Officiating

Central Laws of the Game

a.      Decisions made by the referee on points of fact connected with the game shall be final.

b.     All referees shall be encouraged to explain infractions to the offending players (time permitting).

c.      Throw-In:  Is awarded by the referee when the whole ball crosses the touchline.  The proper procedure for a throw-in is that the player has both feet planted on the ground behind the touchline and two hands over the head.

d.     Goal-Kick:  The referee awards a goal-kick when the ball goes over the goal line, and it was last touched by the attacking team.  The ball is to be kicked into play from any spot inside the goal area.  Goalie may not receive the ball directly in a goal kick.

e.      Corner Kick:  The referee awards a corner-kick when the entire ball goes over the goal line, and the defending team was last to touch it.  The ball is to be kicked from the nearest corner.  A goal may be scored directly from such a kick.

f.        Penalty-Kick:  A penalty-kick is awarded to the attacking or opposing team when the defending team commits any of the major fouls inside its own penalty area.  There are no penalty-kicks for U6, U7 and U8.  When the kick is made, all players except the kicker and the goalkeeper must be outside the penalty area.  However, once kicked, the ball is live.

g.     Indirect-Kick:  An indirect-kick is awarded to the opposing team when a player has caused an infraction that has been judged by the referee as not being one of the major fouls.  The opposing team gets a free-kick from which a goal may not be scored directly without the ball first being touched by another player from either team.  Infractions for which an indirect-kick may be awarded include the following:

·        Reckless play.

·        Charging a player who doesn’t have the ball.

·        Obstructing a player attempting to get the ball.

·        Intentionally delaying the game (stalling).

·        Charging the goalie in the goal area.

·        Playing off-side.

When the kick is made, all opposing players must be at least 10 yards from the ball.

h.     Direct-Kick:  A kick awarded by the referee for a major rule infraction.  A goal may be scored as a result of direct-kick.  Intentional fouls and misconduct by a player that result ins the award of a direct-kick include the following:

·        Kicking an opponent.

·        Tripping an opponent.

·        Jumping at an opponent.

·        Charging in a violent manner.

·        Charging from behind.

·        Striking or trying to strike an opponent.

·        Holding an opponent with a hand or any part of the arm.

·        Pushing an opponent.

·        Slide tackling or high-kicking.

·        Touching and controlling the ball with hands.

·        Abusive language.  This includes automatic ejection from the game.

Result:  The direct-kick is taken from the place where the offense occurred, except those under the penalty-kick rule.  The direct-kick does not apply to U6, U7 and U8.

i.        Off-Side:  A player is off-side if he is nearer the opponents goal than the ball at the moment it is played, unless there are two opponents nearer their own goal line.  An indirect-kick is awarded for the offense.  There is no off-side for U6 , U7 and U8.  There is no off-side on a throw-in.

j.        Infraction Cards:  Referees will turn in red/yellow infraction cards at the end of each game.

k.      Slide Tackling:  Slide tackling is a technique used at higher levels of soccer.  It is not permitted on U6, U7, U8 and U10 levels.  Coaches should not attempt to teach this technique to younger players.

Ball In and Out of Play

The ball must completely cross the goal line or touch line before it is out of play.  If any part of the ball is on the line, however slight, it is still in play.

Scoring a Goal

The ball must completely cross the goal line inside the goal post to be considered a score.

·        A goal may be scored on a kick-off.  If the goalie steps behind the goal line in the goal with the ball or holds the ball in the goal completely over the line, a score is awarded to the opposing team.

·        No scores are to be kept at U6, U7, and U8 levels.

Goalkeeper

When the goalkeeper makes a save, he has 6 seconds before releasing the ball.  The penalty for this violation is an indirect-kick from the point of the foul.  There are no goalkeepers for U6, U7, and U8 teams.

Prohibited During the Game

a.      Players are not permitted to wear metal, jewelry, earrings, pony-tail clips, pins, rings, snap buttons, zippers, hooded sweat shirt, etc.

b.      Players wearing orthopedic casts are not eligible to participate.  Some casts may be padded and used with the referee approval.

c.      Players are not permitted to chew gum during practices or games.

d.      During the game, no parent or coach should be by the goals.

e.      Parents, except for U6 parents, are not permitted on the same side of the field as coaches and team parents.

f.        If a player is fighting on or off the field, the following actions will be taken:

• A first offense will result in the player being barred from playing the next game.
• Second offense will result in the player being barred for the remainder of the season.

g.      Communication with the referees may only occur at the beginning of the game through the coach or team captain, at quarters and/or half time.  If a coach or a player does not conduct himself properly during a game, the following will happen:

• Referee will stop the game and warn (yellow card) the head coach that a player or coach has acted in an unsportsmanlike manner.
• Second violation (red card) will result in the ejection of the offender.

KASL will not, under any circumstances, tolerate referee abuse from players, coaches or spectators.  If an incident occurs, you may be banned for life and from further participation in KASL.  There will be no exceptions.  KASL has a zero tolerance policy in effect!

Uniforms

A team shirt and a pair of socks are provided by KASL.

Schedules

Coaches will distribute game and practice schedules to their teams.  Coaches please give referee coordinator 3 days notice to schedule referees and fields.  See also, Game Cancellation.

Attendance Policy

Players are expected to attend all practice sessions and games.  Please call your coach if you cannot attend.  Common courtesy dictates.

Punctuality

All players are expected to be on time or early for the practice and games.  Be there 20 minutes before game time.  Players must warm-up before games and practices.