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League Rules and Policies

Pataskala Fall 2023 season Division Rules

Equipment and Uniforms

  • All players for each team should wear the uniforms purchased from the Parks and Recreation Department. The Home Team will wear Green shirts and the Away Team will wear White shirts.
  • All players must wear shin guards for games. Shin guards should be worn under the sock (if not, please remind the coach so it can be corrected for the next game). If the shin guard is over the sock, it is okay to let the kids play.
  • Shoes with rubber or plastic cleats are recommended, but not required. Shoes with Toe Cleats, while not recommended, can be worn during a game as long as the referee deems the Toe Cleat to be safe.
  • No jewelry may be worn at any time during the game, unless medical alerts, which shall be taped down. The player must remove the jewelry, or they will be unable to participate in the game. Tape and/or band-aids over earrings for pierced-ear are not permitted under any circumstances.
  • Players that are wearing a cast. The players cast must be wrapped in 1⁄2 closed-cell/slow recovery foam over the cast or something the referee deems safe. If a player's cast is not covered properly, he/she cannot participate in the game. The required foam can be purchased at a pharmacy. There is also tape and wrap located onsite for parents' use, but the foam is required to be brought by the parent.
  • Referees may not allow any equipment that they deem as unsafe or illegal.
     

Rules Regarding Heading the Ball

Pursuant to US Soccer Federal guidelines and the Ohio South Soccer Association ByLaws, Pataskala Soccer League, enforces the following rules regarding heading the ball:

  • No intentional headers will be allowed in U10 and lower age division games
  • No coach in a U10 or lower age division shall be permitted to instruct players how to perform a header
  • U12/MSSA/HSSA teams are allowed no more than 30 minutes per week to instruct on how to head the ball

 

U4 Division

  • Play shall be conducted as 4v4 without a goalkeeper and using a size #3 ball.
    • Coaches make sure that players are not standing in front of the goal - players should be encouraged to move up and down the field staying in the play
  • 2– 10-minute Halves for the first 2 games then extend game to 3—10 minutes Halves
  • Head Balls – AKA "Headers" are not permitted in this division
  • No Offsides
  • No slide tackling allowed
  • The purpose of this division is to introduce the game to our youngest players. There should be as few stoppages in play as possible. We want these players to be touching and chasing the ball as much as possible.
  • Players in this division may fall and run into each other. Play should not be stopped unless there is a risk of injury and neither fouls nor handball should be called.
  • All restarts, including goals, will be executed by an adult rolling the ball into the middle of the field.
  • A ball will be in bounds even if it is a foot or so out of bounds as long as the players are trying to bring it back on the field. If a ball is clearly out of bounds and the players are not trying to bring it back on the field, any spectator may roll the ball back onto the field toward the center line. Thus, there are no throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks or kick-offs.
  • One Coach, Assistant, or volunteer may be on the field from each team to keep the game moving and ensure player safety.
  • There are No referees assigned to these games. Coaches are responsible for organizing the teams, running the games and keeping track of time.


 

U5 Division

  • Play shall be conducted as 4v4 without a goalkeeper and using a size #3 ball.
    • Coaches make sure that players are not standing in front of the goal - players should be encouraged to move up and down the field staying in the play
  • A game will consist of 4 – 10-minute Quarters
  • Head Balls – AKA "Headers" are not permitted in this division
  • No Offsides
  • No slide tackling allowed
  • The purpose of this division is to introduce the game to our youngest players. There should be as few stoppages in play as possible. We want these players to be touching and chasing the ball as much as possible.
  • Players in this division may fall and run into each other. Play should not be stopped unless there is a risk of injury and neither fouls nor handball should be called.
  • All restarts, including goals, will be executed by an adult rolling the ball into the middle of the field.
  • A ball will be in bounds even if it is a foot or so out of bounds as long as the players are trying to bring it back on the field. If a ball is clearly out of bounds and the players are not trying to bring it back on the field, any spectator may roll the ball back onto the field toward the center line. Thus, there are no throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks or kick-offs.
  • One Coach, Assistant, or volunteer may be on the field from each team to keep the game moving and ensure player safety.
  • There are No referees assigned to these games. Coaches are responsible for organizing the teams, running the games and keeping track of time.
  • The purpose of this division is to introduce the game to our youngest players. There should be as few stoppages in play as possible. We want these players to be touching and chasing the ball as much as possible.

 

U6 Division

  • Play shall be conducted as 4v4 without a goalkeeper and using a size #3 ball. Players should be encouraged to play both offense and defense.
    • Coaches make sure that players are not standing in front of the goal - players should be encouraged to move up and down the field staying in the play
  • A game will consist of 4 – 10-minute Quarters
  • Head Balls – AKA "Headers" are not permitted in this division
  • No Offsides
  • No slide tackling allowed
  • Kids at this age do not intentionally foul. Their motor coordination is not fully developed so they will run into each other and will trip and fall. If a child deliberately runs into other children, coaches should instruct the player not to do so, give them a couple of changes and if it continues, that player would sit out for a minute or two.
  • We will not enforce handball rules in this division. At this age kids are afraid of getting hit and use their hands to protect themselves. If a player picks up the ball, a coach will restart the game with a free kick for the other team. Example, a green player picks up the ball while in play, the coach will blow the whistle, and have the nearest white player take the kick quickly to get the ball back in play.
  • If ball goes out over the touch line, restart with Throw-In (Kick-In is okay) (For a throw- if done incorrectly have the player take one additional try (if still done incorrectly, encourage them to continue to practice and let the game play on), remember this is still a teaching league so it is okay to give them reminders on proper technique)
  • If the ball goes out over the end line, restart with a goal kick for the defending team, or a corner kick for the attacking team.
  • There are No referees assigned to these games. Coaches are responsible for organizing the teams, running the games and keeping track of time.

 

U7 Division

  • Play shall be conducted as 4v4 without a goalkeeper and using a size #3 ball. Players should be encouraged to play both offense and defense.
    • Coaches make sure that players are not standing in front of the goal - players should be encouraged to move up and down the field staying in the play
  • A game will consist of 2 – 20-minute haves
  • Head Balls – AKA "Headers" are not permitted in this division
  • No Offsides
  • No slide tackling allowed
  • Substitutions may be made anytime the ball has gone out of play or the game has stopped. Any team may sub when the ball has gone out of play.
  • No slide tackling allowed. If a player commits a slide tackle, the restart will be a indirect free kick for the opposing team
  • If ball goes out over the touch line, restart with Throw-In 
    • For a throw- if done incorrectly have the player take one additional try, if still done incorrectly, encourage them to continue to practice and let the game play on
    • Remember this is still a teaching league so it is okay to give them reminders on proper technique
  • If the ball goes out over the end line, restart with a goal kick for the defending team, or a corner kick for the attacking team.
  • There are No referees assigned to these games. Coaches are responsible for organizing the teams, running the games and keeping track of time.
     

U8 Division

  • Play shall be conducted as 7 v 7 (includes a goalie) and using a size #3 ball.
  • A game will consist of 2 – 25-minute halves
  • There is NO PUNTING allowed by the goalie. Once the goalie has control of the ball in their hands, the ball must be thrown or rolled out.
  • Substitutions may be made at the mid-line ONLY. The ball must have gone out of play and the players must be at the Center Flag before the substitutions will be allowed.
    • Both teams may substitute an unlimited number of players on a goal kick, after a goal has been scored, at the start of the second half, or when a player from either team has been injured.
    • The team in possession of the ball may substitute an unlimited number of players on a throw-in or on a corner kick.
    • The team not in possession of the ball may substitute an unlimited number of players on a throw-in or on a corner kick if the team in possession of the ball is also substituting.
  • Mercy Rule – During a game, any team winning by a margin of 4 goals will remove one player from the field. Should this margin become less, the removed player may return to the field.
  • Head Balls – AKA "Headers" are not permitted in this division
  • Offsides will be enforced
  • Handballs must be fully deliberate to be called
  • No slide tackling allowed. If a player commits a slide tackle, the restart will be an indirect free kick for the opposing team
  • If ball goes out over the touch line, restart with Throw-In.  However poorly executed throw-ins SHALL NOT be ruled as a turnover and shall be retaken.
  • If ball goes out over the end line, restart with a goal kick for the defending team, or a corner kick for the attacking team
  •  

U10 Division

  • Play shall be conducted as 8 v 8 (includes a goalie) and using a size #4 ball
  • There is NO PUNTING allowed by the goalie. Once the goalie has control of the ball in their hands, the ball must be thrown or rolled out.
  • A game will consist of 2 - 25-minute halves
  • Substitutions may be made at the mid-line ONLY. The ball must have gone out of play and the players must be at the Center Flag before the substitutions will be allowed.
    • Both teams may substitute an unlimited number of players on a goal kick, after a goal has been scored, at the start of the second half, or when a player from either team has been injured.
    • The team in possession of the ball may substitute an unlimited number of players on a throw-in or on a corner kick.
    • The team not in possession of the ball may substitute an unlimited number of players on a throw-in or on a corner kick if the team in possession of the ball is also substituting.
  • Mercy Rule – During a game, any team winning by a margin of 4 goals will remove one player from the field. Should this margin become less, the removed player may return to the field.
  • Head Balls – AKA "Headers" are not permitted in this division
  • Offsides will be enforced
  • Sliding allowed, to save a ball from going over either the touch line or end line or in instances that no other player is around. Slide tackling is STRONGLY discouraged in this division. Slide tackles will be viewed critically and improperly executed slide tackles will be penalized.
  • If ball goes out over the touch line, restart with Throw-In (if done incorrectly, the ball will be turned over to the other team)
  • If ball goes out over the end line, restart with a goal kick for the defending team, or a corner kick for the attacking team
     

U12 Division

  • Play shall be conducted as 9 v 9 (includes a goalie) and using a size #5 soccer ball
  • A game will consist of 2 30-minute halves
  • Substitutions may be made at the mid-line ONLY. The ball must have gone out of play and the players must be at the Center Flag before the substitutions will be allowed.
    • Both teams may substitute an unlimited number of players on a goal kick, after a goal has been scored, at the start of the second half, or when a player from either team has been injured.
    • The team in possession of the ball may substitute an unlimited number of players on a throw-in or on a corner kick.
    • The team not in possession of the ball may substitute an unlimited number of players on a throw-in or on a corner kick if the team in possession of the ball is also substituting.
  • Mercy Rule – During a game, any team winning by a margin of 4 goals will remove one player from the field. Should this margin become less, the removed player may return to the field.
  • Head Balls – AKA "Headers" are permitted in this division
  • Offsides will be enforced
  • Sliding allowed, to save a ball from going over either the touch line or end line or in instances that no other player is around. Slide tackling is STRONGLY discouraged in this division. Slide tackles will be viewed critically and improperly executed slide tackles will be penalized.
  • If ball goes out over the touch line, restart with Throw-In (if done incorrectly, the ball will be turned over to the other team)
  • If ball goes out over the end line, restart with a goal kick for the defending team, or a corner kick for the attacking team

League Rules

Except for the regulations covered in these rules, all rules of the Pataskala Recreation Association Soccer program will follow those of Ohio South Youth Soccer Association and FIFA.

 

City of Pataskala Soccer League Philosophy: The City of Pataskala’s Soccer League exists to fully develop the physical and social attributes of individual players in a positive athletic environment.  We believe that all players should have fun, develop skills, learn to appreciate the game of soccer and the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork. The City endorses and promotes positive coaching that offers praise and encouragement towards players.   We believe that playing the game is the most important reason for the contest and not who wins or loses. 

To further promote sportsmanship amongst our players, coaches, parents and spectators, the league has adopted a Code of Sportsmanship that all players and coaches line up and shake hands before and after each game.  

 

Team Organization:  

1. All participants of the Soccer League must be registered through the City of Pataskala.  A registration form must be on file for each participant and signed by a parent or court appointed guardian.   

2. Age divisions for the recreational soccer league may be as follows:   

  • 4-Year-Old Coed   
  • 5-Year-Old Coed   
  • 6-Year-Old Coed   
  • 7-Year-Old Coed   
  • 8-Year-Old Coed    
  • 9-10-Year-Old Coed    
  • 11-12-Year-Old Coed    
  • 12-14-Year-Old Coed 

  NOTE:  All ages will be determined by the player’s age as of the first game day of each season.  We reserve the right to alter the age divisions as deemed necessary for appropriate player roster numbers for game play as determined at the close of registration for each season. 

3. Once a team is established, each player will remain on that team unless specifically approved by the Parks Manager.   

4. Siblings who are in the same age division may be placed on the same team for family convenience.   

5. Player additions or deletions can only be made through the parks manager 

No refunds will be granted once teams are rostered, and the season’s coaches meeting is held.

 

Uniforms: 

  • Each player will be required to utilize an official reversible green/white soccer jersey or the white and green new design uniform.  
  • All players must wear shin guards. 
  • All players must wear soccer cleats or tennis shoes. 
  • Absolutely no jewelry, including post earrings, may be worn at any time.  

 

 

Playing Requirements: 

1. Each player who is eligible must participate in each game according to the following rules: All players should play at least 50% of the match in all games (league or tournament play) regardless of ability.

2. Every effort should be made to play the game as scheduled.  If a coach cannot field a team, notify the other coach and parks manager before the game starts.  Playing options include borrowing a player, both teams playing with fewer players, and any variation deemed appropriate by the Parks Manager on game day. 

 Note:  In these situations, teams are limited to fielding no more than two players more than their opponent (i.e. maximum two-man advantage). 

 3. Mercy Rule:  See Division Rules for each age group   

 4. As a matter of sportsmanship, and in keeping with the mission of soccer program, coaches are encouraged to address a potential imbalance between teams through rotation of players on the field and position of players due to strength and experience.  

 

Player/Team Conduct:   

  • Any person acting in a discourteous manner toward an official, player, or parent shall be subject to immediate removal, either by the Parks Manager or any legal manner deemed necessary. 
  • Profanity of any kind will result in ejection from the game, regardless of where or to whom it is directed.  This applies to all persons.
  • Any person displaying behavior that is detrimental to the league, its participants or its mission, will be escorted from the fields by a referee or league official and will be banned from returning to the city’s soccer league practices or games for a time determined by the PRA Board.   

 

Other:  

  • Smoking or vaping is not permitted at, around or near the soccer fields or soccer concession stand, at city sanctioned events, games or practices. Minimum distance is 150 yards from active soccer play or the affiliated spectator area. 
  • Hard cast and splints will not be permitted on the playing field.  Any player with a cast or splint will not be permitted to practice or play. 
  • Littering is not acceptable.  Trashcans are provided.  If a trashcan is full, please advise a league official and take your trash with you. 
  • The City is governed by the National Federation of State High School Association/ OSYSA “Bleed Rule”: a.) If a player is bleeding, the referee will call an official time out.  A substitute must replace the affected player. b.) The bleeding must be stopped and the wound covered prior to the player returning to the field. c.) If any part of the player’s uniform is saturated with blood, that uniform part must be changed prior to the player returning to the game. d.) It is the referee’s discretion to determine is a bleeding incident has been sufficiently managed to allow the player to return to the field. 

 

Rule Alteration:  

The City of Pataskala reserves the right to change, amend, alter, or edit the rules.

Rules and Responsibilities

Playersʼ R & Rʼs

 

Work hard, have fun and do your best effort every time you are on the field for practices or games.

 

Wear or bring all required equipment to each practice and game, this includes shin guards,proper shoes, water bottle and jersey on game day.

 

Pay attention to your coach when they are speaking and providing instructions on or off the field. Respect the decision of the referee.

 

Be a team player. Learn the rules of soccer and play by them at all times. Develop teamwork and learn sportsmanship and practice them.

 

Disrespectful behavior to coaches, referees or other players will not be tolerated. The use of indecent or profane language is unacceptable. Use of such language may result in game or league suspension.

 

Fighting, horseplay or any physical or verbal abuse will not be tolerated. Penalties may include ejection from the practice or game. League suspension may result as well

Parentsʼ R & Rʼs

Be sure that your child attends practices and games. If unable to attend either, please notify your coach or team parent.

 

Ensure that your child brings all equipment needed to practice and to games.

 

Support your childʼs coach and help when you can. Disagreements with your coach do not belong on the field. Questions, input and positive suggestions should be voiced to the coach in the absence of players.

 

Parents are encouraged to come and watch, but should not shout instructions from the sidelines. This causes confusion.

 

Parents and spectators should remain a reasonable distance from the sidelines and across the field from the team. Parents should not stand behind the goal posts or goal line. Parents should not go on the field before, during or in between the periods.

 

Parents are expected to set a good example for the players at all times by their positive behavior, sportsmanship, attitude and language. Abusive language, behavior or physical assault may result in immediate suspension from participation in the soccer program.

 

Parents are expected to demonstrate respect for the referees. Any concerns should be brought to the attention of the coach or the soccer coordinator in the absence of the player(s).

Coachesʼ R & Rʼs

Coaches are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and treat players fairly.

 

Organize practices to train soccer fundamentals appropriate to the age group.

 

Provide a safe, positive environment, ensure player safety and ensure that an authorized adult picks up each child.

 

Play each player on the team to the level of their ability.

 

Ensure that players and no more than two coaches are on one side of the field, with parents and spectators situated on the opposite side. Coaches should not go beyond their half line, nor should they go on the field or stand behind the goal line.

 

Know the rules, respect the referees and act in a controlled manner on the field.

 

Disrespectful behavior to players, coaches spectators or referees will not be tolerated and may result in league suspension.

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