Sandpoint Soccer Association Youth League Program Rules and Guidelines
1. Each player should play at least ½ of each game.
2. Only players who are registered will be allowed to participate in games, and players may only play for their designated team (except as provided by #3 below). Violations may result in an automatic forfeiture for the offending team and/or disqualification of the offending player, coach, or team from the game or festival.
3. In the event that a team cannot field enough players, the team will forfeit the game. However, under this scenario coaches are encouraged to do one of the following and play the game anyway:
a. Playing smaller-sided, e.g., if the format is supposed to be 8 v. 8 but one team has 7 players, playing 7 v. 7.
b. Inviting another registered player to supplement the team that is short on players. The guest player must be in the same division as the teams playing.
4. Coaches are responsible for ensuring that their players and parents adhere to the Youth League Code of Conduct.
5. Games will only be cancelled due to unplayable field conditions or lightning. Game cancellations will be announced on the SSA phone line (263-9116) recording.
6. Format
| Age Groups |
Number of Players on Field (Per Team)* |
Field Dimensions* |
Goalkeepers? |
Throw-Ins? |
| U5-6 |
4 |
35 x 25 yards |
No |
No |
| U7-8 |
5 |
45 x 30 yards |
No |
Yes |
| U9-10 |
6 |
60 x 40 yards |
Yes |
Yes |
| U11-18 |
8-11 |
75 x 50 yards |
Yes |
Yes |
7. Parents/Fans a. Should remain on the side of the field opposite of the teams. b. Should remain at least 5 yards off the field at all times.
8. Ball Size
a. U5-8: size 3
b. U9-12: size 4
c. U13-18: size 5
9. Substitutions
a. May be made only when the ball is out of play.
b. Must be made with the permission of the referee (if applicable).
c. Both teams may substitute at the same time.
10. Player Equipment
a. Shin guards
i. Shin guards are mandatory. Players may not play without shin guards.
ii. Shin guards must be covered by socks or pants.
b. Shoes
i. Soccer shoes are recommended, but players may play in tennis shoes.
ii. Shoes with spikes or toe cleats are not allowed.
iii. Shoes with screw-in cleats may not have exposed metal.
c. Casts, braces, etc.
i. Casts must be adequately padded and covered so as not to pose a safety risk to other players.
ii. Braces must not have any exposed metal or other material that would pose a safety risk to other players.
iii. Players wearing casts or braces must have written permission to play from a medical doctor.
d. Head coverings
i. Only goalkeepers may wear baseball hats.
Rec League
