Town Rules

No Slide Tackling Is Allowed In The Town Program!

GENERAL RULES:

  • Only coaches and players are allowed on sideline in-between fields.  

    • Spectators should be on the opposite side of the field. NO EXCEPTIONS.  

    • It is the coach’s responsibility to enforce this rule.  Referees are instructed to stop the game if necessary. 

  • Nobody (coach or spectator) should be on the end lines. 

  • IF INJURY OCCURS:  Play stops immediately and is suspended until injured player can safely leave the field of play.

  • TO CANCEL A GAME: It is the coach’s responsibility to contact the Referee Director (by 5:00pm, the day before your scheduled game). 

  • REFEREES: 

    • If a coach has a complaint about a referee, please contact the Referee Director on the field, or your Division Director.

    • The Referee Director will pay referees at the end of the game.

In all divisions, the referee dictates the times of:

  1. Start of game, within 5 minutes past the hour, and when enough players arrive to begin.

  2. End of the first half.

  3. Beginning of second half.

  4. End of the game. 

KINDERGARTEN

  • Games will be played 4 v 4 - no goalie.

    • If game day rosters are large, playing 5 v 5 (no goalie) is encouraged. 

  • TIMING: Two 20-minute halves, coach may suggest otherwise prior to game, and 5 minute half time. Do not change direction after half time

  • SUBSTITUTIONS: Either coach can substitute players at any stoppage of play by notifying the referee.

  • Home team should supply the game ball.

  • No goal kicks, corner kicks or throw-ins.

  • All stoppage of play starts on the sidelines, restart of play after ball goes over the end line will be a kick in approximately 5 yards from the corner.

  • All infractions should be explained, then start at the sideline closest to the infraction.

FIRST GRADE

  • Games will be played 5 v 5 - including goalie. 

    • If roster sizes are large, teams can play 6 v 6, including a goalie.

  • TIMING: Two 20-minute halves, coach may suggest otherwise prior to game, and 5 minute half time. Do not change direction after half time

  • SUBSTITUTIONS: Either coach can substitute players at any stoppage of play by notifying the referee.

  • Home team should supply the game ball.

  • No corner kicks or throw-ins.

  • Goal kick: ball hit or touched by offense over the end line of defense.

    • Ball should be placed on the ground 6 yards from the goal line. The opposing team must go to their half of the field before the ball is kicked back into play. 

  • All stoppage of play starts on the sidelines, restart of play after ball goes over the end line will be a kick in approximately 5 yards from the corner.

  • All infractions should be explained, then start at sidelines closest to infraction. 

SECOND/THIRD GRADE 

  • Games will be played 7 v 7 - including goalie.

    • Exception - if each team does not have at least 10 players, coaches may elect to play 6 v 6 (including goalie).  Each team must have the same number of players on the field.  A player should not ordinarily sit for a double shift.  If there is a risk of sitting a child for two shifts in a row or there are other game day roster imbalances, the teams should share and reallocate players.  Coaches must check and work with one another on this.  We want all children to get as many minutes and touches of the ball as possible at this age.  Contact the Town Directors or DYS President with any questions.

  • TIMING: Two 25-minute halves and 5 minute half time.

    • Teams will change direction after half time. This is required as we are getting players used to soccer standards.

  • SUBSTITUTIONS: Either coach can substitute players by notifying the referee at the following points in a game: goal kicks, throw ins - as long as the team taking the throw in is substituting players. 

  • Home team should supply the DYS game ball.

  • RULES OF PLAY: There are shifts at this level to get players ready for travel soccer. 

    • No punting or throwing the ball over mid field in the air by the goalkeeper on normal play (referee will allow the keeper to try again)

    • Goal kick: ball hit or touched by offense over the end line of defense.

      • Ball should be placed on the ground 6 yards from the goal line. The opposing team must go to their half of the field before the ball is kicked back into play. 

    • Corner kicks:  ball hit or touched by defense over its own end line.

    • Throw-ins:  If foot is lifted, referee will stop play, explain/show proper way to throw, and allow the player to try again. If their foot is lifted a second time, play will continue at the discretion of the referee. 

    • Infractions:  Indirect kick (must be touched by another player before scoring)    

    • No direct kicks. No penalty kicks.  No off sides. No Slide Tackling.