Rules of Play

The John Werner Youth Soccer League philosophy is that kids come first: winning, egos, etc., come second.

For All Levels:

1. No slide tackling.
2. Allowances are made for co-ed teams when a town does not have a girl’s team for a particular grade.
3. Shin guards are mandatory.
4. Players can play up a grade level but not down.
5. Size four balls are used in all league games.
6. Teams are on one side of the pitch, spectators on the other.
7. No flip throw-ins.
8. Coaches must carry medical release forms all times.
9. No overtimes.
10. Playing time should be roughly equal for all players.
11. U.S. Soccer rules apply and are slightly different than high school (National Federation) rules.
12. Jewelry may not be worn during play.
13. All games are played 8 v 8.
14. Recommended field measurements:
    60 – 80 yards long; 40 yards wide;
    6 x 18 feet goal;
    10 x 24 yard penalty area;
    7 yard center circle.
15. No heading in games. If a head ball happens, play is stopped and an indirect kick is awarded to the other team at the spot of the infraction. If the header occurs within the goal box, the indirect kick is moved outside of the goal box nearest the infraction.
16. No punting/drop kicking by the the goalkeeper.
17. On all goalie possessions, the opponents must drop behind the yellow build out line and cannot enter until the ball is played (changed from touched by a second player). This complies with US Youth Soccer rules on this matter.
18. The build-out line is to be placed half way between the center line and the penalty area on all fields.
19. NEW: If a team is up by 6 goals or more the opposing team may add an extra player to the field at their discretion.

3rd/4th Grade:

1. Retake illegal throw in one time only
2. No penalty kicks; take direct kick outside the box
3. Goal kicks are taken from the edge of the penalty box, not the goalie area (six yard line); other team should be behind the build-out line.
4. Offsides called when team gains obvious advantage; explain rule. If a player is constantly offside, stop play and explain rule; restart with a drop ball.
5. 4 fifteen minute quarters with running time.
6. Substitutions: any time play is stopped. Keeper may be substituted, as would any other player; however referee must be notified and clock is stopped for any uniform change.

5th/6th Grade:

Same rules as 3rd/4th grade but add:

1. No retakes on throw ins, penalty kicks
2. 30 minute halves vs. 15 minute quarters