Under 13 Rules

OUTDOOR SOCCER

LAW #1 - THE FIELD OF PLAY

The field shall be a mini-field. The length shall be 60-70 meters and the width 36-42 meters. The goal area is ALIVE. Players can enter this area. The goal keeper is allowed to handle the ball with their hands in this area only. All infractions by the opposing team in the penalty area will result in a penalty kick including a hand ball. The penalty mark is the point in which a penalty kick will be taken.

LAW # 2 - THE BALL

The ball shall be spherical and made of approved materials that are not dangerous to the players. The ball shall be size 4.

LAW # 3 - NUMBER OF PLAYERS

The game will be played with 8 players per team 1 being the goalkeeper. Unlimited substitutions are allowed during stoppage in play as long as it does not delay a free-kick, corner kick or throw-in provided the player leaving the field returns to the bench before the sub enters the field. Goal keepers shall change at half time only, unless an injury occurs to keep the flow of the game. If number of players present are low, the game can be played with less players per side (6 on 6, or 5 on 5). In extreme situations, coaches can borrow players from the other team to make it even if they want.

LAW # 4 - PLAYERS EQUIPMENT

SHIN PADS ARE A MUST and socks long enough to cover the shin pads, sweat pants are allowed. NO jewelry is permitted, with exception to medic alert bracelets, etc. NO METAL CLEATS! No hats, toques are allowed if the weather is cold.

LAW # 5 - REFEREES

Under 13 - When referees are available, BYSI will appoint a referee. If referees are unavailable coaches/assistant coaches will assist by officiating.

LAW # 6 - DURATION OF THE GAME

The game shall consist of two 25 minute halves with a 5 minute half time. Prior to the start of the game, a 5 minute WARM-UP will occur.

LAW # 7 - START OF PLAY

The first team listed on the schedule will be considered the home team and have first kick-off. The away team will be given choice of ends. Once the referee signals, the ball is kicked from center, while all players are in their own half with the opposing team not more than 6 yards from the ball. The ball is in play once it travels its circumference a forward direction. The kicker shall not touch the ball a second time until it is touched by another player. When a goal is scored the game is restarted in the same manor with the team scored upon kicking off. After half time the opposite team that started the game will have kick-off. A goal shall not be scored from a kick-off. Drop balls are used to restart a game after a temporary suspension in the game, example: injuries. The ball shall be dropped where the play stopped. It may not be touched until it has hit the ground.

LAW # 8 - BALL OUT OF PLAY

The ball is out of play when it completely crosses the goal line or touch line or when the game is stopped by the referee.

LAW # 9 - METHOD OF SCORING

A goal is scored when the entire ball passes over the goal line, between the goal posts and under the cross bar.

LAW # 10 - OFFSIDE

There is no off-side in mini-soccer, except that at kick-off, players must be in their own half of the field.

LAW # 11 - FOULS AND MISCONDUCTS

A player who: kicks, trips, jumps at charges, holds, pushes, handles the ball with their hands, steps in the goal area or plays in a dangerous manner shall be penalized by the other team being awarded a free-kick from where the offence occurred. If a player intentionally commits an above offence in the penalty area the other team will be awarded a penalty-kick. A player will be cautioned if the infringements persist; the player shows dissent to the referees’ decision or is guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct. In addition a free-kick will be awarded. If a player receives a red card they must leave the field of play for the remainder of the game, however they may be replaced by another team member. ANY VIOLENT CONDUCT WILL RESULT IN THE PLAYER BEING KICKED OUT OF THE LEAGUE FOR THE SEASON OR INDEFINATELY**SEE ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY**

LAW # 12 - FREE-KICKS

All free-kicks shall be direct, from which a goal can be scored, without being touched by another player. When a defending player is taking a free-kick within the penalty area all players shall be 6 meters from the ball and outside the penalty area. Once the ball travels its circumference and is beyond the penalty area it is in play. The goal keeper shall not receive the ball into his hands. If the ball is not kicked beyond the penalty area the kick will be retaken. The kicker may not touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player or the kick shall be retaken by the opposing team. Free-kicks are to be taken from where the offense occurred, unless within the goal area or penalty area.

LAW # 13 - PENALTY KICK

A penalty kick shall be taken from the penalty mark. All players shall be outside the penalty area and not less than 6 meters from the penalty mark, except the kicker and the defending goal keeper. The goal keeper must stand on the line without moving either foot until the ball is kicked. The kicker must kick the ball forward and cannot touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player once it has traveled its circumference. A goal may be scored from a penalty kick.

LAW # 14 - THROW-IN

When the entire ball passes over a touch-line it shall be a thrown in from where it left the field by a player of the opposite team to the player that last touched it. The thrower must face the field with both feet on the ground and shall be delivered from behind and over the head. The ball becomes in play as soon as it enters the field, but the thrower must not play the ball until it is touched by another player. A goal shall not be scored from a throw-in. If the throw-in is done incorrectly it will be retaken after advice from the referee. If it is improperly thrown again it shall be taken by the opposing team.

LAW # 15 - GOAL KICK

When the entire ball crosses the goal-line, but not between the goal posts, by the attacking team it will be kicked back into play by the goal keeper within the goal area nearest to where it crossed the line. If the ball is not kicked beyond the penalty area the kick will be retaken. The kicker shall not kick the ball a second time until it is touched by another player. Players of the opposing team must remain outside the penalty area until the ball has been kicked out of the penalty area. If the goal keeper touches the ball a second time before being touched by another player a free-kick will be awarded to the opposing team from where the infringement occurred.

LAW # 16 - CORNER KICK

When the entire ball crosses the goal-line, but not between the goal posts, by the defending team a member of the attacking team will be awarded a corner kick. The whole of the ball shall be placed within the corner circle nearest the flag post, which must not be moved, and shall be kicked from that position. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick. Opposing players must remain 6 meters back until the ball is kicked and the kicker may not touch the ball a second time until it is touched by another player. If the player touches it a second time the opposing team is awarded a free-kick from where the infringement occurred. For any other infringement the kick shall be retaken.