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Page 1 of 8 WALTON CO. PARKS & REC. SOCCER RULES (SPRING 2020) (Amended May 2019) LAW I – THE FIELD A. Dimensions 1. Under 4 – 20 yds x 30 yds 2. Under 8 – 30 yds x 35 yds 3. Under 10 – 40 yds x 50 yds 4. Under 12 – 55 yds x 70 yds 5. Under 14+ – 65 yds x 100 yds B. Markings 1. Distinctive lines are necessary, touchlines, and goal lines. 2. Halfway line needs to be clearly marked across the field. 3. Additional markings: a. Center circle (U6 – 3 yds; U8 – 6 yds; U10 – 8yds; U12+ – 10 yds) b. Additional markings (corner arc, goal area, penalty area, penalty arc, and penalty spot) C. Goals: 1. U4 – 4’ x 6’ 2. U8 – 6’ x 12’ 3. U10 – 6’ x 18’ 4. U12 – 7’ x 21’ 5. U14+ – 8’ x 24’ LAW II – THE BALL A. Sizes 1. U4 / U8 - #3 2. U10 / U12 - #4 3. U14+ – #5 LAW III – THE PLAYERS A. U4 – 4v4, maximum of 7 per team (no goalkeeper) B. U8 – 5v5, maximum of 9 per team (4 outfield players, 1 goalkeeper) C. U10 – 7v7, maximum of 11 per team (6 outfield players, 1 goalkeeper) D. U12 – 9v9, maximum of 14 per team (8 outfield players, 1 goalkeeper) E. U14+ – 11v11, maximum of 18 per team (10 outfield players, 1 goalkeeper) LAW IV – THE PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT A. Footwear 1. Sneakers or soft cleated soccer shoes, no toe spike (football/baseball cleats), no metal or screw in studs (except for Academy/Select and U14+) B. Shin guards 1. MANDATORY, must be under and completely covered by socks ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 2 of 8 C. Jerseys 1. Matching color jerseys (except for goalkeeper) with non-duplicating numbers must be worn D. Jewelry 1. NO jewelry is allowed, including but not limited to watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc. LAW V – THE REFEREE A. Should report to the field in proper attire at least thirty (30) minutes prior to kickoff B. Should have three different colored uniforms (any combination of yellow, red, black, blue, or green; although yellow, red, and black are recommended) C. Mostly black shoes or cleats, with striped referee socks, and solid black pocketed shorts D. Whistle, yellow and red cards, two watches, pens/pencils, pad or loose paper for game notes E. Linesman flags (one set) LAW VI – THE OTHER MATCH OFFICIALS A. Follows all points of LAW V; no linesman in U6 or U8, not necessary for U10 (Offside rule IS in effect), U12+ is necessary LAW VII – THE DURATION OF THE MATCH A. U4 – Four eight minute quarters (4 x 8, sub at quarters) B. U8 – Four twelve (12) minute quarters (4 x 12, sub at quarters) C. U10 – Two twenty-five (25) minute halves (free subs) D. U11/U12 – Two thirty (30) minute halves (free subs) D. U13/U14 – Two thirty-five (35) minute halves (free subs) E. U15/U16 – Two forty (40) minute halves (free subs) F. U17/U18/U19 – Two forty-five (45) minute halves (free subs) LAW VIII – THE START AND RESTART OF PLAY A. Coin toss 1. The winner has the option of which side to defend or to kickoff 2. The loser has the opposite option of the winner B. The ball can be kicked in any direction; the kicker cannot touch the ball again until it has touched another player C. Opponents must be outside of the center circle, in their own half, until the ball is kicked and clearly moves LAW IX – THE BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY A. The ball is ruled out of play and awarded to the opposite team of the last player who was touched by the ball, whether intentional or unintentional B. The entire sphere of the ball must COMPLETELY cross the touchline or goal line to be ruled out of play LAW X – DETERMINING THE OUTCOME OF A MATCH A. The entire sphere of the ball must completely cross the goal line, under the crossbar, and in between the goal posts ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 3 of 8 LAW XI – OFFSIDE A. U4 / U8 – NO Offside B. U10+ – Offside rule in effect C. There is no Offside rule on the initial play of a goal kick, corner kick, or throw-in, or while the offensive player is in their own defensive half D. A player is in an offside position when they are: 1. Behind the 2nd to last defender AND, 2. In front of the ball E. “Offside Position” versus “Offside” 1. A player or players can be in an offside position if: a. They are not interfering with a defending player or opposing goalkeeper b. They are not actively involved in the direction or side of play 2. A player is called Offside when they: a. Receive the ball in an offside position b. Come back from an offside position to an onside position to receive the ball LAW XII – FOULS AND MISCONDUCT A. Fouls 1. Direct Free Kick a. Direct kicks ARE allowed in U4 / U8 2. A Direct Free Kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following ten (10) offences: a. Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent b. Trips or attempts to trip an opponent c. Jumps at an opponent d. Charges an opponent e. Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent f. Pushes an opponent g. Tackles an opponent h. Holds an opponent i. Spits at an opponent j. Handles the ball deliberately or in an “unnatural position” 3. Indirect Free Kick - is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following five offences: a. Plays in a dangerous manner b. Intentionally heading the ball (U11 and under only) explanation: “Playing in a dangerous manner to themselves.” c. Impedes the progress of an opponent d. Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands e. Commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law XII for which play is stopped to caution (yellow card) or send off a player (red card) ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 4 of 8 4. Indirect Free Kick – is awarded to the opposing team if the goalkeeper commits any of the following four offences a. Controls the ball with their hands for more than six seconds before releasing it from their possession b. Touches the ball again with their hands after it has been released from their hands and was not touched by another player c. Touches the ball with their hands after it has been deliberately played to them from a teammate’s feet d. Touches the ball with their hands when received directly from a throw-in by a teammate B. Misconduct 1. A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if they commit any of the following seven offences: a. Unsporting behavior b. Dissent by word or action c. Persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game d. Delaying the restart of play e. Fails to respect required distance for restarts (corner kick, free kick, or throw-in) f. Enter or re-enters the field of play without referee’s permission g. Deliberately leaves the field of play without referee’s permission 2. A player is sent off and shown the red card if they commit any of the following seven offences: a. Serious foul play b. Violent conduct c. Spitting at an opponent d. Denying the opposing team an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball e. Denying the opposing team an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by any action punishable with a free kick or penalty kick, when the attacking player is moving towards goal f. Using offensive, insulting, or abusive language and/or gestures g. Receiving a second caution in the same match LAW XIII – FREE KICKS A. Direct – A goal may be scored without touching another player, the ball must be kicked and clearly move B. Indirect – The ball must be touched by another player in the field before a goal can be scored, the ball must be kicked and clearly move C. Distance – players must stand the appropriate distance from the ball: 1. U4 – 3 yds 2. U8 – 6 yds 3. U10 – 8 yds 4. U12+ – 10 yds ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 5 of 8 LAW XIV – THE PENALTY KICK A. Penalty Mark (from goal line) 1. U4 / U8 – no penalty kicks 2. U10 – 8 yds 3. U12 – 10 yds 4. U14+ – 12 yds B. All players (except the kicker and goalkeeper) must stand outside the penalty area and penalty arc C. Any player may not enter the penalty area until the ball has been kicked and clearly moves by the kicker D. The goalkeeper must have one foot on the goal line until the ball is touched LAW XV – THE THROW-IN A. At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower: 1. Faces the field of play 2. Has part of each foot on the ground either on the touch line or outside the touchline 3. Uses both hands, and delivers the ball from behind and over their head 4. The thrower cannot bounce the ball off the ground, and must release the ball before crossing their ears B. The thrower may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player C. All opponents must stand no less than two yds from the point at which the throw-in is taken D. The ball is in play immediately after it enters the field of play LAW XVI – THE GOAL KICK A. Goal kick must be taken from inside the goal area B. Offensive players must be outside the penalty area (not including the penalty arc) C. Defending players may play the ball as soon as it is kicked and clearly moves D. After the ball is kicked and clearly moves, the offensive players can enter the penalty area and challenge for the ball LAW XVII – THE CORNER KICK A. The ball shall be placed on the corner arc; the kicker cannot touch the ball again until it has been touched by another player B. Opponents must be the appropriate distance from the ball for the kick to be taken (Refer to Law XIII) LEAGUE RULES FOR WALTON COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION A. General Rules 1. Playing time – All players must play at least HALF of all games they are present for; this does not apply to Academy and Select teams 2. All players must sit a quarter of each game U4/U8 – one out of four quarters U10 – ten (10) minutes of game clock U12 – twelve (12) minutes of game clock U14+ – fifteen (15) minutes of game clock ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 6 of 8 The only exception for another player coming in during their “sit-out” quarter is for an injured player, or when the team has the minimum number of required players to play or only one substitute 3. All recreational teams will be formed using the Walton Co. Rec. Department draft policies; once a draft is completed, only the Recreation Department will be allowed to make any roster changes 4. Any changes to the game schedule can ONLY be made by the Recreation Department 5. All coaches, players, and parents, and other spectators are to conduct themselves in an appropriate and sportsmanlike manner; the Walton Co. Parks and Recreation Department and/or referee(s) reserve the right to remove a person from the field and park for any violations of park rules or unacceptable behavior 6. Any coach or parent can be shown a Caution (yellow card) or a Sendoff (red card) during the game 7. Any coach, player, parent, or other spectator removed from a game will serve a minimum one game suspension (excluding the game from which they were removed); further suspension or expulsion may be handed down if violations warrant it 8. The Walton Co. Parks & Recreation Department has the FINAL say in all disputes 9. In the event of a cancellation, to avoid forfeiture, the head or assistant coach needs to notify the Walton Co. Parks & Recreation Dept. AND the opposing team’s head or assistant coach at least two hours before kickoff time; all reschedules will be evaluated by the Walton Co. Parks & Recreation Dept. and the decision to reschedule or forfeit the game by the department is FINAL B. Coaches 1. Coaches must stay around their team’s bench at all times (except for U6 coaches); the defined bench area is approximately five yds on either side of the bench, not crossing the halfway line or entering the field of play; ultimately, the coaches’ area is defined by the referee(s) C. U4 Rules 1. Coaches are allowed on the field 2. Coaches will act as referees for matches, including keeping time and calling fouls 3. NO “sweeper,” NO goalkeeper, NO slide tackling 4. All free kicks are direct 5. Players must be in their own half and outside of the center circle on the kickoff of the opposite team 6. All quarters will start with a kickoff D. U8 Rules 1. A different player must play goalkeeper every quarter; however the same player can play goalkeeper for two quarters (Ex. 1st qtr / 3rd qtr, or 2nd qtr / 4th qtr) 2. The 1st and 3rd quarters will start with a kick off 3. All free and goal kicks are direct (except indirect free kick rules for goalkeepers) 4. NO slide tackling, NO heading 5. No penalty kicks will be allowed; all fouls inside the penalty area will be spotted at the top of the penalty area and taken as direct kicks; the opposing team may form a “wall” in goal 6. Punting is allowed from the goalkeepers ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 7 of 8 E. U10 Rules 1. Any player playing goalkeeper must play the same amount of time in the field as in goal; this rule does not apply to Academy or Select teams 2. U10 subs will be free subs; subs can be made at any kickoff, goal kick, or offensive throw-in. Players must be at the halfway line to be subbed in 3. NO heading the ball 4. Slide tackling is ALLOWED F. U12+ Rules 1. Any player playing goalkeeper must play the same amount of time in the field as in goal; this rule does not apply to Academy or Select teams 2. U12 subs will be free subs; subs can be made at any kickoff, goal kick, or offensive throw- in. Players must be at the halfway line to be subbed in 3. Slide tackling and heading are ALLOWED 4. Per Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) rules and FIFA Laws of the Game G. Mercy Rule In accordance with GRPA, the following mercy rule will be in effect: 1. If a team is seven or more goals down at the midpoint of the first half, that will be considered the end of the half, and the teams will play a twenty (20) minute second half 2. If a team is seven or more goals behind at halftime, the second half will be restricted to twenty (20) minutes 3. When a team is ten (10) or more goals behind in the second half, the game will be deemed a mercy rule and ended immediately H. Tournament (Overtime, Penalty Kicks) In County tournaments, the following overtime rules and penalty kick procedures will apply: 1. If the game ends in a tie after regulation, there will be one additional quarter for overtime: U8 – eight minutes; U10 – ten (10) minutes; U12+ – fifteen (15) minutes 2. If the game is still tied after regulation, the teams will take turns with kicks from the mark (penalty kicks) 3. The referee(s) will flip a coin to determine which goal/side will be used. The referee(s) will flip the coin a second time. The winner of the toss can decide to kick first or kick second. The order of kicks will be – A, B, A, B, A, B, A, B, A, B. ONLY players still on the field of play at the end of the overtime quarter are eligible for penalty kicks and as goalkeepers 4. If at the end of the five kicks from the mark, the game is still tied, the kicks will result in “sudden victory,” which means each team must match the previous team’s outcome. All other members on the field must take kicks until all players have tried at least once. The process and order will recur if there is still no victor after all players have kicked ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 8 of 8 CONTACTS Central Walton – Felker Park Weather Hotline: (770) 267 – 7525, press when prompted Website: www.waltoncountyga.gov/222/Soccer Joey Logan (Recreation Assistant) E-mail: [EMAIL REDACTED] Phone: (770) 266 – 1603 Clay Dobbs (Athletic Coordinator) E-mail: [EMAIL REDACTED] Phone: (770) 266 – 1615 Kenny Freeman (Athletic Coordinator) E-mail: [EMAIL REDACTED] Phone: (770) 266 – 1685