Welcome to the Tualatin Hills Junior Soccer League!

We sincerely hope that you and your family enjoy the upcoming fall soccer season. This Parents' Guide has been prepared to help familiarize you with the game of soccer and THJSL recreational soccer guidelines and rules.

About THJSL (Tualatin Hills Junior Soccer League)

The Tualatin Hills Junior Soccer League is composed of seven recreational and two classic soccer clubs. These clubs work together along with the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District (THPRD) to provide recreational soccer programs to Beaverton-area children in grades 2 through 12.THJSL is affiliated with the Oregon Youth Soccer Association (OYSA) and the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA). These organizations provide the state and national rules and guidelines used by THJSL.

The THJSL Soccer Program is organized by age group and by level of competition. Ages 5 and 6 years play micro-soccer games. These games are typically 3 players per side (3 v 3). All games are played between teams within the same member club. Ages 7, 8, and 9 play 4 v 4 , 5 v 5, 8 v 8, small sided games, respectively (small sided games are used to encourage the player participation and the number of touches on the ball). Ages 10 through 13 play the standard 11 v 11 (or full-sided) game. For high school students not playing on a regular high school team, THJSL sponsors a high school recreational program. Team composition is coed (boy & girl) and the age range depends on the number of registrants. THJSL also supports 2 classic soccer programs (i.e., competitive). Ages 10 through 18 are eligible to try out. To qualify for classic teams, players must be selected from competitive tryouts. Games between classic teams are organized by OYSA, and may take place throughout the state on Saturdays and Sundays.

Contact your club president (see last page of this guideline) for more information on these programs. The rest of this guide will focus primarily on ages 7 through 13 years (grades 2-8).

Volunteers

The THJSL and its associated soccer clubs are all made up of volunteers. Most of these people are parents that work hard to make the program better for the children it serves. Should you wish to, you are invited to assist in any way you can. Contact your club president or talk to your team’s coach for more information. Coaches often need parents to assist with calling the players and other administrative duties. If you are interested in coaching, refereeing (paid), or just learning more about soccer, there are a wide range of training clinics, books and videotapes available at no cost to you.

Once again, welcome. We encourage you to become a part of the action and make soccer a family affair.

Game and Practice Checklist

The list provided is only a guideline. Please check with your team coach to confirm how a player should be equipped for practice or games.

Equipment         At Game?         At Practice?

Soccer shoes         yes                 yes

Shin guards             yes                 yes

Water bottle             yes                 yes

Uniform                     yes                 no

Soccer ball         ask coach             yes

Jewelry, casts, etc.     no                 no

Fields and Games

1.    Restrooms - Most fields don't have them, so prepare accordingly.

2.    Field Locations - The game field addresses are on the back of the game schedule. Maps are provided with these guides to all THJSL fields. Keep it handy for Saturdays.

3.    Arrive on Time – Check with your coach. Typically they like players to arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of a game, and on time for practices. Notify the coach well in advance whenever your child can't attend a game or practice. After practice or games, please pick up your player on time. Please do not make the coach wait for you.

4.    Post the Game and Practice Schedules on your refrigerator or bulletin board. Your coach should notify you about the practice times and fields 3 to 5 weeks prior to the first game, and should provide you with a game schedule 1 to 2 weeks prior to the first game.

5.    Remember to Leave the Playing Fields Clean - Field use is a privilege given to us by the local parks and school committees, and can be revoked. Please respect our playing fields.

Soccer Season Description

The THJSL recreational soccer season is limited to the fall. Ages 9 through 13 (U-10 – U-14) play a 10 game season. Ages 7 & 8 (U-8 & U-9) play 8 games. The first game is played on the first Saturday after Labor Day. There is a mid-season break.

Rose City Exchange

On the Saturday of the mid-season break OYSA sponsors the Rose City Exchange. This is an informal recreational tournament that encourages teams from the Tri-county area to play each other. Contact your coach for more information. Sign up is by team and typically must be submitted 3 weeks prior to game day.

Responsibilities

Each member of a team has a responsibility to his/her teammates. In youth soccer the team is extended to include the coach and parents of the players. The coach and parents are the role models and leaders of the team. A team will pattern its behavior and growth after is leaders. Establish the expectations for the sideline behavior at the beginning of the season.

Coaches' Role

Coaching children in soccer is a privilege, not a right. A coach is a teacher, a friend, and a role model. The following is expected of all coaches:

• Coaches will strive to develop a good sense of self-esteem in each team member.
• Coaches will strive to teach skills and team play to each team member.
• Coaches will strive to instill a keen sense of fair play, sportsmanship, and respect.
• Coaches will consider the physical and emotional well-being of team members.
• Coaches will at all times exhibit respect for game officials and team members.
• Coaches will access the safety of the playing fields for games and practices.

Parents' Role

• Provide transportation to and from all practices and games. Respect your coach's time: be punctual in arrival and pickup of your child.
• When possible, stay and watch practices as well as games and lend the young players your support in a positive manner. Do not point out mistakes or criticize: Leave team and player management up to the coach. Support your child’s efforts as well as their accomplishments.
• If unable to attend a practice or game, teach children to not talk with or leave practices or games with strangers. Let the coach know if your is child riding with someone else.
• Ensure your child brings equipment to and from all soccer games and practices when appropriate. Be sure to identify equipment with a pen or permanent marker.
• Kick the ball around with your child - it's a memory he or she will carry a lifetime.
• Avoid material rewards. Build an attitude of "the rewards lie in the fun of playing and doing one’s best".
• Be positive. Provide verbal and emotional support during the good and bad times. Never criticize or try to coach during a game. Leave that to the coach and or assistants.
• The parent peer group is responsible for exhibiting positive parent behavior during games. Parents should discourage negative remarks from anyone, particularly when directed at officials. Youth officials especially deserve the same positive parental support given to team players. Each team should assign a sideline monitor, whose duty it is to ensure there are no negative comments from spectators supporting their team.
• ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO BE A CHILD!

• The right to decide when to participate in soccer.
• The right to play in every game. (At least 50% of each game in recreational soccer.)
• The right to participate at a level that corresponds to each child's maturity and ability.
• The right to be taught the fundamentals of soccer.
• The right to participate in a safe and healthy environment.
• The right to play as a child and enjoy participation in the sport.

Brief Soccer Primer (U10 – U14)

Introduction

Soccer is one of the most popular games in the world. It is played in virtually all countries. Relative to other countries the United States is new to the game of soccer.

Youth Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in America.

The game consists of two teams of 11 players on the field. The object if the game is to score points by kicking the ball into the opposing team’s goal. Soccer is a very active game with few rules plenty of running and action, and fun for everyone on the field. It enjoys a broad base of support from people of all ages.

Much of the fun in soccer is due to the transition from offense to defense is constant and the play continues when the team loses possession of the ball. The field is large enough to allow the ball to be played for some time before the ball can go out of play and stop the action.

Unless otherwise noted in this Guide all FIFA Laws are to be used to govern play of any THJSL soccer game.

The clock runs continuously, and once the game is started, coaches must let the players play and make the decisions on the field. Time outs are not permitted with exception of injuries. Note: The referee will not stop play at the request of the coach’s or sideline spectators/parents. There are no time outs in Soccer.

Field of Play

A Soccer Field is rectangular, and its exact dimensions are dependant on the regulations of the of the soccer league or governing body. International fields have a maximum size of 130 yards long by 80 yards wide. Fields for college and high school are usually between 100 and 120 yards long and 50 to 75 yards wide. Fields for younger children are smaller and vary in size based upon the space available at the time the field was developed. The field is sometimes referred to as the "pitch". And is marked with boundary lines as shown below. The lines that run the length of the pitch are "touch lines" or "sidelines", and the lines running at the end of the pitch are the "goal lines" or "end lines"

A full size goal is 8feet high and 8 feet wide. It is centered on the middle of the goal line. Smaller goals are described for the younger players later in this guideline. A goal net should be attached to the goal to catch the ball when a goal is scored.
 
 

Field Markings

A soccer field is marked to designate areas of play. Field markings specify the areas around a goal, the field of play from out of bounds, where play begins and where goal kicks and corner kicks are taken.

Markings around the Goal

The Goal Area is a rectangular space in front of the goal. It begins 6 yards beyond each goal post on the goal line and extends 6 yards out into the field of play. The ball is placed inside this area when goal kicks are taken. The Penalty Area is the large rectangular area in front of each goal and contains the Goal Area with in it. The Penalty Area extends 18 yards into the field of play. Within this area the goalkeeper can handle the ball.

The Penalty Spot is a mark 12 yards from the mid-point of the goal line from which a penalty kick is taken. Penalty kicks are awarded when the defensive team commits a direct free kick foul inside the penalty area.

The Penalty Arc is a 10 yard arc drawn at the top of the Penalty Area. Its center is the Penalty Spot. During a Penalty Kick all players must be outside of the Penalty Area and or the Penalty Arc and no closer to the goal line than the ball. This ensures all players are at least 10 yards from the ball on a Penalty Kick.

Markings at the Center of the Field

The Center Circle is in the middle of the field with a radius of 10 yards. The center of this circle is called the center spot. A kick off is taken from the center spot to begin a game and to resume play after a goal has been scored. On kickoffs all opposing players must remain 10 yards from the ball and on there half of the field (outside the center circle) until the ball is kicked.

The Half Line divides the field into to halves and may be marked by a flag or cone set back from the sideline.

All Players must be on there half of the field at the time of a kick off.

Markings at the Corners of the Field

A flag or cone is place at each corner of the field where the sideline and goal line intersect. At each corner there is a 1 yard radius arc where the ball is placed for a corner kick. A corner kick from the corner arc is awarded to the offensive team if the defensive team kicks the ball out of play over their goal line.

Players and Positions

Each team consists of 11 players (see rules below for the number of player on a small sided soccer team), one of which is a goalkeeper. Each team must have 7 players to start the game. Players are given positions of play and are arranged into these positions as follows: goalkeeper, defensive players, midfield players, and forwards (strikers).
 

The Goalkeeper’s primary responsibility is to prevent the ball from going into the goal. For this reason the Goalkeeper is the only person on the field that may use his/her hands to touch the ball. The Goalkeeper is restricted to only using his/her hands inside the Goal box and or the Penalty Area. Since the Goalkeeper is the team’s last line of defense, she or he must be quick, agile, and have a good understanding of Soccer Tactics. A Goalkeeper will often initiate an offensive play. As such, she/he should be able to kick or throw the ball to the most strategic location on the field his/her team to gain advantage.

Defensive Players

Teams generally play with four defensive players. The objective of these players is to win the ball from opponents or to prevent the opponents from creating a shooting opportunity. Defensive players also play a key role in offensive play by moving the ball up the field after winning the ball or receiving the ball from the Goalkeeper.

Midfielders

Midfielders are the link between the Defensive Players and the Forwards. They are generally "all purpose" players who have good endurance and can play both offense and defense. Midfielders are important because the team that dominates the midfield is likely to control the game. Some teams will elect to play 4 midfielders at times.

Forwards or Strikers

Forwards stay nearest the opponent’s goal and are primarily offensive players. Teams usually play with two to four Forwards. Forwards who play nearest to the Touch Lines are called Wings and the Forwards nearest the center of the field are called Center Forwards. Wings usually try to advance the ball up the side and then pass into the center for a shot opportunity.

The Game

A game begins with a coin toss. The team winning the toss may select which end of the field they wish to attack (kick off).

The ball must start at the Center Spot. The player taking the kick off must pass the ball forward and cannot touch the ball again until another player has touched it.

At the kick off all players must be on their own side of the field. After a goal has been scored and at the beginning of the second half, the game is resumed by a kick off. At the start of the second half, the teams change sides of the field and the team that did not kick off at beginning of the game kicks off.
 
 

Game times are as follows:

• At the U11 through U14 age levels, 11 players per team may be on the field at one time; U10 teams field 8 players; U9 and U8 teams split their team into two squads at game time (5 & 4 player per side per game respectively).
• Game time is divided into two equal halves, with a 5 minute break between. The clock runs continuously during each half, and is not stopped for breaks in the action (no time outs may be called or requested).
• Forfeit of game by a team unable to field legal minimum of players is official 10 minutes after scheduled start time. If mutually agreed, a scrimmage game can be played with referee present.

The ball is out of play only when the entire ball crosses over the sideline or goal line. If part of the ball is still covering the line, the ball is in play. A player may play a ball while standing/running out of bounds. For a goal to be scored, the entire ball must cross the goal line between the goalposts.
 

Fouls

Fouls are divided into two types: major and minor. Major fouls result in a direct free kick, and minor fouls result in an indirect free kick. An indirect free kick must be touched by another player before a goal may be scored. Direct free kicks can be shot directly at the goal. The list below details the foul and the type of kick that is awarded.
 

Direct Free Kick	Indirect Free Kick
Hand Ball	Dangerous play
Kicking an opponent	Impeding the Progress of another player
Striking an opponent	Goal Keeper taking too much time (more than 5 to 6 seconds is typical)
Tripping an opponent	Offside
Pushing an opponent	Goal Keeper Handles ball after throw- in by his/her own player
Jumping at an opponent	Slide Tackle (see note below)
Charging an opponent in a violent manner
Charging from behind
Un-sportsman like conduct

NOTE: Slide tackles are not allowed in any THJSL game. The Referee will award an Indirect kick from the place where the infraction occurred. The team defending the kick may put all players in the goal box to defend a kick awarded within the goal or penalty box.

Offside
 

Drop Ball

A drop ball is given after the referee stops the game due to an injury to a player. The referee drops the ball between two opposing players. The ball must touch the ground before it may be played.

Penalty Kick

A penalty kick is awarded to the offensive team if the defensive team commits a direct free kick offense within the penalty area (see above table). A penalty kick is taken from the penalty spot by any player on the offensive team. The Goalkeeper is the only person allowed to defend against the kick. The Goalkeeper’s heels must be on the goal line and can only move along the goal line prior to the kick being taken. All other players must be outside the penalty area and or outside of the penalty arc and behind the ball.
 

Corner Kick
 

When the defensive team kicks the ball beyond the goal line the offensive team is awarded a corner kick. Defensive players must be at least 10 yards away when the kick is taken, but offensive players can stand as close as they want to the kicker. The usual strategy is to cross the ball into the goal area for a shot or header into the goal. Another strategy is to make a short pass from the corner to teammates who then take a shot on goal.

Goal Kick

A goal kick is awarded to the opposing team when an offensive player kicks the ball over the goal line without the ball going into the goal. The defensive team may place the ball anywhere within the goal area . The ball must fully clear the penalty area before it is in play, and any player on the team may take the kick. Normally, the kick is taken by the goalkeeper to free up another player to receive the kick or a pass.

Throw-In
 

Any player can take a throw-in. The team that last touched the ball before it went out of play on a sideline looses possession of the ball. The opposing team then takes possession in the form of a Throw-In. When taking a throw-in, both feet must stay in contact with the ground and both feet must be behind the sideline. The thrower must use both hands and deliver the ball from behind the head in one continuous movement. After the ball has been thrown onto the field, another player must touch the ball before the thrower can play it again. If the thrower makes an illegal or foul throw, the ball is given to the other team to throw in (Ages U-8 and U-9 will get two (2) chances with guidance from the Referee). A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.

THJSL Rules Summary
 

• Playing Time - All players are entitled to play a minimum of one-half of each game for which they suit up. The THJSL understands that failure to practice, disciplinary action, sickness or injury might be cause for coach to play an individual for less than one-half of a game.

• Equipment - All players on the field must wear shin guards and soccer shoes with rounded, molded plastic cleats. NOTE: The new cleats from Nike and other manufacturers are allowed and valid soccer cleats. All players on the field must be attired in matching jerseys, except goalkeepers, who must wear colors that distinguish themselves from all other players on the field. In case of a color clash, the home team will change. No earrings, watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets, wristbands, or hard casts may be worn during game play or practice. Hair bands, if used, must be elastic. Other articles that may be considered by the referee to endanger either the wearer or other players must also be removed. Failure to comply with the referee will automatically disqualify the player from participation until the referee determines the hazard has been resolved.
• Age - A player should play on a team of peers that are the same approximate age, not to his or her grade in school. Younger children may play on an older team (play up), but this is discouraged. A child with special requirements to play on a team younger than his or her age must receive approval from that club's registrar. For the 1998 season, the age groupings are:

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Age Group	Born between...	Age as of 7/31/99
U8	8/1/91 and 7/31/92	7
U9	8/1/90 and 7/31/91	8
U10	8/1/89 and 7/31/90	9
U11	8/1/88 and 7/31/89	10
U12	8/1/87 and 7/31/88	11
U13	8/1/86 and 7/31/87	12
U14	8/1/85 and 7/31/86	13


 
• Codes of Conduct – THJSL considers proper conduct by coaches, parents and players to be an extremely important part of soccer. The referee calls the game, while the coach is responsible for the behavior of team members, parents, & spectators. Neither the referee nor the players should be subjected to negative comments from anyone. Many referees are young people with limited experience. They need the support of all involved with the game. Please remember most of our referees are learning as they go and with the right support will continue to expand their knowledge of the game of soccer and support it for years to come. Remember: This is a recreational league, not competitive. The objective is to learn the game and have fun!
• Comments to Coaches and Players - Spectators must refrain from yelling anything other than positive comments at players (or others participating or in attendance). Coaches have the ultimate responsibility for setting the rules and tone for the sidelines.
• Officials - The Referee is assigned complete control over the soccer game. The safety of the players is his or her main concern. The Referee is responsible for keeping the time, enforcing the Laws of Soccer, stopping and restarting the game for fouls and injuries, cautioning or banishing offenders (including coaches or spectators) and prematurely ending a game, if necessary. All decisions by the Referee are final once play restarts. The Referee may recruit two lines persons as off-the-field assistants (normally one parent volunteer from each team). A lines person's sole responsibility is to signal when the ball has left the field of play. When you serve as a lines person you have committed yourself to being an impartial game official, and you must avoid coaching or directing the players on your team. The Referee has both the right and duty to overrule your call if he or she disagrees. Please be patient, smile, and support his or her decision. The referee will typically choose to discuss disputes or requests with the team captain only.
• Comments to Officials - Remember that the referee is often a young high school student/player trying to do his or her best, and that it is impossible to see everything when you are on the field doing the job. At the end of each game we suggest you and your players take the time to thank the referee and shake their hand. Please keep in mind that the Referee’s participation in the game is just as important as that of any player.

• The Impact of Misconduct

• Enters or leaves the field of play during the game without the referee's permission
• Persistently infringes upon the Laws of the Game.
• Show by words or actions, dissent from any decision by the referee.
• Displays un-sportsman like conduct.

• Violent or Threatening Conduct.
• Serious Foul or Dangerous Play.
• Uses Foul or Abusive Language.
• Persists in Misconduct after receiving a caution (verbal or yellow card).

• Coach and Spectator Location - Spectators and coaches are not allowed on the playing field at any time during regular play or at half time. They must remain on their side of the field, at least 18 yards away from the goal line for U-10 and above games, and 6 yards for U-8 and U-9 games. The Coach, Players, & Spectators must stay at least 2 yards back from the sideline to allow room for the linesman to work safely.
• The Game – The game is played for the allotted time. At the end of that time the team with the highest score wins. There is not overtime or shootout to determine a winner of a tie game.
• The Team - At the U-11 through U-14 age levels, 11 players per team may be on the field at one time. U-10 teams field 8 players. U-9 and U-8 teams split their teams to play two games simultaneously on adjacent fields. Each team consists of a goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards.
• Captains - Each team will assign one captain, who will wear a captain's armband. The captain should be the only person who may talk to the referee during a game.
• Off-Side - If a player is declared off-side, the referee shall award an indirect free-kick, which shall be taken by a player of the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred. If the off-side is committed by a player in her/his opponents' goal area, the free-kick is taken from anywhere within the goal area.
• Player Substitution - Any number of players may be substituted at one time in a THJSL game, with the prior consent of the referee, and only at a dead-ball situation (throw-in, free-kick, goal kick, etc.). The referee may refuse to allow the team not taking the kick or throw-in to substitute if the team taking the kick or throw-in is clearly interested in restarting the game quickly, and there is an advantage in doing so. Remember that the designated team captain in the only person allowed to speak to the referee and to notify him or her of a substitution request.

• It is the intention of the THJSL to operate a recreational youth soccer league, as a joint program of its seven recreational soccer clubs. Its emphasis on both "youth" and "recreational" means that the League intends to maintain high levels of sportsmanship.
• Referee reports shall be accepted as factual, without requiring further investigation. Spectators are the responsibility of the coach of their team. In the event of misbehavior by spectators, all judicial proceedings will be carried out against the coach.
• Any coach or player receiving a yellow card shall accumulate one penalty point. Any coach or player receiving a red card shall accumulate two penalty points.

When a coach or player accumulates a total of two penalty points, he or she shall receive a letter of reprimand from the THJSL president. A copy will be sent to the president of the participant's club.
When a coach or player accumulates a total of four penalty points, he or she shall be suspended for the next THJSL game.
When a coach or player accumulates a total of six penalty points, he or she shall be placed on probation for the remainder of the season by a letter from the THJSL president. A copy will be sent to the president of the participant's club.
Accumulation of eight penalty points shall result in suspension for the remainder of the season.
• Any participant who assaults a referee (e.g., by pushing, bumping, etc.) or his/her equipment (e.g., kicking the referee's bag or breaking the flags) shall be suspended for one year. Violent assault against the referee (e.g., hitting, spitting on, etc.) shall result in expulsion from THJSL participation for life.
• Any participant engaging in fighting shall be suspended for the remainder of the season.

• The Game -The U-8 and U-9 age groups play "small-sided" games, where the number of players on the field is greatly reduced from the traditional 11-versus-11 game. The emphasis is on player development and enjoyment. Small-sided soccer is intended to better meet the development needs of younger children by giving them more touches on the ball. In the U-8 age group, there are 4 players per team on the field; U-9s play with 5 per side.
• The Team - Each team of 12-14 players is divided before play begins into smaller, evenly balanced teams of 6 to 7 players. The team's coach handles one group, while the assistant coach or parent helper handles the other. These smaller teams compete separately on two parallel fields against a similarly constructed pair of opponents' teams. Coaches are encouraged to divide their players differently from one Saturday to the next.
• The Field of Play - U-8 games are played on a 25-yd by 35-yd field. U-9 games use a field of 30-35 yds by 45-50 yds. Fields should be set up as shown below. The ten field markers are brightly colored disks. These are used instead of short cones for safety reasons. Each U-8 goalpost is built from a tall (at least 15 inches high), heavy, rubbery cone with a flexible plastic or foam pole inserted through the top. The poles must be between 4.5 and 5 feet tall, and should be outfitted with flags


• Players - There are four (U-8) or five (U-9) players per team on the field at one time. One player from each team is goalkeeper. Substitutions are allowed at any stop in play and after the referee signals approval. Coaches are expected to rotate all their players between field positions and goal in the course of each game.
• Referees - The referee's main responsibilities are: (a) to ensure the safety of the players; (b) to conduct the game; and (c) to help the players learn the spirit and rules of the game. All decisions made by the referee are final once play has been restarted. At all times the referee can terminate the game if players, coaches or spectators have violated the spirit of the game or its rules.
• Coaches and Spectators - Coaches have the ultimate responsibility for teaching their players the spirit and rules of soccer. The complete official rules for U-8/U-9 soccer are given in the THJSL Rules and Regulations. Spectators and Coaches are bound by the same rules and codes of conduct as described in the Brief Soccer Primer at the beginning of this Guide.
• Method of Scoring - A goal is scored when the ball passes between the goalposts and (U-9) below the crossbar, or (U-8) below an imaginary line drawn between the tops of the two posts. A goal cannot be scored directly from a kickoff, throw-in, free-kick, or throw by the opposing goalkeeper. A goal can be scored directly from a corner kick.
• Off-Sides - Off-side will not be enforced as in U-8 and U-9 games, but referees should instruct players and prevent flagrant "cherry-picking." The referee is the sole judge of whether a player is seeking to gain advantage.
• Throw-In - A throw-in is taken to restart the game after the ball passes out of play across a touchline. The team that did not last touch the ball before it went out is awarded the throw-in. The throwing motion begins with both hands on the ball, with the ball behind the head. The hands are swung forward in one continuous motion. When the ball is released, both feet must be on the ground and behind the sideline, both hands must be on the ball, and the player must be facing in the direction the ball is thrown. If a throw-in is taken improperly, the referee may briefly explain the proper technique to the player, give them a second chance and or award a throw-in to the other team.
• Free-Kick / Penalty Kick - Free-kicks are taken from the spot where a foul or off-side occurred. Exception: All free-kicks are taken outside a goal area; the kick is taken from the closest point outside the goal area. All free-kicks are indirect, meaning that a goal cannot be scored directly from the kick, but must touch at least one other player (either a teammate or opponent) before a goal is scored. All opponents must be at least 6 yards away from the ball at the time the kick is taken. The player taking the kick may not touch the ball again until another player touches it.
• Goal Kick - A goal kick is taken to restart the play after the attacking team has played the ball over the goalline without scoring a goal. The ball is placed anywhere in the goal area. The defending team takes the kick.
• Corner Kick - A corner kick is taken to restart the play after the defending team has played the ball over the goalline without scoring a goal against itself. Before the kick is taken, the ball is placed on the field of play, within 1 yard of the corner of the field closest to where the ball went out of play. The attacking team takes the kick.
• Fouls and Misconduct - The following types of fouls may be called by the referee:
• pushing, holding, tripping, or jumping at an opponent
• intentionally playing the ball with the hand, except for goalkeepers in their own goal areas
• dangerous play
• impeding the progress of another player
• running into a goalkeeper anytime she/he is in his/her goal area, regardless of whether the keeper has possession of the ball.
• punts by the goalkeeper that travel past the spot on the Center Line in the air
• repeated dangerous play, or arguing with the referee's decision
• foul or abusive language, spitting at, hitting, or attempting to hit any other player
• slide-tackling


All fouls are punished by awarding an indirect free-kick to the opponents.
Repeated dangerous play, arguing with the referee's decision, foul or abusive language, spitting at, hitting, or attempting to hit any other player will result in the referee having the coach substitute the offending player.
Any player sent off the field for repeated dangerous play, or arguing with the referee's decision will not be allowed to play the remainder of the game. The referee will report the violation and the name of the player. The League will determine the eligibility of that player for subsequent games.