Rules marked with “*” have been modified by Dacula Soccer Club and are considered “club rules”.  Contact the Dacula Soccer Club Referee Director if you have any questions.

RULE MODIFICATIONS FOR U-5/U-6 RECREATION LEAGUE
(as sanctioned by GYSA and DSC)

Field of Play (Law 1):

• No one shall be allowed behind the end lines during the course of a match.
• Coaches and players will be on opposite side of field from spectators.*

Ball Size (Law 2):

• Size 3 ball shall be used.

Number of Players (Law 3):

• Maximum number on the field – 3
• Number to start match – 3
• Number to finish match – 3

Substitutions (Law 3):

• One quarter per half is the mandated playing time minimum per player.
• There shall be four times to substitute – prior to kick-off at beginning of match; at the end of the first quarter; half time (end of second quarter); and at the end of the third quarter.
• Both teams shall substitute at the same time.
• A team may substitute in case of an injured player.  (Note:  it is recommended that an injured player still receive his or her minimum playing time if able to return.  An injured player may return to the match at any time with the permission of the match official.*)

Player’s Equipment (Law 4):

• Players shall wear only molded cleats or tennis shoes.
• Players shall not play with a cast.
• All players must wear shin guards covered entirely with socks.
• Jewelry and metal hair clips are not permitted.*

Duration of Game (Law 7):

• Four 8 minute quarters.
• Half-time shall last 5 minutes.

Start of Play (Law 8):

• Opponents must be three yards from the center mark while a kick-off is in progress.
• Goals may be scored directly from a kick-off.

Method of Scoring (Law 10):

• A team may not commit an “own-goal”.  If a player kicks the ball into his or her defensive goal, a goal will not be awarded to the opposing team.  The re-start will be a goal kick.*

Off-Side (Law 11):

• There is no off-side.

Fouls and Misconduct (Law 12):

• Match officials shall explain all infractions to the offending player.

Free Kick (Law 13):

• All free kicks will be indirect.
• Opponents shall be three yards away from all kicks.
• No kicks shall be taken by the attacking team within three yards of the defenders’ goal.

Penalty Kick (Law 14):

• No penalty kicks are to be taken during matches.

Throw In (Law 15):

• No throw-in will be used at this level per “New Ball” Method.

Goal Kick (Law 16):

• The kick may be taken within three yards from the goal line and the opponents must be standing at midfield.
• Goals may be scored directly from goal kicks.

Corner Kick (Law 17):

• No corner kick will be used at this level per “New Ball” Method.

Sportsmanship (Section 7000):

• Official score is not to be kept.  Emphasize having fun and learning the game, NOT winning.
• All persons in authority will conduct themselves in a manner that will not contribute to the delinquency of minors.
• Offensive, insulting and abusive language will not be tolerated, either on field of play or in field’s general area.
• Proper respect for opposing teams and spectators must be exhibited by all.
• Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, team officials and spectators.
• Physical violence, foul and abusive language, or harassment of players or match officials WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
• Any player or coach ejected from a game shall be automatically suspended from the next scheduled game.  In the event a player or coach refuses to leave the premises after having been ejected by a match official, he shall be automatically suspended from the next 2 games.  (Note:  Since some coaches coach more than one team, game suspensions will apply to the team for which the coach received the ejection.)
• Anyone not acting within the spirit of the above sportsmanship guidelines may be suspended by the Dacula Soccer Club Board of Directors.*
   

RULE MODIFICATIONS FOR U-7/U-8 RECREATION LEAGUE
(as sanctioned by GYSA and Dacula Soccer Club)

Field of Play (Law 1):

• No one shall be allowed behind the end lines during the course of a match.
• Coaches and players will be on opposite side of field from spectators.*
• Coaches and substitutes are to remain in the technical area during match play.

Ball Size (Law 2):

• Size 3 ball shall be used.

Number of Players (Law 3):

• Maximum number on the field – 5*
• Number to start match – 4
• Number to finish match – 4
• Prior to the start of a match, a complete team roster shall be prepared by each team coach and presented to the match official.  Ineligible players shall be marked with an “X”.

Substitutions (Law 3):

• One quarter per half is the mandated playing time minimum per player.
• There shall be four times to substitute – prior to kick-off at beginning of match; at the end of the first quarter; half time (end of second quarter); and at the end of the third quarter.
• Both teams shall substitute at the same time.
• A team may substitute in case of an injured player.  (Note:  it is recommended that an injured player still receive his or her minimum playing time if able to return.  An injured player may return to the match at any time with the permission of the match official.*)
• The goalkeeper must be given at least as much time in each match as a field player as he or she plays as goalkeeper.

Player’s Equipment (Law 4):

• Players shall wear only molded cleats or tennis shoes.
• Players shall not play with a cast.
• All players must wear shin guards covered entirely with socks.
• Goalkeepers shall wear a shirt of a different color from his teammates and his opponents.
• Jewelry and metal hair clips are not permitted.*

Duration of Game (Law 7):

• Four 12 minute quarters.
• Half-time shall last 5 minutes.

Start of Play (Law 8):

• Opponents must be six yards from the center mark while a kick-off is in progress.
• Goals may be scored directly from a kick-off.

Off-Side (Law 11):

• There is no off-side.

Fouls and Misconduct (Law 12):

• NO SLIDE TACKLING ALLOWED
• Match officials shall explain all infractions to the offending player.
• When the goalkeeper has taken possession of the ball within his or her own penalty area, opposing players are required to move away and to the side so as not to interfere with the goalkeeper putting the ball into play.
• Opposing players shall not play or touch the ball until it has left the penalty area after the ball is controlled by a goalkeeper.
• A goalkeeper shall be penalized for handling the ball intentionally passed to him from the feet of a teammate.
• Note:  if a goalkeeper punts the ball which strikes a teammate within the penalty area and rebounds into the goal, a goal shall be awarded to the opposing team.

Free Kick (Law 13):

• All free kicks will be indirect.
• Opponents shall be six yards away from all kicks.
• No kicks shall be taken by the attacking team within six yards of the defenders’ goal.

Penalty Kick (Law 14):

• No penalty kicks are to be taken during matches.

Throw In (Law 15):

• A second throw-in must be allowed if a player makes an improper throw-in on the initial attempt.  The second throw-in takes place by the same player after the match official explains the proper method.

Goal Kick (Law 16):

• Opposing players may not play the ball until it clears the penalty area.
• Goals may be scored directly from goal kicks.

Corner Kick (Law 17):

• Opponents must be six yards away from the ball.

Sportsmanship (Section 7000):

• Official score is not to be kept.  Emphasize having fun and learning the game, NOT winning.
• All persons in authority will conduct themselves in a manner that will not contribute to the delinquency of minors.
• Offensive, insulting and abusive language will not be tolerated, either on field of play or in field’s general area.
• Respect for the match official must be shown by all.
• Proper respect for opposing teams and spectators must be exhibited by all.
• Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, team officials and spectators.
• Physical violence, foul and abusive language, or harassment of players or match officials WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
• Any player or coach ejected from a game shall be automatically suspended from the next scheduled game.  In the event a player or coach refuses to leave the premises after having been ejected by the match official, he shall be automatically suspended from the next 2 games.  (Note:  Since some coaches coach more than one team, game suspensions will apply to the team for which the coach received the ejection.)
• Anyone not acting within the spirit of the above sportsmanship guidelines may be suspended by the Dacula Soccer Club Board of Directors.*

RULE MODIFICATIONS FOR U-9/U-10 RECREATION LEAGUE
(as sanctioned by GYSA and Dacula Soccer Club)

Field of Play (Law 1):

• No one shall be allowed behind the end lines during the course of a match.
• Coaches and players will be on opposite side of field from spectators.*
• Coaches and substitutes are to remain in the technical area during match play.

Ball Size (Law 2):

• Size 4 ball shall be used.

Number of Players (Law 3):

• Maximum number on the field – 6
• Number to start match – 5
• Number to finish match – 5
• Prior to the start of a match, a complete team roster shall be prepared by each team coach and presented to the match official.  Ineligible players shall be marked with an “X”.  A player not listed on the roster at the start of the game shall be ineligible to play in that game.

Substitutions (Law 3):

• Players being substituted must exit the field of play prior to players coming on the field.
• All players should leave and enter the field at the middle of the field.
• Half of each half is the mandated playing time minimum per player.
• There shall be four times to substitute – prior to kick-off at beginning of match; middle of first half; half time; and middle of second half.
• Both teams shall substitute at the same time.
• A team may substitute in case of an injured player.  (Note:  it is recommended that an injured player still receive his or her minimum playing time if able to return.  An injured player may return to the match at any time with the permission of the match official.*)
• No player shall leave the field of play without the consent of the match official.
• The goalkeeper must be given at least as much time in each match as a field player as he or she plays as goalkeeper.
• Please note that the game clock will run during the “substitution times” in both halves of play.  The game clock does not stop.*

Player’s Equipment (Law 4):

• Players shall wear only molded cleats or tennis shoes.
• Players shall not play with a cast.
• All players must wear shin guards covered entirely with socks.
• Goalkeepers shall wear a shirt of a different color from his teammates and his opponents.
• Jewelry and metal hair clips are not permitted.*

Duration of Game (Law 7):

• Two 30-minute halves.
• Half-time shall last 10 minutes.

Start of Play (Law 8):

• Opponents must be ten yards from the center mark while a kick-off is in progress.
• Goals may be scored directly off a kick-off.

Fouls and Misconduct (Law 12):

• SLIDE TACKLING IS DISCOURAGED – However in the event this occurs the match official will judge if the play was fair or foul.
• When the goalkeeper has taken possession of the ball within his or her own penalty area, opposing players are required to move away and to the side so as not to interfere with the goalkeeper putting the ball into play.
• Opposing players shall not play or touch the ball until it has left the penalty area after the ball is controlled by a goalkeeper.
• A goalkeeper shall be penalized for handling the ball intentionally passed to him from the feet of a teammate.
• Note:  if a goalkeeper punts the ball which strikes a teammate within the penalty area and rebounds into the goal, a goal shall be awarded to the opposing team.

Goal Kick (Law 16):

• Opposing players may not play the ball until it clears the penalty area.
• Goals may be scored directly from goal kicks.

Corner Kick (Law 17):

• Opponents must be ten yards away from the ball.

Sportsmanship (Section 7000):

• All persons in authority will conduct themselves in a manner that will not contribute to the delinquency of minors.
• Offensive, insulting and abusive language will not be tolerated, either on field of play or in field’s general area.
• Respect for the match officials must be shown by all.
• Proper respect for opposing teams and spectators must be exhibited by all.
• Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, team officials and spectators.
• Physical violence, foul and abusive language, or harassment of players or match officials WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
• Any player or coach ejected from a game shall be automatically suspended from the next scheduled game.  In the event a player or coach refuses to leave the premises after having been ejected by the match official, he shall be automatically suspended from the next 2 games.  (Note:  Since some coaches coach more than one team, game suspensions will apply to the team for which the coach received the ejection.)
• Anyone not acting within the spirit of the above sportsmanship guidelines may be suspended by the Dacula Soccer Club Board of Directors.*
   

RULE MODIFICATIONS FOR U-12 RECREATION LEAGUE
(as sanctioned by GYSA and Dacula Soccer Club)

Field of Play (Law 1):

• No one shall be allowed behind the end lines during the course of a match.
• Coaches and players will be on opposite side of field from spectators.*
• Coaches and substitutes are to remain in the technical area during match play.

Ball Size (Law 2):

• Size 4 ball shall be used.

Number of Players (Law 3):

• Maximum number on the field – 8
• Number to start match – 6
• Number to finish match – 6
• Prior to the start of a match, a complete team roster shall be prepared by each team coach and presented to the match official.  Ineligible players shall be marked with an “X”.  A player not listed on the roster at the start of the game shall be ineligible to play in that game.

Substitutions (Law 3):

• Players being substituted must exit the field of play prior to players coming on the field.
• All players should leave and enter the field at the middle of the field.
• Half of each half is the mandated playing time minimum per player.
• There shall be four times to substitute – prior to kick-off at beginning of match; middle of first half; half time; and middle of second half.
• Both teams shall substitute at the same time.
• A team may substitute in case of an injured player.  (Note:  it is recommended that an injured player still receive his or her minimum playing time if able to return.  An injured player may return to the match at any time with the permission of the match official.*)
• No player shall leave the field of play without the consent of the match official.
• The goalkeeper must be given at least as much time in each match as a field player as he or she plays as goalkeeper.
• Please note that the game clock will run during the “substitution times” in both halves of play.  The game clock does not stop.*

Player’s Equipment (Law 4):

• Players shall not play with a cast.
• All players must wear shin guards covered entirely with socks.
• Goalkeepers shall wear a shirt of a different color from his teammates and his opponents.
• Jewelry and metal hair clips are not permitted.*

Duration of Game (Law 7):

• Two 30-minute halves.
• Half-time shall last 10 minutes.

Start of Play (Law 8):

• Opponents must be ten yards from the center mark while a kick-off is in progress.
• Goals may be scored directly from a kick-off.

Fouls and Misconduct (Law 12):

• A goalkeeper shall be penalized for handling the ball intentionally passed to him from the feet of a teammate.  The penalty for this is an indirect free kick for the opposing team at the point the goalkeeper handled the ball.
• Note:  if a goalkeeper punts the ball which strikes a teammate within the penalty area and rebounds into the goal, a goal shall be awarded to the opposing team.

Goal Kick (Law 16):

• Opposing players may not play the ball until it clears the penalty area.
• Goals may be scored directly from goal kicks.

Corner Kick (Law 17):

• Opponents must be ten yards away from the ball.

Sportsmanship (Section 7000):

• All persons in authority will conduct themselves in a manner that will not contribute to the delinquency of minors.
• Offensive, insulting and abusive language will not be tolerated, either on field of play or in field’s general area.
• Respect for match officials must be shown by all.
• Proper respect for opposing teams and spectators must be exhibited by all.
• Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, team officials and spectators.
• Physical violence, foul and abusive language, or harassment of players or match officials WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
• Any player or coach ejected from a game shall be automatically suspended from the next scheduled game.  In the event a player or coach refuses to leave the premises after having been ejected by the match official, he shall be automatically suspended from the next 2 games.  (Note:  Since some coaches coach more than one team, game suspensions will apply to the team for which the coach received the ejection.)
• Anyone not acting within the spirit of the above sportsmanship guidelines may be suspended by the Dacula Soccer Club Board of Directors.*
   

RULE MODIFICATIONS FOR U-14 RECREATION LEAGUE
(as sanctioned by GYSA and Dacula Soccer Club)

Field of Play (Law 1):

• No one shall be allowed behind the end lines during the course of a match.
• Coaches and players will be on opposite side of field from spectators.*
• Coaches and substitutes are to remain in the technical area during match play.

Ball Size (Law 2):

• Size 5 ball shall be used.

Number of Players (Law 3):

• Maximum number on the field – 11
• Number to start match – 7
• Number to finish match – 7
• Prior to the start of a match, a complete team roster shall be prepared by each team coach and presented to the match official.  Ineligible players shall be marked with an “X”.  A player not listed on the roster at the start of the game shall be ineligible to play in that game.

Substitutions (Law 3):

• Players being substituted must exit the field of play prior to players coming on the field.
• All players should leave and enter the field at the middle of the field.
• Half of each half is the mandated playing time minimum per player.
• Substitutions shall be unlimited.
• Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the match official, at the following times:
  • Prior to a throw-in in your favor.
  • Prior to a goal kick, by either team.
  • After a goal is scored.
  • After an injury, by either team, when the match official stops play.  Substitutions shall not be limited to only the injured player on his team.
  • At half time.
  • After a caution, by either team.
  • Substitutions are NOT allowed during the stoppage of play for a player being sent off.
• No player shall leave the field of play without the consent of the match official.

Player’s Equipment (Law 4):

• Players shall not play with a cast.
• All players must wear shin guards covered entirely with socks.
• Goalkeepers shall wear a shirt of a different color from his teammates and his opponents.
• Jewelry and metal hair clips are not permitted.*

Duration of Game (Law 7):

• Two 35-minute halves.
• Half-time shall last 10 minutes.

Start of Play (Law 8):

• Opponents must be ten yards from the center mark while a kick-off is in progress.
• Goals may be scored directly from a kick-off.

Fouls and Misconduct (Law 12):

• A goalkeeper shall be penalized for handling the ball intentionally passed to him from the feet of a teammate.  The penalty for this is an indirect free kick for the opposing team at the point the goalkeeper handled the ball.
• Note:  if a goalkeeper punts the ball which strikes a teammate within the penalty area and rebounds into the goal, a goal shall be awarded to the opposing team.

Goal Kick (Law 16):

• Opposing players may not play the ball until it clears the penalty area.
• Goals may be scored directly from goal kicks.

Corner Kick (Law 17):

• Opponents must be ten yards away from the ball.

Sportsmanship (Section 7000):

• All persons in authority will conduct themselves in a manner that will not contribute to the delinquency of minors.
• Offensive, insulting and abusive language will not be tolerated, either on field of play or in field’s general area.
• Respect for match officials must be shown by all.
• Proper respect for opposing teams and spectators must be exhibited by all.
• Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, team officials and spectators.
• Physical violence, foul and abusive language, or harassment of players or match officials WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
• Any player or coach ejected from a game shall be automatically suspended from the next scheduled game.  In the event a player or coach refuses to leave the premises after having been ejected by the match official, he shall be automatically suspended from the next 2 games.  (Note:  Since some coaches coach more than one team, game suspensions will apply to the team for which the coach received the ejection.)
• Anyone not acting within the spirit of the above sportsmanship guidelines may be suspended by the Dacula Soccer Club Board of Directors.*
   

RULE MODIFICATIONS FOR U-16 RECREATION LEAGUE
(as sanctioned by GYSA and Dacula Soccer Club)

Field of Play (Law 1):

• No one shall be allowed behind the end lines during the course of a match.
• Coaches and players will be on opposite side of field from spectators.*
• Coaches and substitutes are to remain in the technical area during match play.

Ball Size (Law 2):

• Size 5 ball shall be used.

Number of Players (Law 3):

• Maximum number on the field – 11
• Number to start match – 7
• Number to finish match – 7
• Prior to the start of a match, a complete team roster shall be prepared by each team coach and presented to the match official.  Ineligible players shall be marked with an “X”.  A player not listed on the roster at the start of the game shall be ineligible to play in that game.

Substitutions (Law 3):

• Players being substituted must exit the field of play prior to players coming on the field.
• All players should leave and enter the field at the middle of the field.
• Half of each half is the mandated playing time minimum per player.
• Substitutions shall be unlimited.
• Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the match official, at the following times:
  • Prior to a throw-in in your favor.
  • Prior to a goal kick, by either team.
  • After a goal is scored.
  • After an injury, by either team, when the match official stops play.  Substitutions shall not be limited to only the injured player on his team.
  • At half time.
  • After a caution, by either team.
  • Substitutions are NOT allowed during the stoppage of play for a player being sent off.
• No player shall leave the field of play without the consent of the match official.

Player’s Equipment (Law 4):

• Players shall not play with a cast.
• All players must wear shin guards covered entirely with socks.
• Goalkeepers shall wear a shirt of a different color from his teammates and his opponents.
• Jewelry and metal hair clips are not permitted.*

Duration of Game (Law 7):

• Two 40-minute halves.
• Half-time shall last 10 minutes.

Start of Play (Law 8):

• Opponents must be ten yards from the center mark while a kick-off is in progress.
• Goals may be scored directly from a kick-off.

Fouls and Misconduct (Law 12):

• A goalkeeper shall be penalized for handling the ball intentionally passed to him from the feet of a teammate.  The penalty for this is an indirect free kick for the opposing team at the point the goalkeeper handled the ball.
• Note:  if a goalkeeper punts the ball which strikes a teammate within the penalty area and rebounds into the goal, a goal shall be awarded to the opposing team.

Goal Kick (Law 16):

• Opposing players may not play the ball until it clears the penalty area.
• Goals may be scored directly from goal kicks.

Corner Kick (Law 17):

• Opponents must be ten yards away from the ball.

Sportsmanship (Section 7000):

• All persons in authority will conduct themselves in a manner that will not contribute to the delinquency of minors.
• Offensive, insulting and abusive language will not be tolerated, either on field of play or in field’s general area.
• Respect for match officials must be shown by all.
• Proper respect for opposing teams and spectators must be exhibited by all.
• Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, team officials and spectators.
• Physical violence, foul and abusive language, or harassment of players or match officials WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
• Any player or coach ejected from a game shall be automatically suspended from the next scheduled game.  In the event a player or coach refuses to leave the premises after having been ejected by the match official, he shall be automatically suspended from the next 2 games.  (Note:  Since some coaches coach more than one team, game suspensions will apply to the team for which the coach received the ejection.)
• Anyone not acting within the spirit of the above sportsmanship guidelines may be suspended by the Dacula Soccer Club Board of Directors.*