Youth Soccer Rules

PLAY

1. To start the game the ball must be kicked forward in its own circumference.  The same player may not play the ball twice.  The ball must be kicked off forward to start the game by one player. He or she may only kick once on the kickoff before another player on either team touches it.
2. After the ball has been kicked off, it then maybe passed either forward or backward.
3. To score, the entire ball must cross the plane of the goal line.
4. Throw-in occurs when a team kicks the entire ball out of bounds across the touch lines (sidelines).  The ball must be thrown with both feet on or behind the line and must be thrown with both hands directly from behind and over the head.  A goal CANNOT be scored directly from a throw-in.
5. A goal kick occurs when the entire ball is kicked out of bounds by the offensive team over the goal line.  A defensive player must place the ball within the half of the goal box on the side where the ball went out of play and kick it from there.  All other defensive players must be out side the penalty area.  The ball must leave the penalty area before it is in play.  A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team.
6. A corner kick occurs when the entire ball is kicked out of bounds by the defensive team over the goal line.  An offensive player must place the ball on the arc in the corner of the field where the ball went out of play and kick it from there. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team.
7. A penalty kick is taken 12 yards from the goal, with only the goalie on the goal line to defend.  This is for a penalty requiring a direct free kick committed in the penalty area.  A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick.  Additional time is allowed for a penalty kick to be taken at the end of each half.
8. Opponents must remain ten (10) yards from the ball anytime a kick is being made.
9. Goal Keepers- The goalkeeper is the only player who can use his hands and then only inside the penalty area.

It is the parent’s responsibility to make sure their son or daughter attends all practices and games.  Any child who misses two (2) consecutive practices or games can be benched by the coach for one game. Any child who continuously misses practices or games will be dismissed from the team. It is the coaches’ responsibility to notify the Recreation Department of any childs missed games or practices.

2003