Laws of the Game
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. All participants must respect the match officials and their decisions.
- YYSL games are played on soccer fields in York County. The Field Directory is available on the YYSL website.
- Field lining includes an additional sideline marking. Spectators must sit behind this line to give coaching and officiating staff room along the sideline.
- 6U Division: Size 3
- 8U Division: Size 3
- 11U Division: Size 4
- 14U Division: Size 5
- 18U Division: Size 5
Number of Players
- 6U Division: 6v6, no goalies
- 8U Division: 8v8
- 11U Division: 11v11
- 14U Division: 11v11
- 18U 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
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 required
- Shin guards must be worn inside soccer socks
Players are encouraged to bring a soccer ball and water bottle to practice.
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, explain 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.
- Linesmen are not required for games.
- 6U Division: 8-minute quarters
- 8U Division: 10-minute quarters
- 11U Division: 12-minute quarters
- 14U Division: 25-minute halves
- 18U Division: 25-minute halves
- Breaks: 2 minutes between quarters; 5 minutes between halves
- No significant modifications.
- No significant modifications.
- There are no overtime periods; ties will stand. Games that the referee terminates after two quarters (or the first half) will not be replayed.
- 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.
- Teams should plan to play as scheduled if a game is not canceled in advance.
- Offside is enforced in the 11U, 14U, and 18U divisions.
- 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 18U 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.
- No significant modifications.
- No significant modifications.
- 6U Division: no throw-ins; coaches will return the ball to the field
- 8U Division: throw-ins are coached throughout the game
- 11U Division: two (2) chances for every throw-in
- 14U & 18U Division: two (2) chances for each throw-in at the first game of the season
- The build-out line will be enforced in the 8U and 11U divisions.
- No significant modifications.
