Youth Soccer Rules Modifications

POLICY

The following rules apply to all Anne Arundel County Spring/Fall youth soccer games and comply with the Recreation and Parks Department Guidelines and Reference Manual.

Anne Arundel County combines the laws of the game as outlined in the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) soccer rules and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) rules. These are available at the following locations:

• NFHS:  https://www.nfhs.org/activities-sports/soccer/  
• FIFA:    FIFA Laws of the Game

Throughout this document, references are made to “coaches”; this includes both the head coach and assistant coach(s) of each team (unless otherwise indicated).

TOBACCO, DRUG, AND ALCOHOL PROHIBITION 

• No drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and/or vaporizers of any kind, are permitted in or on any Board of Education-owned or leased buildings or grounds at any time.
• No drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and/or vaporizers of any kind, are permitted in or on any R&P buildings or grounds at any time. To include, but not limited to:
  • restrooms, spectator and concession areas, dog parks, aquatic facilities, or playgrounds in any R&P recreational facility or park. 
• Tobacco use of any kind is prohibited within 100 yards of an organized activity at an R&P recreational facility or park. 
   

An organized activity is an event with a defined start and end time, held in a designated or permitted area. Examples of organized activities include athletic events and concerts.

BACKGROUND CHECK POLICY

As a prerequisite for any personal involvement with children, all adults who have care, custody, or control of youth participants in any program or activity must complete a criminal history records check as described in the Background Check process in the Guidelines and Reference Manual.

ZERO TOLERANCE PROCEDURES

PURPOSE: To implement and provide a procedure that allows for a safe environment for player participation, Coach Instruction, Fan support, and officials. The following procedure is designed to deter unsportsmanlike behavior at youth sporting events.

In cases where unsportsmanlike behavior is being displayed, the referee/official (s) have the authority to:

• Stop the game and warn the offending sideline (s).
• The next display of unsportsmanlike behavior by the offending sideline(s) will result in termination of the game.
• If the officials cancel a game due to unsportsmanlike behavior, the Recreation & Parks Department will determine the contest's outcome.
•  

DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

The Department has the authority to impose disciplinary sanctions for inappropriate and/or unsportsmanlike behavior and/or non-compliance with departmental policies, guidelines, or standards. This authority is not limited to programs sponsored by the Department of Recreation and Parks.

• Ejections In Youth Sports
  • Players ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct by departmental personnel or game officials will be suspended for a minimum of one (1) game, including playoffs and tournaments.
  • Coaches or spectators ejected by departmental personnel or game officials for unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended for a minimum of two (2) games, including playoffs and tournaments.
  • Ejections occurring at the end of the season will result in the suspensions being carried over to the next sport or season. The suspended individual may be barred from all sites where County-sponsored activities are being held.
  • A coach who refuses to provide the full name of an ejected player and/or coach to departmental personnel or game officials will be subject to disciplinary action.
• Non-Appealable Disciplinary Sanctions
  • The following disciplinary sanctions may not be appealed:
    • Probation
    • One or two-game Suspension for Participants in Youth Activities (includes coaches)
    • Two-week Suspension for Participants in Adult Activities
    • Recruiting violations
• Physical Confrontations
  • A player, coach, or spectator who makes or threatens physically aggressive contact with another individual, other than a game official, may be suspended from all county-sponsored sports for a minimum of one (1) year from the date of the incident.
  • A player, coach, or spectator who threatens physically aggressive contact with a game official may be suspended from all County-sponsored sports for a minimum of two (2) years from the date of the incident.
  • The suspended individual may be barred from all County parks, facilities, and County-sponsored activities.

COACHES' RESPONSIBILITIES

1. A head or assistant coach who is at least 18 years old and has completed an Anne Arundel County R&P Background check must be present at each league game. 
2. Coaches are responsible for registering players and ensuring all other eligibility requirements for their teams are met.
3. A coach who signs or plays an ineligible player is liable for suspension and other disciplinary action.
4. A home Commissioner can cancel a game(s) at least two (2) hours before game time because of weather conditions. He/she must notify the opposing Commissioner, Recreation and Parks, and officials. 
5. The head coach must ensure that all assistant coaches and team volunteers are certified and have a current background check through Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks. All coaches MUST complete the Coaches' Pledge in the Team Sports Portal. The Head Coach is responsible for verifying that all coaches have completed.
6. The head coach is responsible for the conduct of all persons connected with their team at all times. This includes conduct towards the officials. 
   • The head coach is responsible for the behavior of his players and all team members. 
   • The head coach is also responsible, insofar as can be reasonably expected to control the spectators. 
   • Abuse of an official or an opposing player by a fan, with no attempt by the team's management to eliminate it, will be dealt with by the Department of Recreation and Parks.
7. If a coach feels that a problem spectator(s) is not a supporter, he should request the official to remove the spectator from the vicinity. If the problem persists, the referee may require the home team management to call the police.
8. The winning coach must enter the final score of the game into the Team Sports Portal. This must be completed by 11 a.m. on the Tuesday following the game.
9. The home team is responsible for providing the game ball of the appropriate size. These sizes are shown in the table at the end of this document.
10. The home team is required to wear pinnies in cases where the opposing team's uniform colors and their team colors match. Teams can wear tie-dyed jerseys.

REGISTRATION AND ELIGIBILITY OF PLAYERS

• Registering Teams
  • AACO League Fees must be paid before the team placement meeting, or the team may be dropped. All other fees must be paid before the start of the season. Teams with outstanding balances from prior seasons may be denied the ability to play in the current season
  • AACO - Team league fees
  • Current Vendor for Officials – Officials' Fee per team
  • AAYSA – Organizational fee
  • Teams withdrawing after the season’s placement meeting are not entitled to a refund of league fees.
  • Teams may be added after the placement meeting only in exceptional circumstances, as approved by the AACO. Late registrations will be considered based on league availability.
  • The elected board, chosen by the commissioners, has the right to recommend team movement between divisions to fill leagues.
  • Teams added late may NOT play the same number of games that other teams do within a season.
     
• Player Eligibility
  • Girls may play in the boys' program, but boys may not compete in the girls' program.
  • The age group a player can participate in is determined by their birth date. The County uses September 1 as the age eligibility date. Use the age matrix below when determining player eligibility. For Spring placement, players who played in the prior fall season should play with the same age level they played for in the fall.
  • For player age waivers, the organization commissioner must send a waiver request to the RP Supervisor before the season starts. The commissioner will be notified if the waiver request is approved or denied.
  • All players should be properly rostered before participating in any game. Team rosters should be entered into the Team Sports Portal before the start of the season. Required information on the Portal roster is, 
  • The player's first and last name,
  • Player DOB, 
  • Jersey number,
  • Parent email - The Portal allows parents to complete the player contract and concussion form electronically. If parents do not complete the electronic forms, then the coach/commissioner is responsible for getting the proper documentation to Recreation & Parks.
  • Players may only be on the roster of one team playing within the Anne Arundel County league during a season. Players ARE permitted to be on the roster of an AACO team and a “travel” (EDP, CMSSL, CMSA, NCSL, etc.) team in the same season. 
  • Public, private, parochial, and/or home-schooled high school (HS) students who play (participate and/or are on the roster) on a fall HS soccer team are not eligible to play on an AACO team in the fall season. 
    • HS students who play on a fall HS team ARE permitted to participate in the spring season. 
    • Players who are no longer in high school ARE NOT permitted to play on a U18 team. 

AGE MATRIX CHART

ROSTERS

• It is recommended that each player receive a thorough examination by a health practitioner, including concussion baseline testing, before entering any sports program.
• Head coaches are responsible for all administrative requirements relative to team registration, Head Coach’s Pledge, background checks for assistant coaches (youth only), player contracts (youth only), player releases, and player eligibility requirements.
• Team rosters and player contracts (youth only) must be submitted before the beginning of the respective season, on or before the established due date.
• Teams will be given a warning the first time missing forms are discovered.
• If organizations/teams do not come into compliance with the forms, a team may be subject to forfeiting each game played and/or the coach suspended, where documentation has not been completed.
• If game(s) are forfeited, the club is responsible for all fees due to the resulting forfeiture(s). 
• Teams are prohibited from fielding “guest players.”
• A Guest player is any player not listed on the roster for the specific team in the Team Sports Portal
• Any coach who signs or plays an ineligible player is subject to disciplinary actions. Upon discovery of an ineligible player, all games in which the ineligible player participated will be forfeited
• Referees are not involved in the determination of player eligibility unless the player in question has been disqualified and the official is aware of such disqualification. In such a case, the referee will ask the player or disqualified coach to leave before continuing play.

• Roster maximums consist of the following number of players:

  • 7v7 - twelve (12) players
  • 9v9 - fifteen (15) players
  • 11v11 - eighteen (18) players

  If organizations have rosters exceeding the above maximums, the commissioner must send an email requesting a roster waiver to the Recreation & Parks supervisor. The Organization name, the coach's name, and the number of players should be included. 

LEAGUE CLASSIFICATIONS

• Levels of Play - Divisions will be established, by skill level, to accommodate all teams participating.
  • Elite - (High Placement)  is the “select” division and is intended primarily for travel teams who are interested in participating in the AACO season. 
    • Teams that won Division 1 in the prior season are also encouraged to participate in this division, as are any other teams interested in “testing the travel league waters” before moving to a select league. 
    • This division will be formed only if at least 4 travel teams in an age group sign up to participate. Coaches must play each team player at least 25% of the total game time.
    • AACO, with the assistance of AAYSA, reserves the right to place teams in the “A” Division based on prior performance.  
    • Leagues may be either orange, purple, or black
  • High Placement (equivalent to division 1 or 2) is a highly competitive level of play. Division 1 teams consist of players with the highest skill set within each age grouping.
    • Teams are usually selected by tryouts or skill comparisons by the sponsoring community organizations. 
    • Coaches must play each team player at least 25% of the total game time.
    • Leagues may be either orange, purple, or black
       
  • Medium Placement (equivalent to division 2 or 3) - is not as competitive as High or Elite Division. Teams generally are a combination of experienced and recreational players.
    • Coaches must play each team player at least 50% of the total game time.
    • Leagues may be either yellow, red, blue, or green.
       
  • Low Placement (equivalent to division 3, and below) - are primarily designed for purely recreational players and should be less competitive.
    • Most teams are fielded by random assignment of players rather than tryouts or skill comparisons.
    • If an organization fields multiple teams per age group in these levels, it is recommended that the organization attempt to level the teams by skill and avoid the placement of two teams within the same division. 
    • Coaches must play each team player at least 50% of the total game time.
    • Leagues may be either gold, silver, navy, burgundy, pink, white, brown, or teal.
       

PLACEMENT OF TEAMS

AACO works closely with AAYSA to achieve the best fit for all teams in the County Soccer program.

• Team placement is primarily based on;

  • Notes provided by the commissioner, 
  • Standings from the previous spring and/or fall season.
  • Elite/High Division Leagues - the two highest placing teams are advised (though not required) to move up to Division A, and the lowest placing teams are typically moved down to the medium division
  • Medium Division Leagues - the two highest teams can be moved up to the High/Elite division 
  • All other divisions will be handled in the same manner.
     

  Requests for exceptions to this policy must be justified in writing at the time of team registration. Note: The addition or loss of teams in an age group can affect placement in such a way as to make it unreasonable and contradictory to the intent of the rule to place certain teams according to the above procedures. 

  • Divisions - Every attempt will be made to create leagues with a minimum of 6 teams, except for the lowest division in each age group (which will have at least 6 but no more than 13 teams in it). Exceptions to this 6-team division rule may be made as needed and based on the teams registered in each age level. In these cases, the commissioners acknowledge that in doing so, they may end up with an unbalanced game schedule.
     
• Travel Players - (i.e., carded players)
  • If a team is playing with a player(s) that also play on select teams (for example, EDP, CMMSL, CMSA, or NCSL) in the same season, the following division placement rules may apply. The AACO placement committee has the authority to make other exceptions to the rules above (and interpret these rules) depending on the individual circumstances:
  • For all 7v7 age groups (U8, U9, U10 and GU18), 
    • 25% carded players would place a team into the High Division depending upon the previous season's record.
    • 50% or more carded players would place the team into the Elite or High Division. Registration fees would be refunded if there is no good fit, unless there is another appropriate solution.
  • For all 9v9 and 11v11 age groups (U11- U18) 
  • 50% or more carded players would place a team into the High Division (Elite or Division A), depending upon the previous season's record. Registration fees would be refunded if there is no good fit, unless there is another appropriate solution.

OPTIONAL - Re-Seeding - After the first two or three weeks of regular league games, weather permitting, the results of those games will be reviewed, and team swaps/moves will be considered by the AACO/AAYSA placement team.

• In the Fall, depending on the number of games played initially and schedule restrictions, games scheduled for weeks 3 or 4 will be played as scheduled, allowing ample time for movement and publishing of the moves. 
• If swaps/moves are made, the team being moved will assume the schedule of the team they have been swapped with. AACRP will look at potential coaching conflicts, but may not be able to accommodate the de-conflicting of those conflicts.
• AACO will review proposed team swaps with the placement committee before they are finalized, taking into account all factors, including (but not limited to) teams' Win/Loss record, goals for, goals against, and opponents.
• AACO reserves the right to move teams to different divisions to balance the level of competition across the age groups at any time during the season.
  
   

GENERAL RULES

• Rosters 
  Before each game, it is recommended that coaches exchange rosters from the Coach’s Portal.
  • A hard copy of the roster or a roster on the Portal should be presented.
  • Coaches should verify the number of rostered players and the number of players on site. A player who is not listed on the official roster may not play in a league game.
  • A coach’s failure to produce a roster for a game is not grounds to not play that game.
  • Player names cannot be written on a roster. However, jersey numbers can be written onto a roster before the rosters are locked for the season. After the date for editing rosters, commissioners should contact RP staff to make adjustments.
  • Duplicate jersey numbers are NOT permitted on AACO teams.
  • Teams without Rosters in the Team Sports Portal may be forced to forfeit the game reported and future games until that roster is entered and received by Recreation & Parks.
  • Players can only be roasted on one (1) team with one (1) organization participating in the Recreation & Parks league.
     
• Pre-Game Checks - All players should be inspected by game officials before the start of play for adherence to the following safety and uniform rules.
  • No jewelry (including watches, neck chains, bracelets, and earrings) may be worn. Hair scrunchies on the wrist are not allowed.
  • Hair adornments may be worn but must be secured.
  • All team members, except the goalkeeper, must wear shirts, shorts, and socks, that are uniform and distinct from the opponents’ uniforms.
  • The goalkeeper must wear a shirt that is distinct from both the opponents’ and his/her own team’s uniforms. However, the shirt does not need a number.
  • Both socks must be the same color, and single-color tie-dye is allowed.
  • A soft cap may be worn during cold weather.
  • Players wearing braces or other oral appliances are highly urged to wear protective, commercially available mouthpieces specifically designed for such purposes to cover those appliances.
  • Players wearing glasses are highly urged to have their glasses appropriately secured to the head using a soft material.
  • All players are required to wear age-and size-appropriate shin guards that have not been modified from the original manufactured state and are worn in the manner the manufacturer intended.
  • Face paint and sprayed-on hair color are allowed so long as it is not considered offensive or objectionable by the officials.
  • Players may participate in games wearing a cast, but it must be sufficiently protected (with bubble wrap or foam, or other padding at least ½ inch thick), not to injure another player.
  • Shoes must be worn by all players. No metal cleats are allowed, and front cleats (for example, baseball shoes) or anything the referee considers dangerous will not be allowed.
  • A referee must exclude a player from participation until he or she conforms to the safety standards. Any player who missed the pre-game inspection or was not in compliance with the safety standards during the pre-game inspection must report to the referee before entering the game. If a referee notices a safety standard infraction once the game starts, the violator could be instructed to leave the field of play when the ball next ceases to be in play unless there is a dangerous situation. No caution (Yellow Card) should be given to the player or the coach. The removed player can be replaced. The removed player may return during a dead-ball situation after reporting to the referee and demonstrating compliance. 
  • A player must be removed from the field if he/she is bleeding. Any wound must be adequately bandaged to prevent further exposure to blood before the player may return to a game. Any clothing or equipment contaminated with blood must be replaced. Players who exhibit signs of concussion (e.g., confusion, headache, or dizziness) are required to sit out for the remainder of the game. The Coach must receive medical clearance in writing before allowing the player to return for another game.
     
• Forfeits
  • Off the field - If a team is unable to make a scheduled game (for any reason) and must forfeit the game, the coach is required to contact his/her organization’s commissioner, the opposing team coach, and the AACO representative and notify them of the forfeiture. There are no refunds of referee fees for forfeitures.
  • Any team not at the playing site within 15 minutes of the scheduled starting time of the game shall forfeit the contest. Referees should start the game clock at the scheduled start time. If a team shows before the 15 minutes are over, the time passed will be deducted from the game time.
  •  Any team that forfeits two games without notifying AACO within 24 hours of the scheduled game date/time may be dropped from the league for the remainder of the season. There will be no refund of the team registration fee or referee fees.
  • The results of all games played by the dropped team will be nullified, and the standings of that division will reflect byes for games that were originally scheduled for the dropped team.
    • A game could be forfeited whenever one team fields fewer than seven (7) players for 11 vs. 11, six (6) players for 9 vs. 9, or fewer than five (5) for 7 vs. 7.
  • All forfeits will be recorded as a 1-0 decision.
  • If a game is terminated by the officials as a result of the action(s) of either team, the game may be declared a forfeit loss to one or both teams, regardless of whether the first half has been completed.

OFFICIAL GAMES

• The fall and Spring seasons are 8 games. Double-header weekends may be scheduled as needed, depending on the number of teams within a division. If the schedule allows, the fall season may include a 9th game.
• All season games will be played as scheduled unless postponed for such reasons as adverse weather, darkness, or unplayable fields.
  • Possible grounds for postponements are;
• Conflicts with a specific single-date religious holiday;
• Verified school-sponsored event that resulted in the team not having enough players to field a legal team
• The Commissioner of the affected team must notify the sports supervisor of their situation as soon as it is known, but no later than 2 weeks before the scheduled game date. The AACO sports supervisor will evaluate requests for rescheduled games for reasons other than religious or school events on a case-by-case basis. All requests must be made via email and in the required format below:
• Club Name/Commissioner Name
• Gender/Age Group/Division/Team Name
• Original Game Date/Time/Location
• Reason/Conflict and contact email/phone
• Opposing team name/club name
• No electronic or mechanical noisemakers (including whistles, horns, cow bells, air horns, etc.) are permitted at any game.
• There are currently no formal “slaughter” rules or policies; however, it is suggested that coaches take reasonable steps to keep game scores in check in cases where teams are mismatched. These reasonable steps include (but are not limited to) flipping the team’s offense and defense, instituting a minimum number of passes before shooting, and shooting with the players' “weak foot” only.
• Where possible, rostered players and coaches should sit on one side of the field, separated by the midfield line. Supporters/spectators should sit on the opposite side of the field from their team and across from their team.
• The coaches from both teams (heads or assistants) should meet with the referee(s) before the start of the game to verify the length and number of periods, ball size, as well as age group, and local ground rules.
• Make-up games are considered mandatory and are treated like any other game. Organizations must be aware of this contingency and be prepared to play the scheduled make-up games.
• Fall Season make-up games could be scheduled on Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons. Regular-season games will be scheduled on Saturdays
• Spring Season make-up games could be scheduled on Friday evenings or Saturdays. Regular-season games will be scheduled on Sundays.

Game Specifications

SCORES

• If an error in the recorded game results and/or referee count is identified, it must be brought to the attention of AACO. The change will only be made after RP Staff verifies the requested correction with the opposing coaches and/or the official(s) at the game
  • No corrections to game results will be made after the Friday following the last game of the season.
• The outcome of a game cannot be challenged or protested based on whether scores should have been allowed, penalties should or should not have been awarded, interpretations of the rules, or similar reasons. If it is determined that illegal players have been used in a game, the outcome of the game could be changed by R & P.

STANDINGS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Standings will be determined by awarding two (2) points for a win and one (1) point for a tie for games played.
• In the event of a tie or head-to-head competition, a coin flip may be used to determine overall standings.
• In leagues where all teams do not play every team during league play, a tiebreaker will be the best record among common opponents, and then a coin toss.
• The number of points earned, except when an unequal number of games have been played, will determine divisional standings and placements. In that case, the percentage of points earned out of the total possible points, which could have been earned, will determine final placement after all other options have been exhausted.
• In the event of a tie between two or more teams, the teams will be declared co-champions.
• In the Fall season, within each Age Group and Division, the first-place team will receive 1 Team trophy awarded by AACO. In case of ties (see above), trophies will be awarded to both teams. There is no team trophy in the spring season.

OFFICIALS

• All officials' fees must be paid to the officials' organization before the start of the season.  AACRP will provide the name of the organization to participating clubs.
• IF REFEREES DO NOT ARRIVE by game time, the coaches (heads or assistants) are encouraged to use volunteer officials, but they are not required to do so. 
• Not having referees is not a guarantee that the game will be rescheduled. This is not grounds for protesting a game. However, the coaches must notify their respective commissioners that the appropriate number of referees did not show up. If volunteer officials are used, the following rights and responsibilities should be followed:
  • The head coach should not volunteer unless he/she has a qualified assistant coach to run the team. The volunteer officials should follow the same code of conduct as would be expected from a “regular” referee.
  • Volunteer officials have the same responsibility to officiate the game to the best of their ability, following the rules outlined herein. However, since they would not have the equipment a normal referee would have, they are unable to issue yellow or red cards. Therefore, if the volunteer referees feel at any time during the game that the play is moving outside of their control, they have the right to end the game and notify RP staff.
  • If game officials arrive after play has commenced, the game will be turned over to them at a stoppage of play. Elapsed time will NOT be repeated or replayed. The game will be continued or resumed from the point at which play was stopped.
  • If the entire schedule is NOT postponed by R&P, the referees have the authority, based on their judgment, to cancel any games based on the playability of the field. Teams are not to play games on canceled fields in the absence of the officially scheduled referees. Whether individually canceled games will or will not be made up will be determined by AACO based on field and referee availability and other factors.
• The Referee is responsible for starting the clock on time, and coaches are responsible for assisting in doing that by not dawdling or delaying the ref during the pregame check-in, which happens up to 5 to 7 minutes before the game.
• The number of referees scheduled for each age group is displayed in the table at the end of this document.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

• Lightning/Thunder Policy – To ensure player and spectator safety, all activities must come to a stop and the playing field cleared at the first sound of thunder or sign of lightning. Play may resume after a 30-minute delay after the last sound of thunder or sign of lightning. During the stoppage of play, the game clock continues to run, and the playing time is not made up when play resumes. Additionally, most high school fields are equipped with a lightning detection system that should be followed.
• The AACO may postpone or cancel the entire schedule for a game day based on inclement weather up to two hours before the first game that day.
  • If an alternate field must be used, it is up to the organization that maintains the field to notify both teams of the change and to adequately prepare the field for play following the league and R&P rules.
• For weather-related cancellations: Canceled games (closed fields) will be displayed on the Team Sports portal and Recreation and Parks Athletics page as they become available

FIELDS

• The organization that is directly responsible for the field must ensure that the field is
• Marked with an approved athletic field marking material, 
• Corner markers are placed, 
• Nets are installed, 
• Goals are properly anchored, and 
• The field is properly mowed and ready for safe play.
• If the game officials deem the field unsafe for play, the game will be canceled. Teams CANNOT play the game. R&P, at their discretion, will make every effort to reschedule games canceled due to weather. All teams are prohibited from rescheduling games themselves.
• Reasonable variations in field dimensions are permitted; recommended field dimensions are shown in the table at the end of this document. 
• The organization supplying the field will be required to designate by painting the coach’s box, which extends 10 YARDS on each side of the half and THREE YARDS from the touchline.

RULES OF PLAY

• 7 v 7and GIRLS U18
  • The goalkeeper may not punt the ball past midfield. In the event that the goalie punts the ball past the midfield line, the opposing team receives an indirect free kick at the point where the ball passed the midfield line. A ball drop-kicked by the goalkeeper is not considered to be a punt even if it crosses the midfield line in the air.
• U8 and U9 
  • Any goal kicks or other kicks, such as a direct kick for the defensive team that would be inside the penalty box line, will be taken from the penalty box line as opposed to the goal box or place of infraction.
• SLIDE TACKLES
  • To ensure safe play, slide tackles are prohibited for all 7v7 and 9v9 age groups but are allowed for all 11v11 age groups and GU18. 
  • Slide tackles performed by 7v7 or 9v9 age groups should be treated as a foul and may result in a direct kick or (if judged to be egregious enough) a red card.

SUBSTITUTIONS

• Will be allowed as follows:
  • No limit on the number of substitutions or substitutes.
  • A player who has been substituted may return to the game.
  • Substitutions can be made before a throw-in in your favor.
  • Before a throw-in for your opponent, only if your opponent is making a substitution at that time.
  • Before a goal kick by either team, after a goal, or at half-time.
• MUST be made:
  • After an injury, by either team, the referee stops play unless it is the goalkeeper.
  • Following a yellow card. The opposing team may also substitute.
  • Substitutions must be declared by the coach to the referee closest to their side of the field, and only when players entering are ready and standing at the field center line. Players may enter the field upon acknowledgment and request of the referee at the next available situation noted in items 3a, b, or C, or 4 above

HEADING RULES

• AACO is enforcing the heading policy from US Soccer. The modifications of the rules about bringing the indirect kick and drop ball out to the top of the penalty area are an AACO rules interpretation change.
• For Ages U12 and above, there are no restrictions
• For Ages U11 and under - If a player intentionally heads a ball, an indirect kick at the spot of the infraction will be awarded to the opposing team. If it was headed purposely in the penalty area, the ball would be placed at the top of the penalty area. (18-yard box)
• If a player accidentally heads a ball, a drop ball will occur at the spot of the infraction. If a player accidentally heads a ball in the penalty area, the drop ball will occur at the top of the penalty area. (18-yard box)
• The home team has the choice of side.
• No spectators may be positioned on either team's sidelines, behind either end line, or from the end line to the top of the penalty box. All spectators and players must stay THREE YARDS from the touchline and may not interfere with any replay or restart. The coaches are expected to help in the enforcement of this margin. 
• The referee will keep the official game clock. The duration of games and lengths of periods are shown in the table at the end of this document. The game clock will be a “running clock” and NOT stopped for any situation; the intent is to keep games on their schedules. 
• Games are considered complete if the first half of the game has been played out. The clock will be stopped for on-field medical treatment or when otherwise ordered by an official. 

PLAYER PROTEST:

• Roster Protest should be sent to the AACRP Supervisor within 72 hours of the completed game by the organization commissioner, or complete the Roster Protest Form
• Once received, AACRP will begin verification of the questionable roster.
  • Staff will verify information entered into the Team Sports Portal
  • Teams may be asked to produce further documentation to verify a player's eligibility. This information should be presented to AACRP within 48 hours of the request.
• If a rostered player is found to be ineligible for a particular age group, the game(s) in which that player is identified as playing could be forfeited. The ineligible player must be removed from the team's roster before any future games are played.
• AACRP will not share copies of player information with organizations. However, we can share the result of the investigation with the organization's commissioner.

• Missing or written in jersey numbers are not grounds for a Roster Protest or game forfeit. The jersey number is an aid to Recreation & Parks staff and game officials in player identification.

  • The coach should notify their commissioner, who in turn should complete the Roster Protest Google sheet within 72 hours of the game when this occurs. 
  • Notify the referee immediately
  • The player will be required to sign the roster and be allowed to play in the game.
  • A formal protest of the game is required; the protesting team then contacts their respective Commissioner to contact the Recreation & Parks Department.
     

  FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

  1. Coaches may be cautioned or disqualified for failure to maintain reasonable and proper control over the behavior and actions of his/her team and their spectators (including parents, relatives, friends, etc.) when the referee deems that they are not working with the referee to help with the good order of the game.
  • Referees are encouraged to issue a warning (yellow card) to the TEAM upon the first major infraction, such as foul or derogatory language, threatening behavior, or over-aggressive play from a player or spectator.
  • After the TEAM warning has been issued, the next major infraction should result in a RED Card, and the player, coach, or spectator should be removed from the game field.
  • Both the issuance of the team Yellow and/or the individual red card should be reported to the RP Supervisor within 24 hours of the game's completion.
  1. In the event of disruptive behavior by a spectator(s), the official may direct the offender(s) to leave the field of play. If they do not leave, the game may be halted by the official.
  • Parents and spectators must be aware that the coach is responsible for their actions on the sideline, BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER THE GAME.
  • Halted games due to sideline behavior can be forfeited as deemed appropriate by Recreation & Parks.
  • It is entirely inappropriate for team staff, parents, or spectators to make loud, abusive, derogatory, or threatening comments to the referees, members of the opposing team, their team staff, or their spectators.

COACH YELLOW and/or RED CARDS

• For all RED cards, the coach is removed from that game and suspended for the next two (2) games. 
• Two yellow cards equal a red card.
• If the infraction occurs at the end of one season, the coach will serve the suspension at the start of the next season.
• If the person coaches 2 or more teams, the suspension is served at the coach’s next 2 scheduled games. 
• The coach will not participate in any game. 
• The coach must completely leave the field of play and cannot have any communication with the team during the suspension. If caught at the field by either the officials or the opposing team coaches, the sports supervisor or league board may impose additional disciplinary action as appropriate. 

PLAYER RED CARDS

• If a player receives a red card, he/she is suspended for the remainder of the game and for the next scheduled game. He/she may not be on the sidelines during the suspended game or have any communication with the team.

PLAYER YELLOW CARDS 

• If a player receives a Yellow Card, the player must leave the field until the next legal substitution opportunity. The coach may elect to play short-handed or send in a substitute. Players who have violated the safety rules must leave the game until the infraction is corrected, but neither the coach nor the player will receive a Yellow Card. 

INCIDENT REPORTS 

• RP has created a Google Sheet, Sportsmanship Incident Report, for incidents that occur on the field. Please complete this form for Red Cards/Yellow Cards or incidents that present unsafe conditions.

The following are the field dimensions and other specifications for the 3 field sizes utilized by Anne Arundel County Youth Soccer.  While some flexibility in these field dimensions is allowed, organizations should make every attempt to follow these as closely as possible.