SASA house rules

SASA uses a number of variations of the Laws of the Game. Here is a summary of the house rules that are applicable to the games RSRA referees will officiate, along with comments from the assignor on the application of these modifications.

LAW I - THE FIELD.

• Dimensions vary from park to park and for games of various age levels. Be sure the field is safe and the goals are properly anchored.
• Team area:
  • Recreational Division: Home team and their spectators on one side, away team and their spectators on the opposite side of the field. Home team has choice of side.
  • Classic Division: Both teams on one side and all spectators on the other side. Players and spectators must remain within the area that is defined by an imaginary line five feet behind their touchline and the outer penalty area lines at each end of the field.

• U10-U12: Size 4
• U13-U19: Size 5

LAW III - NUMBER OF PLAYERS.

• Maximum number on the field:
  • U10-U11: 7 per side
  • U12: 8 per side
  • U13-U19: 11 per side.

• Minimum number on the field:
  • U10-U11: 4 per side
  • U12: 5 per side
  • U13-U19: 7 per side.

• Shorthanded teams: If one team has fewer than the maximum number of players available, the other team may elect to play shorthanded as well. However, they are not required to do so.

• Substitutions: Unlimited. Substitutions may be made before goal kicks, own throw-ins, at halftime or when a goal is scored. When an injured player is removed, each team may substitute one player.

• U-19 girls: If a team substitutes on its own throw-in, the opponent may also substitute at this time (similar to high school rule). This applies only to the U-19 girls division.

• Classic division: A "mercy agreement" is in effect in this division only. It is recommended that a team that goes ahead by 4 goals should remove a player from the field. An additional player may be removed for each additional goal the lead increases until the minimum number of players are left on the field (see above). The team that is trailing is not permitted to add players; the team that is ahead is permitted to subtract.

• Uniform shirt and socks: The standard SASA uniform shirt will be worn for all games by all players except goalkeepers, who will wear shirts that are distinctive in color and appearance from other players. All players for all games should wear the standard SASA uniform socks. Additionally, all players of a team should wear the same color shorts. Home team will wear shirts blue side out. Classic Division and U19G uniform style/colors/etc. vary by team.
• Shoes: Metal cleats are not permitted. Baseball or multipurpose shoes will not be worn unless they are modified by removing the toe cleat.
• Inclement/cold weather clothing: Permitted, but must be worn underneath SASA uniform items. Garments worn beneath uniform items do not have to match in color or appearance among team players. Gloves and soft caps for players are permitted if weather conditions dictate, in the opinion of the referee. Baseball caps are not approved for any player.
• Jewelry: No jewelry may be worn in SASA games, except medical bracelets.

• Referees, please permit players in non-standard uniforms to participate. Mention it to the coach, note it on the game report, but do not deny these players permission to play.

• U10-U11: All infractions will be briefly explained to the offending player.
• Coaching: Tactical instructions permitted from one yard off the touchline and within 20 yards of the midfield line.
• Alcohol or tobacco use: Prohibited at SASA activities. Inform coaches; do not confront parents.
• Loud noisemakers (such as megaphones): Prohibited at SASA activities.

• U10-U11: Each coach shall provide a volunteer as club linesman.
• U12-U19: USSF certified referees will be assigned whenever possible.
• If an assistant referee is not available at the designated starting game time, the teams shall provide a volunteer club linesman, as agreed upon by the center referee.
• The club linesman may not coach the team from the sidelines.

• Game length (unless waived by SASA):
  • U10-U11: two 25-minute halves;
  • U12-U13: two 30-minute halves;
  • U14: two 35-minute halves;
  • U15-U16: two 40-minute halves;
  • U19: two 45-minute halves.
• Timekeeping: Continuously running clock, which is kept by the referee. Referee may adjust playing time to account for delays due to injuries or other unusual circumstances.
• Halftime: Five minutes. Referee may lengthen and/or add other rest or water break periods.
• Resolution of tie games:
  • Regular season: No overtime/tie-breakers
  • Playoff or championship games: Two 5-minute overtime periods (no golden goal), followed by kicks from the penalty mark if score is still tied at completion of both overtime periods. Overtime procedures will otherwise conform to FIFA, as described in "Laws of the Game." Normal substitution is permitted during overtime.

• Start time: Games will start as scheduled. A 10-minute grace period may be provided, at the discretion of the referee, for the first game of the day at the field only if one or both teams do not have the required number of players to start the game.
• Weather-related issues: If the league has not issued a cancellation announcement, the referee shall determine whether to start or continue a game if wet fields could cause safety concerns or tear up fields.

LAW IX - BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY. Conform to FIFA.

LAW X - METHOD OF SCORING. Conform to FIFA.

LAW XI - OFFSIDE. Conform to FIFA.

LAW XII - FOULS AND MISCONDUCT.

• Abusive behavior towards referees or other participants will not be tolerated!What constitutes abusive behavior is solely at the discretion of the referee.
• Dissent: Players or coaches that direct dissent specifically about a game situation or at an official will be sent off the field and may be shown the red card, as circumstances warrant, in the opinion of the referee.
• Parents or other spectators: Persons who direct dissent specifically at an official, or who demonstrate abusive behavior will be required to leave the area. Failure to do so in a timely manner will result in the responsible coach being sent off and suspension of the game by the referee, at his or her discretion.
• Slide tackles: No slide tackles from behind.

LAW XIII - FREE KICKS.

• U10-U13: Opponents remain 8 yards from ball.
• U14-U19: Conform to FIFA.

LAW XV - THROW-IN. Conform to FIFA.

LAW XVI - GOAL KICK. Conform to FIFA.

LAW XVII - CORNER KICK.

• U10-U13: Opponents remain 8 yards from ball.
• U14-U19: Conform to FIFA.