Table of Contents

I.    Authority and Responsibility

This Association is governed by a duly adopted Constitution and By-Laws, Rules and Regulations passed in regular and/or special meetings of the Fig Garden Youth Soccer League (FGYSL) Board.

            The governing authority of this Association per the Constitution and By-Laws shall be vested in the FGYSL Board of Directors.  All members and other persons associated with affiliated teams shall abide by the Constitution and By-Laws as set forth by the Board of Directors, all provisions of the CYSA Team Manual, the FIFA Laws of the Game and all the applicable rules and regulations of this FGYSL Coaches Manual.

            Every member registered with the FGYSL has an obligation to the youth of this league and to each other to provide the best possible program we can.  We are all here to help each other with any challenges or questions that might arise.  To help eliminate any confusion about the lines of communication, it is as follows:

Teamà Coachà School Coordinatorà Age Group Coordinatorà Chief Field Commissionerà FGYSL Presidentà Board of Directors

II.   Membership

Membership in this Association shall be affiliated teams, coaches, representatives and Board officials that are duly registered with the FGYSL and CYSA.

The affiliated teams of Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) or private elementary school or a FGYSL age group shall form a non-profit soccer club, subject to the Constitution and By-Laws of FGYSL.  Each Club may deem it appropriate to formulate rules and regulations more stringent than FGYSL, but in no case may rules and regulations be less stringent than those set by FGYSL.  If there is a conflict between Club and FGYSL rules and regulations, then FGYSL rules and regulations shall govern.  Clubs must submit their Rules & Regulations for review and approval by the Board of Directors of the FGYSL.

Clubs and teams not affiliated with FGYSL may also participate in the FGYSL playing league subject to the annual approval of the FGYSL Board of Directors.  Such guest clubs and teams must also adhere to the aforementioned rules and regulations.

III.  Representation of Teams

Teams shall have the right to have their interests and concerns represented to the FGYSL through the Coordinator of each Club.  A Coordinator shall be elected to administer the soccer program for each Club according to procedures and election rules establishing each club.  Each election shall automatically confer upon the Coordinator a voting position on the FGYSL Board of Directors.  The Club Coordinator generally is elected by the coaches of the teams in the school’s (club) soccer program, and serves a one-year term.

IV. Registration & Team Formation

Each Club shall be responsible for insuring proper registration of players, coaches, its affiliation as a team and reporting to the respective Age Group Coordinators and Chief Field Commissioner, and Board of Directors of FGYSL.  Proof of age for all players shall be in accordance with the Rules & Regulations listed in the CYSA team manual.

Players attending K-8^th grade must play for a team affiliated with a school soccer club or Bullard Football Club (Bullard FC).  Students may play for the school team for the school they attend or any other FGYSL Club.  In some cases, it may be necessary to transfer players to a different club if there are not enough players to fill a team roster or the number of players is over the maximum allowed on a roster.  Every effort possible must be attempted to roster complete teams within each Club’s jurisdiction prior to requesting a transfer.

FGYSL policy is to allow U-6 teams to be co-ed.  Age groups U-8 and older are to be of the same sex.  However, the League recognizes circumstances may exist where a child is better served to play on a team of the opposite sex.  In those instances, prior approval of FGYSL is required.

IMPORTANT: FGYSL reserves the right to prior approve of team formations and player movement of any kind.

See Section VIII herein for roster limits by age group.

Each Club Coordinator is responsible for the formation of teams within the Club’s jurisdiction and will cooperate with Commissioners in recruitment of players.

Each Club Registrar is responsible for forwarding complete team rosters to the FGYSL Registrar for processing.  Player passes are issued to each Club for every player in U-8, U-10, U-12 and U-14 age groups.

All Clubs will have completed registration by the day designated by the FGYSL Board of Directors which is September 5, 2009 this year.  Also, each Club must submit a team directory in each age bracket to the Chief Field Commissioner and Scheduler by a date set by the Chief Field Commissioner.  For the 2009 soccer season, U10 & U12 team directories are due no later that September 5, 2009 and for U6 & U8 age groups no later then September 5, 2009.  The Chief Field Commissioner will review all rosters and then submit them to the Age Group Coordinators, or other Designee, for scheduling league games.

The team directory shall include:

1.      Team name

2.      Age group

3.      Team composition (boys or girls)

4.      Whether the team is comprised of 1^st year, 2^nd year or a mix of both years

5.      Coach’s name, address, telephone numbers and email address

6.      Division recommendations (A – C; with ‘A’ being the older and most accomplished in the age group and ‘C’ being the younger and less experienced players.)

The Chief Field Commissioner, or Scheduler, will provide a team directory format to be used by all the Clubs.

A player not previously registered may be registered and added to any existing roster at any time; providing that roster and team does not already have the maximum number of players allowed, and the player is not already rostered that year on another team.  Any questions regarding transfers between teams in FGYSL should be directed to the Club’s Coordinator.

V.  Seeding Tournament (U-10 and U-12)

The seeding tournament is the method by which teams are placed in particular divisions.

All soccer Clubs should attempt to rank their teams according to the players’ abilities in each age group as noted above.  The goal is to have each team play in a division with teams of similar age, size, experience, and talent so that the players can all compete fairly and have fun.  The Age Group Coordinators, or other Designee, will be responsible and have discretion to select and assign teams to playing divisions, subject to over-site by the Chief Field Commissioner.

The scores and team performance in the Seeding Tournament will determine in what division a particular team will play.  It will be to each team’s advantage in the seeding tournament matches to score to the best of the team’s ability.  This will insure your proper placement in the league.  This is the one time all year where teams are encouraged to score as many goals as possible.

Any scheduled team that does not show up for a seeding tournament will be placed at the discretion of the Age Group Coordinators.

There will not be a seeding tournament for the U-14 playing league for the 2009 – 2010 playing year.

VI. League Schedule

The playing league schedule shall give specific notes regarding league play and coach’s responsibilities.  Please read the schedule carefully.

1.         U-14

                        League play will start the same week as the U-10/U-12 seeding tournament.  Games may be scheduled on Saturday or Sunday.

2.         U-10 and U-12

            League play will start one week following the seeding tournament.  Every effort will be made to schedule games on Saturdays.

2.         U-8

            League play will start the same day as the U-10 and U-12 age groups start play.

3.         U-6

            League play will start the same day as the U-10 and U-12 age groups start play.

4.         Canceled Games

            The Referee Coordinator and/or a FGYSL Field Commissioner shall decide whether a game or games should be canceled before they start due to severe weather or field conditions.  Games may be played in the rain as long as field and weather conditions remain safe.

            In the event any games are canceled by coaches, without proper notification to the Chief Field Commissioner, it will be counted as a forfeit to both teams.

            The referee is the sole judge regarding the stoppage of a game in progress.  If the game is stopped in the first half, then it shall be rescheduled and replayed in its entirety.  If more than one-half has been played, the score at the time of stoppage shall stand as the final.

5.         Forfeit for Delay of Game

Any teams delaying the start of a scheduled game more than 5 minutes without notifying the Playing Location Field Commissioner shall forfeit the game.  A maximum delay of 10 minutes for U-10, U-12 or U-14 games, and a one-quarter equivalent for U-6 and U-8 games may be allowed, subject to prior approval by the Playing Location Field Commissioner. 

            Any coach or other team official who refuses to play a scheduled game for any reason shall forfeit that game.

Any team that forfeits a game shall be charged $50.00 payable to the League within seven (7) days of when the game was scheduled.

VII.      Fields

           Tentative field assignments are as follows:

All U-6:                      Play at Gibson School.

U-8 Girls:                  Play at Figarden and Starr Schools.

U-8 Boys:                 Play at Starr School.

U-10 Girls:                Play at St. Anthony and Lawless Schools.

U-10 Boys:               Play at Forkner, Malloch and Kratt Schools.

U-12 Girls:                Play at St. Anthony, Lawless and Malloch Schools.

U-12 Boys:               Play at Forkner and Malloch Schools.

U-14 Boys

   & Girls.                   Home Games tentatively scheduled for Bullard High School.

Field Location:

Figarden                    On Brawley, just south of Figarden Loop

Forkner                       On Valentine, north of Herndon

Gibson                        On Barstow, between Palm and Fruit

Kratt                            On Sierra, between Palm and Maroa

Lawless                      On Reese, north of San Jose, east of Gates

Malloch                       On Forkner, south of Bullard

Starr                            On West at Sierra

Tenaya                       On Mesa, just east of Fruit, and north of Bullard

Bullard High School  On Brawley, just west of Palm Ave.

            Each school soccer club will be responsible for the soccer field layout, line burn-in, paint, and maintenance of that field for scheduled league games.  Failure to properly maintain the soccer field can result in fines and/or penalties at the discretion of the Chief Field Commissioner.

VIII.     FGYSL Rules and the ‘Laws of the Game’

All contests sanctioned by this Association shall be governed by the “Laws of the Game” and any modifications as published by this Association.  The “Laws of the Game” and modifications are located in the CYSA Team Manual.  It will benefit each coach to be familiar with the CYSA Team Manual.  However, this Association has not adopted all recommended modifications.

Please read this document and the CYSA Team Manual CAREFULLY.

1.   Modifications (Specific to FGYSL)

A.  Number of Players

            U-6                  Maximum:      Three (3) players, no goalkeepers

                                    Minimum:       Two (2) players

                                    The roster shall not exceed six (6).

U-8                  Maximum:      five (5) players, 5 field players with flying goalie format.  There shall not be a designated goalkeeper.  However, any player may act as the goalkeeper inside their penalty box.  Keeping a player back near the penalty box is not allowed.  The League expects coaches to encourage all 5 players to play both offense and defense.

                                    Minimum:       four (4) players

                                                The roster shall not exceed ten (10).

U-10                Maximum:      nine (9) players, 8 field and 1goalkeeper

                                    Minimum:       seven (7) players

                                    The roster shall not exceed fourteen (14).

U-12 &            Maximum:      eleven (11) players, 10 field and 1

U-14                                        goalkeeper

                                    Minimum:       seven (7) players

                                    The roster shall not exceed eighteen (18).

            Note:  If a team falls below the minimum because of a red card, the game is over and forfeited (however no penalty for a forfeit will be imposed).

B.  Playing Time

            Each player who is willing and able must play a minimum of 50% of the game.

C.  Length of Game

D.  Start of Play

The ball is in play when it is kicked and moved forward.

E.  Offside

U-6 and U-8 no offside offenses will be called.  Note:  U-6 may not be “planted” near their attacking goal.  U-8 players may not be planted by either goal.  U-10, U-12 and U-14 offside conform to FIFA laws of the game.

F.   Fouls & Misconduct

G.  Free Kicks

H.  Throw-In

All ages note:  Throw – in from a wrong location should be corrected by the referee, same team is allowed one re-throw.

I.    Goal Kick

J.   Corner Kick

Note:  A goal can be scored directly from a corner kick.

K.  Referees

L.      Stoppage of Play Due to Injury

Further definitions are located in the back of the manual under “Definitions.”

2.         Player, Coach & Spectator Codes of Conduct

A.  Players and Coaches

All players and coaches are expected to be examples of the highest standard of behavior at practices and before, during, and after games.  Coaches shall abide by the rules of conduct as stated in your CYSA Team Manual and additional FGYSL Rules.  Please read all the Codes of Conduct as stated in your CYSA Team Manual.  Make copies of parent and player codes and distribute them to your players and parents.

IMPORTANT: The coach is responsible for any unsporting conduct of the players, assistant coaches, parents, or any other person connected to that team.  The coach’s responsibility for proper conduct of anyone associated with the team shall be any team function including practices, games and other activities.  The penalty for each unsporting conduct can include fines, suspension and being banned from further participation in youth soccer at the discretion of FGYSL.

The rules of soccer do not allow any communication from the sidelines – including from the coach – with the referees on the field of play.  Technically, any question or comment, even if nicely made, can subject the offending coach to an immediate yellow card.  If the coach’s tone of the voice is loud and offensive, in the sole judgment of the referee, a red card issued to the offending coach will result in the immediate removal from the field of play.  The offending coach may not coach at the team’s next two league affiliated soccer games whenever it may be, and may not be present on the field of play as a spectator either.  Also, a red card may result in a fine to the coach.  The Disciplinary Review Committee has the authority to impose additional disciplinary action.

During a game, foul, insulting, and abusive language is considered a red card offense (CYSA Manual 4:02:02).  Further, foul, insulting, or abusive language at any team function is not in keeping with the spirit of the game.  Justified complaints regarding this can result in disciplinary action by the DRC.

If a coach is ejected from the game by a referee and no other rostered coach is present, the game is OVER and FORFEITED.

PLEASE NOTE: the minimum penalty for a red card issued to a player is a one (1) game suspension, and for a red card issued to an adult is a two (2) game suspension.  The suspension must be served at the next League affiliated game(s) played, regardless of when.  The minimum penalty CAN NOT be protested.

B.  Spectators

All spectators are expected to be examples of the highest standard of behavior at practices and before, during, and after games.

If a team’s spectators (including parents) become abusive by yelling at the referees or other players – even their own – the referee is entitled to issue a red card to the sidelines, then the coach must leave the field of play immediately along with the offending spectator(s).  Therefore, always be polite and do not take out your anger upon the referee.  

Additionally, for the safety of players, coaches, referees, and spectators, FGYSL has adopted a policy that pets may not be on school grounds during an event scheduled by the league.  Please be advised that all assistance/service animals are excluded from the “no dogs” policy and are allowed at all FGYSL soccer games.  Spectators are also reminded that all school grounds are TOBACCO FREE areas.

Remember, our players are children, not professional athletes.  This program is designed for the fun of the game and instruction.  It is important to provide an atmosphere which players, parents, and coaches will enjoy.

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

I believe my role as a coach is to contribute to the overall success, physical, and athletic growth of the player through participation in soccer.

1.      With regard to my players:

Ø      I will endeavor to be a good instructor and a positive role model for my players.

Ø      I believe the score of a game comes second to the safety and welfare of all my players.

Ø      I will endeavor to put winning in its proper perspective.

Ø      I am responsible for understanding and competing within the letter and the spirit of the Laws of the Game and the rules and policies of the FGYSL.

Ø      I will teach my players to understand and play within the letter and spirit of the Laws, as well.

2.      With regard to opposing teams:

Ø      I believe the way my team conducts itself can also have an influence, for better or worse, on those we compete against.

Ø      I will endeavor to make my team a positive role model.

Ø      I will not coach, nor allow my players to play, with intent to cause injury to opposing players.

Ø      Neither I nor my players and spectators will display hostile behavior towards opposing players.

Ø      I will emphasize winning without boasting and losing without bitterness.

3.      With regard to Referees:

Ø      I believe that Referees, just as coaches and players, are attempting to do their best.

Ø      I will instill in my players and spectators a respect for that fact.

Ø      I understand that my attitude can influence my players and spectators.

Ø      I will display a controlled and undemonstrative attitude toward Referees at all times.

Ø      Neither I nor my players and spectators will address a Referee before, during or after the game in a demeaning fashion.

Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players and the spectators on their side of the field, specifically as it relates to the referee, coaches, players and spectators on the other team.  Verbal and/or physical abuse will not be tolerated.

If a coach approaches a referee or steps on to the field to challenge a call, they may be warned (yellow card) and/or be asked to leave the game (red card).

Parents Code of Conduct

·                    Make soccer participation for your child and others a positive experience.

·                    Remember that a child is easily affected by outside influences.

·                    Be kind to your child's coach and to the officials.  The coach is a volunteer-giving of personal time to provide a recreational activity for your child.  The coach is providing a valuable community service, often without reward other than their personal satisfaction.  Without them your child could not participate.

·                    Applaud good plays by your team AND by members of the opposing team.

·                    Parents should be cheerleaders.  Allow the coach to coach, the referee to officiate, and most of all allow your child to play the game.

·                    Between the exuberance of the winner and the disappointment of the loser, we have the referee.  All of them follow the same creed to watch every movement of every player, and to call the game to the best of their ability.  DO NOT openly question their judgment, and never their honesty.  They are a symbol of fair play, integrity and sportsmanship.

·                    Accept the results of each game, and encourage your child to be gracious in victory, and turn defeat to victory by working towards improvement

I will respect the referees, assistant referees, and their authority during games.  If I question a referees decision I will take it to my coach, I will not discuss it with the referee.  If I have an issue with the coach I will never question, discuss or confront at the game field, but speak with the coaches at an agreed time and place.

3.   Team Sideline Positioning

            Coaches of opposing teams shall station themselves on the opposite sides of the field unless directed differently by the referee or Chief Field Commissioner or designee for safety concerns.  The home team has first choice of which field side.  No coach, substitute players, or spectators are to be anywhere but on their side of the field during the game.  No spectators are allowed near the goal or on the end-line.

Note:  Once the game has begun, coaches need to be within 10 yards from the midfield line, in either direction, along their respective sidelines.

4.   Substitutions

            All players who are willing and able shall play a minimum of one-half of each game.

            For teams that play quarters (U-6 and U-8) players may be substituted only at the quarterly breaks, except for injury.

            For the U-10 and higher age divisions, substitutions may occur with the referee’s permission and:

a.      Prior to a throw-in in your favor.

b.      Prior to a goal kick by either team.

c.      After a goal by either team.

d.      After an injury, when the referee stops play, by either team.  (Injured player must come out until the next substitution opportunity.  Team may play below minimum for injury.)

e.      Half-time.

f.        YELLOW CARD TO PLAYER – Players receiving a yellow card may be (but not required to be) substituted prior to the restart of the game.  The cautioned player may reenter the game at the next available substitution time.

If a player receives a yellow card in three out of four games, that player may be suspended from future games at the discretion of the Disciplinary Review Committee.

5.   Home Team Duties

It is the responsibility of the Home Team to provide an approved and acceptable game ball at the beginning of each game and a game card (see discussion of “Game Cards” below).  Also, the visiting team must provide an approved and acceptable “alternative” game ball to the referee before the game.

If there is a conflict in jersey colors, the home team is responsible for changing jerseys.  The change must be in a non-conflicting color.  Failure to comply with this rule could result in a forfeit of the game.  Referees have sole discretion to determine if a color conflict exists.

6.   Uniforms

All players must be in the same uniform for the club that is playing.  Shin guards are mandatory.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  Sweatshirts or turtlenecks under team jersey are acceptable when all players on that team have the same color.  Goalies can wear gloves and/or sweat pants.  The Goalie shirt must be different from the jersey color of either team.

Players may not wear:  Casts (hard or soft), splints, sweat pants, hats, or headdress.  Headdress for religious beliefs is allowed but cannot be a safety issue to either party or referee.

7.   Player and Coach Passes

Teams U-8 and up must be ready to present player and coach passes to the referee before the start of the game.  No player or coach can participate in the game without showing a pass.  The inspection of player passes will only happen before the game and at halftime (or quarterly break for U-8).  Any player who arrives late after the start of the game must wait until halftime to show his/her player pass to the referee before being allowed into the game.

If a player or coach is ejected for misconduct, the referee must give the pass to the Playing Location Field Commissioner.

8.   Game Cards (Provided by Home Team)

A.  Home Team Coach

i.    Front of the Game Card

·         Fill in the top three lines with the information from your league schedule.  Information on the game card should match your scheduled game.

·         Under “HOME”, PRINT your team name and jersey colors in that box.

ii.   Back of the Game Card

·         PRINT your team name, including school initials, in the space designated “HOME TEAM.”

·         PRINT all registered players on the game card along with jersey numbers.  CYSA numbers are not required.  Prior to the start of the game, any player who will not participate in the game must be noted on the card.

·         PRINT your name in space designated “COACH/MANAGER.”

iii.  Passing the Card

·         Give the game card to Visitor’s Coach at least ten minutes before game time.

B.  Visitor’s Coach

i.    Front of the Game Card

·         Verify that coach of HOME TEAM has properly filled out the top three lines. 

·         Under “VISITORS,” PRINT your team name and jersey colors.

ii.   Back of the Game Card

·         PRINT your team name, including school initials in space designated “VISITING CLUB.”

·         PRINT all registered players on the game card along with jersey numbers.  CYSA numbers are not required.  Prior to the start of the game, any player who will not participate in the game must be noted on the card.

·         PRINT your name in space designated “COACH/MANAGER.”

iii.  Passing the Card

·        Give the game card to referee at least five minutes before the beginning of the game.

C.  Game Card Suggestions

You may photocopy a roster and attach (glue or staple) it to the game card if you wish.  It will save time before the start of the game.  The copy must be legible with all necessary and correct information on it, and small enough to fit on the space provided.  Another idea is to prepare the roster with all the requisite information on a computer and print it onto an adhesive label.  Then simply attach the label to the game card.

            At completion of the game, you may verify that the referees have correctly accounted for all the goals scored.  If you are home team, make sure your team’s goals are in the boxes designated “home.” 

            If the coach has comments about referees, other team, playing field, etc., please make comments on game card in the area designated for mailing data after the referee has given the game card to the Playing Location Field Commissioner to avoid game delays.

9.   Playing Location Field Commissioner

The coaches of registered teams will be scheduled to act as Playing Location Field Commissioner (PLFC) as determined by club responsible for the field.  Please note that only adults can serve as the PLFC.

The PLFC is responsible for all activities at the field to which they are assigned for all games on that field on that day.  The PLFC must be on site of play at all times.

They must act as mediator in the case of conflicts between teams, coaches, referees, and/or spectators.

The following duties are also the responsibilities of the PLFC:

·         Wear red or orange vest for ease of identification.

·         Assist the first scheduled game’s coaches with putting up the nets (at least 30 minutes prior to start of first game).

·         Make sure gates are open and the field is safe for play.

·         Monitor safe playing conditions and enforce FGYSL rules as needed.

·         In the absence of referees, PLFC may be called to referee or assist in refereeing.

·         Settle disputes with coaches and/or spectators.

·         Assist referee with coaches and/or spectators.

·         Be sure each team picks up their own trash.  Any trash left is to be picked up at the end of the day.

·         Assist the last scheduled game’s coaches with taking down the nets and returning the nets and equipment to the designated storage area.

·         Collect game cards from the referee and deliver them to the collection point at 7576 N. Spyglass Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711 by 5:00 p.m. Saturday (take Marks north of Herndon,  turn left/west on Alluvial, turn right/north on Lead, turn right/north on Laguna Vista, turn right/east on Spyglass, 3^rd house on left with red tile roof.  Leave in basket in front courtyard.

IMPORTANT            - once a call is made by a referee, it stands.  Period.  No exceptions.  Remember to always support the referee.

In order to ensure the above duties are carried out, there is a $25.00 fine for those who do not complete their duties as stated above for the first offense and $50.00 per occurrence thereafter.  The fine is payable by the Club to FGYSL within seven (7) days of the infraction.  For those who DO complete their duties as assigned and do their fair share to make the game a success, the FGYSL thanks you very much.

10. Age Group Coordinators

The U-8 Coordinator will monitor the game’s scores and change the schedules of certain teams that may need to be moved into different divisions to insure parity among teams.  Moving of teams will be done before the second of half of the season begins.  The U-6 Coordinator may move teams at anytime it is felt necessary to ensure the kids have the best possible experience.

Each Age Group Coordinator U-10 and up will maintain league standings including points for or against.

The U-10 and up age groups will have two halves to their season.  Any changes in division and/or schedules will be done after the first half and prior to the second half.  Each Age Group Coordinator (U-10 and up) will be responsible for these changes subject to the approval of the Chief Field Commissioner. 

FGYSL policy is to move the first place team to a higher division and the last place team to a lower division at the halfway break during the season.  Additional team transfers between divisions may also occur in order to provide a more fair and equitable environment for the players.

Any questions about game schedules or how a particular team is placed should be directed to each school Club Coordinator.

If necessary, please refer to the chain of communication as mentioned previously in this Manual.

11. Practices

Practice games and scheduled practices are to be limited to the fields contracted with the FUSD.

All schools’ soccer clubs will have priority to practice on their own school fields.  Example:  A Gibson-Baird team has first choice of Gibson fields.  Malloch teams have first choice at Malloch and so on.  If any club team would like to practice at another club’s field, then that team’s coach must get permission to do so from that Club’s Coordinator in advance.

Practices should be concluded before dark unless adequate lighting is provided.

IMPORTANT:  At no time should any player be left alone after practice.  The coach is responsible to make sure an adult is present until all players are picked up from practice.  This rule must be enforced to help ensure the safety of our children.

12. Coaching Director

The purpose of the Coaching Director is to assist coaches in learning techniques that will help players develop their skills. 

Each Club is encouraged to contact the Coaching Director to arrange scheduled times for the Director to meet with coaches on site to show them various exercises and training drills that will be beneficial to running practices and teaching players.  Also, the Director will visit practice field locations throughout the season.  Coaches are encouraged to ask questions and utilize the experience and skills of the Coaching Director and Assistants.

For more information, please contact Bill DeMarinis, FGYSL Coaching Director at 559.269.7740.

IX. Definitions

    To further clarify some laws and terms of the game, below is a list of frequently asked questions.

1. Law 9

2.   Law 10

3.   Law 12

4.   Defensive Goals

A ball played by a player directly into his own goal is a score for the opposing team.  However, a team can not score against itself when taking a free kick, throw-in, goal kick, penalty kick, or kick off.

5.   Throw-In

A.  A throw-in is taken to restart the game after the ball goes out of play past the touchline and the referee has stopped play.  It is taken from where the ball crossed the line (within one meter).

B.  To go out of play, all of the ball must have gone completely past the outside edge of the touchline, either on the ground or in the air.

C.  Any player can take the throw-in on the team that did not touch the ball last.

D.  The thrower faces the field.  As the ball leaves his/her hands, some part of both feet must be on the ground, either on the touchline or outside the line.

E.  The thrower must throw the ball essentially with equal strength by both hands, in one continuous movement from the back of his/her head and over the top of his/her head.

F.   If the ball is not thrown in properly, the opposing team is given a throw-in.  (U-10 thru U-14 only, U-8 and U-6 see modifications.)

G.  The ball is in play when it is released and any part of it is over the outside edge of the touchline.

H.  If a properly thrown-in ball goes out of the field again, without touching any player, the opposing team throws the ball in from where it crossed the touchline when last leaving the field.

I.    The original team entitled to the throw-in retakes the throw if the ball does not enter the field (it has entered the field when any part of it is over the outside edge of the touchline).

J.   The thrower must not play the ball again until another player (either team) touches or plays it.  Punishment:  indirect kick to opposing team.

K.  A player cannot score a goal by throwing the ball directly into either goal.  If thrown into the opponent’s goal, a goal kick is taken; if thrown into his own goal, a corner kick is taken.

L.   A player in offside position receiving the ball directly from a throw-in is not offside.

6.   Goal Kick (See modification for U-6)

A.  A goal kick is taken by any defending player to restart the game after the ball goes out of play past the goal line (unless it is a valid goal) when it was last played or touched by an attacking player.

B.  To go out of play, all of the ball must have gone completely past the outside edge of the goal line, either on the ground, or in the air, and the referee has stopped play.

C.  The kick may be taken from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team (U-8 shall place the ball on the penalty box line)..

D.  The team taking the goal kick is entitled to have all opposing players remain outside the penalty area until the ball leaves the penalty area, but the kicker may kick the ball without waiting for the opposing players to leave the penalty area if he/she wishes.

E.  The ball must be stationary when it is kicked.

F.   To be in play, the ball must leave the penalty area.  The goal kick must be retaken if:

i.          The  ball does not leave the penalty area, or

ii.         The ball crosses the goal line before leaving the penalty area, or

iii.        The ball is played again by any player before it leaves the penalty area.

G.  The kicker must not play the ball again after it is in play until another player (either team) touches it or plays it.  Punishment:  Indirect free kick to the opposing team.

H.  The kicker cannot score a goal by kicking the ball directly into either goal.  If kicked directly into:

i.          The opponent’s goal, and the opposing team restarts play with a goal kick.

ii.         Player’s own goal, and the ball had not gone into play, the kick is retaken.

iii.        Player’s own goal, and the ball had gone into play (this is not likely to happen), the opposing team restarts play with a corner kick.

I.    A player in offside position receiving the ball directly from a goal kick is not offside.

7.   Corner Kick (Does not apply to U-6)

A.  A corner kick is taken by any attacking player to restart the game after the ball goes out of play past the goal line (unless it is a valid goal) when last played or touched by a defending player.

B.  To go out of play, all of the ball must have gone completely past the outside edge of the goal line, either on the ground, or in the air, and the referee has stopped play.

C.  The ball must be played from within the corner arc on the side of the field where the ball went out of play.

D.  The corner flag posts must not be moved during the game.

E.  Any player may take the corner kick on the attacking team.  He may score by kicking the ball directly into goal.

F.   The kicker is entitled to have opponents at least 10 yards from the ball when she kicks it, but the kicker may kick the ball when they are closer if she wishes.

G.  The ball must be stationary when it is kicked.

H.  To be in play, the ball must be kicked and move forward.

I.    The kicker must not play the ball again after it is in play until another player (either team) touches or plays it.  Punishment:  Indirect free kick to the opposing team.

J.   A player in offside position receiving the ball directly from a corner kick is not offside. Caution:  Once the ball is touched by a second player (from either team), the offside rule applies.

X.  Division Standings and Scoring

A.  Scoring shall be: three (3) points for a win, one (1) point for a tie and zero (0) points for a loss.

B.  Forfeited games shall be scored as a 2-0 game against the forfeiting team.

C.  Any team winning a game by a goal differential greater than seven (7) goals shall have one (1) point deducted for each goal in excess of a seven (7) goal differential to a maximum of three (3) points deducted.

D.  A red card issued to a player will result in a one (1) point deduction and a red card issued to an adult will result in a two (2) point deduction.

E.  Tie breakers will be decided as follows:

1.   Head to head

2.   Least goals scored against

3.   Goals for minus goals against with a maximum 4 goal differential

4.   Most goals scored to a maximum of 4 per game.

There will be no championship games in the U-6 through U-8 age groups. 

The Age Group Coordinators will maintain division standings for U-10 thru U-14 age groups.  The team with the most points at the end of each half wins the division.  The divisional winner from each half will play for the overall divisional championship.  If a team wins both halves of a division, then no playoff game will be played.  If a team wins in two different divisions, the second place team in the first half of play will take that team’s place in the playoffs, and the team that won two different divisions will represent the division for the second half of the season.

Division standings will be tabulated from the game cards delivered by the Playing Location Field Commissioner to the proper collection point by 5:00 p.m. on the same day the game was played.

XI. Disciplinary Procedures, Protests & Appeals

1.                  Disciplinary Review Committee (DRC)

            The DRC shall meet weekly during the playing season, as necessary, and is composed of the Chief Field Commissioner, the Referee Coordinator and one member of the Board of Directors of FGYSL.  This Committee is empowered to act upon and enforce disciplinary issues regarding players, coaches, spectators, or other members of affiliated teams.  Specifically, this Committee has the authority to impose penalties including financial fines up to $100.00 per incident, adding games to the minimum suspensions, probation or other measures deemed appropriate.  The DRC has an obligation to the League and all of its participants to act in a fair impartial, and objective manner.  Therefore, the DRC will investigate situations, as deemed necessary, before rendering a decision.  Expulsion from FGYSL requires the approval of the Executive Committee.  Under no circumstances can the DRC reduce the minimum penalties of a one game suspension for a red card issued to a player and a two game suspension to the coach for a red card issued to an adult.

            Any disciplinary actions taken by the DRC, beyond the statutory minimum suspensions, shall be communicated to the impacted party in writing.

2.                  Protest And Appeals Committee

            Only violations of the Constitution, By-Laws, General Procedures, and Specific Rules of this League, and misapplication of the “Laws of the Game” shall be proper subjects to be considered for action.  Protests or Appeals are to be in writing and delivered to the Chairperson of the Committee (President of FGYSL) within two (2) working days of notification of the action being protested or appealed.  A non-refundable fee of $25.00 must accompany the Protest or Appeal.

            Please refer to the FGYSL By-Laws for complete details regarding Protests and Appeals (posted on the League website).  Minimum suspensions received for the issuance of red cards against players or adults can not be appealed.

XII.      All Star Guidelines

CYSA District 7 has suspended the All Star Tournament for this playing season.  District 7 is researching alternative formats but no decision has been made at this time.  FGYSL will update all the as more information becomes available. 

XIII.     TOPSoccer

TOPSoccer is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with special needs.  These special needs are because of physical or mental challenges that might discourage or preclude the child from participating in a sports program.  The emphasis of the program is on providing an opportunity for children to learn and play soccer in fun and encouraging environment.

If you know a special needs child who you feel would enjoy or benefit from participating in a team sports program, please contact the CYSA District 7 office at 559.227.2972, or the TOPSoccer Coordinator at topsoccer@cysadistrict7.org.

XIII.     Contact Directory and Board Officers

XIV.     League Schedule

                                                            *Player Passes Required!

                                    ^U-14 Games may be scheduled on Sunday of that weekend