes
U-17 -
90 minutes
U-16 - 80 minutes
U-15 - 80 minutes
U-14 - 70 minutes
U-13 - 70
minutes
U-12 - 70 minutes
U-11 - 60 minutes
U-10 - 50 minutes - Small sided
U-09
- 50 minutes - Small sided
No additional periods will
be played in tie games. Ties will stand.
Home coach is responsible for safety of field and goals. A home coach has no more than 15 minutes to make corrections to the field. After 15 minutes, if the field is still unplayable, the game will be forfeited to the visiting team.
Forfeits can only be declared by the ODSL Board of Directors. Referee should play the matches as scheduled and report any irregularities on the report card. NO GUEST PLAYERS ARE ALLOWED