The overall goal of the Edwardsville Recreation Soccer League is to teach the fundamental of soccer and good sportsmanship while learning the game of soccer.  The most important thing is to have fun!!!

Games Times

5 & Under / 6 & Under / 7 & Under / 8 & Under
Four 12 minute quarters with 2 minute in between and 5 minute half-time.

9 & Under / 10 & Under
Two 25 minute halves with a 10 minute half-time.

12 & Under / 14 & Under
Two 30 minute halves with a 10 minute half-time.

Each Player should play at least 50% of every game he/she attends.

Game Balls

5 & Under / 6 & under - Size 3
7 & Under / 8 & Under / 9 & Under - Size 4
10 & Under / 12 & Under / 14 & Under - Size 5

Players on the Field

Age	Players	Goalie
5	5	1
6	6	1
7	7	1
8	8	1
9	9	1
10	9	1
12	10	1
14	10	1

Formation of Teams

Each team will be formed by the school they attend, special request, and opening offered each season on established teams.  The suggested number of players for each team to the roster is 10 for the 5 & Under, 12 players for the 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10 & Under Divisions, and 15 player for the 12 & 14 divisions.  Each coach has the option to request an increase or decrease in the number of players for his/her roster.  Each player is guaranteed to remain on the same team from the previous season provided that his or her registration form is received by the deadline with or without payment.
Special request will be filled on a first come first served basis.  Each form is dated when it's received by the Park and Recreation Office.

Practice

The head coach of each team determines practice.  Once a player has submitted their registration form they may begin practicing with the team.  It is suggested that practice on the Edwardsville Soccer fields is prohibited to maintain the growth of grass.

Rain-Out Line

Information will be posted to the rain-out line 1 1/2 hours before the first scheduled game time.  You may call 913-441-0576 or access the city website at edwardsvilleks.org.

Equipment

*All players must wear shin guards and they must be covered by socks if needed.
*Shoes must not have front toe cleats or may not be metal.
*No jewelry, metal devices or hazardous equipment may be worn.
*Players may play with a cast.  The cast must be covered by an inch of padding.  It must be checked and approved by the referee before playing.
*It is suggested that each player have a water bottle.
*It is suggested that each player have the proper size ball for his or her age division for practice.
*Each player should wear their team shirt that is provided by the league for that season.  Exception the goalie must wear a shirt of jersey that is a different color that the opposing team, including the referee.

Injuries

If a player is injured, they must go to the ground to notify the referee.  Play will continue until the whistle is blown.  The referee will stop the game if a child appears to be seriously hurt or if there is blood.  The player must be removed from the field and can only reenter after the game has been restarted.  If the player is bleeding, the referee will need to ensure that the bleeding has stopped before the player can return to the game.  If they game is stopped for injury, you should have your players immediately stop and sit or kneel down where they are.

When you can substitute

You may substitute a player after a goal kick is called for either team, after a goal by either tea, after a throw-in is called for your team (not the other team), at half-time, and at an injury time-out if the other team replaces a player (but you can only sub as many players as they do).  You cannot sub on corners or fee kicks.

Scoring

Scores and team standings are update on a weekly basis.  Wins, losses, ties, and goals scored against will determine standings.  Division winners will be determined by their team's record.  In the event that a team has a tie record, the score between those two teams will determine the winner.  If the result is still a tie, then total goals for the season of both teams will be a determining factor.

DO NOT RUN UP THE SCORE

It's not good for either team if the game is a mismatch, but sometimes it happens.  if your team gets 5 goals ahead, you should be a good sport and do one of the following:
*Put your weakest scores up front ( use this as an opportunity to let them be forwards).
*Try someone new in goal and at fullback.
*Pull a player off the field and "play short."  If it is still a mismatch, pull off another player. 
*Tell your players they must complete 5 consecutive passes before shooting.
*Tell them they can only take shots from outside the Penalty Box (i.e., practice chip shots, lofted shots at the top of the goal or power shots).

Things You Are Not Allowed To Do

*Coaches may not come on the field during the game except with referee's permission.
*There should be no yelling or conversation between a coach and the other team during the game.
*Profanity is not allowed and will result in a immediate ejection from the game.
*Coaches and spectators are not allowed to make comments to the player of the opposing team unless they are encouraging.
*Parents are not allowed to ask about a call made by the referee, only coaches.  Parents can, however refer the question to the coach or ask the referee after the game.
*Coaches and spectators should not stand on the line to impair the sideline judges view of the line.
*Rude or disrespectful behavior from player will not be tolerated.

The referee may explain to a coach why a call was made during the game only if it requires a short explanation so the game time will not be exhausted.  A coach is not allowed to intimidate or request that the referee should change a call.  This a a recreational league, which is a perfect place for your teens to learn to officiate a game.  Remember they may be controlling the outcome of your game, but some of the referee are still children.  This could be your son or daughter on the field in the future that and adult is intimidating.

Coaches

Coaches are all volunteers, most likely a parent or relative on a player on the team.  The head coach receives one free registration for each team he/she may coach.   Coaches are responsible for all communication with parents after they received their rosters about practice or rain-outs. 

If the soccer league received 3 or more complaints on a coach in a season, a discussion with a warning will be given to the coach with the possibility of the removal from his or her coaching position.  It is preferred that  a written notice is turned into the Park and Recreation Department to be seen and reviewed by personnel only.  Complaints may need to be referred to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board for further discussion and possible action.

At the End of the Game
Players and coaches line up facing each other on the halfway line, walk past each other and touch hands & say "Good Game".  Coaches are usually last in line to shake hands.  It is also a nice gesture and set a good example for the coach to seek out the referee and assistants referees and thanks them.  Any coach or player that refuses to shake hands will be suspended for the next game.  Parents usually take turns providing refreshment after games.  Refreshments may be bought from the store or teams may purchase team treats at the concession stand and receive 20% discount for those items purchased.

General Information
Coaches & Sidelines  - In the 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10 & Under division coaches, players, and spectators of the home team will be on one side of the field, with the visiting coach, players, and spectators on the opposite side of the field.
12 & 14 & Under - Each team will occupy one half side for player and coaches.  Coaches should not cross the centerline on the opposing team's side.  Parents and spectators should sit across from their team on the opposite side of the field.
The slide-tackling rule applies only to the 9, 10, 12, & 14 divisions.
Players may play on 2 different teams as long as they are in different divisions.
No scoring or tournaments are in the 5 & Under division.
In the 5 and 6 & Under division, there will be one warning on throw-ins, second warning will result in the other team getting the ball.
Yellow & Red Cards - First Yellow card is a warning.  Second yellow card will result in a automatic red card and you will be ejected from the game.  If you received a single red card it will result in an ejection from the game and suspension from the next game. 
All other rules should be referred to the FIFA Rule Book.
All Remember - You are doin this for fun & to help the kids.  Be a "nice" coach who your players will remember fondly!!!

Possible additional or removal of rules and information may be made by the Edwardsville Park and Recreation Department.