Brookline/Hollis Youth Soccer League

Specific Division Rules

U6 & U8 Rules

Both the U6 and U8 Divisions will play Micro-Soccer, also known as Small-Sided Soccer. The recommended game play for U6 is 4v4 - if team sizes are too large, 5v5 is acceptable. The recommended game play for U8 is 5v5, and the ball size for both divisions is #3. The goal of the small team sizes are to increase touches on the ball, allowing younger players the opportunity to develop the skills required for Full Soccer

The field size for Micro-Soccer is considerably smaller given the smaller number of players. The U6 field is 30 yards long and 20 yards wide. Goals are corner flags spaced 3 yards apart. The U8 field is 40 yards long and 25 yards wide. The goals are 12 feet wide and 6 feet high. The penalty area extends out from the goal line 8 yards and extends the full width of the field.

U8 teams have one player designated as a goalie. This player is allowed to play the ball with his/her hands while the player is in the penalty area. The goalie however, can and should play like a field player as well and may attack the goal when appropriate. All players should rotate to the goalie position at least once during the game. Please remember that covered shin guards are required. No jewelry can be worn.

U10 Rules

The NHSA recommends that U10 play 6v6, with a size #4 ball.. The field will be 60 yards long by 40 yards wide. The penalty area will extend from each goal (end) line out 12 yards and will be 32 yards wide. Goal kicks may be taken anywhere within this area. With exceptions noted below, all rules as defined by Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) will be enforced.

U12 & U16 Rules

The NHSA recommends that U12 play 8v8 (updated Spring 2007), with a size #4 ball. The U16 Division will play 11 V 11 with a size #5 ball. Small sided soccer (4v4, 7v7 or 9v9) would be preferable if the team size warrants. This allows each player more touches on the ball.

The field will conform to FIFA guidelines. With exceptions noted below, all rules as defined by FIFA will be enforced. The number of players on the field may vary depending on the number of players in attendance for the game.

The referee will, if appropriate, present a yellow card to a player for infractions deemed excessive or dangerous. Two yellow cards will result in the player's ejection from the game. For extreme serious offenses, a red card will be presented to the player. A player receiving a red card is automatically ejected from the current game and required to sit out the first half of the team's next game.

Coaches please note: Yellow cards will be awarded to coaches and assistants for the following offenses: Disputing a referee's call and Illegal substitution. Red cards will be awarded immediately for any of the following:

  • Profanity directed at a player or official
  • Encouragement of dangerous or illegal play on the part of players
  • Poor sportsmanship

Coaches and assistants receiving a red card are subject to disciplinary action by the BHYSL Rules Committee.

Standing Rules

RULES GOVERNING PLAY

Rules governing play will be in the current year FIFA rulebook, these STANDING RULES, and specific rules for divisions, which have been defined by the Age Division Director and agreed to by the Board of Directors. The order of precedence is:

  1. Specific division rules
  2. STANDING RULES

  3. FIFA rules

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

  1. No person may be on a roster, play in two different age divisions, or play on two teams in the Brookline Hollis Youth Soccer League at the same time during any regular season. Due to special circumstances (e.g., low player turnout at a particular game), players may be exempt from this rule if approved by the coaches of both teams for the game in question.

  2. There will be no late registrations accepted, unless there are vacancies on team rosters. The coach of the team and the director of that age division must approve late placement of players on rosters. A $15 per child late fee will apply.

PLAYER ASSIGNMENT TO TEAMS

Players must be assigned to their appropriate age division. The age divisions are as follows:

Fall Season:
"U-16"- under l6 years of age as of July 31st of current year.
"U-14"- under l4 years of age as of July 31st of current year.
"U-12"- under l2 years of age as of July 31st of current year.
"U-10"- under l0 years of age as of July 31st of current year.
"U-8"- under 8 years of age as of July 31st of current year.
"U-6"- at least 4 and under 6 years of age as of July 31st of current year

Spring Season:
"U-16"- under l6 years of age as of July 31st of previous year.
"U-14"- under l4 years of age as of July 31st of previous year.
"U-12"- under l2 years of age as of July 31st of previous year.
"U-10"- under l0 years of age as of July 31st of previous year.
"U-8"- under 8 years of age as of July 31st of previous year.
"U-6"- at least 4 and under 6 years of age as of July 31st of previous year

Players may play one Age Division higher or lower than normal, but only with the approval of the Coordinator of the Age Division being entered, and the Coach of the team to which the player will be assigned. Players playing outside their normal Age Division must have a skill level and size appropriate for the Age Division being entered.

All players will go into the player pool and be allocated by the director of the age division. Teams will be assigned randomly by age and capability, with the following exceptions:

  1. Children of coaches and assistant coaches may always play on their parents team.

  2. Special requests (e.g., carpooling, friends on the same team, etc.) will be accepted from Volunteers only and only prior to the Registration Deadline. The Special Requests will then be approved on an individual basis by the director of the age division. Special requests must be made at the time of registration.

  3. Siblings in the same division will be placed on the same team unless specifically requested otherwise.

Reassignment of players from one team to another during the season will only be made with the approval of the age division director and the two Head Coaches involved.

TEAM STRUCTURE

Where practical, teams will be formed per the following guidelines:

Specific division rules are as follows:

U-6

U-8

U-10

U-12 and up

Team Roster

6 - 8

8 - 10

10 - 12

13 - 15

Team Size

4

5

7

11

Goalies

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Substitutions

Any time

Any Stoppage

End Line

End Line

Practice/WarmUp

20 - 30 min

30 min

20 min

10 min

Game Duration

10-4 min shifts

20 min halves

25 min halves

30 min halves

Offsides

No

No

Yes

Yes

Field Size

20 X 30 yds

30 X 50 yds

50 X 70 yds

100 X 50 yds up to
120 X 80 yds

Low registration within a division, constraints due to returning players and other considerations may allow team sizes smaller than that specified in these guidelines. It is the philosophy of the BHYSL that as many children as possible should be allowed to participate in recreational soccer, and that they should get as many "touches" of the ball as possible. Consistent with that philosophy, upper divisions may play in smaller groups if sufficient players are not registered (e.g., U-12 & U16 may play 4 vs 4, 7 vs 7 or 9 vs 9).

PLAYING TIME

Coaches shall insure that all players receive approximately equal playing time, regardless of age or ability.

STANDINGS AND TOURNAMENTS

U-10 and older age divisions will have team standings kept based on the following point system:

win - 2 points
tie - l point
loss - 0 points

In cases of ties, the first tiebreaker is win/loss record against each other. The second is win/loss record against common opponents. The third is goal differential (maximum of 2 per game) against common opponents. If the teams are still tied through the third tiebreaker, the League Coordinator will select the team based on a coin toss or another method suitable to ALL head coaches involved.

U-10 and older age divisions will have a playoff at the end of the fall season, with teams seeded based upon fall season standings.

BHYSL Uniform

Players registered in the BHYSL shall wear the official BHYSL uniform consisting of:

  • A red & white reversible shirt with the official club logo.
  • Shin guards (to be worn during games & practices).

It shall be optional for all players in BHYSL to wear soccer shoes (only the molded cleat type & NO BASEBALL SHOES). Players MUST wear shin guards. Any article that may be considered hazardous to other players (including, but not limited to, rings, watches, earrings, neck and ankle chains, large or sharp-edged belt buckles, safety pins, hair pins and barrettes) may not be worn at games or practices. A cast may be worn if it has a soft, protective covering. All of the above equipment is subject to the approval of the referee.

CONDUCT

  1. If a player or coach is ejected from a game by the referee, that player or coach will NOT be eligible to participate in his/her team's next scheduled game. If the ejected player, or coach, participates in the next game, that game shall be declared a forfeit. Non-compliance by the coach and/or player will result in disciplinary action taken by the Board of Directors.
  2. It is the responsibility of the referee to remove any spectator, coach or player from or near the field of play if, in the opinion of the referee, that individual is significantly detracting from the game. Verbal abuse to players or referees and cursing are considered significant detractions from the game.
  3. The Arbitration Committee has the authority to remove any coach who does not represent the philosophy and spirit of BHYSL. In that event, the Age Division Director is responsible for finding a suitable replacement.

PROCEDURES FOR RED CARDS ISSUED

Red Card Issued by a BHYSL Referee to a BHYSL Player

Actions by the Center Referee

  1. Immediately after the game, the center referee creates a written report that describes in detail, but with brevity, the incident that resulted in the issuance of a red card.
  2. The written description shall include at least the following information:

    3. 1. The name of the individual receiving the red card
    2. The nature of the offense
    3. The game situation at the time of issuance (e.g. time, play, score)
    4. Any prior incidents during the game that may provide relevant background to understand the game situation at the time of issuance
    5. The response by the individual upon receiving the red card and/or after removal from the game

  3. Within 24 hours after the issuance of the Red Card, the center referee will call the BHYSL Referee Coordinator to discuss the issuance.
  4. Within 48 hours after the issuance of the Red Card, the center referee will mail and/or deliver the written report to the BHYSL Referee Coordinator.
  5. The center referee will then be available to the BHYSL Referee Coordinator and/or the BHYSL Board of Directors for discussion of the incident.

Actions by the BHYSL Referee Coordinator

  1. Discuss the issuance of the Red Card with the center referee to better understand the situation.
  2. Receive and read the written report by the center referee.
  3. Contact the appropriate BHYSL Division Coordinator to explain the situation and find out where the individual will play or coach his/her next game.
  4. Contact the center referee for the next game and explain the situation.
  5. Brief the BHYSL Board of Directors at the next regularly scheduled meeting on the incident and subsequent actions.

Issuance of Multiple Red Cards During a Single Season

Bring to the BHYSL Board of Directors attention for possible disciplinary actions.

OTHER

  1. No refunds of registration fees will be made without the approval of the BHYSL Board of Directors. Exceptions will be made if a division offered is not made available and for medical reasons.
  2. Copies of STANDING RULES shall be distributed to all coaches at the beginning of each season.

Codes of Conduct

The foundation of our code of conduct is based upon the principles of good sportsmanship. Positive cheering from coaches, spectators, and other team members, as well as appreciation and applauding of good play regardless of team or player exemplify these principles.

  1. Accept the results of each game.
  2. Encourage players to be gracious in victory AND defeat.

COACH'S CODE

The coach is the instructor, disciplinarian, planner, and model for the team. This requires conduct representative of BHYSL and the sport. To accomplish this a coach will:

  1. Abide by the laws of the game at all times, both in spirit and letter.
  2. Acknowledge official decisions as final and will be accepted with good grace during and after the game.
  3. Greet spectators as honored guests.
  4. Realize that winning at any cost defeats the purpose of the game. Losing can be a triumph when a team has given its best.
  5. Regard and respect officials and opponents as honest in intention.
  6. Refrain from letting the outcome of the game or season overshadow the development of all your player's full range of talents.

REFEREE'S CODE

The referee is a partner in teaching youth players and as such is a symbol of fair play, integrity, and sportsmanship. The referee will:

  1. Call the game honestly and to the best of his/her ability.
  2. Be prepared mentally, with knowledge of Laws of the game.
  3. Be prepared physically to keep up with pace and play of the game.
  4. Take authority and accept responsibility for his/her decisions.
  5. Do not tolerate dissent.
  6. Be courteous in all dealings with coaches, players, and spectators.

PLAYER'S CODE

  1. Play the game for the game's sake.
  2. Be generous when you win.
  3. Be graceful when you lose.
  4. Be fair always no matter what the cost.
  5. Obey the laws of the game.
  6. Work for the good of your team.
  7. Accept the decisions of the officials with good grace.
  8. Believe in the honesty of your opponents.
  9. Conduct yourself with honor and dignity.
  10. The type of conduct that BHYSL will not support nor tolerate is:
  • That which brings the game into disrepute.
  • That which results in physical or mental violence.
  • That which is morally indefensible.

PARENT'S CODE

  1. Make sure each player knows that, win or lose, scared or heroic, their efforts are appreciated. This will allow each player to do his or her best without a fear of failure.
  2. Help each player to enjoy the thrill of competition, to be "out there trying", to be working to improve their skills and attitudes. Help each player to develop the feel for competing, for trying hard, and for having fun.
  3. Get to know the coach of each player so that you can be assured that his philosophy, attitudes, ethics, and knowledge are such that you are happy to have a young player under his leadership.
  4. Make athletic participation for each player a positive experience.
  5. Be kind to and support each coach and official. They each provide a necessary and valuable service to the community and need your full support.
  6. Applaud good plays by your team and members of the opposing team.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the players to play the game, the coach to direct the players, the referee to control the game, and the spectator to enjoy the sport and the play.

SPECTATOR'S RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of the spectator to:

  1. Cooperate immediately with any referee or coaches request.
  2. Stay two or more yards back from the playing field boundaries.

COACH'S RESPONSIBILITY

  1. Commit yourself to learning the rules of the game, skills to be taught, and coaching techniques for player and team development.

  2. Make sure your attendance at practice and games is timely and with proper equipment. Delegate to your assistant coach this responsibility if you cannot attend.

  3. Timely and properly communicate schedule changes to players, parents, and referees.

  4. Create a setting for continued growth and development: physical, mental, and emotional.

  5. Create a safe environment in which your players can practice and play.

  6. Commit yourself to learning the correct procedures for caring for and recognizing the most common injuries of your players.

  7. Develop the quality of leadership in your players.

  8. Establish discipline, develop cooperation and team spirit, and instill an appreciation for sports.

  9. Help to channel each child's natural energy in a positive direction.

  10. Develop a feeling of success in your players. Every child should have an opportunity to experience some degree of success in sports and to feel good about themselves and sports.

  11. Teach players how to compete, and to accept both winning and losing. Teach players how to accept defeat and make it a positive step towards growth.

  12. Teach players how to handle stress and pressure in competition.

  13. Teach your players during practice and hold down sideline coaching during games. This is their time to have fun and to use what you have taught them.

REFEREE'S RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Arrive on time and with the proper equipment.

  2. Take care of pre-game duties promptly, including field check, player equipment check, introductions, and recording of pertinent information.

  3. Start and stop games promptly and on time.

  4. Maintain control of games by being firm and consistent, treating trivial offenses accordingly, allowing the game to flow, and making the coaches aware of their responsibility for control of sidelines (coaches, players, spectators).

  5. Use visual and verbal signals for calls so that all participants understand.

  6. Above all, maintain a safe environment for all players.

PLAYER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Be responsible to yourself, your team, and your coach.

  2. Be at practice and games at the time your coach asks. Call him if you will be late or absent. This will give him time to set the lineup, get everyone warmed up, and get started on time.

  3. Listen attentively to your coach and work hard in practice.

  4. Try to learn something new about soccer at each practice and game; thereby, constantly improving your soccer skills and team play.

  5. Thank the other team for the game.

  6. Dress with proper equipment and uniform, including skin guards for both practice and games.

  7. Remove all watches, jewelry, earrings, belts, and other such items before both practice and games. Medical bracelets may be worn but should be taped.

  8. Above all, enjoy yourself and have fun.

PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Assure timely practice, game attendance, and a means of returning home afterwards.

  2. Make sure your child's registration is timely, complete, and accurate.

  3. Call the coach, preferably in advance, if your child will be tardy or absent from a game or practice.

  4. Dress your child appropriately for weather and game conditions. This includes:

  • Required skin guards

  • Removal of jewelry, watches, earrings, belts, and other such items. Medical bracelets may be worn but should be taped.