St. Mary’s Youth Soccer Modified Laws of the Game

St. Mary’s Youth Soccer will follow FIFA Laws of the game except as noted here.

Guidelines for all Divisions

· Unlimited substitutions are allowed: after a goal, before a goal kick, before a throw-in for team in possession (the team not performing the throw-in may sub if the team in possession is making a substitution), and before the start of the half. 

· All players are required to play at least half the game, unless in the event of an injury or disciplinary action.  

· An easy to read site that discusses the Laws of the Game is at http://www.drblank.com/slaws.htm.

· Soccer/Athletic Shorts are required (No Zipper or Pockets).

· Wear league issued team shirt, tucked in. 

· Rubber Soccer Cleats or Sneakers are required. 

· Shin Guards covered by socks are required. 

· No Jewelry or chewing gum is allowed.

· Casts must be wrapped to protect other players and the player must have a doctor’s note stating that they are allowed to play.

· Referee will check players uniform for safety before each game. 

· Failure of a player to come prepared may result in the referee not allowing that child to play.

Recreation Division

U5 Division – This division is run as a clinic, meeting weekly for about 7 weeks. There are no formal teams. The day and time of the weekly clinic is determined by the Division Manager/Facilitator. Players are required to bring water, a #3 soccer ball, and wear shin guards.

U6 and U7 Divisions – This division provides the players the first opportunity to play on a formal teams, however goal keepers are not used in games. Teams typically meet once a week for practice and have a game on Saturday. Teams are split in half on game day and teams play 2 simultaneous 4v4 games using a #3 soccer ball, with the coach’s facilitating the games. No referees are used and there are no offsides. U6 and U7 play four 10 minute quarters.

U8 Division – Players are introduced to using goal keepers and having a USSF Certified referee officiating the game as the players move up to a bigger field. Teams play 6v6 including the goal keeper and use a #3 soccer ball. All kicks are indirect, there are no penalty kicks, and no offsides. U8 plays four 12 minute quarters.

U9 through U12 Divisions – Players in this division play with an 8v8 formation including the goal keeper and a #4 soccer ball.

U9 and U10 play 25 minute halves

U10 and U12 play 30 minute halves

U14, U15, and U18 Divisions – Players in this division play with an 8v8 formation including the goal keeper and a #5 soccer ball.

U14, U15, and U18 play 35 minute halves

Recreation Plus Division

U8 Division – Players in this division play with a 7v7 formation including the goal keeper and a #4 soccer ball.

U8 plays 25 minute halves

U10 and U12 Divisions – Players in this division play with an 8v8 formation including the goal keeper and a #4 soccer ball.

U10 plays 25 minute halves

U12 plays 30 minute halves

U14 Division – Players in this division play with an 8v8 formation including the goal keeper and a #5 soccer ball.

U14 plays 35 minute halves