Franklin County Parks & Recreation
Soccer By Laws

Field of Play

     1.  The official field of play should be a rectangle with a maximum length of 130 yards or a minimum length
          of 100 yards.  The width should be a minimum of 50 yards with a maximum of 100 yards.
     2.  Fields for younger age groups will be scaled to size to accommodate for the player skill and age
         differences.

The Ball

     1.  The official (size 5) ball shall be round with a 27-28" circumference.  The weight will be 14-16 oz.  This
          ball will be used in the Major League and any league that may be formed above this league.
     2.  The size 4 ball will be used in the Minor League.
     3.  The size 3 ball will be used in the Modified League.

Number of Players

     1.  Each team will consist of 11 players.
     2.  Any team must field a minimum of 8 players in order to play an official game.  If a team fields less than
          8 players, this team must forfeit to the opposing team, but can play a scrimmage against this team.
     3.  Substitutions can only be made at the end of each quarter in the Modified and Minor Leagues.  If a
          player is injured and the official stops play, a substitute can be entered into the injured players
          position.  **(Junior League and Major League will have substitution on dead ball situations.)**
     4.  If a player is ejected for conduct or any other reason, this player cannot be replaced on the field until
          the next quarter following the infraction.  The player ejected will not be allowed to play in the next
          official game scheduled for the team.  An ejected "red carded" players name must be written on the
          official scorecard.

Players Equipment

     1.  The uniform will consist of the team jersey, shorts and calf socks.
     2.  All players must wear shin guards.  Shin guards must be worn inside the calf socks.
     3.  Watches, rings, or any type jewelry or hair ornament (other than a small hair band) cannot be worn.
     4.  Cleats are optional but must be the rubber type.
     5.  Goalies are required to wear a different color jersey.  This can be a shirt form home any color except for
          the team color.

Referees

     1.  There will be two referees assigned to each game in each league.
     2.  Referees have complete control of the game.  The referee is responsible for keeping time, stopping play
          for injuries, and to remind players of proper game conduct.  Coaches must remember that the coaches
          must control parents and forfeiture of a game could result from unsportsmanlike conduct by parents or
          coaches.
     3.  Referees are representatives of the Recreation Department and are to be treated as such.  Coaches are
          to remember that this activity is solely for the purpose of youth enjoyment and not as an ego builder for
          any coach or spectator.
     4.  Referees are to use the "yellow and red cards" in any situation that warrants.

Game Duration

     1.  Modified and Minor Leagues will play (4) ten minute quarters.  Two minute time-outs between quarters
          allows coaches to make the needed substitutions to adhere to the all-play rule.  Modified and Minor
          Leagues will use the all-play rule and each player will play a minimum of two quarters.  If the player
          doesn't start the first quarter then he will play in the second.  The Major and Junior Leagues will play 25
          minute halves with free substitutions on dead ball situations.  **Major and Junior League teams
          need to pay very close attention to play time for all players on their teams.  The half game play rule is
          still in effect.
     2.  Half times of all games shall be (5) minutes.

Start of Play

     1.  To start play there will be a coin toss.  Captains from each team will meet the officials at midfield to
          determine the winner of the toss.  The winner of the toss will elect to kick-off or defend.  Kick-offs will
          alternate between each team after each quarter or half.  Kick-offs also occur when one team scores a
          goal.  The opposing team will kick-off following a goal.
     2.  A forward player kicks the ball from a position at midfield to start play.  (Page 21 VHSL Rule Book) 
         The ball shall be kicked while it is stationary on the ground in the center of the field of play.  A goal
         may be scored directly from the kick-off.  The ball is in play when it moves forward.  The forward player
         that kicked the ball first cannot again kick the ball until another player has kicked it.

Ball In and Out of Play

     1.  After the ball has wholly crossed the goal line or either of the sidelines the ball is out of play.
     2.  Any ball striking an official, goal post or corner post and remains in the playing area is in play.

Goal Scoring

     1.  A goal is scored when the ball (wholly) crosses the goal line, between the goal posts and under the
          crossbar.
     2.  The number of goals scored by a team determines the winner of the game.
     3.  If at the end of regulation play, during regular season, the score is tied, the game will be declared and
          end as a tie game.

Off Sides

     1.  While going towards an opponent's goal the offensive team may not have a player ahead of the ball
          unless there are two defending players present.

Fouls & Misconduct

     1.  There are (9) prohibited acts for which a referee can award a direct kick to the offending team:

A. Kicking F.  Holding
B.  Tripping G.  Pushing
C.  Jumping at opponent H.  Handling the Ball
D.  Violent Charging I.  Charging from Behind
E.  Striking opponent  

     2.  An indirect kick shall be awarded when the following acts occur:

A.  Dangerous play
B.  Charging away from the ball
C.  Charging the goalie when he doesn't have the ball
D.  Opponent obstruction

Free Kicks

     1.  Direct free kicks can be used to attempt a goal or a pass to a teammate.  (The opposing team must
          be 10 yards away from the ball.)
     2.  Another player must touch an indirect kick before a goal can be scored.  (The opposing team must be
          10 yards away from the ball.)

Penalty Kicks

     1.  A penalty kick is awarded after a serious infraction has taken place in the penalty area.  The ball is
          placed 12 yards from the goal on a designated spot directly in front of the goal.  All players must leave
          the penalty area except for the kicker and the goalie.  (Page 39 VHSL Rule Book)  The goalie must
          stand on the goal line, between the goal posts until the ball is kicked.  Lateral movement is allowed,
          but the goal keeper is not permitted to come off the line by stepping or lunging forward until the ball is
          in play.
     2.  The kick cannot be attempted until the referee has given the whistle to do so.

The Inbounds Throw

     1.  If the ball is declared out of bounds on the sideline, there will be an inbound throw attempt.  The
          following rules should be remembered in making an inbound throw:

A.  Both feet must be out of bounds when making the throw.
B.  The ball must be thrown by both hands directly over the head.
C.  Both feet must remain on the ground as the throw is made.
D.  On incorrect throws, the ball is awarded to the opposing team.

Goal Kicks

     1.  A goal kick is awarded when the ball (after being kicked by the offense) crosses the goal line but not
          within the goal scoring area.  The ball is usually placed on the corner of the goal area nearest the side
          the ball went out of bounds.  The ball when kicked must clear the penalty area before either team can
         attempt a play.  The kick is usually taken by the goalie or fullback.

Corner Kicks

     1.  A corner kick is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line last touched by the defending team and
          doesn't enter the goal area.  One member of the attacking team takes the ball to the corner nearest
          where the ball was kicked over the goal line and places it in the quarter circle.  The ball is then kicked
          by this player and may be kicked directly into the goal.
     2.  The opposing team must remain 10 yards from a corner kick.  The kicker may not attempt a second
          kick until another player touches the ball.
     
Other Rulings

     1.  Any situation that may occur during the course of this program that may need clarification or a ruling
          handed down, will be solely and strictly under the authority of the Recreation Department.
     2.  VHSL rules apply to any situation not listed in the above-mentioned by-laws.

Protests

The only protests that will be heard are involving a violation of playing rules or the use of an ineligible player or an illegal player.  Only the registered head coach or registered assistant coaches shall be entitled to file a protest.  The protest checklist and protest form must be handled correctly and turned in within (2) business days.  

Click here for Protest Forms.

Disciplinary Actions

Only registered coaches may take disciplinary action against a child by completing the Disciplinary Action Guideline Checklist and completing the Disciplinary Action Form within (2) business days and properly following the guidelines in the document.  Upon taking action, Parks & Recreation Staff must respond to your request before the action can be taken.  

Click here for Disciplinary Action Forms



 
 

Franklin County Parks & Recreation - 2150 Sontag Road - Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151 - (540) 483-9293