Registration for the fall soccer season will take place in April (specific dates contingent upon the Easter holiday and facility availability). Players registering for the first time will be required to complete all application and medical treatment authorization forms. Returning players will be required to verify and/or update their personal information already on file. All registrants, new and returning will also be required to sign medical treatment and release authorization forms.
Montgomery Soccer Association is a non‑profit organization. A fee schedule is developed each year as part of the annual budget process and, in accordance with its by‑laws, approved by both the MUSC Executive Board and its Board of Directors. Fees shall be sufficient to cover the Association’s anticipated incurred costs for the year Under a standing, traditional policy, this annually-approved registration fee schedule will provide relief for larger families, with a standard fee for the first and second child, and a reduced fee for each additional child.
Players will be requested to disclose any medical condition, such as allergies, asthma, etc., of which the coaches and/or medical personnel should be aware in the event medical treatment is necessary at any time during a practice or a game. This medical information will be used solely for purposes of treatment in the event of an injury or medical emergency during any practice or game, and will not be used or disclosed for any other reason. The information will be maintained in the team first aid kit as part of the authorization form for medical treatment, and will be available at all practices and games.
The primary objective of the U-6 Division is that all participants have fun learning about and playing soccer. U-6 Divisional play will be on a defined, consistent weekend day and time each week for 1 hour.. The first 30 minutes are to be devoted to practice and developing basic skills; the final 30 minutes will be "game-like" play with other U-6 teams.
The U-6 Division is designed to introduce the participants to the game, with an emphasis on demonstrating the most basis skills of kicking, passing and stopping the ball, as well as player safety. There are no referees. A coach from each team is to be on the field at all times during games. There are no goalkeepers, no throw-ins, comer kicks or direct or indirect kicks. There will be a designated area in the front of the goal area in which the defense will not be allowed to stand when the ball is in play. Whenever the ball goes out of bounds on the sidelines, the nearest adult will return the ball to the field of play. This is MUSC’s only coed division.MUSC has adopted the USYSA recommendation of small‑sided play (see Appendix A for specific team size). All players should play at least one‑half (½) of each game and as equally as possible. Player substitutions should be made at the end of each quarter (or other designated stoppage in play), or as necessary as determined by the coach.
The primary objective of the U-7 Division is that all participants enjoy learning about and playing soccer. The U-7 Division will have separate divisions for boys and girls. The U-7 Division is the first level at which the players are introduced to positional play, while maintaining a strong emphasis on the continued development of basic soccer skills. MUSC has adopted the USYSA recommendation of small‑sided play (see Appendix A for specific team size). All players should play at least one‑half (½) of each game and as equally as possible.. There is no goalkeeper.Play stops when the ball goes out of bounds, and will be restarted with a kick‑in; such kick‑ins will require that the initial in-bounding pass is played first by a teammate before further play commences. When the ball goes out of bounds at either end zone, the ball will be returned to play with either a goal or corner kick, as appropriate and in accordance with the Laws of the Game. All players will be instructed in the role of defending and attacking positions and will rotate through the different positions during the course of the game. Player substitutions will be made at the end of each quarter (or other designated stoppage in play).
One coach is to be on the field at all times during the season to instruct and teach.
The U-8 Division is the level at which the players are further instructed on positional play and on the rules of the game, including fouls, throw-ins, indirect, corner and goal kicks. This Division will utilize a small-sized goal. MUSC has adopted the USYSA recommendation of small‑sided play (see Appendix A for specific team size). There will be a two‑man paid referee system, utilizing MUSC’s young referees from their apprentice program. The referee will stop play when the ball goes out of bounds, and will enforce all soccer rules, except offside violations. Fouls and rule violations will be enforced with indirect kicks; there will be no direct or penalty kicks. All players should play at least one‑half (½) of each game and as equally as possible. Player substitutions will be made at the end of each quarter (or other designated stoppage in play). Each player will be rotated and play each different position. During games, coaches are to coach from the sidelines and are not permitted on the field of play.
The U-8 Division is noncompetitive, and continues to have as its primary emphasis the development of basic soccer skills, and making sure the players are having fun and enjoying the game.
4. a. U-10 Divisions
The U-9 and U‑10 ages are combined in this Division; team standings and game scores will not be maintained or published. Although competition among teams is expected, the primary emphasis of the U-9 and U‑10 Divisions is on the further development of player and team skills and strategies, not winning the game.
The U‑10 Division is the first level with a full three‑man system of referees. In the absence of an assigned referee, each coach is responsible for arranging the officiating of one half of the game. Each team will have 8 players on the field during the game, including a goalkeeper, and will utilize “8v8” goals (7‑yard wide, 7‑foot high). The participants will receive more complete instruction on the rules of the game and in the development of playing skills. Team strategies will be introduced. All players should play at least one‑half (½) of each game and as equally as possible. Player substitutions will be made at the end of each quarter (or other designated stoppage in play). Players may play in the same position on the field in each quarter.
4. a. U-10 Divisions
The U-9 and U‑10 ages are combined in this Division; team standings and game scores will not be maintained or published. Although competition among teams is expected, the primary emphasis of the U-9 and U‑10 Divisions is on the further development of player and team skills and strategies, not winning the game.
The U‑10 Division is the first level with a full three‑man system of referees. In the absence of an assigned referee, each coach is responsible for arranging the officiating of one half of the game. Each team will have 8 players on the field during the game, including a goalkeeper, and will utilize “8v8” goals (7‑yard wide, 7‑foot high). The participants will receive more complete instruction on the rules of the game and in the development of playing skills. Team strategies will be introduced. All players should play at least one‑half (½) of each game and as equally as possible. Player substitutions will be made at the end of each quarter (or other designated stoppage in play). Players may play in the same position on the field in each quarter.
4. a. U-12 Divisions
The U-11 and U‑12 ages are combined in this Division; team standings and game scores will be maintained or published.
Each team will have 8 players on the field during the game, including a goalkeeper, The participants will receive more complete instruction on the rules of the game and in the development of playing skills. Team strategies will be introduced. All players should play at least one‑half (½) of each game and as equally as possible. Player substitutions will be made at the end of each quarter (or other designated stoppage in play). Players may play in the same position on the field in each quarter.
5. U-15 and U-19 Divisions
These divisions will field 11 players, which includes a goalie. All games will be officiated by assigned referees (as available) in accordance with the MUSC Recreational Division Laws of the Game. Beginning in the U-10 Division, players will receive progressive instruction on passing, dribbling, receiving, trapping, heading the ball, direct and indirect kicks, corner kicks and penalty kicks. For divisions U-10 up through and including U‑19, the players may be rotated through all playing positions over the course of the season so that each player has an opportunity to play every position on the field.Even though these are competitive divisions, the primary objective of these divisions remains to ensure that all participants enjoy the game of soccer.
Win and loss records of teams in the U-12 through U-15 Divisions will be maintained. Coaches are to report the scores of all games to the Division Manager as soon as practical after the completion of the game. Game postponements and forfeitures are also to be reported. At the conclusion of the season, Division winners and the runner-up teams will be awarded trophies. In the event that two or more teams complete the season with identical records, resulting in a tie for the best record in the Division, each team will be declared to be the Division co-champion. No tiebreaker rules are established. Any division desiring to implement "tie breaker" rules must submit to and obtain the approval of the Division President and the Executive Board.
"Playing Up" (i.e., playing in a Division older than his or her age bracket) is generally prohibited. However, a player may be promoted to play in a division above his or her division age bracket based upon skill level, physical size or other factors which justify promoting a player to the next higher division. The recommendation to promote a player can be made by either a player’s parent or the coach in the lower division, and requires the concurrence of the player’s parent, the coach in the lower division, the Division Manager and the Recreational Division President.
"Playing Down" (i.e., playing in a Division younger than his or her age bracket) is generally prohibited. Any request that a player be permitted to "play down" must be approved by the division managers, coaches and Recreational Division President. "Playing down" will be permitted only with very special conditions. In order to avoid disrupting team and player assignments, any recommendations for either promoting or having a player play down one division must be made no later than one week before the first game of the season.
If any division other than U-6 does not have the required number of players or coaches to field a sufficient number of teams as determined by the Recreational Division President, MUSC may consolidate divisions to ensure there are a sufficient number of teams to schedule games within a given division. When two or more divisions are combined, the rules and regulations of the higher age division will apply to the combined division.
MUSC has designated a Venue Manager for each facility. These Venue Managersprovide liaison between the Association and the facility owner (School District, Park Board, etc.). These Venue Managers have full and final authority as to the cancellation of games because of field conditions. All league games must be played on the day they are scheduled unless weather conditions dictate the postponement of the game. The Venue Manager will inspect the fields at least one hour prior to game time and notify the coaches (and referee, where applicable) of any game cancellations.
If the game has not been canceled by the Venue Manager, but at game time a coach feels that the field conditions are unsafe for play, he or she may request that the game be postponed. In cases where a game is officiated by a referee, the referee has the final decision concerning the game play. If there is no referee, and the Division Manager, Recreational Division President or Executive Director cannot be reached for a final decision, the game will be postponed if either coach determines that the field is unsafe for play.
All decisions concerning the safety of field conditions are not subject to appeal or review.
If lightning is sighted at any time before or during a game or practice, play will be suspended immediately and the players and spectators are to immediately take cover.
Any game suspended for any reason prior to half-time will be not be considered as a completed game and may be rescheduled with the consent of the Division Manager in accordance with the paragraph below. Any game discontinued after half-time will be considered a completed game.
In the event a game is postponed for weather-related or other reasons, the coaches may agree to schedule a make-up game in consultation with the Venue Manager, subject to field policies and the availability of playing fields on the proposed make-up date. Division Managers are to be notified by the coaches of the rescheduled game.
The games in each division will consist of four (4) equal quarters [or two (2) equal halves at older ages], with a defined, timed halftime break. Younger ages may also implement a mid‑quarter substitution break. Specific game durations for each age group are stipulated in Appendix A of this document and will be reviewed and updated annually.
All games will be scheduled to be played on weekends. [Exceptions may be made for rescheduled games or weeknight games “under lights” within the explicit approval of both the Venue Manager and the Division Manager.] The home team will be the first team listed on the schedule.
Teams are expected to show up and be ready to begin play at the designated time shown on the schedule. In the event a team either fails to show by the designated time or fails to produce the minimum allowable number of players after a fifteen (15) minute grace period, they will forfeit the game with a recorded score of 1-0. The minimum allowable number of players will be one‑half (½) of a Division’s full roster allotment, as detailed in Appendix A of this document.
If a coach in Division U‑10 through U‑19 is unable to field a full team for a regularly scheduled game, the opposing coach can agree to reduce his team equally to a minimum of 9 players on the field.
No practices may begin earlier than August 1st. Division Managers will coordinate practice schedules with all coaches. Coaches are responsible for arranging and coordinating all practice sessions and notifying players and parents of any changes in practice dates or times.
Practices should be scheduled a maximum of twice per week in August, preferably with one weeknight and one weekend date each week. After the start of the school year, practices are limited to one (1) weeknight per week.
There will be no practices for the U‑6 Division outside of the scheduled weekend sessions.
The failure of a referee to show up for a game will not be grounds for canceling a game. As provided above, in the event a referee fails to show up by the designated time, each coach will be responsible for providing a referee for one-half (½) of the game. Each coach may elect to serve as the referee, or appoint an assistant coach or a knowledgeable parent to referee. Substitute referees do not receive any compensation for serving as referees.
Designated referees will enforce the MUSC Recreational Division Laws of the Game. The referees will enforce all infractions with direct and indirect kicks as required by the rules and will also issue yellow warning cards for first time violations and red cards for player ejections where appropriate. Referees shall also have the authority to eject a coach for violations of the rules.
Note.- MUSC has enacted an Apprentice Referee Program. The purpose of the program is to setup a training program for teaching interested parents, older players and others how to officiate, and to have the trainees serve as referees in the lower age divisions.
The payment schedule for referees will be determined and approved by the MUSC Executive Board annually prior to the start of each season.
In the absence of a registered assistant referee/linesman, the [head or center] referee is responsible for all calls, including offsides. The coach will designate a responsible individual to call out-of-bounds infractions The substitute assistant referee/linesman will meet with the referee prior to the start he game to review the applicable rules for that particular division and extent of authority.
All Recreational Division games shall be officiated in accordance with the "Montgomery United Soccer Club Laws of the Game", as adopted by the Executive Board. Player and coach conduct is subject to MUSC’s "Code of Discipline and Conduct".
Each player will be supplied with a uniform consisting of a jersey, shorts, and stockings. Every player must be in uniform to play. Sweatshirts will be permitted if worn under the jersey. Coaches do have discretion to permit alternative dress to suit the weather conditions.
It is mandatory that all players wear shin guards and nonmetal cleated shoes for all games, practices, and tournaments. [Footwear exceptions to allow sneakers will be granted only to new players in the U‑6 and U‑7 age groups.] All equipment will be obtained by the player at their cost. Shin guards must be covered entirely by the stockings. Failure to comply with this rule will result in the player not being eligible to participate.
No jewelry will be permitted to be worn on the field. This includes rings, bracelets, earrings, plastic, or, metal hair clips, etc. Pierced earrings must be removed Players with eyeglasses must have them secured by an elastic strap fitted around the back of the head. Players with orthodontic devices must utilize mouth guards. All other players are encouraged to wear mouth guards.
Casts are prohibited in recreational play.
Each team will be inspected by the referee prior to the start of the game compliance with these rules. Any violations must be corrected prior to the start of the game or the player will not be permitted to participate in the game. After the game has begun, a player may be permitted to participate after correcting any violation, with the permission of the player’s coach and referee.
The following schedule will be used as a guide for proper ball size.
a. U-6 through U-8: Size 3
b. U-9 through U- 12: Size 4
c. U- 13 through U- 19: Size 5
All soccer fields except those used for the U-6 and U‑7 Divisions will include goal posts and netting, a goal area and 2 comer areas at each end of the field. Divisions playing under Association Rules will have additional areas lined as required by the Rules. The fields will also have a center circle, a center spot, and a mid-field line. Each sideline should be marked with a 3-yard spectator/team setback fine. The U-6 and U‑7 Divisions field will utilize mini-goals and will be marked only with comer cones and a goal area at each end.
Field dimensions will be contingent on the age group, the number of on‑field players, and the physical location. Specific details are stipulated in Appendix A of this document and will be reviewed and updated annually. All field markings will be proportional to the field size.
Teams will set up on opposite sides of the field to allow coaches the full length of the field to view the game. Coaches and players who are not in the game must remain on their side of the field. The first coach to arrive at the field gets first choice of field side. No spectators, parents, or coaches are to stand behind the end lines, including the goal area of the field, while the game is in progress.
In the U-6 and U-7 divisions, the coaches for each team will be permitted on the field to instruct players in positioning and game play.
Each recreational player is to be provided the opportunity to play as equally as possible close, a minimum of one‑half (½) of each game, if possible. The only exceptions to this rule are:
a. A player who is physically unable to play the minimum required time.
b. A player is being disciplined for misconduct in a prior game, for frequent absences from regularly scheduled games and/or practices without valid excuses or without notifying the coaches in advance, or for repeated instances of unsportsmanlike conduct in practices or in games.
Substitutions in the U-6 through U-9 divisions will be made prior to the beginning of each quarter (or other stipulated break) or in the event of an injury.
Substitutions in all other Divisions will be unlimited, with the consent of the referee, at the following times:
a. By the attacking team prior to a throw-in.
b. By either team prior to a 6-yard goal kick.
c. By either team after a goal has been scored.
d. By either team when play has been stopped due to an injury.
e. By either team prior to the start of any quarter of play.
f. By the offending team when a player is removed from play after receiving a yellow card.
g. By the attacking team on a comer kick
The following procedures will be followed in the event of a player injury:
a. Contact the referee or supervising coach immediately.
b. All players on the field will stop play immediately and remain on the field
c. until the referee or coach directs play to resume.
d. Assistance and/or medical help will be provided or obtained immediately,
e. If medical assistance is sought, the coach will follow up with a written injury report to the Division Manager after the game.
APPENDIX A.
AGE GROUP SPECIFICATIONS
|
Age Group/ Division
|
Game Size
|
Goalkeeper?
|
Roster Size
|
Minimum to Play
|
Game Duration
|
Field Size (recommended)
|
Goal Size
|
Ball Size
|
|
U-6
|
3 v 3
|
No
|
6
|
4
|
18-min. halves; 3-min.rotate 5 hf
|
30 x 20 yards
|
PUGG
|
3
|
|
U-7
|
4 v 4
|
No
|
8
|
4
|
10-min. quarters; 5-min. halftime
|
40 x 30 yards
|
Mini-goals
|
3
|
|
U-8
|
6 v 6
|
Yes
|
12
|
6
|
12-min. quarters; 5-min. halftime
|
50 x 35 yards
|
12-foot wide
|
3
|
|
U-9
|
8 v 8
|
Yes
|
14
|
8
|
15-min. quarters; 5-min. halftime
|
80 x 50 yards
|
7-yard wide
|
4
|
|
U-10
|
8 v 8
|
Yes
|
14
|
8
|
15-min. quarters; 5-min. halftime
|
80 x 50 yards
|
7-yard wide
|
4
|
|
U-11
|
8 v 8
|
Yes
|
14
|
9
|
15-min. quarters; 5-min. halftime
|
80 x 50 yards
|
21 ft wide
|
4
|
|
U-12
|
8 v 8
|
Yes
|
14
|
9
|
15-min. quarters; 5-min. halftime
|
80 x 50 yards
|
21 ft wide
|
4
|
|
U-13
|
11 v 11
|
Yes
|
18
|
9
|
35-min. halves; 10-min. halftime
|
110 x 60 yards
|
Full-size, 24 ft
|
5
|
|
U-14
|
11 v 11
|
Yes
|
18
|
9
|
35-min. halves; 10-min. halftime
|
110 x 60 yards
|
Full-size, 24 ft
|
5
|
|
U-15
|
11 v 11
|
Yes
|
18
|
9
|
35-min. halves; 10-min. halftime
|
110 x 60 yards
|
Full-size, 24 ft
|
5
|
|
U-16
|
11 v 11
|
Yes
|
18
|
9
|
35-min. halves; 10-min. halftime
|
110 x 60 yards
|
Full-size, 24 ft
|
5
|
|
U-19
|
11 v 11
|
Yes
|
20
|
9
|
45-min. halves; 10-min. halftime
|
110 x 60 yards
|
Full-size, 24 ft
|
5
|
NOTES/LEGEND:
Roster Size will be contingent on number of registered players for a division, divisible as equally as possible into the number of teams.
Minimum To Play references the number of players that must be present in order to start play; flexibility is to apply to the younger, non‑competitive divisions. In competitive divisions, coaches are advised to manage games in the spirit of fair play.
Game Duration: Younger age groups may also implement substitution breaks at the midpoint of each quarter. In instances of excessively hot weather, water breaks at the midpoint of quarters/halves are also recommended, at the referee’s discretion. At the U‑19 age group, game tome may be reduced to 35- or 40‑minute halves, depending on the weather and the number of players and substitutes available.
Field Size identifies recommended dimensions, subject to facility limitations.
Goal Size is recommended and based on available MUSC inventory. “Full‑size” equals 8 yards wide by 8 foot high.
