Current international rules shall be in effect, except as specifically stated otherwise in these rules. For spring season, South Shore Soccer League rules apply.

Seasons – Raynham Youth Soccer shall organize two seasons of play each year – fall and spring.

Age divisions – Comprised of players who are, prior to July 31* of the current year:

Under 8 Division – 6 and 7 years of age

Under 10 Division – 8 and 9 years of age

Under 12 Division – 10 and 11 years of age

Under 14 Division – 12 and 13 years of age

Under 19 Division – 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 years of age

* Children born in August may play up in the next division, if requested by the parents.

A kinderclass program will be organized for children who are 5 years of age and are enrolled in kindergarten.

Eligibility – Players must reside in the town of Raynham. Any requests for exceptions must be reviewed by the Board. To be properly registered, each player must complete and submit to the Registrar a Raynham Youth Soccer Registration Form, full payment (including late fee, if applicable), and a copy of birth certificate. Requests for reductions or waivers of fees due to hardship may be directed to the league President.

Number of games – The Field Manager will provide a schedule stating how many games will be played and which fields will be used.

Game play – A minimum of five players must be present to start a game. (Minimum four players for U8.) Teams must be present and ready to play 15 minutes prior to game start time. In the event of a team being late, the opposint team shall report the matter to the Division Director. If a team is not ready to play, with the minimum number of players present, five minutes after the scheduled game time, a forfeit will be declared by the referee.

During the fall season, two 25 minute periods will be played. (Two 45 min. periods for U-19.) In championship games, if the score is tied, there will be two five minute sudden death periods. If still tied, a shootout according to current FIFA rules will determine the winner.

Each player must play a minimum of half a game.

No off-sides in fall season games (except for U19).

Standard Rules of Play

Game start - The game starts with each team in its own half of the field and the defending players at least 10 yards from the ball until it is kicked-off forward.
Teams switch ends at half time.

Substitutes - May be made freely at the following points in the game: (1) Goal, (2) Half-time, (3) Goal kicks, (4) Stoppage in play for an injury, (5) Team's own throw-in. Substitutions are not allowed on free kicks, penalty kicks, or corner kicks.

Throw-ins - When the whole ball passes outside the field of play over the sideline, a throw-in is given to the opposite side of the player who last touched the ball. The thrower must leave the field of play and part of each foot must be behind the touchline. The thrower must use both hands and deliver the ball from behind and over the head with both feet remaining on the ground. The thrower cannot play the ball again until another player has made contact with the ball. In the case of an illegal throw, the error is explained to the player by the referee, and a second throw is taken. If, on the second chance, the throw is still illegal, the ball is given to the opposing team to throw in.

Goal kicks - Goal kicks are awarded to the defending team when the whole ball passes over the defending goal line if last played by an attacking player. The kick must cross over the penalty area line before another player touches the ball. If the ball is not kicked beyond the penalty area line, it is not considered a regulation kick and the kick is retaken.

Free kicks - A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following fouls: tripping, deliberate handling of the ball, pushing, hitting, kicking (away from the ball), spitting, holding an opponent, playing dangerously, abusive language, or blocking the goalie. The infraction will be explained to the player and a direct kick will be awarded to the other side. Goals cannot be scored off a free kick without being touched by another player.
EXCEPTION: Fouls in the penalty area always result in a penalty kick.

Ten-yard rule - At corner kicks, free kicks, and goal kicks, the opposition must remain at least ten yards from the ball until the kick has been taken. At free kicks outside the penalty area and less than ten yards from the defending goal line, the defending team must retire onto the goal line

Uniforms/equipment – Each player must wear a numbered shirt the same color as the rest of the team, shorts, socks, cleats, and shin guards. Goalies must wear a shirt that is a different color than either team’s shirts. No jewelry of any kind is allowed, except for properly secured medical tags. No casts of any kind are allowed. No metal cleats are allowed. Mouth guards are strongly recommended.

The home team will supply the game ball and should bring two to each game (properly inflated and in good condition).

Sizes: Regulation #3 ball for U8, #4 for U10 & U12, #5 for U14 & U19.

Officials – A referee will be provided by the league for each game (except for U8 games, which will be officiated by a coach from each team). Referees will abide by FIFA rules. In the event no referee arrives the coaches of the two teams shall appoint an acting referee and play the game on schedule.

Protests – Any disputes must be forwarded to the Board within 48 hours of the game. No protests of referee decisions concerning game play will be considered.

Ejections – When a player or coach is ejected by a referee, there will be an automatic one game suspension from the next game played. If the head referee considers the offense to be of a more serious nature, the matter shall be referred to the board who will hear the case and take appropriate action. Any subsequent ejections will be reviewed by the Board.

If a player leaves the bench to take part in a fracas and is ejected by the referee, the player will be suspended one or more games, as determined by the Board.

Any player who engages in inappropriate conduct before, during, or after a game, may be banned from further participation in Raynham Youth Soccer activities.

Weather – In the event of thunder and lightning or other dangerously inclement weather, it is the referee’s responsibility to stop the game immediately and ultimately call the game off if play cannot be resumed in a reasonable amount of time. However, if the referee does not call the game, and a team refuses to continue playing, it will be considered a forfeit. If the game is called off, it will be replayed in its entirety at a later date.

Field conditions – If a field is unplayable, the Field Manager will attempt to notify the Head Referee and all coaches as soon as possible, but at least one hour before playing time. The Head Referee will notify the assigned referee.

Make-up games – All make-up games will be scheduled by the coaches through the Field Manager (or designate). Make-up games should be played within two weeks of the original game date. The home team coach shall suggest at least two possible dates. If none of the suggested dates are acceptable to the opposing team, then the Field Manager will assign the date.

Standings – Standings will be kept for all divisions above U10. Points will be assigned as follows: Win: 2 points; Tie: 1 point; Loss : 0 points. In the event of two or more teams having the same number of points at the end of the regular season, the standings shall be decided in view of head-to-head results; then if still tied, in favor of the team having the least number of goals scored against it during the season; then if still tied, a play-off game will decide the standings.

Other conditions – Any conditions or circumstances not covered by these rules will be subject to the discretion of the Board.