Rules of the Game

KASL/WYSA RULES INTERPRETATION HANDOUT

1. Coaches are required to have their game sheet completely filled out and handed to the referee before the start of the game.
   1. The first team on the schedule is the home team.
   2. The home team must provide the game ball.
   (refer to game sheet at the end of this section for proper completion)

2. The game ball needs to be pumped up to the point where your thumb can barely make an indentation.

3. The visiting team chooses heads or tails on the coin toss.
   1. The winning team can only choose what goal to attack.
   2. The losing team gets the opposite side and the kickoff.
   3. The second half, both teams switch sides and the winning team of the coin toss now gets the kickoff.

4. All player are required to follow these guidelines before entering the field of play.
   1. No player will be allowed to play without shinguards.
      (no exception to the rule)
      (home made shinguards will not be allowed)
   2. No player will be allowed to play with metal spikes.
      (no exception to the rule)
   3. No player will be allowed to play with any form of a cast.
      (no matter how well wrapped, he/she still can not play)
      (includes: casts, splints, headgear or any other devices)
      (a doctors OK to play, still does not make it OK by WYSA)
   4. No player is allowed to play with any jewelry, this includes earrings.
      (earrings will be removed no matter what: no more taping)
      (new studded earrings will be removed also, no exceptions)
      (a player lost an ear last year because they were not removed)
   5. The only person allowed to wear a soft brimmed hat is the goalie.
      (it may not be worn backwards: if it is, it will be removed)
   6. During cold weather, players are allowed to wear sweat pants/shirts.
      (they must be worn under the uniform: this includes socks) (a hooded sweatshirt is not recommended; however if worn, the hood must be tucked in the back of the uniform)
      (if the hood falls out, the player must immediately leave the field until it is fixed)
   7. No player is allowed to be on the field of play if he/she is bleeding or blood is present on the uniform.
   8. Any player sent off the field for any of these situations may not return until the next stoppage of play and the referees consent. (a player bleeding, is the only infraction where a sub may enter) (coaches, you should make sure your players meet these requirements so no one has to be sent off. This rule has become a no exception rule by state. Too many kids have been getting injured for unnecessary reasons.)

5. All substitution will enter and leave the field from the halfway line.
   1. Once you are given the OK by the referee for a substitution, call off your players. Once those players are off, your substitutes may enter.
   2. In U-8 and below, a substitution may take place during any stoppage of play.
   3. In U-9 and above, a substitution my only occur during one of these stoppages.
      1. A throw-in taken by your team.
      2. During either teams goal kick.
      3. During injury time for a downed person.
      4. After either team scores a goal.
      5. During half time.
   4. A referee has the right to not allow a substitution. (wasting time intentionally and/or game almost over)

6. Just because a player is injured, this does not mean play will stop.
   1. In U-8 and below, the referee will be satisfied that the player is injured before stopping play; unless deemed urgent (then play stops promptly). (normally done by saying "come on you're OK, let's go play")
      1. If player is truly hurt, then play will be stopped.
      2. A coach may enter the field once permission is given. (normally done by referee saying, "coach")
      3. The injured player must be substituted out. (no exception)
      4. The game will resume with a dropped ball. (see drop ball)
      (Coaches, this has happened in other places; when a player is injured the coach and/or parent would rush out there and he/she would be helped off the field and then receive a treat. By the end of the season, that team was having 6-8 kids getting hurt a game: some kids more then once. We completely understand the need for nurturing, but we also need to watch for over nurturing. Besides this, at the end of the season the referee's had to fill out and turn in 37 injury reports for that team.)
   2. For an injury in the U-9 and above, an injury is stopped by a courtesy play; unless deemed urgent (then play stops promptly).
      1. The referee will be satisfied that the player is injured.
      2. The referee will remain by the injured player until the ball is out of play (will not stop a breakaway for a scratch).
      3. If no breakaway, then a courtesy out will be played.
      4. A courtesy out means: when an injured player is down, the team with position of the ball, will play it out. (not over the goal line if possible)
      5. The injured player will then be substituted for.
      6. The team throwing in the ball, will throw it towards the opponents goal to an unmarked player and allow him time to gain control of the ball before attacking.
   (Coaches, when a referee says "play it out" you also should say "play it out", but only after you hear the referee say it; see example 1 for better understanding)

7. How is the ball restarted and when is it in Play?
   1. On a kickoff, the ball is in play the moment it is touched forward.
      1. The ball does not have to make a full rotation.
      2. If kicked backwards, the kick will be retaken.
      3. In U5 - U6 if the kicker touches the ball twice before another player does, the kick shall be retaken.
      4. In U7-U19 if the kicker touches the ball twice before another player does, the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick. (see indirect kick)
      5. Players must stay outside the circle until the ball is touched.
      6. Players must stay on their side of the field until the ball is touched.
         If encroachment occurs, kick is retaken.
   2. On a goal kick, the ball is in play when it completely leaves the penalty area.
      1. If the ball does not leave the penalty area, the kick is retaken.
      2. If the ball is touched by anyone before it leaves the penalty area, the kick will be retaken.
      3. In U5 - U6 if the kicker touches the ball twice before another player does, the kick shall be retaken.
      4. In U7-U19 if the kicker touches the ball twice before another player does, the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick. (see indirect kick)
      5. The opposing team may not have players in the penalty area.
   3. On a corner kick, the ball is in play the moment it is touched.
      1. In U5 - U6 if the kicker touches the ball twice before another player does, the kick shall be retaken.
      2. In U7-U19 if the kicker touches the ball twice before another player does, the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick. (see indirect kick)
      3. On a corner kick, the opposing team must be the proper distance from the ball. (see rules chart for distance)
      4. A player may touch the ball and let another player dribble it; however, unsporting behavior will be punished accordingly. (see example 2 for better understanding)
      5. The moment the ball is touched, it is in play.
   4. On a Throw-in, the ball is in play when it enters the field of play.
      1. If the ball does not enter the field the throw will be retaken.
      2. In U7 and below if the thrower throws the ball and then kicks it before touched by another, the throw-in will be retaken.
      3. In U7 and below if the thrower performs a bad throw-in, the throw-in will be retaken. (referee will instruct)
      4. In U7 and below if the thrower performs a second bad throw in, play will continue. (done so the game goes on)
      5. In U8 and above if the thrower performs a bad throw-in, the throw-in will be given to the opposing team. (see throw-ins for proper procedures)
   5. On a drop ball, the ball is in play the moment it hits the ground.
      1. There is no distance requirement for players.
      2. You can have as many players around the ball as you want.
      3. The courtesy play is one on one, but you don't have to.
      4. Drop balls occur in every age level.
   6. On a direct free kick (see next section for penalty kicks), the ball is in play the moment it is touched.
      1. Players do not have to ask for ten yards, they may place the ball down at the spot of the foul and do a quick restart. (if this restart is chosen, an opponent may not stick his leg out 2 yards away to steal the ball. It is believed, that in fair play, the opponent is backing away. If this happens the player could be caution if in the opinion of the referee he/she deems the caution)
      2. When a player does ask for ten yards, he/she must wait for the whistle before the kick can be taken. (if kicked before the whistle the kick must be retaken)
      3. The referee does not have to count off ten yards. If in his opinion they are far enough back, he can say "play".
      4. Asking for ten yards also includes behind the player.
      5. If an opposing player encroaches, the referee can let play go on or retake the kick. He also can caution the player. In most cases (not all, some players have done it on purpose) he/she will warn the player first.
      6. Refer to the distance on the rule chart to know how many yards away the opposing players must be.
      7. In the U8 and below, there are no direct kicks. (all indirect)
   7. On an indirect free kick, the ball is in play the moment it is touched.
      1. Players do not have to ask for ten yards, they may place the ball down at the spot of the foul and do a quick restart. (if this restart is chosen, an opponent may not stick his leg out 2 yards away to steal the ball. It is believed, that in fair play, the opponent is backing away. If this happens the player could be caution if in the opinion of the referee he/she deems the caution)
      2. When a player does ask for ten yards, he/she must wait for the whistle before the kick can be taken. (if kicked before the whistle the kick must be retaken)
      3. The referee does not have to count off ten yards. If in his opinion they are far enough back, he can say "play".
      4. Asking for ten yards also includes behind the player.
      5. If an opposing player encroaches, the referee can let play go on or retake the kick. He also can caution the player. In most cases (not all, some players have done it on purpose) he/she will warn the player first.
      6. Refer to the distance on the rule chart to know how many yards away the opposing players must be.
   8. On a penalty kick, the ball is in play the moment it is touched forward.
      1. All players must be outside the penalty area and the penalty arc except for the kicker and the goalie.
      2. All players must be behind the ball. (this includes the sides)
      3. The kicker may not tap the ball backwards. If the kicker does This, the kick must be retaken.
      4. The kicker may tap the ball forward and let a teammate run up and attempt to shoot, but once tapped forward all players may attempt to play the ball.
      5. The kicker may not shoot until the whistle has blown. If the kicker shoots before the whistle the kick is retaken.
      6. If time runs out, time will be extended for the penalty kick.
      7. There are no penalty kicks in U8 and below.

8. Minimum and maximum # of players.
   1. The board hopes that courtesy and sportsmanship will mandate that all teams play even up.
   2. The KASL rules allow the referee to wait five minutes if short handed.
   3. If your maximum is eleven and you decide to play with ten so you have a sub, the opposing coach does not have to play with ten.

9. The duration of the game and time extension.
   1. Refer to your rule chart for length of game duration.
   2. The referee keeps the official time.
   3. The referee only stops his watch when a major emergency occurs.
   4. The referee may add on time for any of these reasons.
      1. The ball is in the street for a while.
      2. The ball is stuck under a car.
      3. In his/her view a team is intentionally wasting time.
      4. For an injured player to be attended to.
      5. For any other reason the referee deems needed.
   5. Since the referee uses a continuous watch, it will be his decision on how much time to add. (this procedure is done for the possibility of the referee forgetting to restart his watch)
   6. This means that when your watch goes off, the game may not be done.
   7. The game is officially over when the referee blows his whistle.

10. What to do with lightning and thunder?
    1. If lightning is seen, the game is suspended until there is a period of 15 minutes without lightening. (THIS IS NO EXCEPTION)
    2. If lightning occurs in the second half of a game, the score will stand and the remainder of the game will be abandoned.
    3. If still in the first half, and lightning persists through your scheduled time, a KASL representative will determine to wait or reschedule.
    4. KASL has a lightning detector and when the alarm goes off, you will hear a blow horn that signals lightning is to close for play to continue.

11. Drop Ball
    A drop ball is a method of restarting the game when there is no other option listed. Some examples are injury, unsure of who kicked the ball out and/or two opposing players committed the same foul (jumping/high kick).
    1. A drop ball can occur any where on the field except in the goal area.
    2. There is no limit on how many players can be by the ball.
    3. The ball can be kicked once it hits the ground.
    4. A goal can be directly scored off a drop ball.
    5. If the ball does not hit the ground before kicked, it will be retaken.
    6. A player can touch the ball more then once.(dribble it away if he/she wants)
    7. If the ball goes over the goal line or touchline, before played by a player, the drop ball will be retaken.
    8. Courtesy rule U5/6 - any drop ball within the penalty area will be taken on the penalty area line (done since no goalie).
    9. Courtesy rule U-8 and above - the referee does not have to wait for players from both teams to do a drop ball. It has been deemed sporting conduct for a referee to drop the ball in front of the goalie allowing him to pick it up when a drop ball (for an injury) is in the penalty area. (this will be done at the referee's discretion)

12. Corner Kick
    A goal kick is a method of restarting the game. When the defending team plays the ball over the goal line (not between the goal posts) a corner kick is awarded to the attacking team.
    1. A goal can be directly scored from a corner kick.
    2. The corner kick is taken from the side closest to where the ball went out of play.
    3. The ball must be placed within the corner arc.
    4. A player cannot bend and/or move the corner flag.
    5. The defending team must be 10 yards away (automatic; not asked for).
    6. If the kicker kicks the ball into his/her own goal, the opposing team now takes a corner kick.
    7. The ball is in play once it has been kicked and moved.
    8. If after kicked, the ball curves out and then back in, a goal kick is awarded.
    9. In U6 and below: if the kicking player plays the ball a second time (already left the penalty area) before touched by another player, the kick is retaken.
    10. In U7 and above: if the kicking player plays the ball a second time (already left the penalty area) before touched by another player, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick.

13. Throw-In
    1. Both feet must be on the ground.
    2. Both feet must be touching or behind the line.
    3. As long as his/her heels are on the line, the rest of the foot can be over.
    4. The throwers hands must start from behind and over his/her head.
    5. The thrower must use both hands when releasing the ball.
    6. The throw must be done in one continuous motion.
    7. Flip throw-in is allowed if these requirements are meet:
       1. Referee gives OK before game. (has right to say "NO" depending on the condition of the fields)
       2. Your momentum does not carry you into the field of play.
       3. You land with both feet on the ground. (not a foot and a knee)
    8. Any infringement of rules 1-7 the opposing team throws-in.
    9. In U7 and below, any infringement of rules 1-7 and the same thrower will retake the throw-in. If he/she has another infringement the play will continue.
    10. A goal may not be scored on a throw-in.
    11. If the ball hits the touchline and goes back out, the opposing team will receive the throw-in
    12. If the ball, while in the air, goes into the playing field and then back out, the opposing team receives the throw-in.
    13. If the ball does not enter the field of play on a throw-in, the throw-in will be retaken.
    14. Myths: spiking, barely throwing the ball and spins are OK.
    15. If a team throws the ball into his/her own goal, a corner kick is taken.
    16. In U7and below, if the thrower plays the ball a second time before it is played by another person, the throw-in shall be retaken. (see #8)
    17. In U8 and above, if the thrower plays the ball a second time before it is played by another person, the opposing team receives an indirect free kick.
    18. The thrower may throw the ball to his/her goalie; however, the goalie may not play the ball with his hands.
        1. In U7 and below, if the goalie uses his hands, the throw is retaken.
        2. In U8 and above, if the goalie uses his hands, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick.

14. Direct Kick
    A player who intentionally commits any of the following offenses shall be penalized by the award of a direct free kick to be taken by the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred:
    • Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent.
    • Trips an opponent, i.e. throwing or attempting to throw him/her by using the legs or by stooping in front of or behind him/her.
    • Jumps at an opponent.
    • Charges an opponent in a violent or dangerous manner.
    • Charges an opponent from behind.
    • Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent or spits at him.
    • Holds an opponent.
    • Pushes an opponent.
    • Charges an opponent with the shoulder.
    • Tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with an opponent before touching the ball.
    • Handles the ball, i.e. carries, strikes or propels the ball with his/her hand or arm (this does not apply to the goalkeeper within his own penalty area).
    1. The kick is taken from the spot where the infringement occurred.
    2. The ball must be stationary before being kicked.
    3. The ball is in play the moment it is kicked and moves.
    4. A goal can be scored directly from a direct kick.
    5. In U8 and below there are no direct free kicks. (all are indirect)
    6. If a team kicks the ball into his/her own goal, a corner kick is awarded.
    7. If the infringement occurred in the penalty box, a penalty kick is awarded.
    8. The attacking team may set the ball down and take a quick restart.
       1. This means, set the ball down and kick it.
       2. No defender may attempt to block the ball.
       3. Defenders are supposed to be moving back; so if they attempt to play the ball, they will be cautioned and the kick is retaken.
    9. The attacking team may set the ball down and ask for 10 yards.
       1. Referee makes sure the opposing team is 10 yards away on all sides.
       2. The attacking team may not kick the ball until the referee blows his/her whistle for the restart.
       3. The referee will get into position, holding the correct hand signal.
       4. The referee will then blow the whistle for the restart.

15. Indirect Kick
    A player committing any of the following offenses shall be penalized by the awarding of an indirect free kick to the opposing team, to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred (special exceptions for the goal area).
    • Playing in a manner considered by the referee to be dangerous, e.g., attempting to kick the ball when the goalkeeper is holding it.
    • When not playing the ball, intentionally impeding an opponent, i.e., running between the opponent and the ball, or interposing the body so as to form an obstacle to the opponent.
    • Charging the goalkeeper except when he/she has passed outside the penalty area and/or preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball.
    • Any other dangerous play not covered by another topic.
    When playing as a goalkeeper:
    • Plays the ball a second time with his/her hands before it touches another player.
    • After a teammate has intentionally kicked the ball directly to the goalkeeper, who touches or controls it with his/her hands.
    • He/she touches or controls the ball with his/her hands or feet, on any part of the pitch, for more than six seconds. (U8 and below no six second rule)
    • Touches the ball with his/her hands after receiving it directly from a teammates throw-in.
    1. The kick is taken from the spot where the infringement occurred.
    2. The ball must be stationary before being kicked.
    3. The ball is in play the moment it is kicked and moves.
    4. A goal cannot be scored directly from a direct kick.
    5. A goal can be scored if it deflect off any player.
    6. If a team kicks the ball into his/her own goal, a corner kick is awarded.
    7. The attacking team may set the ball down and take a quick restart.
       1. This means, set the ball down and kick it.
       2. No defender may attempt to block the ball.
       3. Defenders are supposed to be moving back; so if they attempt to play the ball, they will be cautioned and the kick is retaken.
    8. The attacking team may set the ball down and ask for 10 yards.
       1. Referee makes sure the opposing team is 10 yards away on all sides.
       2. The attacking team may not kick the ball until the referee blows his/her whistle for the restart.
       3. The referee will get into position, holding the correct hand signal.
       4. The referee will then blow the whistle for the restart.
    9. An indirect kick for the defending team in its own goal area.
       1. The kick may be taken anywhere within the goal area.
       2. The attacking team does not have to be outside of the penalty area; they only must be 10 yards away.
    10. An indirect kick for the attacking team within the defenders goal area.
        1. The ball will be placed on the goal line closest to the ball.
        2. The defending team must be 10 yards away (exception #c)
        3. The defenders are allowed to stand on the goal line between the goal posts.

16. Penalty Kick
    A penalty kick is taken when a direct kick is awarded to the attacking team within the defending team's penalty area.
    1. There is no penalty kicks in U8 and below.
    2. The duration of each half will be extended to carry out a penalty if time has expired.
    3. A goal can be scored directly from a penalty kick.
    4. The referee shows the kicker where to place the ball (if no mark).
    5. The player taking the kick must be known by the referee and goalie.
    6. The goalie must remain on his/her goal line until the ball is kicked.
    7. The goalie can move as long as his/her feet are on the goal line.
    8. All other players must remain outside the penalty area.
    9. All other players must also be outside the penalty arc.
    10. All other players must remain behind the ball.
    11. The ball must be kicked forward.
    12. Once the ball moves forward, other players may enter the penalty area.
    13. If the kicker touches the ball a second time before touched by another player the defending team is awarded an indirect free kick. (rebounds off the post back to the kicker)
    14. If the ball rebounds off the goalkeeper the kicker may play the ball.
    15. The referee asks the goalie if he/she is ready before blowing the whistle.

    Infringements of a Penalty Kick

    1. First, the referee allows all penalty kicks to proceed.
    2. If the goalkeeper moves off his line before the kick is taken and a goal is scored, the goal will stand.
    3. If the goalkeeper moves off his line before the kick is taken and a goal is not scored, the penalty kick will be retaken.
    4. If a defender encroaches into the penalty area or penalty arc before the kick is taken and a goal is scored, the goal will stand.
    5. If a defender encroaches into the penalty area or penalty arc before the kick is taken and a goal is not scored, the penalty kick will be retaken.
    6. If an attacker encroaches into the penalty area or penalty arc before the kick is taken and a goal is scored, the penalty kick will be retaken.
    7. If an attacker encroaches into the penalty area or penalty arc before the kick is taken and a goal is not scored, the play will stand.
    8. If an attacker encroaches into the penalty area or penalty arc before the kick is taken and a goal is not scored, but the ball rebounds off the goalkeeper and/or goal post to the encroaching player, an indirect kick is awarded to the defending team.
    9. If the kicker touches the ball a second time before touched by another player, an indirect kick is awarded to the defending team.
    10. If an outside agent interferes with the penalty kick, the kick is retaken.
    11. If an outside agent interferes with the penalty kick after it has touched the goalkeeper and/or goal post, a drop ball will be taken.

17. Goal kick
    A goal kick is a method of restarting the game. When the attacking team plays the ball over the goal line (not between the goal posts) a goal kick is awarded to the defending team.
    1. If lucky, you can score a goal directly from a goal kick.
    2. If you kick the ball into your own goal, the opposing team is awarded a corner kick.
    3. The ball can be kicked from any point within the goal area.
    4. The opposing team must remain outside the penalty area. (this does not also include the penalty arc)
    5. The defending team can have as many players within the penalty area as they deem necessary.
    6. The ball is in play when the ball fully crosses the penalty area.
    7. If the ball does not fully leave the penalty area, the kick is retaken.
    8. In U8 and below: if the kicking player plays the ball a second time (already left the penalty area) before touched by another player, the kick is retaken.
    9. In U9 and above: if the kicking player plays the ball a second time (already left the penalty area) before touched by another player, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick.
    10. For any other foul regarding a goal kick, the kick is retaken.

18. Cautionable Offenses (yellow cards)
    1. Is guilty of unsporting behavior.
    2. Shows dissent by words or actions.
    3. Persistently infringes the Laws of the Game.
    4. Delays the restart of play.
    5. Fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick or any free kick (direct/indirect).
    6. Enters or reenters the field of play without the permission of the referee.
    7. Deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee permission.
    8. Any other reason a referee feels a caution is deserving.

19. Sending-Off Offenses (red cards/ejections)
    1. Is guilty of serious foul play.
    2. Is guilty of violent conduct.
    3. Spits at an opponent or any other person.
    4. Denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately tackling and/or handling the ball. (the handling rule does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area; however, it does apply to a goalie who leaves the penalty area and then deliberately handles the ball)
    5. Uses offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures.
    6. Receives a second caution card (first show yellow then red)

20. Offside
    When the attacking team tries to gain an advantage by having a player/players closer to their attacking goal then the second to the last opponent.

    Offside position

    • Nearer to the opponents goal line than the ball and the second to the last opponent.
    • Ahead of the defender as compared by the positioning of their torsos.
    1. You cannot be in an offside position on your half of the field.
    2. Offside is looked at when the ball is kicked, not when arrives.
    3. There is no offside when directly receiving the ball from a goal kick.
    4. There is no offside when directly receiving the ball from a throw-in.
    5. There is no offside when directly receiving the ball from a corner kick.
    6. You cannot be called for offside if you start on your half of the field.
    7. Can you be in an offside position and not be called for it? (YES)
       What constitutes a player getting called for offside?
       • Interfering with the play.
       • Interfering with an opponent.
       • Gaining an advantage by being offside.
    8. To be called for offside you must be in the offside position before the ball is kicked and you must commit one of the above infractions.
    9. There is no offside in U8 and below.
       • In U8 and below if a coach or player knowingly tries trying to take advantage of this rule (telling kids to stay up or if a referee is trying to tell them to get back on-side and a coach is saying no stay their: it will be deemed unsporting behavior and the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick.
       • Although it is not called in U8 and below, we expect our coaches to begin teaching their kids the proper rules.

Example 2- Player A is ready to take the corner kick. Player A touches the ball, but says to player B "you take the kick". Player B comes over and starts dribbling the ball. This is allowed by the rules of a corner kick because it was touched; however, it is unsporting conduct because of what player A said (unsporting trickery). Both players would be cautioned with a yellow card.