NOTE:  Super Blue, and Division II coaches may limit their rosters at their discretion.
		   Division III coaches may limit their rosters to 15 players.  Division IV coaches
		   may not limit their rosters.

	    2.  Playing Time – In Divisions SII, II (Blue), III (Red) and IV (White) coaches must
		make every effort to play each registered player that is present one-half  (50%) 
		of the game unless unable to do so due to player’s illness or injury or for 
		disciplinary reasons.  In the event that a player is present, but will not be 
		playing, the coach must inform the referee and the opposing coach as to the reason
		that player will not participate.

	    3.  Substitutions – Substitutions shall be unlimited.  The prior permission of the 
		referee is required in order to make any substitution at any time, except at the
		resumption of play after the half time break.  
		Substitutions may be made as follows:

		a.  On a throw-in (by the team in possession).

		b.  On a goal kick (by either team).

		c.  After any goal (by either team).

		d.  After a stoppage of play for an injury (by either team).

		e.  At half time (by either team).

		f.  After a caution (the player receiving the caution).

 	    4.  U5 and U6 – There are NO Goalkeepers.

	D.  Law 4 – Uniforms and Player Equipment

	    1.  Minimum requirement for uniform is jersey or “T” shirt of the same color, shorts 
		and knee sock high socks.  The goalie will wear a jersey of a color different 
		from his team and the opposing team.  Soft caps may be worn in very cold weather.
		Also, warm clothing may be worn under the uniform.  Shirts must be worn tucked 
		into the shorts.

	    2.  Soccer shoes or tennis shoes must be worn by all players.  Heels and metal shoes
		are not permitted.  Shoes with toe cleats (football, baseball) are not permitted.
		Elbow pads and knee pads are permissible.  SHIN GUARDS ARE MANDATORY FOR ALL 
		PRACTICES AND GAMES.

	    3.  Shin guards are to be worn during all soccer activities.  They are worn against 
		the skin under the socks, or between 2 pairs of socks.  The sock must totally 
		cover the shin guard.  This does not allow socks to be pulled up and then folded
		over the shin guard.

	    4.  CASTS ARE NOT ALLOWED.  No player will be allowed to play with a hard cast 
		(padded or otherwise).

	    5.  Braces, such as knee braces, with exposed metal or hard plastic parts will not 
		be allowed unless covered by the manufacturer’s covering or one-half inch high 
		density foam.

	E.  Law 5 – The Referee

	    1.  Regardless of age, referees are responsible for controlling the game.  Coaches
		must provide the referee with all possible assistance.  Open disagreement is 
		not allowed, no matter how obvious the error.  A display of dissent is not only
		discourteous, but risks inciting parents and players, causing serious problems
		for the referees, particularly for the younger or newer ones.  Unsporting 
		conduct will be cause to be brought before the D and P Committee.  Referees 
		may not officiate games in playing divisions in which their own team or children
		plays.

	    2.  U5 and U6, A parent, coach or manager may officiate the game.  All infringements
		shall be briefly explained to the offending player.


	F.  Law 6 – The Assistant Referee

	    1.  Assistant Referees are optional.  At the referee’s request each team shall supply
		a club assistant referee who shall assist the referee.  Official assistant 
		referees, assigned by the referee in a three-man system will signal fouls. 
 		Assistant referees may not coach while acting as an assistant referee.  Coaches 
		will not serve as assistant referees for their own games.

	    2.  U5 through U8 do not have assistant referees.

	G.  Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play- Conform to FIFA with the following exceptions:

	    1.  U9 and U10 – Opponents must be 6 yards from the ball until it is played.

            2.  U7 and U8 - Opponents must be 5 yards from the ball until it is played.

	    3.  U5 and U6 – Opponents must be 4 yards from the ball until it is played.

	H.  Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play- Conform to FIFA

	I.  Law 10 – The Method of Scoring-Conform to FIFA

	J.  Law 11 – Offside-Conform to FIFA except:

	    1.  U5 through U8 – There is no offside.

	K.  Law 12 – Fouls and Misconducts-Conform to FIFA except:


	    1.  U5 through U10 – NO SLIDE TACKLES.  Any player using a slide tackle to capture
		the ball being played by another player will result in a foul being called and
		an Indirect Free Kick given unless such slide tackle results (in the referees 
		opinion) in a penal foul, then a Direct Free Kick shall be awarded or if such 
		play occurs in the penalty area, then a penalty kick will be awarded.

	    2.  U5 through U8 – Other Rules

		a.  All fouls are Indirect Kicks.

		b.  No cards will be shown for misconduct.

		c. All fouls will be briefly explained to player.

	L.  Law 13 – Free Kicks-Conform to FIFA except:

	    2.  U5 through  U8 
			
                a.  All kicks are indirect.

		b.  Any infringements such as double touch results in a retake of the kick.

	M.  Law 14 – The Penalty Kick-Conform to FIFA except NO PENALTY KICKS in U5 through U8.

	N.  Law 15 – The Throw In-Conform to FIFA except:

	    1.  U5 and U6 – No Throw-Ins 

		a.  Play will be restarted with a kick-in.

		b.  Kick-In is taken from the spot the ball crossed over the touch-line.

		c.  Kick-Ins are indirect and opponents must be 4 yards away.

	O.  Law 16 – The Goal Kick- Conform to FIFA except:

	    1.  U5 and U6

		a.  Goal kick is taken from any point along the goal line or arc.

		b.  Goal kicks are indirect and opponents must be 4 yards away.

	P.  Law 17 – The Corner Kick- Conform to FIFA except:

	    1.  U5 and U6 corner kicks are indirect and opponents must be 4 yards away.

IV Coaching Responsibilities

	A.  Excessive coaching from the sidelines is not allowed.  If the infringement continues
	    after a caution by the referee, the game may be stopped at the referee’s discretion,
	    or the coach may be ejected.

	B.  Coaches shall be directed to the coach’s box and to give all instruction during the
	    course of the game from this area.  No coach, parent, spectator may cause 
	    interference with the game, players, or referee during the course of the game by
 	    positioning themselves at a location with the sole purpose of instructing a player.
	    Examples:  behind the goal, constantly moving along the sidelines with the players.

V.  Spectators

	A.  The coach is responsible for the behavior of the team’s spectators and fans.  
	    Spectators and fans must occupy the same end of field as players opposite their 
	    team.:

	    1.  Are not allowed in the goal line area.

    	    2.  Must remain at least 1 yard away from the touchline at all times.

	    3.  May not openly criticize the referee.

	    4.  Must stay on the opposite side of the field from the coaches and players.

	B.  Fans will not be issued cards, but may be cautioned and/or sent off by the referee.
	    Any such send off must be reported to NEYSO for possible further disciplinary actions.

VI.  Home Team

	The home team is the first team listed on the schedule.  For all age groups, the fields 
	are set up to have all spectators on one side and only coaches/players on the other side.
	The home team changes jerseys if both teams are wearing the same color, and provides a 
	game ball suitable to the referee and a score card.  All efforts should be made to play 
	the game as scheduled.

VII.  Visiting Team

	Provides a game ball if the ball provided by the home team is not suitable to the referee.
	For all age groups, the fields are set up to have all spectators on one side and only 
	coaches/players on the other side.    All efforts should be made to play the game as 
	scheduled.

VIII.  Referee No-Shows

	If the assigned referee is not present at game time and no substitute referee is 
	available, a representative from either team may referee the game if mutually agreed 
	to by both 	coaches.  That person becomes the game referee with all the rights 
	inherent in U.S.S.F. and U.S.Y.S.A. rules.  If neither team has such a representative,
	the game will be postponed.  Report referee no-shows to the Commissioner of Referees.

IX  Forfeits

	Teams unable to field the required number of registered players within 15 minutes after
	the scheduled game time forfeit the game.  If the coach does not request the 15 minute 
	“grace period” from the referee, the forfeit occurs at game time.  If both teams fail 
	to appear a double forfeit shall be declared by the referee and so noted on the official
	game card.

        No Show Policy for NEYSO Teams:
	   Recreational U5 through U10 NEYSO teams must notify the opposing team, their age level
	   commissioner, and the NEYSO scheduler of their team’s inability to compete at the 
	   scheduled game time by the Sunday prior to the scheduled game day for a reschedule and
	   72 hours prior to game time to cancel without penalty. Fines will be charged to the 
	   coach of the offending team to cover referee expenses and administrative costs if their
	   team fails to show at game time.  Fines must be paid prior to their next scheduled game.
	   Failure to pay fines will result in a D&P hearing with possible removal of coaching
	   privileges.


X.  Abandoning the Game

	Once play has started, only the referee can abandon the game.  No coach can abandon the 
	game	for any reason.  If a coach chooses to not finish the game, the team shall not be 
	allowed	to play until the situation is reviewed by the AAYSA/NEYSO Discipline and Protest
	Committee.  The D & P Committee shall hold a hearing before the next game for the team
	in question.

XI.  Incomplete Game

	If a game is terminated in the second half due to weather, it will be considered a full 
	game.

XII.  Rain-Out Policy

	A.  The NEYSO President, or his representative, is the only person permitted to declare a 
	    rain-out.  Games scheduled on fields judged by the President not to be in playable 
	    condition will be postponed.  When a game on a field is canceled prior to the first
	    game of the day, all games on that field will be canceled for that day.  Notification
      	    will be on the rain-out recorded telephone number and through the website 
	    www.neyso.org.

	B.  A referee has the authority to call off any game where conditions change and the field
	    becomes unplayable; however, a referee’s decision applies to that one game only.

	C.  Each association within AAYSA or STYSA has differing rain-out rules for their home 
	    fields.  A NEYSO rain-out decision has no effect on away games.

XIII.  Make-Up Game Policy

	A.  Rain-outs Make-up games resulting from NEYSO declared rain-outs, must be rescheduled
	    within two (2) weeks.  If a majority of the games scheduled are rained out for U10
	    and below, NEYSO will reschedule them and post them on the website and distribute
	     information to the coaches.

	B.  Other rescheduling make-up dates for regularly scheduled games that are rescheduled
	    for a coach’s convenience may be played at a time and place mutually agreed upon by
	    both teams, provided that:

	    1.  The coach who initiates the request for rescheduling will be required to obtain 
		approval of the other coach and have a written request to the scheduler by 
		Sunday night at 6:00 P.M. preceding the following weekend game.  The game will 
		be rescheduled without a fee if the team has three or more players absent due 
		to school or church activities. Otherwise, the game will be rescheduled only 
		after a check in the amount equal to the cost of the fees for all officials 
		normally assigned to the game and for the fees of the referee assignor is given
		to the scheduler by the team desiring to make the change.  If the request is 
		made after the Sunday evening deadline, the fee will be automatic.  The date
		for the rescheduled game must be confirmed with the scheduler at least five days
		before the rescheduled date and by 9:00 P.M.  The sequence for determining 
		rescheduled dates is:

		a.  Call scheduler to obtain available dates, times and fields.  No field will 
		    be reserved at this time.  They will be on a first come – first served basis.

		b.  Call other coach and players to determine which date will be suitable.

		c.  Call scheduler and confirm date for the rescheduled game.

		d.  Scheduler must confirm date and time for the rescheduled game.

	    2.  The coach who initiates the request for rescheduling is responsible for the 
		payment of the fees for the game that is canceled and for coordinating the 
		rescheduling activity.  This coach is also responsible for obtaining the
		confirmation of the scheduler.

	    3.  Make-up games that are for a coach’s convenience, have no field priority, and 
		cannot be used as a reason to preempt another team’s practice field.

XIV.  Awards and Recognition

	NEYSO gives awards and recognition in the following areas:

	A.  Sportsmanship – Earl Woodell Sportsmanship Award – this team award (with individual
	    awards to the players and coaches) is based on the following criteria:


	    1.  Sportsmanship Awards will be decided by nomination from all coaches in that age
		group.  Head coaches will nominate the team they feel showed the best 
		sportsmanship for that season and the team with the most nominations will be 
		presented with the sportsmanship award for their age level. 


XV.  Standings

	Season standings in Division II and Division III will be determined by rules adopted by
	STYSA. Season standings will not be maintained for U10 and below age levels.

		NOTE:  There is no reason to run up scores, and doing so will be considered 
		       unsportsmanlike.


XVII.  Alcoholic Beverages, Smoking and Pets

	A.  Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at youth soccer games.  Coaches, spectators, 
	    and players may not smoke or use tobacco products at any NEYSO field.

	B.  NO Pets Allowed!

XVII.	Field Care

	A.  All teams are expected to clean up after themselves.  Many of our fields are provided
	    by schools or private institutions.  If we do not keep the fields clean, we will lose
	    them.  Comply with parking restrictions.

	B.  NEYSO fields are used for both practice and for games.  NEYSO spends a great deal of
	    money in maintaining these fields.  In trying to establish a balance between “raising
	    grass” and “raising kids”, the board has established the following policy:  When 
	    practicing on NEYSO fields, do not use the goal area more than one-half of your 
	    practice session.

	C.  Do not practice on wet fields.

XVIII.	Protest Procedures   

	A.  Protests based on a judgment call by the referee are not allowed.  A team protesting
	    a game based on the infringement of the laws of the game must advise the center 
	    referee and the opposing coach before leaving the field of play of their intent to 
	    file a protest.  This notice of intent must be made within 30 minutes of the end of
	    the game by the coach of record, not a parent or trainer.  The referee will note this
	    on the game card.  Protests must be submitted to the chairman of the D & P Committee
	    in writing stating all pertinent facts within five calendar days of the game.  The
	    protest must be accompanied by a $250.00 fee which shall be turned over to the AAYSA
	    Treasurer for deposit.

	    1.  Protests based on late starts or field conditions shall be filed with the referee
		and so noted on the game card prior to the start of the game.

	    2.  Protests or questions involving player eligibility must be presented to the 
		referee prior to the game or immediately after the game.

	    3.  No protests will be accepted by the committee if the above guidelines are not 
		strictly adhered to committee decisions will be supplied in writing to the parties
		involved within five days of the D & P meeting.

		NOTE:	NEYSO has adopted the STYSA/AAYSA Discipline and Protest Procedures.  
			These will be provided when required.

XIX.	Identification Cards

	All players must have USYSA identification cards.  The cards will be supplied to the 
	teams by the Registrar of NEYSO.  The team coach is responsible for permanently 
	attaching an 	appropriate picture of the participant to the card, obtaining the 
	necessary signatures, 	and laminating the card.  A player who does not have a 
	laminated USYSA identification card will not be allowed to participate in the soccer
	match.

	In the absence of the team coach or the assistant coach, a responsible adult may act 
	as coach in an emergency situation.

	Kid-safe badges must be worn on a lanyard around the coach’s neck at all times at 
	NEYSO 	fields, this includes practice sessions as well as games. 


XX.  Complaints, Grievances and Protests 

	A.  NEYSO shall comply with AAYSA and STYSA policies and procedures with regard to 
	    grievances and protests.  These policies only allow a single referral from local 
	    clubs to state.  Therefore, NEYSO will defer to AAYSA unless authority is 
	    specifically granted by AAYSA for Discipline and Protest (D & P) matters.  
	    NEYSO will assist AAYSA and STYSA D & P committees in all referrals from NEYSO 
	    home games or club actions.  Any written report of incident shall be considered
	    a complaint unless accepted by a D & P committee as a disciplinary actions, 
	    grievance or protest.  Specifically:

	    1.  The NEYSO Commissioner of Coaches will record and track all complaints, 
		suspensions, disciplinary actions, grievances, protests, referee assaults, 
		referee abuse and coach’s misconduct. 

	    2.  The NEYSO Commissioner of Coaches will verify timely and accurate reporting of 
		incidents to AAYSA and STYSA as formal written referrals and assist in 
		administrative processing where applicable.

	    3.  The NEYSO Commissioner of Coaches will follow up on each incident and report to 
		the board the disposition of each case immediately to involved members and by 
		written summary to the NEYSO board on a monthly basis.

	    4.  Any incident not accepted for AAYSA or STYSA D & P proceedings will be 
		considered a member complaint and handled administratively by the NEYSO board.

	    5.  The NEYSO Commissioner of Coaches will report to all interested parties the 
		outcome	of each case using the simple rule that a written complaint deserves a 
		written answer.

	    6.  The NEYSO Director of Coaching and the NEYSO Commissioner of Referees will 
		assist in timely reporting by providing the NEYSO President copies of any 
		incident involving referees or NEYSO coaches.

	    7.  Any NEYSO coach receiving a game send-off (formerly a RED Card) will be required 
		to serve a one game suspension as per the STYSA Progressive Discipline Policy.  
		Any failure to observe a game suspension as per the policies willbe immediately
		reported to the STYSA D & P committee.