NOGSL RULES OF PLAY SEASONAL YEAR 2008-09. (updated 8/08)
	U9-U10	U11-U12	U13-U14
Field size (Recommended)	45-60yds by 35-45 yds	70-80yds by 45-55 yds	90-120yds by 50-65yards
Goal size (Recommended)	max 6' high x 18' wide	max 6' high x 18' wide	max 8' high x 24' wide
Ball size	Regulation #4	Regulation #4	Regulation #5
player equipment	FIFA	FIFA	FIFA
Roster Max # players:	12	14	18
Number of players on field (including goal keeper )	6v6	8v8	11v11
Min # players to start match:	4	6	7
When guest players* are used, the Max # of total players:	9	11	14
Goalkeepers	Yes	Yes	Yes
Referees	Yes	Yes	Yes
Asst referees	No assistant Referees are assigned. - Use of parents is permitted for calling out of play on touchlines/goal lines only.
Duration of games	2 x 25 minute halves	2 x 30 minute halves	2 x 35 minute halves
Kick-off after goal	Yes	Yes	Yes
Drop balls	FIFA	FIFA	FIFA
Balls.in/out of play	FIFA	FIFA	FIFA
Methods of scoring	FIFA	FIFA	FIFA
Offside	NO	FIFA	FIFA
Fouls & misconduct	FIFA	FIFA	FIFA
Sliding & Slide tackling **	FIFA	FIFA	FIFA
Free kicks	FIFA - except opponents five(5) yards from the ball	FIFA	FIFA
Distance from START/restart	5yds	FIFA	FIFA
Penalty kicks	FIFA	FIFA	FIFA
Throw-ins	FIFA	FIFA	FIFA
Goal kicks	FIFA	FIFA	FIFA
corner kicks	FIFA - except opponents five(5) yards from the ball until it is played	FIFA	FIFA
pass back rule ***	FIFA	FIFA	FIFA
goalie punts	goalies may not punt,drop kick or throw the ball directly into the opponents box. It must bounce or be touched by another player before entering box.	FIFA	FIFA
Substitutions:	1. Both teams may substitute as follow: a) on goal kicks, b) after a goal, c) at half time, d) on throw-ins, provided that the team with possession is substituting, e) when the game is stopped for injury, provided that the team with the injured player is substituting for the injured player (one-for-one). 2. When a player has been cautioned – recommended but not required (only the yellow-carded player may be replaced). 3. Substituted players may return to play in the game. 4. There is no substitution limitation.
* Guest Players: It is permissible for players, within a club, to play up (“guest”) for their club’s higher or same age group team. Guesting down is not permitted. Guest players must bring their validated NOGSL player pass, and must be identified and noted on the game cards.
** Sliding & Slide Tackling is a part of the game and is permitted. FIFA laws do not prohibit slide tackles. The Laws of the Game describe fouls that involve tripping, kicking, and dangerous play. Coaches should take care to teach players the difference between a clean tackle of the ball, versus a careless or reckless tackle of the body that will result in a foul and possible issuance of a yellow or red card.
*** The "Pass-Back Rule" refers to a field player passing the ball back to the goal keeper intentionally. If a referee determines that a player has intentionally kicked the ball back to the goal keeper, who handles the ball with their hands, it is a foul and will result in an IFK at the spot of the foul (unless in the goal area - the ball is then placed on the 6). In other words, a player cannot intentionally kick the ball back to their own goal keeper and have the GK pick the ball up with their hands. Unintentional deflections do not count as intentional. The referee's opinion is what counts in this situation, not the parents or the spectators!
Severe Weather: If lightning is seen or thunder heard, then the threat is present and the game must be immediately suspended until the severe weather clears the area. The game may not be resumed until 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or lightning is seen. It is the referee’s discretion how long to wait or call a game. Adult coaches should confer and assist the youth referees when making this decision (how long to wait). Use common sense!