The following are rules and guidelines that coaches should be aware of from our travel league, Midland Area Youth Soccer (MAYS)

General Overview

Goal Scoring

Lighting Safety

Substitutions

Uniform and Equipment

Timing and Forfeit of Game

Postponement

Makeup Games

Zero Tolerance Policy
Additional Materials

General Overview





Goal Scoring:

You must not have greater than a 7 goal differential.  If you go up by 8 goals, you will receive a warning.  If you do so twice, you will be banned for the season and UYSL will be fined $150.

Lightning Safety:

Play shall be suspended and all participants shall seek shelter when lightning is 6 miles distant, or closer. (In estimating distance of a lightning strike, use the “flash to bang” method. Count the seconds from the time lightning is sighted, until the accompanying thunderclap is heard. If the time is 30 seconds or less, the distance is 6 miles or less.) Before resuming play, wait 30 minutes after the last lightning strike within the 6 mile limit. In the event that a game is terminated, it will be considered complete providing that the first half has been completed. 

Substitutions:

The number of substitutions is unlimited. They may be made, with the consent of the referee, at the following times:

1. Prior to a throw-in in your favor, or a throw-in for the opposing team if BOTH teams have players ready to enter the game.
2. Prior to a goal kick by either team.
3. After a goal by either team.
4. After an injury when the referee stops play.
5. At Half-time.

Substitutions are NOT allowed at corner kicks or free kicks.

Uniform and Equipment:

Uniforms must consist of matching shirts with unique numbers, matching shorts, matching socks, shin guards and suitable soccer shoes or sneakers. Baseball cleats, football cleats and metal cleats are not allowed. Undergarments such as cycling shorts may be worn as allowed per rules published by U.S.S.F. in the Guide for Referees and Mass Youth Soccer. In the case of a clash of colors, the home team is responsible for changing or wearing pinnies. Players are not allowed to play with any dangerous equipment; including jewelry, casts, hardbrimmed hats. 

Timing and Forfeit of Game:

If the referee does not arrive within 15 minutes after the scheduled time, the coaches of the two teams will appoint an acting referee and play the game. If a mutually acceptable party cannot be found to act as referee, the game must be rescheduled. In the event of a team being late, the other team must report it to the League for appropriate action. If either team has not arrived within 15 minutes after the scheduled time the missing team will forfeit the game. 

Postponement:

The only legitimate reasons for postponing a game are:

1. Bad weather at the site of the game.
2. Vandalism to the field or field is unavailable. It is suggested that teams swap fields to play the game.
3. A school or religious event which prevents a team from fielding the minimum number of required players

Reschedule requests must be submitted to [email protected]. Reschedule requests for games during the first 2 weeks of the season must be received by one week prior to the game date. All other reschedule requests for games beyond week 3 must be received no later than 7 days after the first date of games for the age group of the teams impacted by the request. Only one request per team will be allowed.

It is the responsibility of the home team to notify both the visiting team coach and the referee assignor ([email protected]) of the postponement at least two hours before the scheduled game time.

Makeup Games:

Both teams are responsible to work out a make-up game.  Home coaches work with the scheduler ([email protected]) and offer at least three alternative days/times to the away coach within 2 weeks of the original date.  The date of the rescheduled game must be within four (4) weeks of postponed game and must be played before the last scheduled game.

Zero Tolerance Policy:

All persons responsible for a team and all of the spectators shall support the referee. Failure to do so will undermine the referee's authority and has the potential of creating a hostile environment for players, the referee and all other participants and spectators.

Consequently, the MAYS League has adopted the following rule:

No one is to address the referee during the Match!

Exceptions for persons responsible for a team (Coaches and Managers) During the game:

1. Responding to a referee initiating communication.
2. Making Substitutions
3. Pointing out emergencies or safety issues

At half-time or at the end of a match:

1. A coach/manager can ask a referee to explain a rule(s) in a polite and constructive manner.
2. Polite and friendly feedback can be given to a referee.
3. Absolutely NO sarcasm, harassment or intimidation.

Penalties:
1st Minor Infraction Referee should ignore
2nd Minor Infraction A verbal warning shall be given
3rd Infraction Caution
4th Infraction Ejection
1st Serious Infraction Caution or Ejection depending upon the seriousness of the infraction

Exceptions for Spectators: During the game:
1. Responding to a referee initiating communication.
2. Pointing out emergencies or safety issues.

Penalties:
1st Infraction; Referee shall stop the game and ask the coach(es) to quiet the offending spectator.
2nd Infraction; A verbal warning. The referee shall stop the match and ask the coach(es) to warn the spectator that the next infraction will be an ejection or the referee will abandon the match.
3rd Infraction; The referee shall instruct the coach(es) to direct the spectator to leave the area. The referee shall abandon the match if the spectator does not comply.

If the referee abandons the match, directs a person to leave the area, or issues a caution; the referee shall send a report to the MAYS President for review. This review may result in a penalty up to and including suspension and/or forfeit of the match. Unsporting behavior from coaches, players, referees, or spectators towards others will also not be tolerated and shall be reported to the MAYS President for review. This review may result in a penalty up to and including suspension and/or forfeit of the match. 

Additional Materials


Coaches Folder