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ALCAL Articles of Agreement/Rules
Revised: 2006
Article I – Rules of Game
The High School Rule Book of the National Federation of State High School
Associations will be used for all games of football, volleyball, basketball,
softball, baseball, track, and all other sports in ALCAL.
Article II – General
Section I: Officials
All games played between teams of the league, in order to be considered for
a championship or seeding in championship play, must be played under the
arbitration of impartial officials, and in accordance with game rules.
Varsity games may not be played without certified officials. The league has
contracted officials for basketball. Officials for all other sports must be
familiar with ALCAL rules. Any game played without certified officials will
be forfeited by the team responsible for obtaining officials. Home team
pays all officials. If the league office receives two letters of complaint
against any official from two different coaches during a season, that
official shall be excluded from any future games in that current season. If
possible all Jr. High games should use certified officials.
Section II: Game cancellation
A $200 penalty for cancelling games without reason of emergency or sickness
will be assessed against a team. A team must give at least a 24 hr. notice
if they will be unable to play a game due to emergency or sickness.
Section III: Eligibility of players
Eligibility requires that a player must be a student who is presently
enrolled in, and participating in school academics. The student must be on
campus at least 12 hours per week, and may not be enrolled in any other Jr.
High/High School except supplementary classes in a vocational or college
program. In Varsity athletics, if a player is 19 years of age before
September 1st, they may not participate in any sports. In Jr. High
athletics: a player must be 15 years of age or younger on September 1st to
participate in Jr. High sports unless otherwise stated. Once a student
graduates or stops attending classes, they become ineligible. A new student
is not eligible to play until five academic days are completed from the day
of admittance to school. The school’s Administrator/Principal must send a
written affidavit stating the day of admittance to the league office.
Section IV: Rosters
It is required of all schools prior to season play to provide a roster for
both Jr. High and Varsity players with their birthdates to the league
secretary. In the event there is a question as to a players eligibility, a
school may be required to provide a copy of a players birth certificate.
Section V: Uniforms
Each player without exception shall be attired in the designated uniform of
his/her team. The uniform must bear an identifying number.
Section VI: Fees
The annual participation fee for each school is $150. This fee must be paid
to the league office prior to the first scheduled season game.
Section VII: Home Schoolers
Home Schoolers who are enrolled in an ALCAL school can play only if they
have completed a previous year’s full schedule of academics.
Section VIII: Game Locations
No team is required to travel more than 120 miles to compete, but may do so
if both teams agree to the travel. School officials may find a neutral
location for their games.
Section IX: Score and clock keepers
The home team of each game is required to have an official clock and score
keeper. Each school is responsible to make sure they are taught the proper
way to do the job and that they be an adult. The home team’s book will be
used for permanent records of the results.
Section X: New school applications
New member schools will be admitted to this athletic league by a 2/3 vote
of all its member schools. A school desiring to join this conference must
submit an application along with a $50 application fee to the league
office. The following guidelines must be met before applying:
1. The school must employ a Christian curriculum
2. The enrollment of their 6th – 12th grades may not exceed 150
students. Schools that exceed the 150 student limit may still apply, but
will only be accepted by a 2/3 majority vote of the league members. This
membership will be reviewed and renewed each year.
3. Upon being accepted in the league, new schools will be placed on a 1
year probation period in which time they will have no voting rights, nor
will they be allowed to host a tournament during the 1 year probation period.
Section XI: Officers
The officers of this league shall be selected from the Pastor, Principal, or
Administration of each representative school. The officers shall consist of
a President who is elected annually and may serve only two consecutive
years. The Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer is also elected annually,
but with no lim ited tenure. The league officers will serve as arbitration
committee on any appeals, questions, or problems that arise within this
league. They will make decisions regarding teams or players participating
in this league using as their “guiding principle”, the teachings of Jesus
Christ as found in the Bible. These principles will be accepted as a
reference for all matters of conduct, fair play, etc. The league officer’s
decision will be final on all matters. If a team or player feels the
decision of the officers is incorrect, they may appeal by requesting the
league officer’s to hold a meeting with one representative from each member
school to re-hear the matter. To over-rule the league officer’s decision
would require a 2/3 majority vote of the membership.
Section XII: Admission to the games
The gate charge for all sports will be a maximum of $4.00 for adults and
$2.00 for students; however, you may charge any amount under the maximum.
Children under school age are admitted free.
The following will receive free admission: Pastor/Spouse,
Administrator/Spouse, Head Coach/Spouse, Assistant Coach/Spouse, Cheerleader
Sponsor/Spouse, Team Manager, Scorekeeper, Statistician, and Bus Driver.
Section XIII: Standing Rules For All Sports
1. If a player is ejected from a game for any reason, they must sit out
the next ALCAL game.
2. Trash talking is defined as any negative words spoken to any person
on the opposing team. Trash talking will not be tolerated in our league. A
first offense will result in an immediate removal from the game and a one
game suspension. A recurrence in any game afterwards will result in a
suspension for the remainder of the season.
3. Any act of violence will be dealt with by the league officers with
the option to call a league meeting.
4. Fans are not to argue with the officials of a game. There will be
no booing at officials or players. The offending fan or fans will receive a
verbal warning. If it continues, the fan or fans will be asked to leave the
premises and will not be allowed to return to that game.
5. Any player that enters the court/field from the bench during an
altercation will receive a one game suspension.
Section XIV: Amendments to the Articles
These Articles can be amended at any regular meeting with a majority vote by
the representatives present of all member schools. A quorum of at least 2/3
of the member schools must be present to vote upon the amendments.
Section XV: Tournaments
It is mandatory that if you participate in Conference play, you must attend
the Post-Season Tournament, unless you have a documented emergency.
Article III: Football
Section I: General
This league shall consist of one district. The team with the best win/loss
record or win/loss percentage shall be the Conference Champion.
Section II: Post-Season
The Varsity Football Champion will play the Champion of Mid Arkansas at a
site to be determined for the Arkansas Association of Christian Schools
State Championship.
Section III: Eligibility
A player must be 18 years old or younger on September 1st to be eligible for
Varsity football. A player must be 15 years old or younger on September 1st
and may not be in the 10th grade to be eligible for Junior High football. A
Junior High eligible player in the 9th grade may play in Varsity games. A
new student is not eligible to play until five academic days are completed
from the day of admittance to school. The school’s Administrator/Principal
must send a written affidavit stating the day of admittance to the league
office.
Section IV: Game Forms
Both home and away teams must fax a copy of the game form for each game they
play. These game forms should be faxed to the league secretary by Monday
following the game.
Section V: Scheduling
Both Varsity and Junior High games will be scheduled by the league office.
Section VI: Game Times
Varsity games will be 10 minute quarters with 2 minutes between quarters and
15 minutes between halves. Junior High games will be 6 minute quarters with
1 minute between quarters and 15 minutes between halves. When both varsity
and Junior High games are played on the same day, there will be 30 minutes
between the end of the Jr. High game and the start of the Varsity game.
Section VII: Cheerleaders
Cheerleaders are allowed 3 minutes per squad at half time in which to
perform. Visiting cheerleaders will be first on the field followed by the
home team.
Section VIII: Field Dimensions
All football fields must be 80 yards by 40 yards.
All fields must have at least 1 goal post
Section IX: Football Rules
Six man football rules are the same as for the NFHS 11 man game except for
the following variations:
1. Offense must advance 15 yards instead of 10 yards in four downs.
2. Each team has 6 players. The field is 80 yards by 40 yards, with
the 40 yardline at the center of the field. Hash marks are two feet outside
the goal posts.
3. Unless the ball is kicked or forward passed, it may not be advanced
across the line of scrimmage until after an exchange has been made between
the receiver of the snap and another player. If a forward pass is thrown to
the snapper, it must travel at least one yard in flight.
4. Length of quarters: 10 minutes; between quarters: 2 minutes; between
halves: 15 minutes.
5. The ball must travel 15 yards on a kickoff or be touched by the
receiving team before members of the kicking team are eligible to touch it.
6. Kickoff is made from the kicking team’s 30 yardline on a six-man
field and there must be at least 3 players from the receiving team between
the 30 and 35 yard lines.
7. At least 3 offensive players shall be on their line of scrimmage at
the snap.
8. Ball may be handed in any direction to a player during a scrimmage
down behind the line of scrimmage.
9. If a fumble occurs before there has been an exchange or pass and if
a player of the offensive team recovers it, he may not carry it beyond the
line.
10. The ball is dead when a passer catches his own pass and it is ruled
as an incomplete forward pass.
11. All players are eligible to catch a forward pass, except that a pass
is ruled incomplete when caught by the passer.
12. Field goal counts 4 points; try-for-point: 2 points if successful
through place or drop-kick; one point if successful by pass or run.
13. When one team is 45 or more points ahead at the end of the first
half or if a team secures a 45 point lead during the second half, the game
is ended immediately.
14. The team whose goal line is involved shall put the ball in play by a
snap on their 20 yardline after a touchback and by a kick-off or punt on
their 20 yardline after a safety. After a safety, the ball must go at least
15 yards or be touched by the receiving team before members of the kicking
team are eligible to touch it. Receiving team must have at least 3 players
between the 35 and 40 yard lines of the kicking team.
15. The 20 yardline will be used as a penetration line.
16. If the player receiving the snap advances beyond the line of
scrimmage without an exchange, the penalty shall be 5 yards plus loss of
down (Illegal procedure).
Section X: Standing Rules
1. Only coaches and players along with designated personnel should be
on the sidelines.
2. If any unsportsmanlike act, with intent to harm, loss of self-
control, or profanity is called on a player, he will be removed from the
game.
3. Any player removed from a second game will be suspended from play
until such time as the league officers can determine the disciplinary action
to be taken upon that player.
4. Coaches who receive an unportsmanlike conduct penalty due to loss of
self-control or profanity will be warned that a second penalty will result
in the coach’s removal from the game and riled. If a coach receives two
unsportsmanlike penalties in a game, the coach will not be allowed to coach
until the league officers have reviewed the penalties. If there are other
games before the review has taken place, the coach cannot coach or attend
the game until after the review and appropriate action has been taken.
5. It is understood when one team is ahead by 45 points at the half or
later, the game will be terminated.
Article IV: Volleyball
Section I: General
This league shall consist of one district. The team with the best win/loss
record ro win/loss percentage, shall be the Conference Champion.
Section II: Post Season
The league will host a Varsity Volleyball Tournament to be determined at the
annual meeting. There will be no trophies given for Jr. High Volleyball.
Section III: Eligibility
A player must be 18 years old or younger on September 1st to be eligible for
Varsity Volleyball. A player must be 14 years old or younger on September
1st and may not be in the 10th grade to be eligible for Junior High
Volleyball. A new student is not eligible to play until five academic days
are completed from the day of admittance to school. The school’s
Administrator/Principal must send a written affidavit stating the day of
admittance to the league office.
Section IV: Game Forms
Both home and away teams must fax a copy of the game form for each game
played. These forms should be faxed the next day or if played on a weekend,
they should be faxed on Monday.
Section V: Scheduling
Both Varsity and Junior High Games will be scheduled by the league office.
Section VI: Volleyball Rules
1. Rally scoring will be used.
2. Game=best 2 out of 3 matches with the 3rd match being optional if
one team wins first 2 matches.
3. If the ball touches the net on a serve it should be considered a
live ball and played accordingly.
4. A block does not count as a hit.
5. Blocker may reach over the net to block.
6. A player may not touch net while in play.
7. A player’s foot can touch the line, but may not go over the line.
8. The ball may land on the line and still be in bounds.
9. Coaches must remain seated during the game.
10. Time-outs must be called by the coach.
11. Back row may not spike.
12. A player may receive serve with a set or bump only.
13. A server may re-serve one time during her rotation as server, but
should let the ball hit the ground and then start her serve over.
14. A substitution may go into the game in any position, but the
original player must go back in the same position she was in.
15. When players on the floor are going to change positions (for
example: setter coming up from the back row), when receiving a serve – they
must wait until the ball is hit by the server; when serving – they must wait
until the ball crosses the net.
16. Jr. High players only may move up as close as the free throw line to
serve.
17. If, at the beginning of the game, you are receiving serve; when it
is your team’s turn to serve, you must rotate before you serve.
18. Each team is allowed 2 time outs per game.
19. A number must be on the left chest of shirt; it may be on shorts and
back of shirt as well, but must be on the left chest.
20. Knee pads are required.
21. No jewelry or hairpins.
22. Net should be 7 ft. 4/8 in. to top.
Article IV: Basketball
Section I: General
This league will consist of two divisions: North Division & South Division.
Each division will play the other schools in their Division twice and will
play the schools in the other Division one Non-Conference game. The team
with the best win/loss record or win/loss percentage will be the Division
Champion.
Section II: Tournament
The top 3 teams in each Division will play in the ALCAL Conference
Championship Tournament. The tournament will be double elimination. The
top two teams in the Tournament will represent ALCAL in the Arkansas
Association of Christian Schools State Tournament.
Section III: Tournament Hosting
The tournament hosting will be based on the Division Champion which will
rotate as follows: Varsity – North Boys, South Girls, North Girls, South
Boys; Jr. High – South Girls, North Boys, South Boys, North Girls.
Section IV: All Star Games
An annual All-Star Game for boys and girls Varsity teams will follow the
Varsity Conference Championship Tournament and an All-Star game for boys and
girls Jr. High teams will follow the Jr. High Conference Championship
Tournament. Each team will have a set number of All-Stars that they will
pick from their team to play in the All-Star games.
Section V: Scheduling
Both Varsity and Junior High Games will be scheduled by the league office.
Section VI: Game Forms
Both home and away teams must fax a copy of the game form for each game
played. These forms should be faxed the next day or if played on a weekend,
they should be faxed on Monday.
Section VII: Game Times
Varsity boy’s games will be 8 minute quarters, Varsity girl’s games will be
7 minute quarters, Jr. High games will be 6 minute quarters. Schools that
play all four games in one night will play a running clock until the last 2
minutes of each quarter and during time-outs in both Jr. High games. If
schools play fewer than four games in one night, the Jr. High games will
have a regular clock. There will be 10 minutes between games and at least 5
minutes at half-time.
Section VIII: Eligibility
A player must be 18 years old or younger on September 1st to be eligible for
Varsity Basketball. A player must be 14 years old or younger on September
1st and may not be in the 10th grade to be eligible for Junior High
Basketball. A new student is not eligible to play until five academic days
are completed from the day of admittance to school. The school’s
Administrator/Principal must send a written affidavit stating the day of
admittance to the league office. The following applies to those players
that play on both the Jr. High and Varsity team: to be eligible to play in
the Jr. High Conference Championship Tournament, the player must be listed
in the books and must play at least 2 quarters of every Jr. High game. If
the player is ineligible due to injury, sickness, academic probation, etc.,
their name must still be in the book and both the bookkeepers should make a
note of the reason for not playing.
Section IX: Cheerleaders
Cheerleaders are allowed approximately 3 minutes per squad at half-time in
which to perform. Visiting cheerleaders should be on the floor ready to
perform immediately following the sounding of the half-time buzzer. The
home team cheerleaders should follow with their performance immediately
following the visiting team. In the event that neither team has
cheerleaders, only the coaches and players of the game being played at that
time will be allowed on the court.
Section X: Standing Rules
1. No one is allowed on the court before a game or during half-time
except cheerleaders, then the coaches and players of the game being played
at that time.
2. If a technical foul that is with intent to harm or unsportsmanship-
like act or loss of self control or profanity is called on a player, his own
coach must take the player out of the game for the remainder of the game.
3. Profanity is considered poor sportsmanship and flagrant conduct, and
coaches should inform referees before a game begins, that if there is any
profanity used by a player, it should result in a technical foul.
4. Any player receiving two technical fouls (as described in #2) during
the course of a season will be suspended from play until such time as the
league officers can determine the disciplinary action to be taken upon the
player.
5. Coaches receiving technical fouls will abide by the following: upon
receiving the 1st technical foul, the coach will finish the rest of the game
by sitting down in their coaching box; then, the technical foul is to be
reported by both teams and the board will review the foul and choose the
appropriate action. If a coach receives 2 technical fouls in one game, they
can no longer coach that game and are to remove themselves from the gym for
the remainder of the game being played. The coach sill not be allowed to
coach or return to the gym until the board has reviewed both technical
fouls. If there are other games before the review has taken place, the
coach cannot coach or attend those games until after the review and
appropriate actions have been taken.
6. It should be understood and agreed upon that no team shall press or
fast break against another team after attaining a 30 point lead.
7. Coaches are to keep records of points made, 3 pointers made, and
free-throw percentage.
Article V: Baseball
Section I: Game Time Limit
Game time limit will be 1 hour 45 minutes. No inning may be started after
this time. Games will be 7 innings long or time limit.
Section II: Run Rules
There will be a seven run rule in effect for this season. No team may score
more than 7 runs per inning. In the event a team scores 7 runs in a single
inning, the sides will change. In the event that a team has a 15 or more
run lead at the completion of the 5th inning, the game will be called due to
the mercy rule. If the visiting team is down by 15 or more runs in the 5th
inning and fails to score a run or close the gap to below a 15 run lead that
inning, the game will be called. When the 6th inning is completed the mercy
rule drops to 8 runs.
Section III: Cleats
NO metal spikes will be allowed. Any player found with metal spikes will be
ejected from ball game.
Section IV: Slide Rule
There will be no “must slide” rule, however, any base runner will be
required to make an attempt to avoid contact with defensive players. In the
event contact is made, it will be an umpire judgment call as to whether or
not the contact was intentional. If the umpire in charge finds the contact
to be intentional with an attempt to dislodge the ball or to hurt another
player, the runner will be called out and ejected from ball game. When
sliding into a base, NO runner may slide with cleats raised in air. This
will be a judgment call by umpire and will result in the runner being
ejected from the ball game.
Section V: Slinging of bats
This will not be tolerated. Any player slinging the bat will be called
out. A second offense by the same team will result in the player being
effected from ball game. This is not always on purpose, but it is a safety
issue to keep the players from getting hurt. The umpire should use sound
judgment in making this call.
Section VI: Baseballs
All baseballs used for playing games must have the high school approved
stamp on the ball and must be readable before the game starts. Both teams
must present the game ball to the umpire in chief before starting the game
for his approval. No high performance baseballs will be allowed. If an
umpire discovers an illegal ball on the field of play the pitcher on the
field when this occurs will be ejected from ball game. Make sure your
pitcher knows what to look for in baseballs, this rule is for the safety of
everybody playing the game.
Section VII: Special base running rules
In the event there are two outs and the catcher is one of the base runners,
the offensive team may substitute any player from the bench who has not
entered the game yet to pinch run for the catcher. The pinch runner may
enter the game at a later time to a regular position that he plays even
though they have pinch run for the catcher previously, but any player
removed from the game may not pinch run for the catcher. This rule is to
speed up the game so the catcher can put on their equipment before the next
inning starts.
Section VIII: Special pitching rule
When in the event a pitcher hits the batter with a wild pitch, the batter
will take his base without mouthing off or making unsportsmanship-like
gestures to the pitcher. Failure to do this will, at the umpires’
discretion, get the batter ejected from ball game. If the umpire feels like
the pitcher intentionally pitched the ball with the intent to hit the
batter, the umpire in charge will make the call as to warn or eject the
pitcher. This is a judgment call on the part of the umpires.
Article VI: Softball
Article VII: Soccer
Section I: Field of Play
The field of play will be as follows:
1st – 3rd grade – No larger than 20 yds. wide X 40 yds. long
4th – 6th grade – No larger than 40 yds. wide X 60 yds. long
7th – 12th grade – No larger than 40 yds. wide X 80 yds. long
You may utilize one field for all sizes by moving goals around for each game
or you may set up 3 separate fields.
Section II: Goals
Goal sizes will be as follows:
1st – 3rd grade – No larger than 6 X 8
4th – 6th grade – No larger than 6 X 15
7th – 12th grade – No larger than 8 X 24
Please note that some schools may have to use smaller goals than others due
to the financial burden of purchasing more than one set of goals. All
schools should work toward purchasing each size of goal as they are able to
do so.
Goals will be constructed to support the net at the top, sides, and be
staked to the ground at the rear to insure than any ball kicked into the
goal will be trapped by the net system to avoid the possibility of a ball
entering the net system and exiting, which may create “no goal call” by a
referee.
Coaches and referees will insure that no coach, player, or spectator is
allowed to sit, stand, or loiter behind the goal or goal area where they may
impede or direct the goalie or further interfere with the play of the game.
No person other than officials shall sit or be located any closer than 10
yards from the rear of the goal out of bounds line. Any individual that
enters this area will cause play to be stopped until such time as they
remove themselves from the restricted area. Failure to leave the area will
be cause for forfeit of the game by the team this individual represents.
Section III: Players
The number of players per team will be as follows:
1st – 3rd grade – 6 players including goalie
4th – 6th grade – 9 players including goalie
7th – 12th grade – 11 players including goalie
Section IV: Safety
Prior to the start of any game the referee will inspect all players to
insure the following:
1. No metal spikes or rubber coated metal spikes of any kind are being
used.
2. No jewelry of any kind is allowed on any person, this includes
rings, watches, and earrings, or any other metal or plastic objects attached
to the body. If earrings cannot be removed they will be covered with some
type of adhesive tape to the satisfaction of the referee.
3. Should any player have any type of cast, brace, or bandage relating
to a medical issue, the coaches and referee will confer prior to the start
of the game and either insure that the cast, bandage, or brace has a padded
surface that will allow for the protection of other players, or that the
bandage will not present a possible accident threat to the players of both
teams prior to allowing this individual to play.
4. Referees should strongly discourage allowing any injured player from
participating and their ruling is final without any form of protest being
allowed.
5. Coaches and referees will check each player at the start of the game
for shin guards. No player will be allowed to enter the field of play
without shin guards. Socks will cover the shin guard in their entirety and
players not complying will not be allowed to play.
6. Only goalies will be allowed to wear approved soccer protective
gloves.
7. All eyeglasses will be retained by a strap, tape, or other method of
insuring that the glasses will not come free from the player’s head.
8. No sunglasses or other forms of non-prescription glasses are allowed
on any player.
9. All shirts will remain tucked in at all times.
10. All safety rules are at the discretion of the referee and their
ruling is final.
Section V: Dangerous Play
Dangerous play is defined as any situation that puts any offensive or
defensive player at a risk over and above the normal contact level of soccer
play.
Players shall be instructed that when they are in a close proximity (usually
less than 3 ft. or in the case of a drop ball) a full sweeping kick that
will result in the kicking foot ending above the waist, shall and can be
called dangerous play by the referee.
Use of the hands, forearms, or elbows to push, jab, or otherwise strike
another player will also be cause for the referee to call dangerous play.
Grossly intentional tripping is also considered dangerous play.
Grossly impacting another player with body-to-body contact to force them off
of the ball or to render them ineffective in the play will also be subject
to the call of dangerous play.
Accidental collisions will not be called dangerous play unless the referee
feels the collision appeared to be intentional in nature or if a player or
team commits this type of foul regularly during the course of the game.
If the goalie is attempting to make a goal save they will not be collided
with and if they have fallen to the ground to recover a ball, they cannot be
kicked, kicked at, or otherwise impacted until such time as the ball rolls
clear from their immediate body area.
No type of hanging clothing, neckerchiefs, or bandanas are allowed to be
worn.
No spitting on another player will be allowed.
Dangerous play penalties will be assessed as follows:
At the point of the foul or call by the referee the offending team will turn
over the ball and a free kick be awarded from this point to the team
fouled. These types of fouls are indirect kicks and they must be touched by
a second player before a goal can be scored.
The referee will make note of the player’s number and team which committed
the dangerous play call and a clear warning issued. If this same player
commits and additional dangerous play foul during the game, a yellow card
will be awarded to the player and they will be removed from the game until
such time as they can be substituted back into the game through normal
rotation. Should a third offense be committed during the same game the
referee will award a red card and the player will be removed from the game
without possibility of returning. If a red card is awarded this player will
also forfeit play in the next scheduled game and be required to be present
in uniform and not play. Should the player not attend the “sit out game”
they will be excluded from games until such time as they complete this
requirement.
Any type of fighting is considered dangerous play and the warning provision
and issuing of a yellow card will not be used. An automatic red card will
be assessed and the player removed from the filed and the player will be
suspended for the remainder of the season.
Dangerous play inside of the penalty box will result in a penalty kick.
Section VI: Taunting
Taunting of any kind from any player, coach, or spectator is not allowed.
This includes verbal or physical taunting.
Players taunting will result in a yellow card, without warning, and the
referee will record the players name and team with the player leaving the
game until the next normal substitution rotation. A second offense in the
same game by the same player will result in a red card being awarded and
the “sit out game” rule imposed.
Coaches taunting will result in the coach being required to leave the field
of play for the remainder of the game. The offending coach must be removed
to a minimum of 100 yards from the closest point of the field of play.
Coaches not leaving the field as requested by the referee will be cause for
forfeit of the game with formal notification of the name and date of the
coach to the league. Suspension from all remaining season games, any play
off games, or tournaments is the preferred method of action to be taken.
Spectator taunting will be reported to both coaches to remove this
individual from the field of play and the game will be stopped during this
time. Removal will be considered to be at a minimum of 100 yards from the
closest point of the field of play.
Section VII: Uniforms
Uniforms and socks will be of a consistent color and style for all players
at all times with the exception of the goalie. The goalie will wear a
uniquely different color of shirt to identify them as the goalie to assure
that he/she is easily identifiable in the case of goal saves and to allow
the referee to identify the only individual allowed in the game to use their
hands to play the ball. Uniforms should have a number either on the front
or back of the jersey.
Section VIII: Time keeper
Two types of time keeping are allowed or both can be used together with the
head referee usually being assigned as the official time keeper. If a
sideline time keeper is used, they will sit at the midfield point on the
same side as the two opposing teams and will keep time by using a watch or
official clock that has a second hand. The clock will only be stopped for
the following reasons:
1. At the request of the referee for safety reasons
2. Injuries that result in the stoppage of play
3. After a goal is scored
4. At the signal from the referee when awarding a yellow or red card
5. Half-time
6. Unauthorized person, objects, or animals entering the field of play
and only when signaled by the referee
The length of games will be as follows:
1st – 3rd grade – 4 quarters of 8 minutes each
4th – 6th grade – 2 halves of 20 minutes each
7th – 12th grade – 2 halves of 30 minutes each
Section IX: Kickoff
Prior to the kickoff the referee will signal to each goalie verbally to
indicate that play is about to begin. The referee will also count the
players on the field and once the count is completed blow their whistle to
start the kickoff.
The kickoff will be from the midfield point centerline circle after the toss
of the coin decides the team that shall have the choice of either kicking
off or taking the choice of goals. The team that does not kick off at the
start of the game will do so at the start of the second half.
The kickoff circle is a ten yard wide circle that is placed in the center of
the field on the midfield line. The ball is placed in the center of this
circle usually marked in the center by an X. Two offensive players will
enter the circle and the game will begin when the first offensive player
kicks the ball to any position that makes it roll at least one full
rotation. At this time the defensive players can begin the game and only
then enter the kickoff circle. The ball does not have to be kicked in a
forward motion on the kickoff. During the kickoff no other players from
either team are allowed to cross the midfield line until the kickoff is
successful.
Section X: Scoring
Scoring is completed by the offensive team or in some cases the defensive
team kicking or heading the ball across the goal line located in the front
of the goal. A ball that is slapped by the hand or arm that would normally
result in a handball call will not be awarded as a goal. A shot or kick
that first hits another player and then enters the goal area is still
considered a goal.
When a goal has been scored the referee will blow their whistle to halt the
play and the clock will be stopped. The ball will be returned to the center
of the field to the kickoff circle and a kickoff be initiated by the team to
which the goal was scored against and the clock started again.
Section XI: Injuries
JUDGMENT CALL: Should the referee see an injury take place away from the
actual play of the ball to where no immediate danger is imposed by the play
of the ball to the injured player and a possible advantage can be gained by
a player or team by imposing a delay in the game the referee shall call in a
loud voice “play on” and the game will continue until such time as the
advantage is lost. If a player is placed in immediate danger the referee
will blow their whistle and the game will be stopped and the injured player
will be removed from the field. This player will not be allowed to return
to the game until such time as a normal substitution rotation is presented.
Should the referee feel that the nature and number of injuries is excessive
and not visible threatening they may issue a warning to the coach.
Section XII: Half-time
The time keeper or head referee shall call half-time at which time play will
stop regardless of any advantage at the time the whistle is blown. After
the half-time rest period is completed the teams shall change goals and the
team that did not make the game starting kickoff be awarded the kickoff for
the second half.
Section XIII: Penalty Shot
If a penalty is committed inside of the penalty box, a penalty kick shall be
awarded. The kick shall be taken from the penalty mark at the front of the
goal area. All players except for the goalie and the player taking the shot
shall remain outside of the penalty box. Should the shot hit the goalie or
goal posts and enter the goal area it is considered a goal. Should the ball
be deflected by the goalie any player can play it. The goalie’s feet cannot
move until such time as the ball is kicked. All other players must remain
10 yards behind the penalty mark. If a penalty shot is taken and made the
ball will be returned to the kickoff circle and the game restarted.
Section XIV: Goal Kick
If the offensive team losses the ball across the goal line during the course
of play, a goal kick will be awarded to the defensive team. The defensive
team will place the ball on the ground and from a point inside of the
penalty area take a free kick. Should a goal kick be delayed in an attempt
to end a game due to the clock being run out, the referee shall reset the
clock and award a free kick to the opposing team.
Section XV: Corner Kick
Should the defensive team lose the ball across the goal line, a corner kick
will be awarded. The ball will be placed in the corner half circle on the
side of the field the ball went out of bounds on and a kick taken. A goal
can be scored directly or indirectly on a corner kick.
Section XVI: Drop Ball
Should a ball go out of bounds across the touch line and the referee not see
the last player to touch the ball, a drop kick will be completed. One
player from each team from the point of play will complete the drop kick
where the ball left the field. The players will have their backs to the
goal they are defending and face each other within one step of each other.
The referee will hold the ball in two hands at waist level and drop the ball
directly between the players and immediately back out of the area of play.
A drop ball can also be used for other types of game stoppage such as
injuries, clock resetting, or for reason to which the referee feels the game
should be stopped such as to warn players or for field equipment failures
that may change the play of the game.
Section XVII: Goalie Punting
Should the goalie catch the ball during the course of play, a punt will be
taken. When the goalie prepares to take the punt they are limited to taking
five steps from the point they grasp the ball with their hands prior to
dropping or kicking the ball.
Section XVIII: Throw Ins
A throw in can be from a running position or from a standing position at the
choice of the player. Regardless of the type throw in method used, the
player must keep both hands on the ball until it is released and the throw
must be directly over the head and not to the side of the head. The player
must not cross the touchline until after the ball is released. Both feet
must be on the ground when the ball is released. Should either foot leave
the ground just prior to the release or the ball being thrown from the side
of the head, the ball will be turned over to the opposing teams for a throw
in from the same point behind the touchline.
Section XIX: Handball
Should any player other than the goalie touch the ball with their hands,
upper arms, or elbows, a handball will be called and an indirect kick
awarded to the opposing team. Should a handball foul be committed inside of
the penalty box, a penalty kick will be awarded.
Section XX: Tie Games
Tie games at the end of the timed period of play will be concluded by a
shoot out. Each team will select five players and the referee will record
their numbers prior to the start of the shoot out. Each player can shoot
only once and the goalie can be considered a shooter. The ball will be
placed on the ground at a point 10 yards in front of the penalty shot mark.
Each player and team will in turn take the ball to any point outside of the
penalty box and shoot at the goal with the opposing goalie defending. The
shot must be taken within 15 seconds after the ball is first touched by the
shooter. If the 15 seconds is exceeded not goal will be awarded. No second
effort shot will be taken. A single goal will be used for all shots. All
other players will be behind the midfield line while the shoot off is being
completed. Offense and defense will be rotated after each of the ten
shots. The team after five shots with the majority of goals will be the
winner. Should another tie be the result of the shoot off, the shoot off
will start again with five new shooters. Only the goalie can remain a part
of the second shoot out, but they will not be allowed to take a second shot.
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