The Laws of the Game come from FIFA. YYSL adheres to these laws with the notes and modifications listed below. This list is comprehensive, not exhaustive. Referees will apply the Laws within the spirit of the game to help produce fair and safe matches. Everyone must respect the match officials and their decisions.

Law I THE FIELD OF PLAY

YYSL games are played on various soccer fields in York County. The Field Directory is available on the YYSL website.

Field lining includes an additional sideline marking. Spectators are requested to sit behind this extra line to give coaching and officiating staff room along the sideline.

Law II THE BALL

• U6 Division: Size 3
• U8 Division: Size 3
• U11 Division: Size 4
• U14 Division: Size 5
• U18 Division: Size 5

Law III THE PLAYERS

Number of Players

• U6 Division: 6v6, no goalies
• U8 Division: 8v8
• U11 Division: 11v11
• U14 Division: 11v11
• U18 Division: 11v11

Substitution procedure

There is no limit to the number of player substitutions during gameplay to allow for equal playing time.

Substitutions may only be made with the consent of the referee during any dead ball by either team. All players must leave and enter at midfield. The only exception is player injury: players are instructed to stay on the ground when injured so play can be stopped.

• Goal kicks: either team may substitute
• Throw-ins and corner kicks: the team in possession of the ball may substitute; if they do, the opposing team may also substitute players

Law IV THE PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT

Safety

• Jewelry is not permitted (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, bands, watches)
• Sweatshirt/jacket hoods must be worn down during gameplay
• Beanie caps are recommended for cold weather; baseball caps and visors are not permitted
• Prescription glasses are permitted (no sunglasses)

Compulsory equipment

Players are required to have the following equipment. There are no color or brand requirements other than the jersey.

• A YYSL jersey must be worn during games
• Soccer cleats are preferred; sneakers are acceptable
• Shin guards must be worn inside soccer socks

Players are encouraged to bring a soccer ball and water bottle to practice.

Law V THE REFEREE

Powers and duties

• Be on the field at least fifteen (15) minutes before the start of the game
• Acts as timekeeper and scorekeeper
• When feasible, explains calls to players and coaches
• Observe field and weather conditions and end gameplay as necessary
• Take any necessary action to deal with gameplay interference
• Report yellow cards, red cards, injuries, or coach/spectator problems to the Referee Coordinator
• Report any games not played, no-shows, or fee problems to the Division Commissioner.

Law VI THE OTHER MATCH OFFICIALS

Linesmen are not required for games.

Law VII THE DURATION OF THE MATCH

• U6 Division: 8-minute quarters
• U8 Division: 10-minute quarters
• U11 Division: 12-minute quarters
• U14 Division: 25-minute halves
• U18 Division: 25-minute halves
• Breaks: 2 minutes between quarters; 5 minutes between halves

Law VIII THE START AND RESTART OF PLAY

No significant modifications.

Law VIX THE BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

No significant modifications.

Law X DETERMINING THE OUTCOME OF A MATCH

There are no overtime periods; ties will stand. Games that are terminated by the referee after two quarters or the first half will not be replayed. Scores at the time of termination are considered final.

Only township recreation staff, YYSL Board Members, or the game referee can cancel a game due to field conditions. The referee can cancel a game due to weather conditions. If a game is not canceled in advance, teams should arrive on time for the scheduled start of the game.

Law XI OFFSIDE

Offside is enforced in the U11, U14, and U18 divisions.

Law XII FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

• The goalkeeper carrying or picking up a ball intentionally kicked back by a defender will not be penalized; a verbal warning may be given on the first offense and the rule enforced on any subsequent offense.
• Slide tackling is not permitted; penalties will be assessed.
• Heading is only permitted in the U18 division. In all other divisions, coaches will train players on alternate methods of ball entrapment and control. If a player intentionally heads the ball, gameplay will be stopped; coaches and players will be reminded of the rule. The referee will determine the drop ball location (outside the 18 and off to the side of the field). Coaches are responsible for reinforcing the rule a practice and during gameplay. At the discretion of the referee, a player may be carded if heading continues.

Law XIII FREE KICKS

No significant modifications.

Law XIV THE PENALTY KICK

No significant modifications.

Law XV THE THROW-IN

• U6 Division: no throw-ins; coaches will return the ball to the field
• U8 Division: throw-ins are coached throughout the game
• U11 Division: two (2) chances for every throw-in
• U14 & U18 Division: two (2) chances for each throw-in at the first game of the season; after the first game, a penalty will be called by the referee, and the other team will take possession

Law XVI THE GOAL KICK

The build-out line will be enforced in the U8 and U11 divisions.

Law XVII THE CORNER KICK

No significant modifications.