Eastern Plains Youth Soccer Association

Soccer Laws

 

All rules shall conform to FIFA Laws of the Game unless otherwise modified below. These rules are to be used as a guide. Referees and Supervisors may enforce to better the program or keep participants safe.

15U players fall under the City of Aurora Youth Soccer, so they will follow the rules set forth by them.

The mission of EPYSA is to provide the youth of the I-70 Corridor in Eastern Colorado with the opportunity and training for learning the game of soccer through the development of individual skills, teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship.

 

  1. Field of Play: (approximate). 4U - 30 x 25yds, 6U - 40x30yds, 8U- 60x40yds, 10U/12U- 70x50yds

 

  1. The Ball: 4U, 6U, and 8U will use a size 3 ball., 10U & 12U will use a size 4 ball. 15U will use a size 5 ball. 

 

  1. Number of Players: This is a coed league. 
  • 4U plays 4v4 with no goalkeeper - no score or standings kept. Suggested min/max roster: 8-9
  • 6U plays 6v6 with no goalkeeper – no score or standings kept. Suggested min/max roster: 11-13
  • 8U plays 7v7 with a goalkeeper (6 on the field and a goalie) Suggested min/max roster: 10-12
  • 10U/12U plays 8v8 with a goalkeeper (7 on the field and a goalie) Suggested min/max roster: 11-14
  • In 4U, 6U, 8U, and 10U substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any stoppage with the referee’s permission. 
  • In 12U and 15U substitutions can only occur when the player’s team has a throw-in or the opponent is also subbing. 
  • Goalies may only be substituted at the half.
  • Strongly recommend that players play in their age group or play up by one year only. 
  • Equal playing time is required for all players.* (*assuming all coach requirements are met)

 

  1. Player Equipment:
  • Shin guards are required. 
  • Soccer cleats are required for the 8U division and up
  • Casts are permitted on a case-by-case basis (Must be approved by the Program Specialist). 
  • No jewelry or watches. 
  • EPYSA jersey required

 

  1. Duration of Game: 
  • 4U and 6U games will consist of 4 – 8-minute quarters. 
  • 8U games will consist of 2 20-minute halves.  
  • 10U & 12U  games will consist of 2 25-minute halves. 
  • For 4U and 6U there is a 1-minute quarter break, and for all divisions, there is a five-minute halftime.

 

  1. Standings: Standings will be kept for the 8U, 10U, and 12U divisions. 

Tiebreaker: Individual Games may end in a tie. If two teams are tied at the end of the season, the tiebreaker will be Goals Scored. If Goals Scored are the same, the tiebreaker will be Goals Against. If Goals Against is the same, the tiebreaker will be H2H records.  If the H2H record is the same, the tiebreaker will be a Shootout. If the 5 vs 5 shootout ends in a tie, teams will continue adding a player until the tie is broken. All players on a team must kick before a player kicks in the shootout for a second time.

 

  1. Forfeits: In the event a team has fewer than the required players, that team forfeits and the two teams shall form teams of an equal number and play a game. 

 

  1. Five Goal Rule: Once a team is ahead by 5 goals, a player from the team that is ahead must be removed from the field. Any goals
    scored increasing the lead above 5 goals will result in the trailing team deciding if the winning team is to remove another player or the trailing team may add a player - alternating is recommended. No team shall be reduced to less than 5 players total regardless of the score. Players may re-enter (or be removed by the trailing team) the game if the lead decreases (one player per goal scored). Although there are no standings or scores kept at 6U and younger, teams are encouraged to remove a player if the score is over 5 goals. At 4U and 6U players may be exchanged between teams at any point to make the teams more equal.

 

  1. The Start of Play: By kick-off from the center of the field. Opponents must remain outside of the center circle on their half of the field until the ball is kicked. Once the ball is kicked, it must be touched by someone other than the kicker before it can be played again by the kicker. You MAY score directly from the kick-off. PLAYERS DO NOT NEED TO ADVANCE THE BALL FORWARD ON KICKOFF. If a player wants to kick it backward, that is permitted.

 

  1. Build-Out Line - 8U only: In 8U only, the buildout line goes across the field and is equidistant from the top of the penalty area and halfway line. When the goalkeeper gains possession of the ball OR on a goal kick the opposing/defending team that is NOT in possession must retreat to behind the build-out line until the ball is played. Exception: if the goalkeeper/team in possession opts to play quickly before the opponent has a chance to retreat, the defending team may intercept distribution.

 

  1. Ball In and Out of Play: 
  • The ball is out of play when the entire ball crosses the line. This can be on the ground or in the air. 
  • Throw-ins will be used. Feet planted, hands overhead. Incorrect throw results in a turnover of possession. 4U & 6U may use kick-ins or throw-ins. 
  • Goal Kick: Restart with a goal kick if the ball goes out over the goal line by the attacking team. The ball may be placed anywhere within the goal area. All players must be outside of the penalty area (teammates may be inside and receive the ball inside the penalty area if they wish).  8U opponents must retreat to build
    out line before ball is kicked. 
  • Corner Kick: Restart when the defensive team is the last to touch the ball, when the ball fully travels over the goal line, in their defensive end of the field. The corner kick is taken from the corner of the touchline and the goal line. Opponents must remain 8 yards from the ball until the ball is in play. 

 

  1. Offside: 
  • Offsides will be enforced in 10U, 12U, and 15U; all other levels will not have offsides. 
  • A player is considered offside if he/she is nearer to the opponent’s goal at the time a teammate plays the ball forward and is actively involved in the play. The exception is if two or more opponents are closer to the goal. 

 

  1. Fouls and Misconduct: Fouls and misconduct include tripping, kicking, pushing, charging, holding, spitting, punching, or a player deliberately handing the ball. All fouls shall result in a Free Kick. The referee will explain infringements to the offending player as needed. Yellow and red cards are not used, however, referees may still warn, to include requiring a substitution, or eject players and coaches if deemed necessary. 

 

  1. Cautions & Ejections: As stated under Fouls & Misconduct, Referees will not use yellow or red cards in our league. However, referees and staff do have the permission to verbally caution and/or eject players, coaches, or spectators, including asking players to be substituted for a “cool down” period if deemed necessary. If a coach or spectator is ejected, the player(s) associated with that person will also be asked to leave the facility. 

 

  1. Heading: 
  • Players in 4U, 6U, & 8U may not intentionally head the ball. A ball that is intentionally headed at these levels will result in a free kick for the opposing team. 10U players are discouraged from heading. At 12U & 15U heading is allowed. Balls hitting a player in the face or head without that player’s intention are considered
    accidental and will not be penalized.

 

  1. Free Kicks: 
  • All free kicks are direct at the 4U/6U levels. 8U, 10U & 12U will use FIFA rules for indirect & direct kicks.
  • The kick is taken where the foul was committed. 
  • All opposing players must be 8 yards away until the ball is kicked. (exceptions can be made on smaller fields with younger players, etc.)

 

  1. Penalty Kicks: 
  • There are no penalty kicks in 4U or 6U soccer.
  • 8U, 10U, and 12U will perform penalty kicks.
  • A penalty kick will be awarded when direct free kick fouls are committed inside the penalty area. 
  • A penalty kick will be taken from the penalty spot. 
  • The only people allowed in the penalty area are the kicker and goalkeeper. 
  • All players must be outside the penalty area, including the penalty arc. 
  • The goalkeeper must have at least one foot on the goal line when the ball is kicked. 

 

  1. 4U & 6U – No Goalkeepers: Coaches should remind 4U and 6U players that there are no goalkeepers and defenders should be encouraged not to stand within the goal area. Players may move through the goal area to play the ball. 

 

  1. No Slide Tackling: 
  • NO SLIDE TACKLING is allowed in the league
  • Slide tackling will be considered an unsportsmanlike act and will be penalized by a free kick.
  • When any player leaves his/her feet and intentionally slides with an opponent in the immediate area, the whistle will blow, and it will be ruled an indirect (direct for 4U/6U) free kick for the opposing team.
  • Sliding away from opponents may not be deemed a tackle in some situations. Goalkeepers may slide to play the ball within their own penalty area.

 

  1. Parent & Coach Locations: 
  • Parents and teams will be on opposite sides of the field. Parents must remain on the sideline between the two penalty areas. Parents are not allowed behind the goals. 
  • Coaches must remain in their designated bench areas as defined by the referees (generally from the half-line to the top of the penalty area). Coaches may leave this area/enter the field only with the permission of the referee. 

 

  1. PROTESTS & RULE INTERPRETATIONS: 
  • Protests are not allowed in our Youth Sports Program. 
  • Any concerns should be brought to the attention of an EPYSA Board Member in an adult-like manner