Somerset Hills Soccer Club

Intramural Rules

INTRAMURAL RULES – revised April ‘08

The official rules shall be those contained in the “Laws of the Game” as published by FIFA, subject to the following Somerset Hills Soccer Club League Rules:

1. Field Assignments & Player Counts

Divisions that include 2nd & 3rd grade players shall play on a small sized field
- the number of players for each match will be eight (8), the minimum number of players for each match shall be five (5)
Divisions that include 4th, 5th, & 6th grade players shall play on an intermediate sized field
- the number of players for each match will be eleven (11), the minimum number of players for each match will be seven (7)
Divisions that include 6th, 7th, & 8th grade players shall play on a full sized field
- the number of players for each match will be eleven (11), the minimum number of players for each match will be seven (7)

2. Game duration

2nd & 3rd grade teams will play four 12 minute quarters
4th, 5th, & 6th grade teams will play four 15 minute quarters
6th, 7th, & 8th grade teams will play two 35 minute halves, unless both coaches agree to four 15 minute quarters

3. Balls

2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th grade teams will use a #4 ball
6th, 7th, & 8th grade teams will use a #5 ball

4. Coaches & Spectators

The coaches and players of both teams will occupy one side of the field, with each team occupying half a side. The parents, etc., of BOTH teams will be situated on the OPPOSITE side of the field.
All coaching must be done from the sidelines. No coaches or parents will be allowed on the end line or near the goal. Coaches must stay on their half of their side of the field
Verbal abuse by coaches or parents to either referees or players will not be tolerated!

5. Playing Time

League policy requires that all players be allowed to play for at least half of the game
All players must play at least half of the first half
The coach may use his discretion about limiting playing time if there are consistent absences from the training sessions or unresolved behaviorial problems.

6. Substitutions

2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th grade: the referee will allow substitutions to be made by both teams after the first quarter
6th, 7th, & 8th grade: the referee will allow substitutions to be made throughout the entire game
substitutions are permitted during your team’s throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks and injuries
substitutions are also permitted while the opposing team is making substitutions.

7. Equipment

Shin guards must be worn by all players and socks must be worn over shinguards
Soccer cleats must meet USSF rules
No baseball cleats are allowed
NO medical casts are allowed.

8. Infractions

The focus of divisions with 2nd & 3rd graders shall be on learning
The focus of divisions with 4^th – 8^th graders will continue to be on learning but with an emphasis on developing skills and expanding knowledge of the game
Generally, no offside will be called in the 2^nd & 3^rd grade division, however coaches shall not allow their players to deliberately take an offside position by “hanging” up front. Blatant violations such as these will be called
Offside will be called in divisions that include 4^th through 8^th grade teams
Goal kicks may be taken at the top of the penalty box
If a ball is kicked by the defense back to the goalie, the goalie may not use their hands, they must kick the ball
On illegal throw-ins the referee will explain the infraction and give the player a second chance