Portage Parks and Recreation
Portage Parks: 762-1675
PORTAGE PARKS YOUTH SOCCER
PROGRAM WIDE RULES
We will follow FIFA general soccer rules in addition to the in-house league rules listed below. Rules governing playing time, positioning, and substitutions do not apply to Kiddie Kickers.
LEAGUE RULES
1)We encourage participants to have FUN while learning skills that can be applied throughout life
2)All players must wear appropriate attire – no jewelry or metal ornamentation may be worn including earrings, necklaces, and metal barrettes. No hard brimmed baseball caps. Hoods must be tucked inside of shirts, no toe cleats are allowed on shoes. Shin guards must be worn by all players and must be covered or worn under socks.
3)No slide tackling will be permitted.
4)Each player must play at least 50% of each game.
5)All players must rotate to play both an offensive and defensive position in the course of a game.
6)Parents and spectators must stay on opposite sides of the playing field from teams during games behind spectator line. Parents may not come onto the field of play unless serving as line judges.
7)Always treat other families, coaches, and referees with dignity and respect. At no time should anyone speak to the referee about a decision or call on the field. If a spectator has a concern, speak to the league director. Violators will be asked to leave the complex.
8)If a team cannot field the required number of players, the opposing team will “play down” to the number of players on the other team.
9)If a team goes up by 8 goals, a “mercy rule” will be called and the game will be official. At this point, the winning team is to drop down to two (2) less players than the losing team and the game will continue for fun until time is up. Teams are to work on possession, passing, and defense.
10)No overtime will be played during regular season; games may end in a tie score
11)If a goalie has the ball, players must keep a safe distance and avoid running him/her over in an attempt to regain possession of the ball or score
COACHING RULES AND GUIDELINES
1)Both the head and assistant coach(es) must remain on the “players” side of the field during games. Coaches are not allowed along end lines or behind goals.
2)During games, coaches should avoid utilizing the entire length of the field and should remain on their half of the field, respecting the opposing team’s space.
3)Coaches will not be allowed on the field during play with the exception of Kiddie Kickers or in the case of an injured player.
4)Coaches are not permitted to transport players to the hospital for emergency treatment. Please call 911 for all emergencies and allow an ambulance to transport an injured player.
5)All injuries must be reported to the league director or sports director.
6)Children not on an approved roster may not play or practice in any game or practices.
7)Coaches may not recruit players after the designated registration period is closed. If your team loses players due to injury or drop outs, you will need to play short and your opponents must match your team number on the field. We will add players from the waiting list if applicable.
8)Absolutely NO SMOKING and NO FOUL LANGUAGE AT PRACTICES OR GAMES
9)We reserve the right to remove a coach from his/her duties and/or refuse to let him/her coach the following season based on complaints from players and/or parents.
RESOURCES
– rules of the game – lesson plans for coaches