Q & A
This area allows everyone to see questions that arise each year as everyone is learning the rules of the game.
If you would like to submit a question, please use the form below.
Q. When are substitutions allowed?
A. Per division....
U6 - Sub every 5 minutes per equal rotation
U8 - Sub every 5 minutes per equal rotation
U10 & U12
- coaches address the ref with "Sub Ref" / "Sub Sir" / "Sub Mama"
- kickoffs (after a score)
- goal kicks (by either team regardless of possession)
- throw ins (provided the team awarded the throw in is substituting and both teams have their subs at the half
line ready to enter the game)
- injured player
It is OK to sub a goalie at anytime during the course of the game as long as the referee is notified of the change.
Q. Is there any circumstance where a player is permitted to wear jewelry?
A. Jewelry, earrings and studs are not allowed under any circumstances. Medical alert bracelets may be worn, but must be covered with a cloth wristband or something equivalent.
While referees have some latitude in determining the safety of certain items, e.g. soft hair bands or bows which might be considered as jewelry, they do not have any discretion concerning earrings or other jewelry that is worn in a clearly visible body piercing. These items are strictly forbidden, and must be removed.
Referees and coaches who knowingly allow players to violate this policy may face disciplinary action and increase their personal legal liability in case of accident.
Q. Offsides Rule
A. Offsides - this some takes time to understand -
- it IS NOT A VIOLATION for a player to be in an offside position (in an offside position but not actively involved in the play)
- it IS A VIOLATION when an attacker who is in an offside position becomes actively involved in the play by
(1) interfering with play (having the ball passed to you while in the offside position)
(2) interferes with an opponent (blocking or screening an opponent from the ball - includes the goalkeeper)
(3) gains an advantage by being in an offside position (while in an offside position plays a ball that has bounced off the goal post, goalie or another defender.
It IS NOT A VIOLATION when a player in an offside position receives the ball DIRECTLY from
- a throw in
- a goal kick
- a corner kick
- a teammate on their side of the field (the defenders have pushed up so far they are across the half line) - quite rare.
The key word above is DIRECTLY and an offside may occur on any one of the above given the proper circumstances. For an offside to occur, It would call for another touch by either an offense or defensive player. (Gains an advantage by being in an offside position).
ASK THE REF QUESTION: