PSA Soccer Youth Outdoor Recreational League Rules and Guidelines - Revised 7.25.2013

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PSA Soccer Youth Outdoor Recreational League Rules and Guidelines - Revised 7.25.2013
PSA Soccer
                      Youth Outdoor
                   Recreational League
                   Rules and Guidelines
                          Revised 7.25.2013

                  FIFA Laws as modified for Youth Play by PSA
Note: All rules apply to all leagues, male and female. (Any exceptions are indicated)
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SECTION ONE
 Match Rules & Guidelines
I.     The Field Of Play
       a. All field dimensions & goal sizes are determined by Plano Park and Recreation Department.
       b. Goals are NOT to be moved from fields for any reason

                        FIELD DIMENISIONS and GOAL SIZES
                        Age Group              Width                  Length          Goal Size
                        Pre-K 3 Year Olds      20 Yds                 30 Yds          3' x 3'
                        Pre-K 4 & 5 Year Olds  25 Yds                 35 Yds          3' x 3'
                        Kindergarten           30 Yds                 50 Yds          5' x 8'
                        1st Grade              30 Yds                 50 Yds          5' x 8'
                        2nd Grade              40 Yds                 60 Yds          6' x 12'
                        3rd and 4th Grade      50 Yds                 80 Yds          7' x 18'
                        5th – 8th Grade        65 Yds                 120 Yds         8' x 24'

       c. Nets & Corner Flags
               i.    Nets and corner flags are provided by PSA.
               ii.   Nets are secured to goals and are not to be removed for any reason.
              iii.   Missing or seriously damaged nets or goals should be reported to the Senior Official or the
                     PSA Soccer Director.
       d.    Field Marking
               i.    Fields will be marked according to the dimensions for the appropriate age of players
                     playing on the fields.
       g.    The Technical Area
               i.    Technical area will be for coaches, managers and players one yard back from the touchline
                     and ten yards from either side of the halfway line. The Technical Areas will be downsized to meet
                     the specifications of the age groups playing.
               ii.   Coaches, managers, and players are required to remain in the technical area during the
                     match.
 II.        The Ball
               a.      Home team must provide a serviceable game ball. In cases of extreme windy conditions, the
                       referee may require a ball from each team or multiple balls to keep the game flowing.
               b.      If the ball bursts or deflates during play, play will restart at the point where the ball deflated by a
                       drop ball.
               c.      The referee shall be responsible for determining whether any ball used in the game meets official
                       standards for size, inflation, and other conditions which may prove dangerous to other players.
               d.      A game ball may only be changed with the referee‟s consent and inspection.

                                                           Ball Size
                                                 Pre-K                  3
                                                 Kindergarten           3
                                                 1st Grade              3
                                                 2nd Grade              3
                                                 3rd – 5th Grade        4
                                                 6th - 8th Grade        5

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III.    The Number of Players
         a.   According to the laws of the game, teams MUST have a specified number of players on the field. See
              table below for the minimum needed to play each game.

                                            IV.     Player and Roster Matrix
  Age Group                                        Max Num              # of players per side                   Min Num
  Pre-K - 3 Year Olds                                10       4v4 (No GK in this league) *                         3
  Pre-K 4 - 5 Year Olds                              12       5v5 (No GK in this league) *                         3
  Kindergarten                                         12        7v7 - one of which shall be the Goalkeeper        3
  1st Grade                                            12        7v7 - one of which shall be the Goalkeeper        4
  2nd Grade                                            12        8v8 - one of which shall be the Goalkeeper        5
  3rd and 4th Grade                                    16        9v9 - one of which shall be the Goalkeeper        6
  4th Grade Select and 5th - 8th Grade                 18        11v11 - one of which shall be the Goalkeeper      7
                                                                         * No player shall ‘act’ as a GK

         b.   Substitution Procedures
                i.    A team requesting the substitution shall notify the referee or the assistant referee that they are
                      requesting a substitution for the next stoppage when they are allowed to substitute. The coach
                      must have the substitute(s) standing at the halfway line, ready to enter the game. A request
                      for a substitution with players not standing at the half way line, may be disallowed. When the
                      referee acknowledges the request for the substitution, the Coach of the requesting team shall
                      call off the players who will be substituted. None of the players who will be entering the field
                      are to enter the field of play prior to their counterpart leaving the field.
               ii.    The condition establishing the precedence for substitutions is as follows; the team in
                      possession of the ball for a Throw-In restart MUST initiate the request for the player substitute.
                      As a result of the stoppage and provided the terms of paragraph i. are met, both teams may
                      substitute at either teams possession, again provided the team with possession has requested
                      the substitution, the opponent may substitute at the same time. The substitutions are to be
                      accomplished in a timely manner, as a courtesy to the spirit of the game. Violations may be
                      cautioned for Unsporting Behavior – time wasting.
               iii.   A „Disciplinary Non-Playing Form‟ for coaches who has players with discipline problems should
                      be provided to the Referee who in turn once documented will provide the coach of the
                      opposition with the form.

               iv.    All Recreational (Pre K – 8th) Leagues:
                              1.   All players must play 50% of each half.
                              2.   Players who show up late, at halftime, or have to leave for any reason may be
                                   exempt from this requirement at coach‟s discretion.
               v.     Pre-Kindergarten – 1st Grade Leagues:
                              1.   Substitutions at the end of each quarter only.
                              2.   All players must play one full quarter in each half start to finish. Coaches may
                                   substitute if a player becomes sick or has a medical problem, with the referee‟s
                                   permission.
                              3.   Coaches may substitute the goalkeeper with any field player, by first requesting
                                   permission of the referee.

               vi.    2nd Grade - 8th Grade Leagues:
                              1.   Substitutions may be made at the following stoppages with the permission of

                                                                                                            Page 3 of 15
the referee:
                                     a.   Throw-in
                                     b.   Goal kick
                                     c.   After a goal has been scored, by either team
                                     d.   Injury. The opposing team may substitute as well on an equal player
                                          basis.
                                     e.   Half-time, by either team.
                                     f.   Or any other time deemed necessary by the referee.
                            2.   Changing the Goalkeeper
                                     a.   Goalkeepers may be changed at any designated substitution by the team
                                          in possession, by first requesting permission from the Referee. This
                                          includes the interval between the first and second half.
                                     b.   Or anytime deemed necessary by the referee.
            vii.    Players and Substitutes Sent Off
                            1.   A player Sent-Off from a sanctioned PSA soccer game shall NOT be replaced. That
                                 team shall play “SHORT” for the duration of the match;

V.    The Players’ Equipment and Uniform
       a.   Equipment:
              i.    The following player equipment items has been deemed MANDATORY for ALL players:
                            1.   Shoes: Players must wear shoes (tennis shoes, molded rubber cleats, or other
                                 soccer appropriate shoes) NO METAL CLEATS ARE ALLOWED.
                            2.   Shin guards: Players must wear age appropriate shin guards that provide a
                                 reasonable amount of protection. The shin guard shall be securely attached around
                                 the player‟s shin and shall be covered by the player‟s socks. Note: For safety
                                 reasons, the players’ shin guards must be covered by the player’s socks.
       b.   Prohibitions:
              i.    Players may not participate in games with any sort of a hard or permanent
                    cast.   There are no exceptions. The Referees will make the final decision concerning
                    the safety factor when inspecting any splint. This is a safety issue.
             ii.    Jewelry, watches, and earrings are not allowed to be worn during the game. Any item of
                    adornment (strings bracelets, friendship bracelets) shall be considered “jewelry”.
       c.   Uniform:
              i.    All players shall wear matching color jerseys with a minimum four – inch permanent number on
                    the back. Team names are optional. PSA strongly suggest that players names not be anywhere
                    on their uniform.
             ii.    The PSA recreational team uniforms must include PSA logo on the front upper chest of the
                    jersey or on the sleeve;
             iii.   All goalkeepers must wear a jersey that clearly distinguishes that player from all other players,
                    as well as the referees on the field. Numbers are not required for goalkeepers.
            iv.     Goalkeepers may wear gloves, but otherwise must follow all other equipment rules.
             v.     Color conflicts: The home team is required to change jerseys in case of any color conflict.
                    Pennies and T-Shirts are acceptable. The referee has the final decision in this matter.
            vi.     Inclement weather: During applicable weather conditions, additional garments may be worn
                    under the team jersey and shorts.
            vii.    The Referee is responsible for ensuring that all players comply with PSA mandatory player
                    equipment. Players deemed to be „Not in Compliance‟ will not be allowed on the field of play
                    until that player is in compliance with PSA policy. That player shall report to the nearest
                    Referee for confirmation.

VI.   Referees and Assistant Referees
      a. The Referee is in charge from the time he arrives at the field until such time the referee leaves the

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complex.
        b. Referees are to enforce the Laws of the Game, as well as insure that the PSA Playing Rules and
            Guidelines are followed by everyone. The referee has the authority and responsibility to discipline;
            Players, Coaches and Spectators, according to the Laws of the Game, as well as the PSA Playing Rules.
            (Out of Respect for their position, yellow or red cards will not be displayed to Team Personal. At the
            same time, the Coach is completely responsible for the conduct of his Spectators and Parents) If
            administrative action is required, the referee will submit a written report to the appropriate Soccer
            League Director
        c. Referees and Coaches are to conduct themselves in a professional manner.
        d. Referees and Assistant are responsible to the PSA Referee Director.
        e. Decisions of the referee concerning actions and activities during that game are final.
        f. the primary duty of the Assistant Referees is to assist the referee with managing Offside as well as
           those situations where the referee may have been screened. The referee has the authority to “wave off‟
           or ignore the advice of the Assistant Referee.
        g. In the event that the Referee can not continue the game due to an injury, the most senior Assistant
            Referee shall assume the duties of the Referee. Note: A club line may be appointed. The sole duty of
            the Club Line is to assist the Referee with calling the ball out of play. An authorized exception may be
            allowed if the individual is a Certified PSA Referee and does not have any affiliation with either team.
        h. The Match Duration - Refer to the chart below:

VII.    The Match Duration
         a.   Refer to the chart below:

                                                 Match Duration
                                      Age Group              Quarters      Mins
                                      Pre-K 3 Year Olds         4           8
                                      Pre-K 4 - 5 Year Olds     4           10
                                      Kindergarten              4           10
                                      1st Grade                 4           10

                                                                 Halves    Mins
                                      2nd Grade                    2        22
                                      3rd and 4th Grade            2        25
                                      5th and 6th Grade            2        30
                                      7th and 8th Grade            2        35

         b.   Interval time between quarters:
                i.   The time between each quarter is 3 minutes.
               ii.   The time between each half is 5 minutes.
         c.   If two grades are combined, the rules from the highest age group will be applied.

VIII.   Before the Match (Pregame)
         a.   Team Warm-ups are not allowed in the goal area.
         b.   Before starting the game, the official determines, decides, and insures:
                i.   That all players on both teams are properly equipped and wearing shin guards;
               ii.   No player is wearing any jewelry. If so, the item(s) must, by PSA rule, be removed prior to the
                     start of play;
              iii.   Which team kicks off and which team will defend which goal the first half as determined by the
                     coin toss;
              iv.    The approved game ball which shall be used and any back up balls that may be needed due to
                     windy or area conditions.
               v.    No taped or hand written numbers on the player‟s jersey.
              vi.    No toe cleats or baseball spikes allowed.
         c.   Equipment Check
                i.   Both teams shall have their equipment checked prior to the start of the game, at the request of
                     the referee and/or assistant referee, where they will inspect the teams for the proper
                     equipment. (See rule IV)
         d.   Coin Toss
                i.   The referee tosses a coin with a captain from both teams;

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ii.   The visiting team calls the toss;
             iii.   The team winning the coin toss will have their choice of which side to defend;
             iv.    The team losing the coin toss will have the kick-off to start the game.

IX.   Start and Restart of Play
       a.   Kick-off
               i.   All players must be in their own half of the field prior to the ball being kicked off;
              ii.   All defending players must be outside the center circle before the ball is touched;
             iii.   The ball is placed in the center circle at the halfway line;
             iv.    Players must wait for officials signal to begin play;
              v.    The ball must move forward in the direction of the opponents half of the field. Once touched or
                    played, the ball becomes live and playable by either team;
             vi.    The kicker may not touch the ball again until a second player has touched or played the ball. If
                    this is violated, an indirect kick shall be awarded for the opposing team;
            vii.    A goal can be scored directly from a kick-off;
            viii.   Teams switch ends at the beginning of the second half;
             ix.    The team that did not kickoff to begin the game kicks off the second half;
              x.    After a goal, the team that has been scored upon kicks off;
       b.   Dropped Ball Procedure
               i.   A dropped ball restart is commonly used when play must be stopped for reasons not covered
                    by any other rules or procedures;
              ii.   Situations fitting a drop-ball restart include anything from stoppage in play due to a dog
                    running on the field; player injury; trash blown on the field impeding play and dangerous to
                    players; etc

X.    Ball In and Out of Play
       a.   Ball deemed “out of play”
               i.   When the ball completely crosses over the touchline;
              ii.   When the Ball completely crosses over the goal line;
             iii.   When a Referee stops play.
       b.   Ball deemed “in play”
               i.   A ball which rebounds off of a goalpost is not out of play.
              ii.   A ball which rebounds off a Referee is not out of play.
       c.   The referee‟s decision on a ball being “in” or “out” of play is final.
       d.   If assistant referees are assigned, the center referee shall have the final decision on a ball being “in”
            or “out” of play.

XI.   Method of Scoring
       a.   A goal is scored when the whole ball crosses completely over the goal line, under the crossbar, and
            between the goal posts while in play; provided no other provisions of the law or spirit of the game
            are broken.
       b.   Any player may score; including the goalkeeper, provided the above conditions are not violated;
       c.   A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in;
       d.   A ball played by a defending team‟s player directly into their own goal is a score for the opposing
            team unless it is from a free kick in the penalty area;
       e.   A goal may be scored directly from a kick off;
       f.   Once the Referee has determined that all the conditions above have been met, a goal shall be
            awarded to the attacking team;
       g.   When an infraction or violation of the rules of the game is committed by the attacking team, a goal
            may not be awarded;
       h.   The restart of play is determined by the appropriate rules of the game, by age group;
       i.   Any infraction or violation committed by the defending team should only be called if deemed
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necessary by invoking the ADVANTAGE CLAUSE. Meaning that IF the referee were to call said foul
             the disadvantage would go to the team that committed the foul.

XII.    Offside
        a.   By PSA Rule, OFFSIDE is only applied in the 3rd Grade and older leagues;
        b.   A player simply being in an OFFSIDE POSITION alone has not committed an offense;
        c.   A player is in an OFFSIDE POSITION if the player is nearer to his opponents‟ goal line, than the
             goalkeeper and one additional defender. In the definition of offside, the phrase “nearer to his
             opponents‟ goal line” means that any part of his head, body, or feet is nearer to his opponents‟ goal
             line than both the ball and the second last defender. The arms are not included in this definition;
        d.   A player is NOT in an offside position if:
                i.   the player is behind the ball
               ii.   the player is in their own half of the field of play;
              iii.   the player is level (or even) with the second last defender;
              iv.    the player is level with the last two opponents
        e.   If the player is in an OFFSIDE POSITION, they are adjudged OFFSIDE at the moment the ball is
             touched or played by a teammate if they are, in the opinion of the referee, actively involved in play
             by:
                i.   Interfering with play;
               ii.   Interfering with an opponent;
              iii.   Seeking to gain an advantage by being in that position.
        f.   There is NO OFFSIDE offense if the player receives the ball directly from:
                i.   A Goal Kick;
               ii.   A throw in or corner kick.
              iii.   A dropped ball
        g.   An indirect free kick is awarded for any OFFSIDE OFFENSE from the place where the offense
             occurred.

XIII.   Fouls and Misconduct
        a.   Players who commit any of the following offenses shall result in the opposing team receiving a
             DIRECT FREE KICK for the 3rd - 8th Grade Leagues – All fouls in Pre K – 2nd Grade games result in
             the restart being an INDIRECT FREE KICK:
                i.   Kicks or Attempts to kick an opponent;
               ii.   Trips or attempts to trip an opponent;
              iii.   Jumps at an opponent;
              iv.    Charges an opponent;
               v.    Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent;
              vi.    Pushes an opponent.
             vii.    Tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before
                     making contact with the ball;
             viii.   Holds an opponent;
              ix.    Spits at or on an opponent or anyone else on the field of play;
               x.    Deliberately handles the ball, except for the goalkeeper, in their own penalty area.
        b.   An INDIRECT FREE KICK is awarded to the opposing team in all leagues if any of the following
             offenses occur:
                i.   Plays in a dangerous manner;
               ii.   Impedes the progress of an opponent;
              iii.   Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands;
              iv.    A goalkeeper takes more than 6 seconds to release the ball into play while holding it in their
                     hands;
               v.    A goalkeeper touches the ball with their hands after releasing it from their hands before it has
                     been touched by any other player;
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vi.     A goal keeper touches it with their hands after it has been deliberately kicked to them by a
                     teammate;
             vii.    A goal keeper touches it with their hands after it has been deliberately thrown in to them by a
                     teammate.
        c.   The free kick for any of the above offenses is taken from the point where:
               i.    The foul occurred;
              ii.    If the foul occurred inside the goal area, then the ball is placed on the line that runs parallel to
                     the goal line;
              iii.   In the 3rd - 8th Grade Leagues a PENALTY KICK is awarded if a DIRECT FREE KICK foul occurs in
                     the penalty area.

XIV.   Disciplinary Actions (Cards)
        a.   Cautionable Offenses (Yellow Card)
               i.    A player may be CAUTIONED for any of the offenses listed below:
                             1.   Unsportsmanlike behavior;
                             2.   Dissent;
                             3.   Persistent infringement of the rules;
                             4.   Delays the restart of play;
                             5.   Failure to respect the proper distance (automatically retiring 10 yards from the
                                  point of the infraction) (2 yards for a throw-in);
                             6.   Entering or reentering the field of play without permission;
                             7.   Deliberately leaving the field without the referee‟s permission.

        b.   Send Off Offenses (Red Card)
               i.    A player may be SENT OFF for any of the offenses listed below:
                             1.   Serious foul play;
                             2.   Violent conduct;
                             3.   Spitting or attempting to Spit at any person;
                             4.   Deliberately handling the ball, to prevent an obvious goal scoring opportunity;
                             5.   Denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity by committing any foul;
                             6.   Using offensive, insulting, or abusive language and/or gestures;
                             7.   Receiving a second caution in the same match.
              ii.    A player SENT OFF must leave the bench area after gathering belongings and proceed to exit
                     the park with his or her parent or guardian. If parent or guardian is not at the park, the player
                     must sit on bench for remainder of match.
              iii.   A player SENT OFF must sit out the team‟s next League game and coach must provide
                     documentation form to PSA Soccer Director that suspension was served.
        c.   Disciplinary Committee
               i.    The PSA Soccer Disciplinary Committee exists to review conduct of players, parents, coaches,
                     officials, and spectators. Any action deemed by the committee to be inappropriate in a youth
                     sports setting will result in a hearing with the offender.

XV.    Throw-In
        a.   A throw-in is awarded to an opponent when the opposing team is the last to touch the ball that
             crosses the touchline;
        b.   A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in;
        c.   Referee will allow the same team to re-throw, as appropriate;
        d.   The player throwing the ball in must face the field;
        e.   A portion of both feet must be on or behind the touchline;
        f.   The player must use both hands and throw in the ball from behind their head;
        g.   The player may not touch the ball again until the ball is touched or played by another player;
        h.   An infraction or violation results in the throw in being awarded to the opposing team;
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i.   Pre-K 4 - 5 year olds use a throw-in to put the ball in play.
        j.   Pre-K 3 year olds will use kick-ins, NOT throw-ins;
        k.   Throw-ins do not require a referee‟s signal to be taken; players may put the ball in play as quickly as
             they wish, if the referee did not whistle for a stoppage of play.

XVI.    Goal Kick
        a.   A goal kick is awarded to the defending team when a player from the attacking team is the last to
             touch the ball as it crosses over the goal line outside the goal post;
        b.   All goal kicks must follow these rules:
                i.   The defending team places the ball anywhere in the goal line;
               ii.   The attacking team‟s players must remain outside the penalty area until the ball has cleared
                     the penalty area;
              iii.   The kicker may not touch the ball again until another player has touched or played the ball;
              iv.    An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the above rule is violated;
               v.    Only players from the defending team may be in the penalty or goal areas prior to the taking of
                     a goal kick;
              vi.    Goal kicks do not require a referee‟s signal to be taken and players may put the ball in play as
                     quickly as they wish;
             vii.    Intentionally time wasting or stalling shall result in a foul being called and a yellow card being
                     issued to the offending player.
             viii.   A goal kick is taken from anywhere within the Goal Area.

XVII.   Corner Kick
        a.   A corner kick is awarded to the attacking team when a player from the defending team is the last to
             touch or play the ball before it completely crosses over the goal line outside the goal post.
        b.   A corner kick must follow these rules:
                i.   The ball is placed at the nearest corner where the touchline meets the goal line within the
                     corner arc and is kicked into play by an offensive player;
               ii.   All defending players must remain (10) ten yards from the ball until it is kicked;
              iii.   The kicker may not touch the ball again until a second player has touched the ball. If this
                     occurs, an indirect free kick for the opposing team will be awarded;
              iv.    Once kicked, the ball is played and subject to normal rules;
               v.    A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.
XVIII. Goalkeeper
        a.   Goalkeepers may play the ball with his/her hands in the penalty area;
        b.   Goalkeeper leaving the penalty area to play the ball, becomes a field player and thereby is subject to
             the normal playing rules for any field players;
        c.   Any goalkeeper touching a ball in play with their hands while outside the penalty area will be
             charged with the foul of intentionally handling the ball;
        d.   Goalkeepers have six seconds to release the ball once they take possession & control of the ball;
        e.   The ball may not be intentionally passed back to the goalkeeper and intentionally handled;
        f.   The goalkeeper may not catch the ball thrown directly to them but instead must play the ball with
             their feet only;
        g.   Violations of d, e, and f shall result in an indirect free kick at the point of the violation;
        h.   Once a goalkeeper has made contact with their hand(s) upon a live ball, all attacking players shall
             immediately stop attempting to play or kick the ball. A player attacking a goalkeeper in possession of
             a live ball shall be cautioned. If there are continued attacks on a ball possessed by the goalkeeper,
             that player may be sent off for misconduct;
        i.   Goalkeepers outside the box are considered as another field player and may score, throw in, etc.
XIX.    Game End
        a.   At the end of regulation time, the team scoring the most goals shall be declared the winner;
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b.   Any game ending in a tie shall remain a tie, unless it is a playoff game;
         c.   After time has expired, both teams line-up facing one another and shake hands, in a display of
              sportsmanship;
         d.   Coaches are responsible for their players and parents. Any unsportsmanlike conduct while leaving
              the field is a “Send-Off” offense;
         e.   Coaches are to remove their team from the field after the teams conclude their handshake so the
              next game may begin as scheduled;
         f.   Coaches are to have their team meetings off the field away from the bench area;
         g.   Each team is responsible for picking up and disposing trash in and around their bench area;
         h.   Each team is responsible for their personal items. PSA is not responsible for lost items.
XX.     Coaches
         a.   All PSA Soccer Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Team Managers and Team Mom/Dad must obtain and
              wear a Coaches Badge issued by PSA at all games when on the sidelines with the team. Referees
              have the authority to dismiss an adult from the team sidelines if they are not wearing a badge.
              Referees, Senior Officials or PSA representatives have the authority to remove coaches from the
              sidelines and take their badge if the coach is not adhering to the code of conduct or acting
              appropriately.
         b.   Responsibilities
                i.    Coaches are responsible for attending all Coaches Meetings;
               ii.    Coaches are responsible for their actions as well as their respective Assistant Coaches,
                      Managers, Players, and Parents, at all times.
         c.   Conduct
                i.    Coaches are expected to behave in a responsible and respective manner toward the Players,
                      Spectators and Referees.
               ii.    Coaches are reminded that their teams and players are displaying the official PSA logo and are
                      representing PSA while doing so. Therefore they shall conduct themselves in a manner which
                      does not detour or detract from the standards or goals of the organization.
         d.   Ejections
                i.    Any coach, assistant coach or team manager SENT OFF from a game must leave the bench
                      area after gathering their belongings and proceed to exit the park.
               ii.    Any coach, assistant coach or team manager SENT OFF from a game must sit out the team‟s
                      next game and provide documentation form to PSA Soccer Director that suspension was
                      served.
               iii.   Any coach, assistant coach or team manager SENT OFF from a game must attend a disciplinary
                      hearing with the PSA Soccer Disciplinary Board prior to attending subsequent games. Additional
                      sanctions could be handed down at the board‟s discretion.
XXI.    Spectators
         a.   Conduct and positive example for our children is essential. Spectators, Parents and Fans are
              expected to behave in a responsible and civil manner. The coach is responsible for the conduct of his
              team‟s parents.
         b.   Spectators are NOT allowed to stand behind the goal, anywhere on the endline, or hovering around
              the corner (near the corner flags). All spectators must remain in the designated spectator area.
         c.   The spectator restraining line will be from penalty area to penalty area. No spectator is allowed to be
              within the area that is equal to the penalty area.
         d.   Any spectator SENT OFF must leave the facility. If their child is playing, they must wait in the
              parking lot.
         e.   Any spectator SENT OFF from a game cannot attend the team‟s next game.
         f.   Any spectator SENT OFF from a game must attend a disciplinary hearing with the PSA Soccer
              Disciplinary Board prior to attending subsequent games. Additional sanctions could be handed down
              at the board‟s discretion.
XXII.   Senior Officials
         a.   Authority of the Senior Officials
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i.    Senior Officials are responsible for insuring the each match is played as scheduled and played
                     under PSA conduct guidelines, and staffed with appropriate referees. Senior Officials will
                     answer questions of coaches, players and spectators, but final authority will be with the PSA
                     Soccer Director.
        b.   Powers and Duties
               i.    PSA Senior Officials will answer questions of referees and assistant referees; advise, instruct
                     and encourage referees and assistant referees; and, may remove a referee or assistant
                     referees from any game.
              ii.    The PSA Senior Official may also require a Coach, Assistant Coach, and any other personnel
                     affiliated with any team to leave the facility. Also if decorum can not be maintained, the game
                     may be abandoned.

SECTION TWO

League Rules & Guidelines
XXIII. Team
        a.   Team Development – League Formation
               i.    Pre-K Three Year Old League
                             1.   Boys and girls will be placed on to teams by their public school area, whenever
                                  possible;
                             2.   Teams may be co-ed;
                             3.   Maximum number of players on a team is 10;
                             4.   Players may not play up into the four/five year old leagues unless it is approved by
                                  the four/five year old league coach or the parent of the three year old chooses to
                                  coach the team;
                             5.   Carry over teams from other soccer organizations and other sports are permitted;
                             6.   Pre-formed teams are permitted.
                             7.   Note: Only ONE coach is permitted on the field during the game in Pre-K League.

              ii.    Pre-K Four and Five Year Old League
                             1.   Boys and girls will be placed on to teams by their public school area, whenever
                                  possible;
                             2.   Teams may be co-ed;
                             3.   Maximum number of players on a team is 12;
                             4.   Players may only play in the four /five year old league, provided the player is NOT
                                  enrolled in kindergarten;
                             5.   Carry over teams from other soccer organizations and other sports are permitted;
                             6.   Pre formed teams are permitted.
                             7.   Note: Only ONE coach is permitted on the field during the game in Pre-K League.
                             8.   Pre-K Players may participate on more than one team as long as the player is
                                  listed on each roster and has paid the registration fee for each team.

              iii.   Kindergarten League
                             1.   Boys and girls will be placed on to teams by their public school area, whenever
                                  possible;
                             2.   All teams will either be boys or girls teams. The co-ed team exception does not
                                  apply to the PSA Kindergarten League; However girls can play on a boys team with
                                  permission from the coach;
                             3.   Players may only be in Kindergarten to be eligible to play;
                             4.   A player may play up one league with written permission from the Soccer Director;
                             5.   A player may not play down a league;
                             6.   Maximum number of players on a team is 13;

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7.   Carry over teams from other soccer organizations and other sports are permitted;
                                8.   Pre-formed teams are permitted;
                                9.   No Coaches on the field at any time.
                                10. Kindergarten players may participate on more than one team as long as the player
                                     is listed on each roster and has paid the registration fee for each team.

                iv.    First Grade - Eighth Grade Leagues
                                1.   Boys and girls will be placed on to teams by their public school area, whenever
                                     possible;
                                2.   All teams will either be boys or girls teams. The co-ed team exception does not
                                     apply to the PSA First – Eighth Grade League; However girls can play on a boys
                                     team with permission from the coach;
                                3.   A player may play up one league with the written permission of the Soccer
                                     Director;
                                4.   A player may not play down a league;
                                5.   No player can play on multiple teams in the same grade; an exception could be
                                     made if deemed acceptable by the soccer board; Request for exception must be
                                     made prior to the close of registration.
                                6.   Carry over teams from soccer organizations and other sports are permitted;
                                7.   Pre-formed teams are permitted.

**For Pre K3 through 5th grade, our registration system sets a team fee based on this number of players. If a
team wants less than the set number of players, they will have to pay for all of the roster spots. Otherwise, PSA
will fill the rosters to the set number at the close of registration. If a team wants to carry more than the set roster
size, the additional players must also pay the individual registration fee. ** 6th and 7th/8th Grade Boys and Girls
are a team registration only; teams based on 15 players but can have more or less as long as a team fee is met.

                v.     Roster Requirements
                                1.   Rosters should include the players first and last name as well as the players jersey
                                     number that will be worn on the field;
                                2.   Rosters should also include the coaches‟ names, team names, date and time, field
                                     location, league, and grade.

XXIV.    Coaches
          a.   The following is a list of the criteria as well as the expectations and responsibilities for all coaches,
               teams, parents, and players affiliated with PSA. Persons meeting the following PSA criteria are
               deemed “eligible” to be considered for either the Head Coach or Assistant Coach positions with the
               PSA Soccer Program:
                 i.    Are at least 21 years old for head coach;
                ii.    Have completed the coaches application and received a PSA Coaches Badge;
                iii.   Their name must be on the team roster in MySam;
                iv.    Have been reviewed and approved by the Soccer Director. Note: An interview may be required
                       to complete this review and approval process by the PSA Executive Director and the Soccer
                       Director;
                v.     Coaches who have had their eligibility revoked from any PSA sport are not eligible to coach,
                       without a PSA administrative hearing;
                vi.    Have attended a mandatory coaches‟ meeting. If a coach is unable to attend, a team
                       representative must attend. An assistant coach or a team representative may attend in their
                       place;
               vii.    Coaches are to keep all players and spectators from climbing or swinging on the nets and
                       goals. Note: Damage to PSA property may require the team and or coach to reimburse PSA for
                       any damage caused due to lack of supervision of players;

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viii.   Report any problems with the fields or goals to PSA;
              ix.    There shall be no changes or augmentations to any PSA Rule. This is applicable to general as
                     well as soccer specific rules. Failure to follow any and all PSA rules could result in the coach(s)
                     being suspended pending an administrative or disciplinary hearing which will be held by the
                     PSA Soccer Director;
               x.    There is to be no coaching from the spectator side of the field. Teams and coaches are to be on
                     one side of the playing field and the spectators are to be on the other side of the field. There
                     are NO EXCEPTIONS to this PSA policy;
              xi.    The PSA Pre-K League shall be the single exception; the Pre-K league parents may sit with
                     their team;
             xii.    Coaches are to stay within ten (10) yards of the half way line, on their end of the field, or
                     within the designated Technical Area, if one is provided;
             xiii.   Parents are discouraged from entering the field of play without the Referees permission. Note:
                     a parent‟s presence may cause further problems. Referees are trained to be acutely aware of
                     player injuries, especially with the younger aged groups.

XXV.    Trophies
        a.   Pre K Leagues:
                i.   Scores and standings are not kept in these league;
               ii.   No playoffs;
              iii.   Each player receives a participation trophy at the end of the season.
        b.   K – 2nd Grade:
                i.   Scores and standings are kept to assist in divisional placement.
               ii.   No playoffs;
              iii.   Each player receives a participation trophy at the end of the season.
        c.   3rd - 4th Grade Recreational Leagues:
                i.   Playoffs are held;
               ii.   Teams finishing in first and second place in the playoffs receive trophies.
        d.   3rd - 4th Grade Select Leagues:
                i.   Playoffs are held;
               ii.   Teams finishing in the first and second place in the playoffs receive trophies.
        e.   5th - 8th Grade Recreational Leagues:
                i.   Playoffs are held;
               ii.   Teams finishing in first and second place in the playoffs receive trophies.

XXVI.   Postseason Tournament
        a.   3rd - 4th Grade Leagues:
                i.   Single elimination tournament;
               ii.   One game guaranteed.
        b.   5th – 8th Grade Recreational Leagues:
                i.   Single elimination tournament;
               ii.   One game guaranteed.
        c.   Playoff games tied at the end of regulation will play (2) two five minute overtime periods in their
             entirety regardless of the score. There is no golden goal. The team scoring the most goals is
             declared the winner at the end of an overtime game. Should a playoff game be tied at end of
             overtime periods “Kicks from the Mark” shall determine the winner:
                i.   Referee chooses goal at which kicks will be taken;
               ii.   Coin toss winner kicks first;
              iii.   Only players on field at end of the second overtime period may kick
        d.   Teams will be seeded for the post season tournament according to their win/loss record. The soccer
             board reserves the right to award multiple brackets in designated leagues to ensure a competitive
             play-off and to allow more teams the opportunity to advance in a play-off system. The format is at

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the discretion of the soccer board.

                        i.     There will be no play-offs for play-off positions. When teams are tied in the standings, the
                               following step-by-step process will be used in order of priority:
                                       1.   Head to Head
                                       2.   NASL Scoring System
                                                a.   6 points for a win
                                                b.   3 points for a tie
                                                c.   0 points for a loss
                                                d.   1 point per goal scored in the game with a maximum of 3 goals
                                                e.   1 point for a shut out (not allowing opponent to score)
                                       3.   Total number of goals given up
                                       4.   Coin – Toss
                                       5.   A forfeit game will be scored at a 3-0 win for a tiebreaker determination.

XXVII. Rainouts
         a.         Rainouts will be determined by PSA and the City of Plano at the times listed below.
         b.         Decisions to play games could be made at the field at game time.
                    Referees may suspend or terminate a game if field conditions prove unsafe for players.
         c.         All decisions and updates on game status for parents and coaches are posted on the PSA website at
                    www.psaplano.org. Click on the cancellations link for updated information.
         d.         Coaches must instruct their team parents to consult with the PSA website for updated information at
                    the above web address.

XXVIII. Rainout Decision Guide
         www.PSAPLANO.org will also have weather information
   Day of Game                  Approximate Time Decision to Play Game Made
   Weekdays                                   4:00 PM
   Saturdays                                  7:00 AM
   Sundays                                   11:00 AM

XXIX.   Reschedule Guidelines

         a.         When possible, games cancelled due to inclement weather or other conditions will be rescheduled
                    within 48 hours;

         b.         Rescheduled games are posted on the PSA soccer schedule site (MySam).

XXX.    PSA Safety Bulletin

                   a.        PSA is committed to providing children with not only the best sports‟ experience possible but also
                             the safest possible experience. We offer these basic guidelines to keep your children safe and
                             away from harm:

              i.             MEET YOUR CHILD‟S COACH: Introduce yourself to the coach. Tell them your name and ask for
                             their name. Ask for their contact information and give them yours. Receive all practice and game
                             schedules from the coach/manager. Note: All PSA coaches submit coach‟s applications and have
                             background checks prior to becoming PSA coaches.

          ii.                DROP OFF AND PICK UP: If you are unable to stay with your child during his/her game or
                             practice, please do not leave your child at the City of Plano athletic field, a court at the PSA Star
                             Center, or PISD gym unless you are 100% certain that there is a responsible adult; either the
                             coach or another parent who will remain there until you pick up your child. Make sure that you
                             know what time you need to pick up your child. Do not take advantage of your child‟s coach to
                             use them as a baby sitter. Their volunteer time is valuable to your child‟s team. They did not
                             volunteer to baby sit your child.

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iii.   NAMES ON JERSEYS: Area police departments strongly discourage putting your child‟s name on
       the backs of the jerseys. Therefore in accordance with their recommendation, PSA strongly
       suggests that players‟ names not be anywhere on the uniform.

iv.    SMALL CHILDREN: Please keep small children with you at all times while watching a PSA event.
       If you are watching a game at a City of Plano Park site where children are enjoying a playground,
       make sure to check on your child frequently. If you are watching a game at the PSA Star Center,
       remember more than one game is being played at the same time with over 5,000 people present.
       In both cases, as a parent or guardian, it is your responsibility not the coach‟s, sports‟ volunteer,
       brother, sister, grandparents‟ or friends to watch after your child. We want your children safe!
       Keep your eye on them.

 v.    BUDDY SYSTEM: If your child must walk to or from a PSA practice or game, please insist that
       they do this with a “buddy”.

vi.    PASSWORD: Have a “password” for your child. If an adult doesn‟t know your password, the child
       should know to run away.

vii.   COMMON SENSE: All the rules, regulations and guidelines will never replace good common sense
       when it comes to the safety of your child.

                          Revised 7.25.2013

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