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WVAL Rules

2022-2023 Soccer Rules

 

  1. High School federation rules will be used with middle school (WVAL) modifications:
    1. Two 30 minute halves- no overtime during league play.
    2. Unlimited substitutions during game.
  2. Players cannot move between JV and Varsity teams.
  3. No 8th graders on the JV team.
  4. Teams must have 11 players to start a game- less than 11 forfeit game.
  5. Playoff games:
    1. Two 30 minute halves
    2. If the game is tied after 60 minutes- two 10 minute halves- both halves must be played.
  6. Age appropriate shin guards are required; socks covering shin guards; cleats may be worn.
  7. No jewelry may be worn
  8. Goalie must wear different color shirt
  9. Half-time is 5 minutes
  10. Choice of kickoff, ends of field will be decided by a coin toss before game
  11. Season points: win = 3pts, tie = 1 pt
  12. Quality balls (size 5) are recommended. Have an extra ball at each goal.
  13. Field should be a minimum size of 60’ x 100’
  14. Field must be marked; each goal must have a net, goals must be anchored and 4 corner flags.
  15. Goalie has 6 seconds to release ball after receiving it (throw or punt)
  16. Home school is responsible for furnishing two officials at each game.
  17. Home school should notify visiting school by 1:00 if the game must be rescheduled due to weather or safety problems.
  18. Substitutions on injury, own throw-ins, own corner kick, any goal kick, yellow card, yellow/red card, or when other team subs. No substitution for players receiving red cards.
  19. Yellow- player must be subbed, may return at next available substitution.
  20. 2nd Yellow/Red card- player is removed from the game, and can’t return to game. Can’t be subbed for. Must sit out next game (league or playoffs). Both yellow and red cards need to be sent to the commissioner and AD of both schools.
  21. Goalie can’t pick up a ball that is passed back to them. Goalie may pick up a ball that is headed back to them.
  22. Mercy rule- When a team is leading by 4 goals or more, goals must be scored from outside of the penalty area. If a goal is scored inside of the penalty area a goal kick is awarded.
  23. (After a 4 goal lead the ball may be headed into the goal from a corner kick from within the penalty area)
  24. Soccer teams on one side of the field designated by the home team. Spectators (parents and students) on the other side of the field. No exceptions.
  25. No heading in practice; heading is allowed in games.