Pima Soccer League
The goals of the Pima Soccer League are for all children involved to have fun, learn to work as a team, develop good sportsmanship, gain self-esteem, get exercise, and in the process learn to play soccer.
THE BASIC RULES FOR THE PIMA SOCCER LEAGUE
1. A size 3 ball will be used for the Pee Wee teams, size 4 for Junior and Senior teams.
2. The match will be played by two teams. Each Pee Wee team will not have more than 6-8 players on the field at a time, each Junior team will not have more than 8 players on the field at a time, each Senior team will not have more than 11 players on the field at a time; one of these players will be the goalkeeper. If a team has less than the mentioned number of players, they have the option to play with fewer players or they may recruit payers from the Pima Soccer League of the same age, but only enough players may be recruited to make a full team on the field with no substitutes sitting on the sidelines. Each player must play at least ½ of each game, unless play is limited for disciplinary reasons. This must be worked out before game time involving the coach, player, and parents.
3. The basic equipment of a player consists of the following:
a. Team shirt
b. *Shin guards (Required at practice and games.)
c. *Footwear (Must be a non-sandal shoe. If cleats are worn, there must be no cleat as toe cleat- as on baseball cleats.)
*Provided by players.
4. There shall be one appointed referee to officiate each Pee Wee game. Two or three referees will be appointed for the Junior League games. Two or three referees will be appointed for the Senior League games.
5. The time of play will be as follows: Pee Wee League will have four – 7 minute quarters with a 2 minute substitution/drink break between the 1st and 2nd quarters and the 3rd and 4th quarters, with a 6 minute half-time break. Junior League will have four – 10 minute quarters with a 2 ½ minute substitution/drink break between the 1st and 2nd quarters and the 3rd and 4th quarters, with a 10 minute half-time break. Senior League will have four – 12 minute quarters with a 2 ½ minute substitution/drink break between the 1st and 2nd quarters and the 3rd and 4th quarters, with a 10 minute half-time break.
6. At the start of each game, choice of goal and kick-off are determined by the flip of a coin (or similar action). Every player shall stay in his own half of the field and the defense shall remain outside the center ring until the ball is kicked. The ball shall not be declared in play until it has traveled the distance of its own circumference. The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched or played by any other player.
7. The ball is out of play under the following circumstances:
a. When it has completely crossed a boundary line. (On the ground or while airborne. Player must be within the boundary lines to lay the ball.)
b. When the game has been halted by an official.
8. A goal is scored when the entire ball passes over the goal line. The ball must cross the goal line between the goal posts and under the crossbar. A goal is not scored if the ball was thrown by hand by a player of the attacking team. If no goals or an equal number of goals are scored, the game shall be deemed a “draw.” Mercy Rule – if a point spread of 10 goals is reached, the lagging team has the option of discontinuing the game or continuing play with the leading team removing their leading scorer(s) from play or (if substitutions are not available or the players involved have not yet played their full ½ of the game) placing them in more defensive positions.
9. A player is considered off-side if he is nearer to the opponent’s goal-line than the ball, except in the following cases:
a. He is in his own half of the field.
b. He is not nearer to his opponent’s goal-line than at least two of his opponents.
A player is only penalized for being off-side if the ball is played or touched by one of his team, or if he is involved in active play in one of the following ways:
a. Interfering with play.
b. Interfering with an opponent.
c. Gaining an advantage by being off-side
*This rule does not apply to Pee Wee teams.
10. Any player who commits one of the following offenses shall be penalized by the opposing team being awarded a direct, free-kick if committed in the penalty area. An indirect, free kick will be awarded if committed anywhere else on the field
a. Kicks, or attempts to kick any opponent
b. Trips an opponent
c. Charges an opponent
d. Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
e. Pushes an opponent
f. Tackles an opponent, but touches the opponent before the ball
g. Holds an opponent
h. Spits at an opponent
i. Handles the ball deliberately
j. Any endangerment violation (e.g. high kick)
Any player committing a flagrant foul will be given one warning at the first offense, and thrown out of the game on the second. If a parent exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct, the opposing team will be awarded a penalty kick.
11. Free kicks are one of two types:
a. Direct: Goal can be scored directly against the offending side. Only the person fouled may kick.
b. Indirect: Goal cannot be scored unless ball has been played or touched by a player other than the kicker before passing through the goal.
12. A penalty kick is taken from the penalty mark.
13. When a ball passes over a touch-line, it will be a throw-in from the point where it crossed the line. The thrower shall use both hands and shall deliver the ball from behind and over the head. The thrower may take one step but remain behind the touch-line. Thrower may not jump to throw the ball. Both feet must be touching the ground when the ball is released.
14. A goal kick is taken by a member of the defending team when the ball crosses the goal line outside of the goal area after last being played by a member of the defending team.
15. The attacking team is awarded a corner kick when the ball passes completely over the goal line outside of the goal area after last being played by a member of the defending team.
16. The goalie is the only one who may handle the ball while it is in play within the penalty area, except in the case when it is passed to him by his own team member. In this case, the goalie must kick the ball.
17. Spectators, players, and coaches will have good sportsmanship. If anyone chooses to act belligerently, they will be asked to leave.
RAIN POLICY: All games will be cancelled if lightning, hail, or standing water is present on the field. All teams will play in light rain with moderate temperatures. The Junior and Senior teams will play in all other rain conditions.
ILLNESS POLICY: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must be vigilant in preventing the spread of illness. If anybody (coaches, family members of players, spectators, players, refs) is feeling ill, please, don’t attend practices or games. We desire to have a successful season free of fear. We don’t want to have whole teams quarantined because someone who was ill chose to expose others at practices or games. Pima Soccer League encourages social distancing of spectators at games.
For information on official FIFA rules, please visit:
https://resources.fifa.com/image/upload/ifab-laws-of-the-game-2020-21.pdf?cloudid=d6g1medsi8jrrd3e4imp
October 2021 Version