GENERAL RULES- ALL DIVISIONS

1) CONDUCT (Players, Coaches, Parents )

v A player will be removed from the playing field if vulgar language or discipline is a problem.

v When the soccer game begins, we encourage players, coaches and parents to cheer but refrain from being critical. Please do not have a negative impact on players self-esteem. The games are first and foremost for the players to learn the game of soccer and to have fun.

v Sportsmanship is absolutely primary. Soccer is a contact sport but with strict rules. We ask coaches to help keep games tightly controlled.

v Referees for the most part are young and in some cases not much older than the players they are reffing. They too are learning and as such are prone to make bad calls, miss calls. Please keep this in mind before being critical of a refs.. call. The Executive will not tolerate abuse of referees by anyone. No matter what the call, the ref.. made the right call.

v Please remember that we are all volunteers trying to give your kids something to look forward to over the summer.

v Chronic conduct problems will be dealt with by players, coaches or refs.. will be dealt with by The Rules and Refs. Discipline Committee.

2) COMMUNICATION (with Executive)

There are three ways to communicate with the Executive with any problems, concerns or compliments:

1) Email: pwsl@sympatico.ca --emails are checked regularly during and after the season

2) Soccer Line: Port Weller has a Soccer Line that can be reached 24 hours a day, 7

days a week. The Soccer Line is hooked up to an answering machine only. Please leave a brief message with your name, phone number and description of your

concern (so the right Executive Member can contact you for further

discussion/resolution). The Soccer Line Number is (905) 937-2352. During the

season the Soccer Line is cleared daily (except Sundays) and the appropriate

Member is contacted with the information you have left. Generally one message

will be sufficient to get a response, but again we are volunteers and we do have

other commitments (work, family etc.).

3) Communication Report: The Communication Report (CR) is also an effective

way of communicating with the Executive. All Coaches have copies of these

reports in their binders. As well Referees and Field Assistants also have copies of

these reports available to coaches or parents. When completed the (CR) should be

handed over to a Referee or Field Assistant. The Ref.. or Field Assistant will then give

the report to The Executive.

Referees and Field Assistants have been instructed to not look at the report or

comment on it in any way; JUST DELIVER IT.

3) WEATHER CONDITIONS:

As a general rule soccer is played in all weather conditions. The Executive strives not to unnecessarily cancel any games, because it is difficult with limited field time to schedule make up games. Players and Coaches should show up at the field regardless of the weather conditions. If a game is going to canceled because of weather, generally the call will be made by the Referee, or Executive Member just before game time.

Games are always canceled on the first sign of lightning and or during thunder storms; however please keep in mind that thunder storms can be very brief. Once a game is canceled (or called) it is not started or resumed, even if the weather clears up. If its thundering at 5pm it does not mean it will be thundering at 6pm.

Thunder storms can also be very localized; just because it’s thundering in the south end of the city it does not mean it is thundering in the north end of the city. If a game is canceld do to lightning all players and coaches must leave the field immediately.

Port Weller Soccer League also has a unique situation in that our main fields (Bogart and Grantham Lions) are in very close proximity to Lake Ontario. Sometimes there is a thunder storm passing over the lake and thunder can be heard but it does not necessarily mean it is headed our way.

In the event that a game is canceled it is not rescheduled, unless it is a Playoff Game.

In the event of a prolonged period of inclement weather (ie. the 2000 soccer season) the Executive will make a determination as to the rescheduling of games. We will not, however, compensate financially for missed games.

4) FIELDS OF PLAY:

Port Weller Soccer is only permitted by the city to play/practice on certain fields as assigned by The City of St. Catharines Parks and Rec Department.

It is of the utmost importance that games and practices take place on those fields only and during the specified times.

Port Weller Soccer carries Liability Insurance on all players and a claim could be denied should a player be injured on a field we do not have a Permit to play/practice on.

If you wish to set up your practices at an alternate location other than the practice fields available The Executive must be informed and we must also have a copy of a Field Permit so that we can pass it along to our insurance company.

It is important, especially at the beginning of the season, that the Executive know where and when your team practices so that when parents call the Soccer Line not knowing where they should be and at what time we can inform them.

5) SIDE LINE JUDGES:

Port Weller Soccer provides Referees for the Mytes, Tykes, Atom, Novice, Bantam and Under 20 Divisions, however Side Line Judges are not provided.

We ask that each coach find a responsible person (a parent or older sibling of a player) to fill this position.

The judge is expected to follow the play up and down the field and determine when the ball has gone “out of play”. The judge should also be able to give a suggestion as to which team should put the ball back in play. We say suggestion because the final call is at the discretion of the referee.

If a judge is not doing an effective job of assisting the ref.. (ie. sitting on the sideline or in their car) the refs. have been instructed to ask the coach to find someone else.

It is a good idea to line up 3 or 4 people at the beginning of the year (first practice), so that you have a pool of volunteers over the course of the season.

6) EQUIPMENT:

At the beginning of the season you will be given a ball bag and some soccer balls to use during your practices. Each team shuold be perpered to provided a game ball.

You will also receive at the beginning of the season a binder with all required information and forms.

This equipment must be returned on Banquet Day.

You do not have to return your coaches shirt and players do not have to return their uniforms.

NOTE: Due to last minute adjustments of team rosters at the beginning of the season you may end up with extra uniforms. If this happens you will be contacted as these uniforms are required to be turned in.

ALL PLAYERS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR SHINPADS DURING GAMES AND PRACTICES.

All Payers must remove all Jewellery and piercings.

MYTE AND TYKE DIVISION RULES

1) NUMBER OF PLAYERS:

9 players on the field including the goalie. All players are to receive equal playing time. Every player must play at least ½ of the match (two quarters).

If a player wishes to play goal only, they are permitted to play the entire match in that position, providing all other players get their ½ match in.

There must be a minimum of 6 players on a team for the match to proceed. If there are not sufficient players for either team, it may be decided amongst all coaches to play a friendly match of mixed teams or a coaches and parents against players. Coaches are also permitted to ask a players from a previous match to play if it helps them field a team.

Above all, players who show up at the field must participate in a match.

One coach is permitted on the field to help give direction to players and improve the flow of the match, as well as all player participation.

A TEAM ROSTER sheet must be turned into the ref or field assistant immediately following the match.

2) START OF MATCH:

The team that kicks off the ball can be determined by the referee prior start of the match. No coin toss needs to be performed.

3) DURATION OF MATCH:

The match is divided into 4 -10 minute quarters. There is a two minute break between the 1st/2nd and the 3rd/4th quarter. There is a five minute break between the 2nd/3rd quarter (half time). All quarters must be started on time. Referees have been instructed to start the match even if there is not a full team present for either side.

4) PLAYER CHANGES:

In general players are to only be changed during breaks, however this rule does have some flexibility.

A player may be changed during a quarter, with the refs permission, if the change is replace an injured player.

A change may also take place, with the refs permission, if it appears a player has become overheated or exhausted to the point where a more serious medical condition may develop.

A players health is always a top consideration.

5) CREASE AREA RULE:

1) Once the goalie has possession of the ball they may either kick or throw it away; a goalie must not leave the crease area.

2) Other than the goalie, no other player is allowed in the crease area at anytime. This includes a teammate of the goalie.

3) If any player violates the crease rule; play stops and the goalie is awarded the ball (goalie ball).

6) RESTARTS:

INDIRECT KICKS:

Ÿany player intentionally touches the ball with his hands

Ÿwhen a goalie steps outside of the crease with the ball

Ÿwhen a defender steps inside of the crease and plays the ball with his/her hands or feet

Ÿfor any intentional foul. ( rough play, playing man before the ball, making contact with bent elbow)

GOAL KICKS:

Ÿwhen the ball leaves the field over the end line off the foot of a offensive player. The ball is placed anywhere inside the crease, and any player may take the kick.

CORNER KICKS:

Ÿwhen the ball leaves the field over the end line off the foot of a defensive player including the goalie.

Ÿthe ball is spotted within a yard of the corner nearest where it left the field and kicked into play by any offensive player.

THROW-INS:

Ÿwhen the ball leaves the field of play over any side line.

Ÿthe ball is thrown in by the team that did not cause it to leave the field of play (i.e. ball goes out off red foot; blue throw-in).

Ÿcoaches are encouraged to teach proper throw-in technique; although some leniency should be allowed at this age level.

DROP BALL:

Ÿat referees discretion when play stops for reasons other than above.

Ÿtwo opposing players face each other and ball is dropped between them. (think hockey face-off).

DURING ANY RESTART (except drop ball) players other than the one with the ball must be 5 yards from the ball, OR CREASE AREA (as applicable).

7) REFEREES:

Referees are provided. If a referee fails to show up coaches can come to an aggrement as to who will act as a referee. An Executive Member (preferable The Director Of Referees) must be informed of all ref no shows, by direct contact, communication report or by calling the SoccerLine.

Referees have instructed to communicate any problems they encounter before, after or during a match to the Executive for further action.

8) OFFSIDE RULE:

There is no offside rule in Mini Soccer. Coaches are however encouraged to start teaching players about this rule. Try to be aware of players on your team who “hang out” in front of opposing goal and correct this action. This will help to create less confusion for the player when they move to a higher division where there is an offside rule.

9) PLAYOFFS:

There are no playoffs or Championship Games in the Myte or Tyke Divisions. All teams will play a 10 minute exhibition match on Banquet Day.

10) GOAL LIMIT

During any one game, idividual players are limited to scoring a maximum of 4 goals each. The fifth and any subsequent goals a goalie may score will not count towards the final score. The goalie will be awarded a goal kick on any rejected goal. After the fourth goal by any one player, coaches should encourage that player to pass the ball or move back to a defensive position, allowing other teammates an opportunity to score.

ATOM/NOVICE/BANTAM DIVISION RULES

1) NUMBER OF PLAYERS:

11 players on the field including the goalie. All players are to receive equal playing time and must play at least ½ of the game. If a player wishes to play goal only they may play the entire game in that position, providing other players play at least ½ of the match.

If a team has less than a full roster (11 players) the game may poceed , if the coaches and the players (of the short team) agree to play with the number they have. The opposing team is allowed to play two more players than the short team, but not less than 9 (if they have the players) and not more than 11.

How ever if both teams have less then 7 players the game may poceed if opposing coaches both agree or they can choose to have the game rescheduled in the event of a point match. If it is determined to have a point match re-scheduled a friendly match must proceed with the players present.

There will be no call ups or cross over of players from other teams.

Above all, players who show up at the field must participate in a match.

A completed TEAM ROSTER sheet must be turned into the referee immediately following the game.

2) START OF GAME:

A coin toss will be performed by the referee and two representatives from each team prior to the start of the game.

The winner of the coin toss will decide whether they wish to “kickoff” or defend.

Ends are usually already determined by this time and teams will switch ends at half time.

3) DURATION OF GAME:

Atom Division

The game is divided into 4 - 10 minute quarters. There is a two minute break between the 1st/2nd and the 3rd/4th quarters. There is a five minute break between the 2nd/3rd quarter (half time).

Novice Division

The match is divided into two 30 min. halfs with a 5 min. break at the half. Plalyers are changed twice during each half; approx. at the 10 minute and 20 minute mark. The referee will indicate when players are to be changed. Only those players who are being replaced should leave the field. The time alloted for player change is 45 seconds.

Bantam Division

The match is divided into two 40 min. halfs with a 5 min break at the half. Players are changed twice during each half; at approx. the 13 minute and 26 minute mark. The referee will indicate when players are to be changed. Only those players who are being replaced should leave the field. The time alloted for player change is 45 seconds.

All quarters must be started on time. Referees have been instructed to start the game even if there is not a full team present for either side.

4) PLAYER CHANGES:

In general players are to only be changed during breaks, however this rule does have some flexibility.

A player may be changed during a quarter, with the refs permission, if the change is to replace an injured player.

A change may also take place, with the refs permission, if it appears a player has become overheated or exhausted to the point where a more serious medical condition may develop.

A players health is always a top consideration.

5) RESTARTS:

See FIFA Rules Pages 11 to 34

6) REFEREES: Port Weller provides referees for all Division games. If a referee fails to show for a game The Executive of Port Weller Soccer must be informed. We will do our best to find an alternate.

In the event that a substitute ref can not be found in a timely manner one of The Executive may ref the game. It is also possible that one of the coaches may be asked to act as referee.

PLAYOFFS

The first part of the season will be regular games with not points awarded and no standings kept. Approximately midway through the season (depending on the number of teams in your division) a playoff format will commence. Each team (in a division) will play every other team, in their division, an equal number of times. Points will be awarded as follows:

Teams will receive:

2 points for a WIN

1 point for a TIE

0 points for a LOSS

At the end of the playoffs the two teams with the most points will compete for the Division Championship on Banquet Day.

If there is a tie for points, the following criteria will be used to determine the winner

1) The team with the most wins

2) If still tied: The winner of the match when the two teams met “head to head”

3) If there is still a tie-, it will be necessary to schedule a final playoff match prior to Banquet Day to determine a winner. Note: for the Divisions who play Friday nights and if necessary, a playoff game will be scheduled for Banquet Day morning, with the winner playing the Championship Match played later in the afternoon.

Championship Match Rules:

The same Laws of the Game that govern the regular season during any Championship

Match.

In the event of a tie after regulation time a 5 minute

SUDDEN DEATH overtime period will be played. First goal wins.

If the game is still tied after the overtime period, Penalty Kicks will determine the

winner.

i) Each team will choose 5 players (shooters). The chosen players must have been on the playing field when overtime period ended. The goalie may be changed, but it must be for a player that was on the playing field when overtime ended.

ii) All ten players will alternate taking a penalty kick, and after each player has

completed his kick, the team scoring the most goals will determine the winner.

iii) if the game is still tied after the 10 penalty kicks, a 6th player is chosen from each

team. The chosen player must have been on the field of play when the overtime period

ended. The chosen 6th players each take a SUDDEN DEATH Penalty Kick. If one

player scores and the other does not, the team of the player who scored is the winner.

If the game is still tied after the 6th player, a 7th player is chosen as above, and this

continues until a winner can be declared.

iv) Penalty Kick rules apply and the goalie must remain on the goal line until the ball

is in motion.

v) All players, except the one taking Penalty Kick and the goalkeeper, must remain

behind the line of the 18 yard box and not in view of the kicker.

vi) The area behind the goal will be cleared of spectators.

vii) A coin toss will determine which team kicks first.

Atom, Novice and Bantam Divisions, U19,

TECHNICAL AREA FOR COACHES:

Coaches will be confined to the player side of the field. (The side with the benches).

Further, coaches will be confined to the half of the field that their player bench is on.

Coaches will not be allowed to coach from both sides of the field: nor will they be allowed to cross into the other teams half of the field.

Disciipline Committee

The Discipline Committee will conviened any time there has been a serious violation of the policies of Port Weller Soccer or chronic circumvention of the Laws of the Game, as laid out by FIFA.

At any convening of the Discipline Committee the following Executive Members must be present.

1) The President of PWSL or designate

2) The Administrator of PWSL or designate

3) The Rules and Referress Director or designate

4) Two other Executive Members

A total of five Executive Members

The purpose of the Discipline Committee is to gather facts and other relevant information and determine a course of action up to and including expulsion from PWSL.

The Discipline Committee may be conviend for any coach, player or referee.

Any disciplinary action required will take a three tiered process, as follows:

1) First Offence - A Verbal Warning from one of the Rules and Refs Committee

members in person or by phone.

2) Second Offence - A Written Warning from President of the League.

3) Third Offence - Attendance at hearing of the Disciplinary Board.

Depending on the severity of the offence the first two tiers may be by-passed.

Conduct for Coaches:

Coaches should conduct themselves in a respectful manner, mindfull that their plauers are young and impressionalble. Players may try to mimic the actions of their coaches, not knowing if these actions are right or wrong. A coaches actions may also be seen as representing the beliefs of the team sponsor; a group of people who are very important to the on going success of PWSL.

Coaches also set an example for parents on appropriate behaviour. The Executive expects that the coaches will help to control the words and actions of themselves, players and parents.

Coaches should also be respectful of the fact that the referees are not professionals and are human beings. They are young adults who will make mistakes. Coaches should remind their players and paents of the players of this. Refs should be shown respect for the way the call the game and are not to feel intimidated by coaches or parents. Coaches are asked to note any problems they encounter with the Referees and bring it ot the attention of the Executive.

Conduct for Referees:

Referees are required to conduct themselves in a respectful manner and are required to be impartial. Referees are required to call the game fairly and accuratley, to the best of their abilities.

Referees are expected to be knowledgeable of the Laws of the Game, as set out by FIFA. Referees are expected to follow the play on the field and be consistent in their calls.

Referees are expected to make notes of any problems they encounter with coaches, players or parents and bring it to attention of the Executive.

PWSL Executive members are on the field most nights and will make notes of any player, coach or referee conduct.

Actions Not Tolerated by Coaches, Referees and players:

a) Improper utilization/implimentation of the Laws of the Game or PWSL Rules.

b) Unsporstman like conduct- beratement of Referees, Players (even your own children), other coaches or parents by any party towards another party.

c) Use of foul language

d) Smoking or consumption of alcohol before, after or during a game or practice when players are present.

e) Any acts of physical aggression (fighting) will be considered an automatic third offence, requiring an appearance before the Discipline Committee

Everyone involved with PWSL is reminded that this is a “house league” operation and thus there is not to be the same emphasis on winning that would be found in a competitive or travelling team organization.

We are here to promote sportsmanship, provide instruction and promote the enjoyment of the game of soccer, in a fun, positive enviroment that will see the memories of PWSL a pleasant, learning experience.