• Richmond Metro Youth Soccer League:

    Richmond Metro Youth Soccer League Rules
    2004


    The Richmond Metro Youth Soccer follows the standard FIFA Laws of the Game as adhered to by the U.S. Soccer Federation, and, for youth leagues, the U.S. Youth Soccer Association, the Virginia Youth Soccer Association, and standard youth soccer rules and regulations.

    The following paragraphs are rule modifications that apply to all of the leagues associated with RMYSL. These modifications are in addition to other modifications that the individual leagues may make as discussed in the following sections that deal specifically with those leagues.

    [Index]
    Game Ball Size
    Under 12 and younger use a No. 4 ball.
    Under 13 and older use a No. 5 ball.

    Ball Surface
    Synthetic balls must be used when grass is wet.

    Length of Games
    Under 19: 45 minute halves
    Under 17: 45 minute halves
    Under 16: 40 minute halves
    Under 15: 40 minute halves
    Under 14: 35 minute halves
    Under 13: 35 minute halves
    Under 12: 30 minute halves
    Under 11: 30 minute halves
    Under 10: 25 minute halves
    Under 9: 25 minute halves

    Time will run continuously, being stopped only when the severity of a player's injury requires that he not be moved.

    Player equipment

  • Splints/casts will not be permitted.

  • Safety straps are required for players who wear glasses. Wire rimmed glasses will not be permitted.

  • Jerseys will be numbered distinctly, with no number being repeated.

  • Shin guards are required.

  • All player uniforms must be identical. Socks must match. Players may not wear one red and one blue sock, for example.

  • Socks must be in the pulled up position and cover the shin guards.

  • Shirts/jerseys must be tucked into the shorts.

  • Jewelry will not be permitted during play.

    • Referees, Substitutions

    Referees

    There will be three (3) referees for all games.

    If no referees are present at the scheduled game time, the match may be played with a volunteer referee if both coaches agree. If an official(s) arrives late, the match will be turned over to the referee at the next stoppage in play.

    In the event there are an insufficient number of referees, club linesmen may be used. If an official arrives late, he will assume his responsibilities at the next stoppage in the game.

    RMYSL encourages teams to play a match if at all possible. Referees are not to declare a game a forfeit. The referee shall report any circumstance, such as lack of player passes or fewer than the minimum number of players that could possible result in forfeiture, on the RMYSL Official Game form. The Referee Coordinator will declare the match as a forfeit after receiving the game form. Decisions concerning forfeiture may be appealed to the Appeals Committee. (See Appeals section)

    Substitution

    Substitutions shall be made from MIDFIELD with the CONSENT OF THE REFEREE at the following times and is unlimited. Players leaving the game should come off the field prior to new players entering the field at the following times:

  • Prior to a throw-in in your favor

  • Prior to a goal kick, by either team

  • After a goal, by either team

  • After an injury, by either team when the referee stops play, one for one

  • At half time, by either team

  • When a player receives a caution (yellow card), for the cautioned player only.

    NOTE: No substitution is permitted on corner kicks.

    • Behavior at Fields

    Team Side
    Both teams are required to take the same side of the field. The Home team is responsible for choosing the side of the field the teams will occupy.

    Members of each team will remain on opposite sides of the center line. Team officials and players are to remain between the center line and the 18 yard line. All are to be at least 3 feet behind the touchline.

    Coach Responsibilities
    During the match, each coach is responsible for the behavior of his team and any adults on his sideline.

    Spectator Area
    All spectators are to take the side of the field opposite the teams.

    Spectators should remain at least 3 feet behind the touchline.

    Coaches will not be responsible for the behavior of the spectators; however, the referee shall abandon the match if the spectators become unruly and out of control.

    NOTE: Any player, coach or spectator who encourages a team or individual members of a team to intentionally injure or physically abuse a member of another team is guilty of a serious breach of the RMYSL Code of Conduct.

    VYSA Referee Assault/Abuse Policy
    Any player, coach, or spectator who verbally abuses a referee shall be fined $500. Any player, coach, or spectator who assaults a referee shall be fined $1000.