Read the CYSA Team Manual for Modified Rules and Summary of Laws of the Game. Our goal is to promote sportsmanship, fun and a positive soccer experience for everyone, including the players, coaches, referees, parents and spectators. Our focus is beyond competition, wins & losses!

Pre-Game: Teams should arrive at least 20 minutes before game time. Shoes should be soccer cleats or turf shoes, but can be tennis shoes. No baseball shoes with a toe cleat. No earrings, other jewelry, hard hair barrettes or watches. Shinguards must be under socks, jerseys tucked in and shoelaces double tied. Players must have shinguards or they will not be allowed to play. Players with casts or splints are not allowed to play.

It is the coach's responsibility to have a picture ID & registration form/medical release for each player at every game. Anyone without these should not be allowed to play in the game.

Coaches, parents & spectators are not permitted near the goals. Parents & coaches should stay 3 feet back from touch line (side line). Coaches should coach (positively and calmly to set an example) from their half near half-line.

Introduce team captains. Coin toss: visitors call toss. Winner chooses the goal they will attack first half. Loser of coin toss kicks off first half.

8 players per side (7 + Goalkeeper). Size 4 ball, home team provides.

Game duration : 2 - 25 minute halves (no time is added). 5 minute half-time.

Substitutions are allowed only with approval of Center Referee. Let ref. know number of subs, wait until they are off field before sending new subs on.

Substitutions are allowed:

• at own throw-in
• before any goal kick
• after any goal
• at half time
• after an injury (either team)

New 2002 - If a player is issued a yellow card, they do not have to leave play for a sub, although the coach has the option to sub them out temporarily.

Slide tackling is NOT allowed in U-10 recreational games.

All free kicks are INDIRECT (ball must touch any other player before a goal counts). Opponents must be at least 6 yards from the ball.

NO Penalty Kicks. If a foul, award an INDIRECT kick, placing ball no closer to the goal line than the goal box line.

Unintentional handballs, play on.

Offside is called, conforming to the laws of the game. Leniency recommended for first 2 games of the season.

Throw-ins: conforms to the laws of the game. Leniency recommended for first 2 games of the season.

Goal: when the whole of the ball crosses completely over the goal line.

Corner Kick: any offensive player from anywhere inside the corner arc.

Goal Kick:can be taken by any defensive player from anywhere in the goal box.

End of Game: Encourage teams to shake hands.

All ties stand (no overtime or PK shootouts!). We are not keeping records of scores.

Observe teams for unsportsmanlike gloating or unkind comments & discuss with the coach.

Play all prepared players at least 50% of the game, ideally equal time for all.

Remember that this is Class 4 Recreational soccer and NOT a Competition Division.

Create a positive experience of team sports for non-athletic players and families - "Participation, not Wins."

Require that parents & spectators maintain a supportive & pleasant atmosphere.

Congratulate excellent, fair play by both teams.

Support our referees. Under no circumstances will aggressive challenges be tolerated. If necessary, politely request a clarification.

No dogs please at game sites, and pack out trash . . . even organic trash! Thanks.

Please contact the Aptos Soccer Club referee coordinator through the Club phone at 688-8501 ext. 08, and we'll try to return with answers as soon as possible.