WINDHAM YOUTH SOCCER

REFEREE & COACH'S

GUIDE

This guide is to assist new or returning referees and coaches during Windham Youth Soccer (WYSA) in-house games.

The objective of W.Y.S.A. is to develop, promote, serve, and administer the game of soccer among youth under the age of 19 within the town of Windham. Emphasis is on teaching the kids to have fun while learning the game of soccer. As a referee/coach, you should add to this learning experience by taking a few moments to explain infractions of the law to the offending player, without a lengthy conversation that unnecessarily delays the game.

Any serious violation of the laws or harassment of the officials or players by coaches or spectators should be reported immediately (preferably in writing) to the referee coordinator or soccer board member.

The rules by which soccer is played are referred to as laws.

Recommended procedure for start of the game:

1. Arrive 10 minutes early to the assigned field.
2. Introduce yourself to the other referee. (In rare cases, certified referees may officiate a game without a second referee in which case, a parent from each team will be used as linesmen, one on each side of the field.)
3. Decide which referee will keep the time and which side of the field each will work.
4. Check field - cones in place, goal net attached securely, ball available.
5. Call captains of each team to center of the field.
6. Have captains shake hands with each other.
7. Select one captain from each team to call the coin toss.
8. The winner of the toss selects either side of the field to defend.
9. Timekeeper resets watch to track time.
10. Spot the ball in the center of the field, count the players of each team on the field and insure both teams are on their half of the field.
11. Call to each goalie to determine if they are ready to start play.
12. Move back away from the ball (approximately 6-10 yards away) and whistle to start the game.

Note: as soon as practical after starting the game, the timekeeper should insure the clock has started and is running correctly.

1. The length and width of the fields are pre determined.
2. Goal areas and penalty areas are marked. Keepers may handle the ball in the penalty area.
3. No one is allowed behind the goal during the game.

1. The ball used will be provided by WYSA.
2. If the ball becomes deflated during the game, you may use any suitable ball available, restart play with a dropped ball at the point where the ball first became deflated.

3. Ball sizes used:

• Ages 4 (Pre School) through  Grade 2 - size 3

• Grades 3 through 6 - size 4

• Grades 7 through 9 - size 5

1. Numbers of players: may vary each year depending on number of sign-ups in that age group.
2. A player sent off under LAWXII may be substituted for immediately.
3. Substitutes may be made by either team after a goal has been scored.
4. Substitutes by either team may be made anytime the ball is out of play (throw-ins, goal-kicks, corner kicks, or injury.)

5. Substitutes will enter the field at the MID-FIELD line and must be at  MID-FIELD when the ball goes out of play.

6. Each player on a team must play a  MINIMUM of one-half of the game.

1. Team Jersey, shin guards, stocking that cover the shin guards, shorts or sweat pants, and footwear are MANDATORY for all players
2. Sweatshirts etc., may be worn as long as the team jersey stays on the outside.
3. Jewelry is not permitted. This includes: rings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, NO EARRINGS OF ANY KIND. Medic alert necklace or bracelets must be taped to the body.
4. Any item that may be dangerous to the player or other players will not be allowed.
5. Due to cold weather, wool hats (no tassels) & gloves may be worn at the discretion of the referee (exception is goal keeper gloves may be worn during to whole game.
6. BASEBALL CAPS WILL NOT BE WORN BY FIELD PLAYERS BUT MAY BE WORN (BRIM FORWARD) BY THE GOALKEEPERS TO SHIELD THEIR EYES FROM THE SUN.

1. If no referee is available, a neutral coach or parent may be used.
2. The referee’s decisions are final and are not to be contested by coaches.  players or spectators.
3. The referee’s authority begins when he or she enters the field of play and continues until both teams have departed the field of play.
4. Referee will explain incorrect play to the offending player whenever practical so as not to delay the game.
5. The referee (or person assigned by the referee) will keep the time.
6. The referee will stop the game any time an injury occurs or when weather conditions are dangerous.

1. Linesmen may be used if two referees are unavailable. The referee will request a parent from each team and assign them to a sideline.
2. Linesmen if used will only signal when the ball is in or out of play. The referee will decide which team is being awarded the ball and will decide all fouls and misconduct.

GAME TIME IS AS FOLLOWS

PRESCHOOL and Kindergarten  (NO REFEREES, COACHES WILL BE ON THE FIELD DURING PRACTICE AND GAMES)

60 minutes consisting of ½ practice and ½ game, with  A 5 to 10 minute break at the half.

All Other Divisions

2 halves of 25 minutes

5 minute break at the half

All games are scheduled and should be played during allotted time slot. A horn will be blown at the top of the hour indicating end of game in play and start of next game. Game officially ends  with the referee's whistle.

NO OVERTIME IN THE REGULAR SEASON

PLAYOFFS WILL BE BASED ON THE WORLD CUP FORMAT

FIFA bracketing means you play everyone in your bracket (division) once. Season placement results will be based on points earned under the World Cup format as outlined below. Regular season game scores are not recorded and have no bearing on the playoffs. 

If there are more than six teams in a division there will be two pools of equal teams where each team plays every team in their respective pool. Pool winners will play each other in one final championship game.

Division placement (first, second, third,.etc.) will be determined by the World Cup Format point system as follows:

POINTS:

• 3 FOR A WIN

• 1 FOR A TIE

• 0 FOR A LOSS

TIE BREAKERS will be decided by the following criteria:

1. Head to head
2. Fewest goals given up
3. Goal differential (4 goal maximum per game)

Goal differential example: 

10-0 = +4

5-1 = +4

2-4 = -2

Game Duration:

2 halves of 25 minutes with a 5 minute break at the half

Referee may add time on any period as necessary to account for injuries or other delays.

1. At the referee’s signal, the game shall be started by a kickoff with a player taking a forward kick (any ball movement is sufficient) into his/her opponent’s half of the field of play (a forward pass). All players shall be in their team’s half of the field and all players of the opposing team of the kicker shall be outside the center circle until it is kicked.  The kicker may not play the ball again on the kickoff until it has been touched or played by another player on either team. A false start (kick backwards or a second consecutive kick by the same player) should be called back and retaken.

2. After a goal is scored, the team scored against shall restart play by a kickoff.

3. At the start of the second half, teams will exchange sides to defend and the team who started with the ball for the first half will defend for the kickoff of the second half.

1. The ball is out of play when it COMPLETELY crosses the touch (side) or goal (end) lines on the ground or in the air.
2. The ball is out of play when the referee has suspended play for any reason.

1. A goal is scored when the ball COMPLETELY crosses the goal line between the goal posts and under the cross bar
2. A goal will be awarded if any player other than the goalkeeper intentionally handles the ball in the goal area to prevent a goal.
3. A goal cannot be awarded for any other situation.

1. TO BE AN OFF-SIDE PLAY, A PLAYER MUST BE IN AN OFF-SIDE POSITION AND BE INVOLVED IN THE PLAY.
2. A PLAYER IS IN AN OFF-SIDE POSITION WHEN THEY ARE NEARER TO THE OPPONENTS GOAL THAN THE BALL WHEN THEIR TEAMMATE PASSES THE BALL UNLESS:

1. SHE/HE IS IN HER/HIS OWN HALF OF THE FIELD, OR
2. SHE/HE IS NOT NEARER THE GOAL THAN AT LEAST TWO DEFENDERS.

3. A PLAYER IS INVOLVED IN THE PLAY IF HE RECEIVES A PASS FROM HIS/HER TEAMMATE.
4. THE PENALTY FOR AN OFF-SIDE PLAY IS AN INDIRECT FREE KICK TO THE DEFENDING TEAM FROM THE PLACE WHERE THE PLAYER WAS OFF-SIDES
5. OFF-SIDE EXCEPTION: ALL 2ND GRADE AND BELOW DIVISIONS WILL PLAY  WITH NO OFFSIDE RULE, THEY ARE EXEMPT FROM THIS RULE. THESE YOUNGER PLAYERS ARE OFTEN CONFUSED BY THE OFFSIDE RULE.

1. No caution (yellow ) or send-off (red) cards will be used
2. All intentional fouls will result in an indirect free kick with the opponents no closer than six yards to the kicker.
3. Infractions should be explained to the offending player.
4. Repeat infractions may result in the player being sent out of the game through the end of the period.
5. Serious foul play or repeated infractions may be punished by removal of the player through the end of the game.
6. SLIDE TACKLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.
7. Fouls that will result in an indirect free kick are:

1. Kicking
2. Tripping
3. Pushing
4. Holding
5. Handling the ball, except goalie
6. Violent charging
7. Charging from behind
8. Dangerous play
9. Obstruction
10. Arguing with the referee
11. Slide tackle
12. Foul language

8. Intentionally kicking the ball back to the goal keeper, if the keeper handles the ball, is considered wasting time and will result in an indirect free kick from where the keeper plays the ball. However, keeper may use his or her feet to pass the ball.

1. All free kicks will be  indirect.
2. An indirect free kick must be touched by another player (teammate or opponent) before a goal can be scored.
3. All defending players must remain six yards from the ball prior to the kick.
4. For any free kick awarded within six yards of the goal line, the ball will be moved out six yards from the goal line and defenders will be allowed to stand on the goal line.
5. No whistle is needed to start play after award of a free kick.

1. Penalty kicks are not allowed in W.Y.S.A.
2. Penalty kicks may be taken during tournament games, depending on the particular season's playoff format.  

1. Five players from each team will meet at mid-field.
2. All others, coaches and spectators will be off the field.
3. First kick will be determined by flip of a coin, winner of flip may choose to kick first or last.
4. Teams alternate kickers from center to an open goal. Yelling at the kickers or any other action by players, coaches or parents to interfere with the kick should not be allowed.
5. Winner will be the team scoring more goals after five attempts each.
6. If teams are tied after five attempts, a sudden death version of the above to apply with winner having scored more goals after an equal number of shots by both teams.
7. NO PLAYER MAY ATTEMPT A SECOND PENALTY KICK UNTIL ALL PLAYERS ON THAT TEAM HAVE HAD A KICK.
8. The ball is dead when it completely stops moving or when it crosses the goal line.

1. The player taking the throw-in must have both feet touching and outside of the touch line.
2. The ball must travel from behind the thrower’s head, directly over his head and be released towards the field of play.
3. Both of the thrower’s feet must remain on the ground during the throw.
4. For an improper throw-in, a throw-in is awarded to the opposing team. (exception: a second throw-in will be given in the divisions of juniors or below, by the same player, after an explanation to the player.)
5. A ball that does not go onto the field from a throw-in will be thrown in again.

1. Goal kicks will be taken with the ball in the goal area, after the ball goes over the goal line outside of the goal post by the attacking team.
2. The ball may be placed anywhere within the six yard (goal area) box for the kick.
3. All defending players must remain outside the penalty area.
4. If a player touches the ball inside the penalty area, the kick will be retaken.
5. Exception to the Goal Kick rule for all 2nd grade teams and below as follows: 

• Opponents must be in their own half of the field when the kick is taken for all divisions 2^nd grade or below.

The following excerpt is from a memorandum from Soccer Maine dated September 16, 2000 concerning RULE 16:

"In regards to LAW 16, the defending team must retreat to its own end before the kick is taken. Once the kick is taken the defense may push forward in its attempt to win the ball back. In the more traditional setup, a wall of defenders often forms at the edge of the penalty area waiting for the kick. Because younger players are not physically mature, the kicker often has trouble kicking the ball beyond the wall of defenders, and consequently, a goal kick is something like a punishment for the kicking team. The defenders steal the kick right in front of the goal, and either score, or kick the ball out of bounds to begin the process over again. It’s hoped that by having the defending team retreat to its own end, the kicking team will be able to move the ball a significant distance away from its goal before it gets put under real heavy pressure.

The rule change is significant, and contributes to an improved caliber of play, because it affords the kicking team a fair chance to establish at least one pass or two of possession, and we believe that it is important to well played soccer. It also helps to get the defending team organized behind the ball. "

Again, this "fall back" exception only applies to 2nd grade and below teams of W.Y.S.A..

1. Corner kicks will be taken, when the ball goes over the goal line outside of the goal post by the defending team.
2. THE BALL MUST BE PLACED ON THE FIELD WITHIN ONE YARD OF THE CORNER (INSIDE THE ARC).
3. THE CORNER MARKER (CONE / FLAG) WILL NOT BE MOVED FOR THE KICK.
4. A GOAL CAN BE SCORED DIRECTLY FROM A CORNER KICK.
5. DEFENDING PLAYERS MUST BE AT LEAST SIX YARDS FROM THE CORNER MARKER.