Covid Policy
Rec Soccer Agreement Between Towns Visiting Other Locations
Facility Use Rules pertaining to Covid 19
The purpose of this document is to align on a set of guidelines that all towns participating in Rec Soccer Games hosting outside teams or visiting other locations will abide to. Since COVID19 guidelines change over time as the virus level of transmission changes, the intent of this document is to provide an overarching agreement that all towns will follow New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) guidelines in place on the date of the event. NJYS follows guidelines given by the NJ Governors office as to when they move between the different phases of Soccer participation. Current stance of COVID19 regulations can be found at https://www.njyouthsoccer.com/Default.aspx?tabid=889491. As of July 6th 2020, NJYS has implemented Phase 4 regulations.
In the spirit of having an abundance of caution, games will continue to be played as long as NJYS remains in Phase 4 or higher which allows for players to practice / scrimmage and play games without the use of masks. Please note, parents and spectators are still required to follow stat guidelines in place on social distancing (remaining 6 ft apart and wearing masks). It is also good practice to minimize number of spectators to keep the transmission level as low as possible. As stated in the NJYS guidelines, everyone should be wearing masks to every event as they walk from the car to the field. Once at the field only players can remove masks once they begin warming up and participating.
During this period of COVID 19, Teams and parents of the players should all be on one side of the field with the Home team on one side and the Away team on the other. This will help reduce possible transmission from town to town. Players and Coaches should be at the center of the field and parents on either side of the team. Players when not playing in the game should remain 6 ft apart while resting.
Some additional “house keeping” guidelines outside of NJYS guidelines that all towns will agree to is to be sure to properly dispose of garbage brought onto the complex including water bottles. Since the virus can remain active on physical items for a number of hours, cleaning up others garbage would put a person at risk.
If anyone feels these rules are not being followed, a parent should reach out to their club representative to share the concerns. Club representatives will work through the issues.
By signing this agreement, I acknowledge as the town representative that I have shared these rules with all participating families and will abide by and enforce the guidelines.
League Rules for Grades 3-4
League games are played and officiated according to the Laws of the Game published by FIFA and as recommended by US Youth Soccer, with the below modifications.
1. The games will consist of TWO 25-minute halves with a five-minute half time.
2. Each team should supply one linesman per game if requested by the host town. Can use parents/children older than group playing. Their ONLY job is to raise the flag if over the line. Only the referee has the ability to decide if call will be made.
3. Players, coaches and team officials ejected from a game (red card) MUST leave the coach and parent sideline for the remainder of that game plus his/her team’s next game. Yellow cards will result in the player leaving the field until next sub opportunity.
4. The home team is the team listed first on the schedule and is responsible for providing a game ball and different jerseys or pinnies if there is a color conflict. Ball size is a number 4 ball.
5. Teams will be playing 7v7 and required to play as low as 5v5 to start a game. If one or both teams cannot field a team of 5 players, the game is subject to cancellation. If one team doesn’t have 5 players to play:
a. The team with 5 or more players will earn a 2 – 0 win.
b. The team without 5 or more players will get a 2 – 0 loss
c. Play the game regardless:
1. Share players between teams.
2. Play a smaller format game
6. SUBSTITUTIONS: Occur at the mid-field line. Substitutes are allowed only at a stoppage of play (goal kicks, free kicks, corner kicks, all throw-ins) as allowed by referee.
7. As per US Soccer guidelines, there will be NO HEADBALLS An intentional head ball will result in an indirect free kick if called by referee. An unintentional head ball can be ignored and allow play to continue.
8. GOALIES: goalie cannot punt the ball, they will need to roll it out to their teammates.
9. BUILD OUT LINE: During a goal kick, the opposing team will move to the build-out line until the kicking team kicks the ball. Once the ball touches an offensive player or stops moving the defensive team can play the ball.
10. OFF SIDES: The build out line will serve as the offside marker. If an offensive player is in an offside position the referee can call. Offsides calls are solely in the hands of the officials refereeing the game. ONSIDE is equal with or behind the 2nd to last defender. OFFSIDE is ahead of the 2nd to last defender/closer to goal than the 2nd to last defender.
11. Team should not be running up the score. If a team is up by 6 goals, adjust your lineup to allow it to be competitive (i.e. move more skilled players to defense or goalie, less skilled players on offense, pull players from field, etc).
12. JEWLERY: NO JEWLERY. Earrings and necklaces must be removed (unless medical alert). The rule against jewelry includes hair bands on the wrist. BANDAIDS OVER EARRINGS IS NOT ALLOWED. THEY MUST BE REMOVED. Nothing hard on the player is allowed.
IFAB Law 4.1 Safety and Players Equipment notes:
A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous.
All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not permitted.
13. Spectators are supposed to be on the opposite sideline from the players/coaches. Before the game starts, make sure that's the case and if it's not, politely remind the parents that they are supposed to be on the opposite sideline. Spectators that violate sports rules result in a yellow card for the coach 1st offense. Remove coach and end game 2nd offense.
14. Coaches, please remember to stay off the painted sideline and at least a few feet back so that the Assistant Referee/Linesman has a clear view of the touchline to be able to see whether the ball is out of bounds. Referees, please don't be shy about politely reminding the coaches to stay back -- in most instances they don't even realize it as they are caught up in the action!
15. Standings will determine the seeding for the end of season tournament. Any games won by a margin of more than 6 goals will be adjusted to a 6 goal difference. Standings are determined by the following criteria (in order for tiebreakers):
a. Most points (3 points for win, 1 point for tie)
b. Goal Difference
c. Goals Scored
d. Coin Flip
PLAYOFF RULES:
• OT will follow the 2 halves set up. Each half will be played no matter who is up after the first half of OT. This is in accordance with FIFA Rules.
• 5 min 7v7
• PK’s will follow the 5-player standard and all 5 take a kick.
SUB POLICY:
• To be written into all team’s rules is proposed the following.
1) Sub players are required # to play plus 3. This means if you have 11v11 and 12 rostered players are marked to attend then you can have 2 sub players from another team. 9v9 and 9 set to attend then you can have 3.
2) The Sub players cannot start a game unless the rostered players are short at the start of the game. This means if you have 10 rostered players at the starting whistle then you can use a sub to start for your field of 11 (Adjust accordingly per 7v7 & 9v9).
3) Sub players should NOT have equal playing time as they are relief for the rostered players. They are there to give a break to players that need it and in case of injury. Rostered players take priority therefore subs should have less game time than rostered players. Exception being if they are the final player to play full numbers, the 11th for an 11v11 game (Adjust accordingly for 7v7 and 9v9).
4) Sub players should rotate amongst all available/interested and no coach can request the assisting players directly, it needs to be an open invite. In the case of siblings in the same division we acknowledge they will often already be at the game and if no one else offers to sub, they will be used more often.
Coaches Guidelines- Subs should be asked for within 48 hours of the event to be played and should rotate to any available player(s). Once a player is used, they should be the last choice if needed again and opportunity shared equally with the only exemption being a sibling that is already at the game being used more commonly per convenience. Please coordinate your SUBS through the appropriate league contact.
5) If the Boys team is in need of subs they will use the additional boys team in the same division if applicable or the girls team(s) in the same division. If the Girls team is in need of subs they will use the girls from the additional team in the division where applicable or use the next level below girls players allowing them to play up a division as a SUBSITUTE PLAYER ONLY.
League Rules for Grades 5-6
League games are played and officiated according to the Laws of the Game published by FIFA and as recommended by US Youth Soccer, with the below modifications.
League Games & Officiating
The league season consists of 9v9 play. Teams may not compete with more than a one-player advantage but the game can start at 6v6 if both teams have 6. All league matches will count toward standings, all referee fees are paid by the respective home team Recreation Department.
Forfeits: A team will forfeit the game after a 10-minute grace period if they have fewer than 6 players on the field. In the event of a forfeit, teams will play a scrimmage after balancing the squads. Teams may not compete with more than a one-player advantage.
Mercy rule: Coaches are expected to monitor and manage the games so the score does not exceed a 6-goal differential. The league is focused on player development, and as such, coaches have a responsibility to manage the game and not run up scores. If a team is up by 6 goals, adjust your lineup to allow it to be competitive (i.e. move more skilled players to defense or goalie, less skilled players on offense, pull goalie and just play field players, etc). A game will be played to completion of time regardless of score.
Standings: Standings are kept in all league games. The league will look to schedule games so that each team plays each other in a single league qualifying match which will count toward standings during the course of the season. Any games won by a margin of more than 6 goals will be adjusted to a 6-goal difference.
Points are for league matches are awarded as follows:
Win – 3 points
Tie – 1 points
Loss – 0 point
Forfeit – 2-0 loss for the team forfeiting
Standards of Play and Game duration
League games that count toward standings are 9v9. Teams that might be short on players on game day may compete with 6 players. Teams may not compete with more than a one-player advantage.
All league games will consist of (2) 30-minute halves. There will be a 5-minute break between the halves. Referee, who has the authority to make excessive heat adjustment to quarters.
Offsides and FIFA rules regarding a player passing the ball back to their own goalkeeper will be enforced.
All league games will use a size 4 soccer ball
All players must wear shin guards and cleats. Sneakers must be approved by the referee. Players are not permitted to wear regular glasses on the field. Only approved sport glasses may be worn on the field of play. New Jersey state law requires players to wear approved sports glasses, if they must wear glasses as part of the activity.
7) Teams may substitute any number of players, only when play is stopped. Subbing is mandatory by a team if one of its players receives a yellow card. All players entering the field during a substitution must line up at the center line and wait for the referee to signal them onto the field.
8) No watches, barrettes, or jewelry of any kind may be worn by the players, including necklaces, hard or soft bracelets, earrings & posts, and hair ties on the wrist. Nothing hard on the player is allowed.
IFAB Law 4.1 Safety and Players Equipment notes:
A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous.
All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not permitted.
9) Casts- hard casts must have 3in padding per the USSF/Fifa rules and be cleared by the referee. Soft casts are allowed.
In order to foster a safe atmosphere for the players, the following rules apply to the run of play for all league games:
Consistent with the USSF mandates on heading the ball, and since the division is comprised of players falling within mandated restrictions on heading, there is no deliberate heading of the ball in 5th -6th Determining whether a player deliberately headed the ball is at the discretion of the Referee.
Heading results in an indirect free kick from the area of infraction for the opposing team.
Sliding is allowed, but there is to be no slide tackling of another player on the field. Slide tackling a player will result in an automatic yellow card, and removal from the game.
The referee will stop the game for on-field injuries when the ball goes out of bounds, deemed dangerous play, or and waive the coach onto the field if needed. If a coach enters the field to attend an injured player, the injured player must leave the field of play and a substitute allowed to enter.
PLAYOFF RULES:
• OT will follow the 2 halves set up. Each half will be played no matter who is up after the first half of OT. This is in accordance with FIFA Rules.
• 5 min halves
• PK’s will follow the 5-player standard and all 5 take a kick.
SUB POLICY:
To be written into all team’s rules is proposed the following.
1) Sub players are required # to play plus 3. This means if you have 11v11 and 12 rostered players are marked to attend then you can have 2 sub players from another team. 9v9 and 9 set to attend then you can have 3.
2) The Sub players cannot start a game unless the rostered players are short at the start of the game. This means if you have 10 rostered players at the starting whistle then you can use a sub to start for your field of 11 (Adjust accordingly per 7v7 & 9v9).
3) Sub players should NOT have equal playing time as they are relief for the rostered players. They are there to give a break to players that need it and in case of injury. Rostered players take priority therefore subs should have less game time than rostered players. Exception being if they are the final player to play full numbers, the 11th for an 11v11 game (Adjust accordingly for 7v7 and 9v9).
4) Sub players should rotate amongst all available/interested and no coach can request the assisting players directly, it needs to be an open invite. In the case of siblings in the same division we acknowledge they will often already be at the game and if no one else offers to sub, they will be used more often.
Coaches Guidelines- Subs should be asked for within 48 hours of the event to be played and should rotate to any available player(s). Once a player is used, they should be the last choice if needed again and opportunity shared equally with the only exemption being a sibling that is already at the game being used more commonly per convenience. Please coordinate your SUBS through the appropriate league contact.
5) If the Boys team is in need of subs they will use the additional boys team in the same division if applicable or the girls team(s) in the same division. If the Girls team is in need of subs they will use the girls from the additional team in the division where applicable or use the next level below girls players allowing them to play up a division as a SUBSITUTE PLAYER ONLY.
PLAYER INFRACTIONS:
1. Yellow Cards
Players issued a yellow card for physical or verbal behavior in a game are required to leave the field of play for 10 minutes.
2. Red Cards
Players issued a red card for physical or verbal behavior in a game are required to leave the field of play and may not return to the game. Players receiving a red card are required to miss the next game of league play for their team. Any player who receives two red cards during the course of the season is suspended from all remaining league games
immediately following the second offense. Said player may be allowed to participate in games against teams from the same club only, if their club allows for such exception.
RAINOUTS:
With respect to possible rainouts, clubs who are hosting games on their fields will make the call as to whether their fields will be closed during inclement weather.
Once a determination is made that fields will be open or closed, the hosting club's point of contact for the league (designated with an * on the contact sheet) is the contact who will both share and receive this information on behalf of their club, and forward it along to their respective coaches.
Any games cancelled due to inclement weather will be rescheduled on a mutually agreed date between the teams at least one week prior to the finals. If a game is deemed unplayable or stopped by the referee due to inclement weather, the score as of the time of stoppage will be recorded as the final score only if the first half has been completed. If a game has been started but the first half is not completed, the match will be rescheduled.
Tie-breakers (for Regular Season Standings)
If there's a tie between teams going into seedings for the league finals, placement will be determined by the head-to-head match between those teams in the regular season. If those teams tied in their regular season match, the tie breaker will be determined by the teams goal differentials over the course of the entire season.
Coach, Player & Spectator behavior
Referees and league officials have the authority to disqualify players, coaches and/or spectators for infractions such as verbal abuse and dissent. Any coach, player or spectator displaying inappropriate behavior or interfering with the run of play will be asked to leave the field and its immediate surroundings for the duration of the match. Examples of interfering with the run of play include: excessive sideline coaching by spectators, and addressing a referee or any member of the opposing team in a negative manner. The game will be suspended until the offender departs. Such offenders may wait in the parking lot, but if they return to the field or refuse to leave, the game will be abandoned and
the police notified, if necessary.
Spectators are to watch games from the opposite side of the field from the coaches and players, and to position themselves at least 10 feet outside the touchline and between the penalty areas.
The use of cell phones on the sidelines by players during games is discouraged. In the event of an emergency, parents are encouraged to contact the coach.
All participants in league events (players, coaches, spectators) are expected to help keep the grounds of the hosting club clean by disposing of trash in designated areas and generally leaving the area better than you found it.
Any lost and found items should be directed to a hosting club representative. Any queries regarding lost items by a player, spectator, or coach should be directed to their club representative first, who can make contact with a representative from the host site.
All players should play a fair amount of the game, unless they receive an infraction from the referee requiring them to leave the field. It is highly encouraged that all coaches participating in the league allow each of their players to play at least half of the game. Managing a player’s playing time in the interest of winning a game, and not developing the player, is highly discouraged.
League Rules for Grades 7-9
League games are played and officiated according to the Laws of the Game published by FIFA and as recommended by US Youth Soccer, with the below modifications.
League Games & Officiating
The league season consists of 11v11 play. Teams may not compete with more than a one-player advantage, but the game can start at 9v9 if both teams have 9. All league matches will count toward standings, all referee fees are paid by the respective home team Recreation Department.
*Suggestions for Rosters (not mandatory)- Rosters exceeding 20 players should consider rostering two 9v9 teams and follow sub policy below.
Forfeits: A team will forfeit the game after a 10-minute grace period if they have fewer than 9 players on the field. In the event of a forfeit, teams will play a scrimmage after balancing the squads. Teams may not compete with more than a one-player advantage.
Mercy rule: Coaches are expected to monitor and manage the games, so the score does not exceed a 6-goal differential. The league is focused on player development, and as such, coaches have a responsibility to manage the game and not run up scores. If a team is up by 6 goals, adjust your lineup to allow it to be competitive (i.e. move more skilled players to defense or goalie, less skilled players on offense, pull goalie and just play field players, etc). A game will be played to completion of time regardless of score.
Standings: Standings are kept in all league games. The league will look to schedule games so that each team plays each other in a single league qualifying match which will count toward standings during the course of the season. Any games won by a margin of more than 6 goals will be adjusted to a 6-goal difference.
Points are for league matches are awarded as follows:
Win – 3 points
Tie – 1 points
Loss – 0 point
Forfeit – 2-0 loss for the team forfeiting
Standards of Play and Game duration
1) League games that count toward standings are 9v9-11v11. Teams may not compete with more than a one-player advantage.
2)All league games will consist of (2) 35-minute halves. There will be a 5-minute break between the halves. Referee, who has the authority to make excessive heat adjustment to quarters.
3)Offsides and FIFA rules regarding a player passing the ball back to their own goalkeeper will be enforced.
5)All league games will use a size 5 soccer ball.
6)All players must wear shin guards and cleats. Sneakers must be approved by the referee; referee may not allow competition in sneakers. Players are not permitted to wear regular glasses on the field. Only approved sport glasses may be worn on the field of play. New Jersey state law requires players to wear approved sports glasses, if they must wear glasses as part of the activity.
7) Teams may substitute any number of players, only when play is stopped. Subbing is mandatory by a team if one of its players receives a yellow card. All players entering the field during a substitution must line up at the center line and wait for the referee to signal them onto the field.
8)No watches, barrettes, or jewelry of any kind may be worn by the players, including necklaces, hard or soft bracelets, earrings & posts, and hair ties on the wrist. Nothing hard on the player is allowed.
IFAB Law 4.1 Safety and Players Equipment notes:
A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous.
All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not permitted.
9)Casts- hard casts must have 3in padding per the USSF/FIFA rules and be cleared by the referee. Soft casts are allowed.
10)SUB POLICY:
1) Sub players are required # to play plus 3. This means if you have 11v11 and 12 rostered players are marked to attend then you can have 2 sub players from another team. 9v9 and 9 set to attend then you can have 3.
2) The Sub players cannot start a game unless the rostered players are short at the start of the game. This means if you have 10 rostered players at the starting whistle then you can use a sub to start for your field of 11 (Adjust accordingly per 7v7 & 9v9).
3) Sub players should NOT have equal playing time as they are relief for the rostered players. They are there to give a break to players that need it and in case of injury. Rostered players take priority therefore subs should have less game time than rostered players. Exception being if they are the final player to play full numbers, the 11th for an 11v11 game (Adjust accordingly for 7v7 and 9v9).
4) Sub players should rotate amongst all available/interested and no coach can request the assisting players directly, it needs to be an open invite. In the case of siblings in the same division we acknowledge they will often already be at the game and if no one else offers to sub, they will be used more often.
5) If the Boys team is in need of subs they will use the additional boys team in the same division if applicable or the girls team(s) in the same division. If the Girls team is in need of subs they will use the girls from the additional team in the division where applicable or use the next level below girls players allowing them to play up a division as a SUBSITUTE PLAYER ONLY.
Coaches Guidelines- Subs should be asked for within 48 hours of the event to be played and should rotate to any available player(s). Once a player is used, they should be the last choice if needed again and opportunity shared equally with the only exemption being a sibling that is already at the game being used more commonly per convenience. Please coordinate your SUBS through the appropriate league contact.
PLAYOFF RULES:
• Follow above with overtime as stated below:
• OT will follow the 2; 5 minute halves set up. Each half will be played no matter who is up after the first half of OT. This is in accordance with FIFA Rules.
• PK’s will follow the 5-player standard and all 5 take a kick. If still tied another 5 PK set with new players (each player can get only 1 PK attempt)
In order to foster a safe atmosphere for the players, the following rules apply to the run of play for all league games:
Consistent with the USSF mandates on heading the ball, Heading is allowed.
Sliding is allowed, but there is to be no slide tackling of another player on the field. Slide tackling a player will result in an automatic yellow card, and removal from the game.
The referee will stop the game for on-field injuries when the ball goes out of bounds, deemed dangerous play, or and waive the coach onto the field if needed. If a coach enters the field to attend an injured player, the injured player must leave the field of play and a substitute allowed to enter.
PLAYER INFRACTIONS:
1. Yellow Cards
Players issued a yellow card for physical or verbal behavior in a game are required to leave the field of play for 10 minutes.
2. Red Cards
Players issued a red card for physical or verbal behavior in a game are required to leave the field of play and may not return to the game. Players receiving a red card are required to miss the next game of league play for their team. Any player who receives two red cards during the course of the season is suspended from all remaining league games
immediately following the second offense. Said player may be allowed to participate in games against teams from the same club only, if their club allows for such exception.
Rainouts: With respect to possible rainouts, clubs who are hosting games on their fields will make the call as to whether their fields will be closed during inclement weather.
Once a determination is made that fields will be open or closed, the hosting club's point of contact for the league (designated with an * on the contact sheet) is the contact who will both share and receive this information on behalf of their club, and forward it along to their respective coaches.
Any games cancelled due to inclement weather will be rescheduled on a mutually agreed date between the teams at least one week prior to the finals. If a game is deemed unplayable or stopped by the referee due to inclement weather, the score as of the time of
stoppage will be recorded as the final score only if the first half has been completed. If a game has been started but the first half is not completed, the match will be rescheduled.
Tie-breakers (for Regular Season Standings)
If there's a tie between teams going into seedings for the league finals, placement will be determined by the head-to-head match between those teams in the regular season. If those teams tied in their regular season match, the tie breaker will be determined by the teams goal differentials over the course of the entire season.
Coach, Player & Spectator behavior
Referees and league officials have the authority to disqualify players, coaches and/or spectators for infractions such as verbal abuse and dissent. Any coach, player or spectator displaying inappropriate behavior or interfering with the run of play will be asked to leave the field and its immediate surroundings for the duration of the match. Examples of interfering with the run of play include: excessive sideline coaching by spectators, and addressing a referee or any member of the opposing team in a negative manner. The game will be suspended until the offender departs. Such offenders may wait in the parking lot, but if they return to the field or refuse to leave, the game will be abandoned and
the police notified, if necessary.
Spectators are to watch games from the opposite side of the field from the coaches and players, and to position themselves at least 10 feet outside the touchline and between the penalty areas.
The use of cell phones on the sidelines by players during games is discouraged. In the event of an emergency, parents are encouraged to contact the coach.
All participants in league events (players, coaches, spectators) are expected to help keep the grounds of the hosting club clean by disposing of trash in designated areas and generally leaving the area better than you found it.
Any lost and found items should be directed to a hosting club representative. Any queries regarding lost items by a player, spectator, or coach should be directed to their club representative first, who can make contact with a representative from the host site.
All players should play a fair amount of the game, unless they receive an infraction from the referee requiring them to leave the field. It is highly encouraged that all coaches participating in the league allow each of their players to play at least half of the game. Managing a player’s playing time in the interest of winning a game, and not developing the player, is highly discouraged.
