1. Length of game:
U-16
and older 2 x 40 minute halves U-11
to U-12 2 x 30
minute halves
U-13
to U-15 2 x 35 minute halves U-8 to U-10 2
x 25 minute halves
2. Size of ball:
U-13
and older Size 5 ball U-8
to U-12 Size 4
ball
The
home team supplies the game ball.
3. Referees:
The home team supplies the referee (SSI recommends two referees, if possible).
If
there is only one referee, each team must supply a lines person.
Referees
should be at least three years older than the oldest player.
SSI
has a zero tolerance policy for any type of dissent or abuse (physical or
verbal) toward a referee.
4. Players’ equipment:
These
rules must be strictly adhered to due to insurance requirements. No exceptions.
Players
may not wear anything that, in the opinion of the referee, may cause injury to
themselves or to other players.
All
players must wear shin guards that are fully covered by socks.
Players
may not wear jewelry or hard clips in their hair. Earrings covered by tape are
not acceptable.
No
player may play while wearing any type of cast, even if covered.
Appropriate footwear must be worn. Soccer shoes,
while recommended, are optional. Goalie helmets are optional.
SSI
recommends that uniform shirts be numbered, for player identification.
5. Number of players:
U-12
and older 11 v. 11 U-11 9 v. 9
U-10 7 v. 7 U-9
7 v. 7
U-8 6 v. 6
If
a team is short of players, teams must play match (that is, both teams must
field the same number of players).
The
only exception is when a player is red-carded and his team has no substitutes.
6. Injuries:
When a player gets hurt, the referee must stop the game immediately. The injured player must come off the field.
A substitution can be made for the injured player. The injured player may return through a normal substitution.
The
match restarts with a drop ball at the place where the ball was at the time of
the injury.
7. Substitutions:
These substitution rules apply to ensure that each
child plays at least one-half of the game.
Substitutions
may be made on any out of bounds ball by either team, with the referee's
permission.
If
a substitution is being made due to injury, both teams may substitute other
players, with the referee’s permission.
8. Five-goal
rule:
SSI
vigorously enforces a five-goal differential. Please cooperate. Violations will
be reported to both clubs’ Interleague Coordinators and the SSI Coordinator.
Suspensions may result.
9. Red and yellow cards:
A player or coach
shown a red card receives an automatic two game suspension (to be served the
next two games).
A player shown a
yellow card must leave the field of play for a minimum of five minutes.
A
substitution may be made for a carded player, whether a red or yellow card was
received.
The
referee must file a report regarding a red card with the home club’s Director
of Referees, who will inform SSI.
10. Fighting:
Player: Players
are automatically suspended from the league.
Adults (coaches or parents): The team is automatically suspended from the league.
11. Protests:
SSI will not entertain protests.
12. Spectators:
Teams,
along with their spectators, must occupy opposite sidelines.
Coaches
are fully responsible for the behavior of their team’s spectators. Coaches can
be red-carded due to offensive behavior by their team’s spectators.
13. Team management:
The
visiting team must call the home team at least 72 hours prior to the
game to verify field location and directions, game time, and color of shirts.
If
the visiting team does not call at this time, SSI recommends that the home team
call the visiting team.
Home
coaches are responsible to notify the visiting coach and the referee at least
two hours prior to game time if a game must be cancelled.
All
scheduled games must be played. Make up any rainouts or rescheduled games.
14. Problems of any kind
are to be handled through your club's Interleague Coordinator.
15. Any matters not
covered by SSI guidelines will be handled by the SSI Arbitration Committee.
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