Regulations & Rules of Play:
Taunton Youth Soccer League
'Rules of Play' - Intermediate Division - Grade 3 & 4
(Separated at Grades/Coed)
Law 1 - The Field of Play
Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line.
Length: minimum 45 yards maximum 60 yards
Width: minimum 35 yards maximum 45 yards
Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than five (5) inches wide. The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of eight (8) yards is marked around it.
The Goal Area: Conform to FIFA
The Penalty Area: A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, ten (10) yards from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of ten (10) yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area. Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made eight (8) yards from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them. An arc of a circle with a radius of eight (8) yards from each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area.
Flag posts: Conform to FIFA
The Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA
Goals: Goals must be placed on the center of each goal line. They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flag posts and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The maximum distance between the posts is eighteen (18) feet and the maximum distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is six (6) feet.
Safety: Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement.
Law 2 - The Ball: Size four (4)
Law 3 - The Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than five players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than five players. Substitutions: Note: See League Regulations Playing time: Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. Teams and matches may be coed. Roster size shall not be greater than 12 players per team. Teams may be coed.
Law 4 - The Players' Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams.
Law 5 - The Referee: Registered referee, especially Grade 9 or parent/coach or assistant coach. All rule infringements shall be briefly explained to the offending player.
Law 6 - The Assistant Referees: Not required. May use club linesmen/women if desired.
Law 7 - The Duration of the Match: Conform to FIFA with the exception of the match being divided into four quarters (4) equal quarters (12) minutes each. There shall be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes.
Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA with the exception of the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 9 - The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA
Law 10 - The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA
Law 11 - Offside: Conform to FIFA
Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA with the exception that an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team at the center spot on the halfway line if a goalkeeper punts or drop-kicks the ball in the air from his/her penalty area into the opponents penalty area.
Law 13 - Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exception that all opponents are at least eight (8) yards from the ball.
Law 14 - The Penalty Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that the penalty mark is made eight (8) yards from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them.
Law 15 - The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA
Law 16 - The Goal Kick: Conform to FIFA
Law 17 - The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.