Rec Soccer Rules

For rules about tournaments: CLICK HERE

General Rules

Equipment: All players are required to wear shin guards at games and practices. Players without shin guards may not participate. Goalkeepers are to wear colored jerseys or pennies which distinguish them from the players and referees

• Socks – teams (U8 and older) must have socks of the same color. Players may not wear two different color socks. While teams not having socks of the same color will not constitute a reason to suspend a game; it is imperative that the team do everything possible to ensure that this does not occur in the next game.

Jewelry: A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous.

Accessories are permitted as long as they are not dangerous and are safely and securely covered.  Dangerous items must be removed and not taped or covered.

To help clarify what accessories would be considered safe and would be considered dangerous, US Soccer has provided the following direction, which applies to all match participants.

PERMITTED EXAMPLES

Not dangerous, and safely and securely covered

• Medical alert bracelet, taped flat to the skin
• Religious item worn under the kit and secured
• Soft fabric or rubber wristband, no hard edges
• Smooth wedding band, taped over
• Fitness trackers worn during play secured via a vest under the playing shirt

PROHIBITED EXAMPLES

Dangerous, or cannot be made safe (which means they cannot be made safe)

• Earrings or studs, including taped-over earrings
• Rings or bracelets with stones, prongs, or hard edges
• Necklaces or chains that cannot be safely covered
• Smartwatches or watches  (which means not allowed, even if covered.  Only match officials wear watches)

For additional clarification: All visible body piercings are not allowed. Nose rings and studs, lip and eye lid rings, and other piercings are not allowed.  The piercings must be removed to play.  If a player wants to participate with a face piercing that cannot be removed, the player will need to cover the piercing with a face mask, like players wear for broken facial bones.  Taping or soft covering is not acceptable for piercings.

Eye Glasses: Wire Rim glasses are not allowed. Plastic frames are permitted – even if they contain a wire within the plastic arm of the glasses.

Braces/Casts: Braces and casts are permitted IF all hard edges and joints are properly padded. Padding which is generally used is bubble wrap, kept in place by duct tape. If at any time during the game, the referee determines that the player is being un-safe either to themselves or to other players; the referee will no longer allow the player to participate. The referee has the final call on players participating with braces/casts. In the case of a cast – it is always in the best interest of the player to have a written doctor’s note stating that the player is fit to participate.

Referees: The decisions of the referee are final. All assigned referees will be certified as a Grade 8 or higher. Referees are assigned by the Central Virginia Soccer Referee Association (CVSRA).

Red Cards/Send Offs: If a player in a recreational game is sent off by the referee, the team will be allowed to substitute for the carded player. The carded player may not return to the game, however the team may play at full strength.

Substitutions: Substitutions are unlimited.  See specific age divisions for additional substitution information.

Weather Issues: If thunder is heard during a match, the coach and/or referee has the responsibility to supend the game. Everyone must clear the field. If the first half of the game has been played, the game is considered complete.

Schedules: Games may not be rescheduled between coaches.  All games must be on the official schedule to ensure that properly accredited referees are available as well as to ensure that all players are insured.

Game Day: If a referee is not present at game time; the coaches should decide who will officiate the game until the referee arrives. When the scheduled referee arrives, he will take over immediately. In the case of a game with a 3-man officiating crew, the senior referee of the group will work the center, and he/she may request a parent or older sibling to act as an assistant referee if needed.