Team Check-In and Post Game Responsibilities (U9-U19):
- Check teams in (players and coaches) using a team's photo match card (see example at bottom of the page)
- Only players listed on photo match card with picture are eligible to participate in that match
- Following the game, need to complete and fill out the standard match card (will receive one from each team, please use the newest printed version) and return to Home Team Coach/Manger/Admin (see example at bottom of the page).
- Items to be completed by the referee:
- Final Score
- Yellow and Red cards with correct codes
- Signature from Center Referee authorizing all information contained in match card is accurate
- Items to be completed by the referee:
Game Ball:
U13-U19: Size 5 Ball (provided by home team)
U9-U12 : Size 4 Ball (provided by home team)
Game Length:
U9-U12: 2 - 30 Minute halves
U13-U14: 2 - 35 minute halves
U15-U16: 2- 40 minute halves
U17-U19: 2- 45 minute halves
Substitutions with the consent of the Referee at any stoppage in play:
Small Sided Modifications | U9-U12 matches follow FIFA Standard Laws of the Game except for modifications outlined below
Age Group Format and Number of Players Dressed:
U13-U19: Size 5 Ball (provided by home team)
U9-U12 : Size 4 Ball (provided by home team)
Game Length:
U9-U12: 2 - 30 Minute halves
U13-U14: 2 - 35 minute halves
U15-U16: 2- 40 minute halves
U17-U19: 2- 45 minute halves
- Halftime is ten minutes for all age groups
- There shall be no overtime periods in regular season competition
Substitutions with the consent of the Referee at any stoppage in play:
- Procedure: When any player is to be replaced by a substitute, the following conditions need to be observed:
- The referee shall be informed of the proposed substitutions before it is made
- The substitute shall not enter the field of play until the player he/she is replacing has left, and then only after having received a signal from the referee.
- Enter the field during a stoppage in the game and at the halfway line.
- Change with the Goalkeeper: Any of the other players may change places with the goalkeeper provided that the referee is informed before the change is made, and that the change is made during a stoppage in the game.
Small Sided Modifications | U9-U12 matches follow FIFA Standard Laws of the Game except for modifications outlined below
- U9 & U10 - 7v7 games
- U11& U12 - 9v9 games
- Start of Play: Opponents must be eight (8) yards away from the ball on all Free Kicks, Kick-offs or Corner Kicks. On goal kicks or free kicks taken by the defending team within the penalty area, the opponents must be eight (8) yards away or outside the penalty area.
- Penalty Kick's (PK) are awarded as usual to attacking team if fouled in the opponent's penalty area. The PK is taken 10 yards from the goal line.
- Heading is only allowed by players that have turned 11-years-old. If a 10-year old is playing in a game, he/she is not allowed to head the ball, and it is the responsibility of the coaches and referees to make sure this clearly communicated prior to each game.
Age Group Format and Number of Players Dressed:
AGE GROUP |
FORMAT |
# PLAYERS DRESSED |
U8 |
5v5 |
13 |
U9-U10 |
7v7 |
13 |
U11-U12 |
9v9 |
18 |
U13-U19 |
11v11 |
18 |
Weather Postponements Prior to Kickoff
In case of bad weather prior to kickoff, it's the referee's responsibility to check the NECSL website for potential field closures
In case of bad weather prior to kickoff, it's the referee's responsibility to check the NECSL website for potential field closures
Photo Match Card (Check-In) & Standard Match Card (Post-Game):
