The games will be canceled if the officials or division coordinators believe the field is unsafe, or will be severely damaged if played upon. If you are not the first game of the day, call the coaches hotline number for information. Cancellation of games on one field DOES NOT MEAN THAT ALL GAMES ARE CANCELED. Each field is considered separately. Check your field when in doubt.
Red Cards
Please assist the officials if this situation occurs. If it is a player, you may not substitute for them and must play short. They may not play the next game either. If it is a spectator, they must leave the area before the game will proceed. The referee may end the game, if the carded adult does not leave. Please assist the officials. Red cards are given for serious offenses or serious dissent. Stay calm and just let the children play. Red cards will be given to coaches who come onto the field of play unless invited on by the referee.
Yellow Cards
It is required that the carded player be substituted for and talked to on the sideline by the coach.
Substitutions: Divisions U6 & U8
These divisions play quarters (U5/U6: 4 x 6 minutes, U7/U8: 4 x 10 minutes). At the beginning of each quarter the referee will come to the touchline at the halfway line to mark out each subbed-out player. Please have every sub there with his back to the referee, so that each jersey number can be verified. NO player may sit out a second quarter until every player on the team has sat out one quarter. There are NO exceptions to this rule, except when a player comes late to a game.
Quarter time-outs are only to be long enough to change substitutes, and not for snacks or team meetings. Only players to be subbed-out are to leave the field. Quarter breaks are to take about 1 minute.
Substitutions - Divisions U10, U12, U14, and U19:
These divisions play halves and have free substitution. A team may substitute on their OWN throw-in, their OWN corner-kick, or anyone’s goal kick or kick off. A team may not substitute when their opponent does, only when the above conditions apply. The intention of this option is to allow each player to sub into different positions, and that each player will play an equal amount of time. Please do not abuse this privilege or we will be forced to go back to quarters. Let the children play.
When you wish to substitute - when the conditions are met that allow you to sub - yell “SUB” before the ball is put in play. The referee must acknowledge your intention. The linesperson will hold up their flag and count the number of players entering the field. When an equal number have left the field, the flag will be dropped and play will continue. The clock keeps running during substitutions, so please be quick about it. You will probably have two (2) goalie shirts. When you with to substitute keepers, ensure that the new keeper has his/her shirt on so that play will not be unduly delayed. Soccer has running time, so if you have just one goalie shirt, change as quickly as possible.
Questions for Referees:
The referees are instructed to come to each team at half and at the end of the game. During this time, they will answer any questions. Please save any questions for these times, and refrain from interrupting the game. Coach during the week, and let the players play. Enjoy the game. Support your officials, and help control the game and the spectators. Remember, we are all in this together. This is to be a good time for all involved. Be a good sport, and lead by example. It may be the most important thing you do!
Slide-Tackling and Offsides:
No slide-tackling in divisions U5, U6, U7 & U8. Offsides will be called in divisions U19, U14, U12 and U10 and in blatant situations in division U7 and U8.
