Modified Playing Rules for Under 9

Opposing parent/coaches and players should shake hands after each game.

 Final game score and league standings shall be kept for the purpose of determining a NFWASA representative for the NTSSA Tournament of Champions tournament.

 Participation awards for all – no trophies or awards just for the best team.

 Parent/coaches, non-playing players, parents and spectators should be located not less than six (6) yards from outside the touchline, nor should they be closer than twenty (20) yards to the goal line.

 No individual should be allowed to run the length of the field except participants of the game.

 Parent/coaches should not coach or instruct players during the game.

 No alcoholic beverages or tobacco products will be consumed or allowed near the playing area.

LAW I                     THE FIELD

A.       Markings:

1.      Distinctive lines not more than five (5) inches wide.

2.      A halfway line shall be marked out across the field.

3.      A center circle with an eight (8) yard radius.

4.      Four corner arcs, each with a two (2) foot radius.

5.      Goal area – six (6) yards from each goal post and six (6) yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.

6.      A penalty area may be used, the size of which shall be in proportion to the size of the field

LAW II                   THE BALL

A.       Size four (4)

LAW III                NUMBER OF PLAYERS

A.       Maximum number of players on the field at any one time – seven (7).  One of which must be the goalkeeper.

B.        Maximum number of players on the roster should not exceed – twelve (12).

C.       Minimum number of players required to field a team – five (5).

D.       Substitutions:

1.      Prior to a throw-in, for the team in possession.

2.      Prior to a goal kick, by either team.

3.      After a goal, by either team.

4.      After an injury, by either team, when the referee stops play.

5.      At half time.

E.        Playing Time:  Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of all total playing time.

LAW IV                PLAYERS EQUIPMENT

Player’s equipment must conform to FIFA with the following exceptions:

A.       Footwear:  Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes.

LAW V                  REFEREE

A.       Registered referee.

B.        Associate referee.

C.       Parent/Coach or Assistant.

D.       Referee’s decision on points of fact connected with the game shall be final.

E.        All rule infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending player.

F.        Only registered referees have the power to caution or send off players.

LAW VI                ASSISTANT REFEREE

Use Club Linesmen.

LAW VII             DURATION OF GAME

A.       The game shall be divided into two (2) equal halves of twenty-five (25) minutes each.

B.        There shall be a half-time break of five (5) minutes between halves.

LAW VIII           THE START OF PLAY

Conform to FIFA with the following exception:

A.       Opponents must be a minimum of eight (8) yards from center mark while kickoff is in progress.

LAW IX                BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

Conform to FIFA.

LAW X                  METHOD OF SCORING

Conform to FIFA.

LAW XI                OFFSIDE

Conform to FIFA.

LAW XII             FOULS AND CONDUCT

Conform to FIFA with the following exception:

A.       No caution or ejections shall be issued to players except by an independent neutral referee.

LAW XIII           FREE KICK

Conform to FIFA with the following exception:

A.       Opponents must be a minimum of eight (8) yards away before kick is allowed.

LAW XIV          PENALTY KICK

Conform to FIFA with the following exception:

A.       Opponents must be a minimum of eight (8) yards away before kick is allowed.

LAW XV             THROW-IN

Conform to FIFA.

LAW XVI          GOAL KICK

Conform to FIFA.

LAW XVII        CORNER KICK

Conform to FIFA with the following exception:

A.       Opponents must be a minimum of eight (8) yards away from the ball.

Excerpt below from Chapter 3 Rules and Regulations concerning Game Postponement, Suspension or Abandonment:

3.20        GAME POSTPONEMENT, SUSPENSION, OR ABANDONMENT

3.20.1.          Incomplete game because of misconduct:

If a game is not completed because of misconduct clearly traceable to one or the other contending teams, its management, or its followers as determined by the respective authority, the respective authority shall decide as to the disposition of the game.

3.20.2.          A referee or NFWASA board member has the final authority to postpone, suspend, or abandon a game due to foul weather or other circumstances he/she judges to be unsatisfactory.  If both are present, the board member’s decision takes precedence.

3.20.3.          Weather guidelines are as follows:

1.      Under 9 and older leagues shall play in any weather that does not constitute a hazard to health. Under 8 and younger leagues shall play in dry weather when the temperature is above 40 degrees F., and wet weather ONLY when the temperature is above 50 degrees F and at the discretion of the referee to determine if the conditions are hazardous and in accordance with 3.20.2.

2.      Lightning shall always be considered hazardous.

1.      Teams must report to the field ready to play regardless of the weather, unless the respective member association of where the game is being played has notified the coach prior to game time or has made a determination for the game and communicated such on the member association information line.

2.      If a game is abandoned due to weather after the second half has begun, it shall be considered a complete game.

3.20.1.          Referee Absence

1.      The absence of a referee to officiate a game for U8 and younger leagues shall not be considered grounds for game postponement or rescheduling.  It is the responsibility of the coaches for the respective teams to share in the officiating responsibilities or to identify a mutually agreed upon individual to officiate the game.

2.      In the event there is an absence of a referee(s) to officiate a game for U9 and older leagues, it is at the discretion of the present referee(s) to determine the actions required to proceed with the game in accordance with bylaw 3.12.