UPSON SOCCER ASSOCIATION

RECREATION RULES

I. Player Participation

1) All players must play at least half of the game, three fourths preferred.

2) All bench players must enter game at the two mandatory substitution stoppages, one each half unless a player is injured or for disciplinary reasons.

3) If a player has reduced time for disciplinary reasons, the coach must notify the referee before the game and must also clearly indicate the reason(s) on the game card prior to turning this in to the referee at the beginning of the game.

4) Any player that plays in goal must still play at minimum two periods in the field in the same game. It does not matter whether the player and/or the parent want him to play in the goal more than this rule allows. It is not optional!

5) If a coach or parent enters the field of play to assist an injured player, that player must leave the field (except for the keeper). A substitute player may enter to replace the injured player. If the injured player is able to return, the coach should make every effort to make sure the player receives the required minimum playing time for that game

II. Number of Players per team

1) Minimum number of players for U8 = 3; U10 = 5; U12 = 6. If a team does not have the minimum number of players within 10 minutes after the scheduled start time, the match is forfeited.

2) All U8 and U10 matches will be played with equal number of players. If a team has the minimum number to start the match, the other team will play down to that number until another player arrives at the field. At that time, both teams may insert another player at the next stoppage in play but no other substitutions can be made unless the stoppage is a scheduled substitution stoppage. If a player is injured and leaves a game and the team does not have a substitute, the other team will bring a player off so the numbers are equal until the injured player can reenter the game. At that time, both teams can insert a player to make the numbers even based on procedure described above.

3) All rules concerning player participation are to be enforced even if teams are playing down a player.

III. Coaching conduct – (see code of conduct document for more details)

1) No derogatory remarks to players, fans, other coaches and especially the referees.

2) All referees are to be respected and at no time should a coach yell at a referee or question a call.

3) If a coach has a question about a call, wait until the next stoppage in play and politely ask the center referee for a consultation.

4) Only coaches approved at the beginning of the season are allowed in the bench area. All bench players and adults must be listed on the game card.

5) Coaches may coach one season with no certification but cannot coach a second season at any level until obtaining the proper coaching certification listed in appendix A.

6) Coaches should remain close to the bench area unless they are giving specific instructions. After giving the instructions, coach should move back to the bench area and remain at least 3 yards from the touch line so that the referee has room to move up and down the line. At no time is a coach to go past the halfway line to the opponents half of the field.

7) Coaches or parents should not enter the field of play until the referee signals them to come on.

IV. Game length

1) All games must consist of two even halves unless weather or another outside agent makes it too dangerous to continue play.

2) The center referee or Upson Soccer Association board member will determine when to abandon a match.

3) The referee does not determine the winner of a match. The referee simply records goals and any other events worth noting in a match.

4) U8 games consist of two 25 minute halves. The mandatory substitution occurs at the first stoppage of play after the 11^th minute of each half. All bench players must enter the field at those times.

5) U10 games consist of two 30 minute halves. The mandatory substitution occurs at the first stoppage of play after the 12^th minute of each half. All bench players must enter the field at those times.

V. Other common rules clarification

1) The keeper is determined to be in control of the ball as long as one hand or arm is on or around the ball and it is not moving. Players should show extreme caution when playing the ball near the keeper. Referees will always error on the side of protecting the keeper and coaches should encourage this behavior.

2) No player with a hard cast of any type will be allowed to play, no matter how much padding is placed around the cast. The referee will check any cast or wrapping thoroughly and make the call but it is not to be questioned.

3) No player will be allowed on the field with any type of jewelry unless for medical reasons. This includes starter earrings and belly button earrings, even if they are taped or have band aids over them. Please tell your parents at the beginning of the season. If a player must wear a necklace or bracelet for medical reasons, it must be securely attached and not dangling or worn in any other manner that may be dangerous to the player or other players. The center referee will make the final judgment and it is not to be questioned.

4) To file a formal complaint, please contact the Civic Center to obtain the form and submit the complaint in writing. If reporting substitution violations, be sure to be as specific as possible, including jersey number and/or name of players. It would be best to have the parents file the complaint on behalf of the child that did not get the required playing time.

Note: It is up to the coach to know, understand and enforce these rules. Referees are reminded of these rules and procedures frequently, but as you know, we have a variety of ages and maturity level in referees. Sometimes the younger referees get confused and may say or do the wrong thing. Do not argue with younger referees, especially in front of two or more adults. It is very intimidating. Usually there is a Board member or adult somewhere on the premises that can be brought in to clarify a misunderstanding. Please try to take care of any questions or ambiguities before the match starts. For any referee issues, please call Steve Brown at 706-975-9234 or email at steve1413@charter.net.

APPENDIX A – COACHING CERTIFICATION SUMMARY

AGE GROUP	License Level
U-06	G Certificate
U-08	G Certificate
U-10 to U-12	F Certificate
U-14 to U-19	Recreational E Certificate or E Certificate

Recreational coaches have a six-month grace period to attain initial required license and the same when moving from one level to another.

All head coaches must meet a minimum coaching license requirement as follows:

Program Division	License Level
Athena Division C, D, E & F	State "E"
Classic Division III, IV & V	State "E"
Athena Division A & B	State "D"
Classic Division I & II	State "D"
Academy	State "E"

When coaches move from one program division level to another they have a one-year grace period to attain the required level license. [Example: Recreational to Classic IV or Athena D, Athena C to Athena B, Classic III to Classic II].

The Upson Soccer Association will try to provide one “F” course per year at the Civic Center. Other nearby associations provide this training as well. It is free. Go to the main Georgia Soccer Association website and click on the Coaches, then the courses menu option to find courses in neighboring counties. http://www.gasoccer.com