The following rule 3.14 was passed at the 2016 Semi-AGM, with some housekeeping modifications made in June 2016. These are already incorporated in the NTSSA Bylaws and Rules. Listed below in red are some additional housekeeping changes made by USSF in August 2016, that may be used but are not yet incorporated in the NTSSA Bylaws and Rules:
(Please note rule 3.14 and Tournament Rules changes are recommended 2016/2017; mandated 2017/2018)
3.14 NTSSA RULES OF COMPETITION
FIFA Laws of the Game as Modified (recommended 2016/2017; mandated 2017/2018)
The Rules of Play for Adult and Youth competition of NTSSA and its affiliated members shall be the FIFA Laws of the Game modified as follows in each Law of the Game below:
3.14.1 Law I - Field of Play
Realizing that we must generally accept and play upon fields furnished by the various municipal parks departments, the following are recommended field and goal sizes:
Age Groups Field Width Field Length Goal Size
Adult
All Ages Max. 80 yds. Max. 120 yds. 8ft. x24 ft.
Youth
Under 19 Max. 80 yds. Max. 112 yds. 8 ft. x 24 ft.
Under 16 Max. 75 yds. Max. 112 yds. 8 ft. x 24 ft.
Under 14 Max. 75 yds. Max. 112 yds. 8 ft. x 24 ft.
Under 12 44 - 55 yds. 70 – 80 yds. Max 76.5 ft. x 2118.5 ft Recommend 6.5 ft. x 18.5 ft..
Under 10 35 – 45 yds. 55 – 65 yds. Max. 6.5 ft. x 18.5 ft.
Recommend 6.5 ft. x 12 ft.
Under 8 and younger 15 – 25 yds. 25 – 35 yds. 4 ft. x 6 ft.
3.14.2 Law II - The Ball
Ball sizes for various age groups will be as follows:
Age Groups Ball Size
Under 13 and older Size #5
Under 12 and Under 10 Size #4
Under 8 and younger Size #3
3.14.3 Law III - Number of Players and Substitution
1. Under 13 and older shall play 11v11.
2. Under 12 shall play 9v9
3. Under 10 shall play 7v7
4. Under 8 and younger shall play 4v4 with no goal keeper.
5. Substitution Rule – Youth under 8 and older
a. At a throw-in, by team in possession only;
b. Either team, at a goal-kick;
c. Either team, after a goal is scored;
d. Either team at an injury, when the referee stops the play:
e. At halftime or quarter /period for Under 8 and younger;
f. When a caution (yellow card) is given in Under 9 and older, that player may be substituted for.
*** NTSSA allows for the use of the "Quarter Substitution System" for those Youth Member Associations who want to use it in the Under 87 and younger age groups only.
The referee will hold up the game for substitutions at a normal stoppage of the game (throw in, goal kick, etc.) at a time nearest to one-half the way through each regular half time period.
6. Each recreational player, when present at a game, shall be required to play a minimum of 50% of the time, unless the player's time has been reduced for medical or disciplinary reasons, in which case the coach must notify the player, and the opposing coach prior to the beginning of the game that the minimum time has been reduced (non-attendance at practice and non-payment of fees may be cause for disciplinary action).
7. Substitution Rule - Adults: FIFA rules for substitution will apply.
8. Teams shall be allowed the following maximum number of players on its roster at any given time during the seasonal year.
Adult – maximum 25 players
Under 16 and Under 19 – maximum 22 players
Under 14 – maximum 18 players
Under 12 – maximum 16 players
Under 10 – maximum 12 players
Under 8 and younger– recommend 6, maximum 8 players
3.14.4 Law IV - Player's Equipment
Each player shall have a number on the back of his jersey not less than four (4) inches high. Shin guards, meeting the standards set forth in the FIFA Laws of the Game or subsequent memoranda, shall be mandatory.
3.14.5 Law V - Referee *** Conforms with FIFA - Except for Under 8 and younger the following applies:
1. Registered Referees
2. Parent/Coach or Assistant Coach
3. Referee's decisions on points of fact connected with the game shall be final.
4. All rule infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending player.
5. Only registered Referees have the power to caution or send off players.
3.14.6 Law VI - Assistant Referee
Properly trained and registered referees may be used by Member Associations for Under 9 and older There are no Assistant Referees in Under 8 and younger.
3.14.7 Law VII - Duration of Game
Age Groups Length of Periods Length of Overtime Adult
Adult Two 45 min. Two 15 min.
Youth
Under 19 Two 45 min. Two 15 min.
Under 16 Two 40 min. Two 15 min.
Under 14 Two 35 min. Two 10 min.
Under 12 Two 30 min. Two 10 min.
Under 10 Two 25 min. Two 10 min.
Under 8and younger Max. Four 10 min.Three 15 min.None
Recommend Four 8 min.
Under 7 and younger Four 8 min. None
3.14.8 Law VIII - Start of Play *** Conforms with FIFA except for Under 8 and younger opponents must be at least ten (10) feetthree (3) yards from the ball.
3.14.9 Law IX - Ball in and out of Play *** Conforms with FIFA
3.14.10 Law X - Method of Scoring *** Conforms with FIFA except for Adult Coed play, two (2) points may be awarded for a goal by a female player if local playing rules so provide.
3.14.11 Law XI - Off-Side *** Conforms with FIFA except that for Under 8 and younger there is no offside, and for Under 10 there is no offside between the halfway line and the build out lines.
3.14.12 Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct
1. Charging the goalkeeper in possession of the ball is NOT ALLOWED in any youth play in NTSSA. Possession is defined as: "One or two hands on the ball, holding it, bouncing it, tossing it up and then catching it, or patting it along the ground." Charging the goalkeeper in adult competitions (per FIFA laws) is left strictly up to the Adult Leagues involved.
2. It is not intentional "hand-ball" offense for any player to attempt to protect the vital areas of his or her body (chest, crotch, face) by placing hands or arms across them to protect them from
being struck at close range by the ball. The match referee shall be the sole judge of whether the hands or arms were used to deliberately propel the ball.
3. Coaches and assistant coaches are subject to the same game disciplinary procedures by the referee as are the players, i.e., cautions and/or ejections.
4. Under 10 and Under 9 – no punting is allowed. All attacking players must move behind the build out line which should be equidistant between the penalty area line and the halfway line.
3.14.13 Law XIII - Free Kick *** Conforms with FIFA except thatfor all free kicks are indirect kicks in Under 8 and younger and opponents must be at least ten (10) feetthree (3) yards from the ball.
3.14.14 Law XIV - Penalty Kick *** Conforms with FIFA except that there arefor no penalty kicks in Under 8 and younger.
3.14.15 Law XV - Throw-In *** Conforms with FIFA except for Under 8 and youngerUnder 7 are allowed a re-throw. Under 8 and younger6 and younger may use kick-in.
3.14.16 Law XVI - Goal Kick *** Conforms with FIFA except for Under 8 and younger opponents must be at least ten (10) feetthree (3) yards from the ball.
3.14.17 Law XVII - Corner Kick *** Conforms with FIFA except for Under 8 and younger opponents must be at least ten (10) feetthree (3) yards from the ball.
NTSSA YOUTH TOURNAMENT RULES
Recommended 2016/2017; mandated 2017/2018
(Rules used for all tournaments unless exceptions approved by NTSSA Cups and Games Committee)
1. Each team must have unique numbered jerseys. Alternate jerseys or numbered T-shirts must be available with a unique number for each player. Pennies may be used over the jersey resolve color conflicts. Goalkeepers are not required to have a number on their jersey but should be identified by number on the roster. Violators will be removed from the field and not allowed back on the field of play until player equipment is corrected. Home Team is team listed first on schedule. Home Team will change jerseys if there is a color conflict.
2. Home Team will occupy either the North or West side of playing field, except at complexes which are setup for teams/players to be on the opposite side of the field from spectators.
3. A game may be declared a forfeit by the Tournament Director/Committee if a team is not ready to play at the published time within ten (10) minutes of the game. At half-time the teams must be ready to resume play within five (5) minutes of the referee's designation.
4. The only protests allowed are for ineligible player and misapplications of the laws of the game that the referee admits. All protests must have a material impact on the outcome of the game and be reported in writing, with a One Hundred Dollar ($100) cashier's check, money order or cash.
5. Teams will play Mini-Games in preliminary & quarter-final games. Semi-final and Final games will be full length. Half-time will be five (5) minutes. (Under 6 – Under 8 do not play advancement games)
Division
Mini-Game Length
Full Game Length Ball Size
Overtime
U-87
and younger
n/a
(4) 8 Minute Quarters
3
n/a
U-8 n/a (3) 15 Minute Periods 3 n/a
U-10 20 Minute Halves 25 Minute Halves 4 (2) 10 Minute
U-12 25 Minute Halves 30 Minute Halves 4 (2) 10 Minute
U-14 30 Minute Halves 35 Minute Halves 5 (2) 10 Minute
U-16 30 Minute Halves 40 Minute Halves 5 (2) 15 Minute
U-17 35 Minute Halves 45 Minute Halves 5 (2) 15 Minute
U-19 35 Minute Halves 45 Minute Halves 5 (2) 15 Minute
Jewelry
No jewelry is allowed to be worn by the players during the game except for medical or religious purposes - in this case they must be taped to the body. Earrings of all types, necklaces, and bracelets (including Live Well type bands) cannot be worn during games.
Band-Aids/tape cannot be placed over newly pierced ears during games. All players must wear age appropriate shin guards worn under the socks. In case of a jersey conflict (color), the home team will wear alternate color jerseys with numbers - colored pinnies can be worn over the numbered game jersey.
Pets
All pets are strictly prohibited at our complexes. We have experienced children injured by "small, well behaved pets on a leash." We have also experienced animals injured by running children and soccer balls. We will enforce this prohibition. Games will not be started or continued until animals are removed from the complex.
Parent Code of Conduct
1. Encourage good sporting-like behavior.
2. Act as a positive role model by showing positive support for all players, coaches and game officials.
3. Refrain from criticizing game officials or opponents, without them my child could not participate.
4. Accept the results of each game; encourage my child to be gracious in victory, and to turn defeat into victory by working towards improvement.
5. Never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of the players.
6. Teach my child to play within the spirit and rules of the game.
7. Emphasize that the game is played for fun and the benefit of youth.
8. Remember that soccer is a team sport and will encourage my child to work with his or her teammates.
9. Avoid giving special rewards to my child for scoring, but rather promote the positive, fun aspects of team participation in the game.
10. Under no circumstances, authorize the use of performance enhancing substances.
Coach Mantras
Primary focus on "development", not "winning" - subtle difference but very important. Winning is desirable of course, but making it your primary focus, especially your primary short-term focus, will most likely lead to bad decisions in your training program and game execution.
Skills/Practices
We want our coaches equipped with the knowledge and experience to teach our boys and girls good fundemental soccer. With that being said we will offer coaching clinics before each season. With focus being on the younger age groups first and work our way to the older. Please if you are a new coach and would like someone to come out and train with you and your team and help you get organized for practices do not hesitate to email lgonzales@crowleysoccer.com.
Game times depend on the age group. Regular season Saturday games start around 9:00 am and are slotted all day long. Each game last roughly 45 - 90 minutes (younger ages play shorter games). Weeknight evening games start after 6:00 pm.
During tournaments, games may start as early as 8:00 am and last until after dark depending on light availablity at the field being playerd on. Sunday tournament games may occur in the morning in order to get all the game completed.
If your child is a returning player, every effort will be made to place your child on the same team as last season, as long as the coach and team are returning and you've not requested that your child be assigned to a new team. Please keep in mind that it's CSA policy to place additional players on teams with the shortest roster and without going over state-regulated roster size.
Coaches may NOT request that you play for their team. This is a serious violation of the recruiting rules.
Two things to note: you need to register your child in their correct age-group, using the Special Request Form to request that they "play-up." CISA has final approval of any player requesting to "play-up."
The following rule 3.14 was passed at the 2016 Semi-AGM, with some housekeeping modifications made in June 2016. These are already incorporated in the NTSSA Bylaws and Rules. Listed below in red are some additional housekeeping changes made by USSF in August 2016, that may be used but are not yet incorporated in the NTSSA Bylaws and Rules:
(Please note rule 3.14 and Tournament Rules changes are recommended 2016/2017; mandated 2017/2018)
3.14 NTSSA RULES OF COMPETITION
FIFA Laws of the Game as Modified (recommended 2016/2017; mandated 2017/2018)
The Rules of Play for Adult and Youth competition of NTSSA and its affiliated members shall be the FIFA Laws of the Game modified as follows in each Law of the Game below:
3.14.1 Law I - Field of Play
Realizing that we must generally accept and play upon fields furnished by the various municipal parks departments, the following are recommended field and goal sizes:
Age Groups Field Width Field Length Goal Size
Adult
All Ages Max. 80 yds. Max. 120 yds. 8ft. x24 ft.
Youth
Under 19 Max. 80 yds. Max. 112 yds. 8 ft. x 24 ft.
Under 16 Max. 75 yds. Max. 112 yds. 8 ft. x 24 ft.
Under 14 Max. 75 yds. Max. 112 yds. 8 ft. x 24 ft.
Under 12 44 - 55 yds. 70 – 80 yds. Max 76.5 ft. x 2118.5 ft Recommend 6.5 ft. x 18.5 ft..
Under 10 35 – 45 yds. 55 – 65 yds. Max. 6.5 ft. x 18.5 ft.
Recommend 6.5 ft. x 12 ft.
Under 8 and younger 15 – 25 yds. 25 – 35 yds. 4 ft. x 6 ft.
3.14.2 Law II - The Ball
Ball sizes for various age groups will be as follows:
Age Groups Ball Size
Under 13 and older Size #5
Under 12 and Under 10 Size #4
Under 8 and younger Size #3
3.14.3 Law III - Number of Players and Substitution
1. Under 13 and older shall play 11v11.
2. Under 12 shall play 9v9
3. Under 10 shall play 7v7
4. Under 8 and younger shall play 4v4 with no goal keeper.
5. Substitution Rule – Youth under 8 and older
a. At a throw-in, by team in possession only;
b. Either team, at a goal-kick;
c. Either team, after a goal is scored;
d. Either team at an injury, when the referee stops the play:
e. At halftime or quarter /period for Under 8 and younger;
f. When a caution (yellow card) is given in Under 9 and older, that player may be substituted for.
*** NTSSA allows for the use of the "Quarter Substitution System" for those Youth Member Associations who want to use it in the Under 87 and younger age groups only.
The referee will hold up the game for substitutions at a normal stoppage of the game (throw in, goal kick, etc.) at a time nearest to one-half the way through each regular half time period.
6. Each recreational player, when present at a game, shall be required to play a minimum of 50% of the time, unless the player's time has been reduced for medical or disciplinary reasons, in which case the coach must notify the player, and the opposing coach prior to the beginning of the game that the minimum time has been reduced (non-attendance at practice and non-payment of fees may be cause for disciplinary action).
7. Substitution Rule - Adults: FIFA rules for substitution will apply.
8. Teams shall be allowed the following maximum number of players on its roster at any given time during the seasonal year.
Adult – maximum 25 players
Under 16 and Under 19 – maximum 22 players
Under 14 – maximum 18 players
Under 12 – maximum 16 players
Under 10 – maximum 12 players
Under 8 and younger– recommend 6, maximum 8 players
3.14.4 Law IV - Player's Equipment
Each player shall have a number on the back of his jersey not less than four (4) inches high. Shin guards, meeting the standards set forth in the FIFA Laws of the Game or subsequent memoranda, shall be mandatory.
3.14.5 Law V - Referee *** Conforms with FIFA - Except for Under 8 and younger the following applies:
1. Registered Referees
2. Parent/Coach or Assistant Coach
3. Referee's decisions on points of fact connected with the game shall be final.
4. All rule infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending player.
5. Only registered Referees have the power to caution or send off players.
3.14.6 Law VI - Assistant Referee
Properly trained and registered referees may be used by Member Associations for Under 9 and older There are no Assistant Referees in Under 8 and younger.
3.14.7 Law VII - Duration of Game
Age Groups Length of Periods Length of Overtime Adult
Adult Two 45 min. Two 15 min.
Youth
Under 19 Two 45 min. Two 15 min.
Under 16 Two 40 min. Two 15 min.
Under 14 Two 35 min. Two 10 min.
Under 12 Two 30 min. Two 10 min.
Under 10 Two 25 min. Two 10 min.
Under 8and younger Max. Four 10 min.Three 15 min.None
Recommend Four 8 min.
Under 7 and younger Four 8 min. None
3.14.8 Law VIII - Start of Play *** Conforms with FIFA except for Under 8 and younger opponents must be at least ten (10) feetthree (3) yards from the ball.
3.14.9 Law IX - Ball in and out of Play *** Conforms with FIFA
3.14.10 Law X - Method of Scoring *** Conforms with FIFA except for Adult Coed play, two (2) points may be awarded for a goal by a female player if local playing rules so provide.
3.14.11 Law XI - Off-Side *** Conforms with FIFA except that for Under 8 and younger there is no offside, and for Under 10 there is no offside between the halfway line and the build out lines.
3.14.12 Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct
1. Charging the goalkeeper in possession of the ball is NOT ALLOWED in any youth play in NTSSA. Possession is defined as: "One or two hands on the ball, holding it, bouncing it, tossing it up and then catching it, or patting it along the ground." Charging the goalkeeper in adult competitions (per FIFA laws) is left strictly up to the Adult Leagues involved.
2. It is not intentional "hand-ball" offense for any player to attempt to protect the vital areas of his or her body (chest, crotch, face) by placing hands or arms across them to protect them from
being struck at close range by the ball. The match referee shall be the sole judge of whether the hands or arms were used to deliberately propel the ball.
3. Coaches and assistant coaches are subject to the same game disciplinary procedures by the referee as are the players, i.e., cautions and/or ejections.
4. Under 10 and Under 9 – no punting is allowed. All attacking players must move behind the build out line which should be equidistant between the penalty area line and the halfway line.
3.14.13 Law XIII - Free Kick *** Conforms with FIFA except thatfor all free kicks are indirect kicks in Under 8 and younger and opponents must be at least ten (10) feetthree (3) yards from the ball.
3.14.14 Law XIV - Penalty Kick *** Conforms with FIFA except that there arefor no penalty kicks in Under 8 and younger.
3.14.15 Law XV - Throw-In *** Conforms with FIFA except for Under 8 and youngerUnder 7 are allowed a re-throw. Under 8 and younger6 and younger may use kick-in.
3.14.16 Law XVI - Goal Kick *** Conforms with FIFA except for Under 8 and younger opponents must be at least ten (10) feetthree (3) yards from the ball.
3.14.17 Law XVII - Corner Kick *** Conforms with FIFA except for Under 8 and younger opponents must be at least ten (10) feetthree (3) yards from the ball.
NTSSA YOUTH TOURNAMENT RULES
Recommended 2016/2017; mandated 2017/2018
(Rules used for all tournaments unless exceptions approved by NTSSA Cups and Games Committee)
1. Each team must have unique numbered jerseys. Alternate jerseys or numbered T-shirts must be available with a unique number for each player. Pennies may be used over the jersey resolve color conflicts. Goalkeepers are not required to have a number on their jersey but should be identified by number on the roster. Violators will be removed from the field and not allowed back on the field of play until player equipment is corrected. Home Team is team listed first on schedule. Home Team will change jerseys if there is a color conflict.
2. Home Team will occupy either the North or West side of playing field, except at complexes which are setup for teams/players to be on the opposite side of the field from spectators.
3. A game may be declared a forfeit by the Tournament Director/Committee if a team is not ready to play at the published time within ten (10) minutes of the game. At half-time the teams must be ready to resume play within five (5) minutes of the referee's designation.
4. The only protests allowed are for ineligible player and misapplications of the laws of the game that the referee admits. All protests must have a material impact on the outcome of the game and be reported in writing, with a One Hundred Dollar ($100) cashier's check, money order or cash.
5. Teams will play Mini-Games in preliminary & quarter-final games. Semi-final and Final games will be full length. Half-time will be five (5) minutes. (Under 6 – Under 8 do not play advancement games)
Division
Mini-Game Length
Full Game Length Ball Size
Overtime
U-87
and younger
n/a
(4) 8 Minute Quarters
3
n/a
U-8 n/a (3) 15 Minute Periods 3 n/a
U-10 20 Minute Halves 25 Minute Halves 4 (2) 10 Minute
U-12 25 Minute Halves 30 Minute Halves 4 (2) 10 Minute
U-14 30 Minute Halves 35 Minute Halves 5 (2) 10 Minute
U-16 30 Minute Halves 40 Minute Halves 5 (2) 15 Minute
U-17 35 Minute Halves 45 Minute Halves 5 (2) 15 Minute
U-19 35 Minute Halves 45 Minute Halves 5 (2) 15 Minute
Jewelry
No jewelry is allowed to be worn by the players during the game except for medical or religious purposes - in this case they must be taped to the body. Earrings of all types, necklaces, and bracelets (including Live Well type bands) cannot be worn during games.
Band-Aids/tape cannot be placed over newly pierced ears during games. All players must wear age appropriate shin guards worn under the socks. In case of a jersey conflict (color), the home team will wear alternate color jerseys with numbers - colored pinnies can be worn over the numbered game jersey.
Pets
All pets are strictly prohibited at our complexes. We have experienced children injured by "small, well behaved pets on a leash." We have also experienced animals injured by running children and soccer balls. We will enforce this prohibition. Games will not be started or continued until animals are removed from the complex.
Parent Code of Conduct
1. Encourage good sporting-like behavior.
2. Act as a positive role model by showing positive support for all players, coaches and game officials.
3. Refrain from criticizing game officials or opponents, without them my child could not participate.
4. Accept the results of each game; encourage my child to be gracious in victory, and to turn defeat into victory by working towards improvement.
5. Never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of the players.
6. Teach my child to play within the spirit and rules of the game.
7. Emphasize that the game is played for fun and the benefit of youth.
8. Remember that soccer is a team sport and will encourage my child to work with his or her teammates.
9. Avoid giving special rewards to my child for scoring, but rather promote the positive, fun aspects of team participation in the game.
10. Under no circumstances, authorize the use of performance enhancing substances.
Coach Mantras
Primary focus on "development", not "winning" - subtle difference but very important. Winning is desirable of course, but making it your primary focus, especially your primary short-term focus, will most likely lead to bad decisions in your training program and game execution.
Skills/Practices
We want our coaches equipped with the knowledge and experience to teach our boys and girls good fundemental soccer. With that being said we will offer coaching clinics before each season. With focus being on the younger age groups first and work our way to the older. Please if you are a new coach and would like someone to come out and train with you and your team and help you get organized for practices do not hesitate to email lgonzales@crowleysoccer.com.