NW Iowa Youth Soccer League Rules
The goal and objective of the league is to provide enjoyment and instruction of the game of soccer. Good sportsmanship and basic fundamentals should be stressed by all coaches and referees. Winning games should not be the primary focus. An atmosphere of positivity, fun and learning is the focus of this program.
Sportsmanship Code of Conduct
NW Iowa Youth Soccer League wants to be recognized for its good sportsmanship. NWIYSL expects its athletes, coaches, referees, and spectators to act with respect towards one another. We expect all in attendance to cooperate in displaying good sportsmanship toward the participants, coaches, support staff members, and game officials. Do your part to make all events a safe and wholesome event for all. Please refrain from using profanity or participating in other acts in conflict with good sportsmanship. These actions will be subject to ejections from NW Iowa Youth Soccer events. Thank you for your cooperation in the promotion of good sportsmanship at all events.
Scheduling
Games will start the weekend after Labor Day. Games will be played on Sundays, and the first game is scheduled to start at 1:00 pm.
Cancellations/Inclement Weather/Make-up games
In case of inclement weather, a decision will be made by the host town. The host town will notify the soccer directors of each participating town. The host town director will determine if games will be rescheduled or canceled.
Soccer Rules for all ages
1. All players must wear shin guards, failure to not wear shin guards during a game will result in the individual player not being able to play.
2. Rock-Paper-Scissors will be played by 1 player from each team and the coaches from both teams to determine the home team. The home team will kick off first and choose what net they are defending.
3. The game will start with an indirect kick from the center of the field.
4. At the beginning of the second half, teams will change sides and defend the opposite goal.
5. A goal is scored when the whole ball passes over the goal line, between the goalpost and under the crossbar.
6. After a goal is scored, the team that was scored against will kick off from the middle of the field with an indirect kick.
7. “Hands” will be called if any player other than the goalie touches the ball with their hands during game play.
8. Players may play the ball while it is trapped by an opponent, as long as there is no foul. If the player is on the ground, a dead ball is called, and the ball will be awarded to the opposing team.
9. Substitution may occur only when the ball goes out of bounds with the approval of the referee. Substitutions are not allowed during a penalty kick, corner kick, or goalkeeper kicks.
10. Players are not allowed to trip, kick, hold, push, or jump at an opponent or use unnecessary roughness.
11. Slide tackling is not allowed.
12. HEADERS – In an effort to protect young players against concussions, the following rule has been implemented, as recommended by the United States Club Soccer Federation: Players shall not engage in heading, either in practice or games.
Officials
1. Referees make all the decisions of the game.
2. Referees are the official timekeeper of all games.
3. Referees see that all kickoffs, free kicks, and penalty kicks are taken properly.
4. Preschool/TK and Kindergarten/1st only require 1 referee per game.
5. 2nd/3rd grade requires two referees per game.
6. 4th/5th/6th grade requires three referees per game.
7. Referees will issue a yellow card to any player or coach guilty of misconduct or unsportsmanlike conduct. If a yellow card is handed out the referee will give the name of the offender to the host town director. The referee will also give a report of what happened to the host town director.
8. The referee will issue a red card to any player or coach who is guilty of violent conduct, serious foul play, or the use of abusive/offensive/profane language, or if guilty of a second yellow card in the same match. If issued a red card the offender will be asked to leave the premises for the remainder of the day. The case will then be put under review by the program directors to determine if additional action against the offender will be taken.
RULES FOR SPECIFIC AGE GROUPS
Preschool/TK and Kindergarten/1st
1. Games will be played in four 8-minute quarters. 2-minute rest between the quarters with a 5-minute half-time.
2. A size 3 ball will be used for each game.
3. Play is 3v3.
4. There is no goalie. Players must stay outside of the designated area marked in front of the goal unless the ball is inside of that area.
5. The ball will be thrown in by the opposite team the ball went out on. All players must throw the ball in over their head with two hands and both feet must remain on the ground.
2nd/3rd Grade
1. Games will be played in two 25-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime.
2. A size 4 ball will be used for each game.
3. Play is 6v6.
4. Goalkeepers' privileges within the penalty area (large goalie box)
a. Pick up the ball.
b. Dropkick the ball.
c. Throw the ball.
5. Goals can be kicked from any place on the field.
6. Goalkeeper safety: when a goalkeeper comes out to make a play on the ball, the offensive player must be within playing distance of the ball to make an attempt on the ball. Otherwise, the offensive player must yield to the goalkeeper. If the offensive player does not yield, he/she can be called for a dangerous play (possible yellow or red card).
7. Throw-ins must be overhead with both feet on the ground.
8. Corner kicks happen when the ball goes out of bounds by the defensive team past the goal line, kicks are indirect and made by the offensive team.
9. The goalie will kick on the ground from the 4-yard line if the ball goes out of bounds by the offensive team past the goal line.
4th/5th/6th Grade
1. Games will be played in two 25-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime.
2. A size 4 ball will be used for each game.
3. The play is 8v8.
4. Goalkeepers' privileges within the penalty area (large goalie box)
a. Pick up the ball.
b. Dropkick the ball.
c. Throw the ball.
5. Goals can be kicked from any place on the field.
6. Goalkeeper safety: when a goalkeeper comes out to make a play on the ball, the offensive player must be within playing distance of the ball to make an attempt on the ball. Otherwise, the offensive player must yield to the goalkeeper. If the offensive player does not yield, he/she can be called for a dangerous play (possible yellow or red card).
7. Throw-ins must be overhead with both feet on the ground.
8. Corner kicks happen when the ball goes out of bounds by the defensive team past the goal line, kicks are indirect and made by the offensive team.
9. The goalie will kick on the ground from the 4-yard line if the ball goes out of bounds by the offensive team past the goal line.
