2023-24 Game Law Changes

BALL SIZE

• U-9 thru U-12 = Size 4
• U-13 thru U-19 = Size 5

• U9-U11 = 30min (1 Ref)
• U12 = 35min (1 Ref)
• U13-U14 = 35 min (3 Refs)
• U15-U16 = 40min (3 Refs)
• U17-U19 = 45min (3 Refs

• 5 minutes

• U9-U10 = 55-75yds x 35-50yds
• U11-U12 = 70-85yds x 45-60yds
• U13-U19 = FIFA

• U9-U10 = 6.5ft high x 18.5ft wide max
• U11-U12 = 6.5ft high x 18.5ft wide -or- 7ft high x 21ft wide max, with goals being the same size at both ends of the field
• U13-U19 = FIFA

Note | If there are two sets of lines, the outermost shall be used

GRACE PERIOD

All teams have 15 minutes after scheduled kick-off time to have minimum number of players ready to play. The game shall start as soon as 7 players are present for U11-U19 teams; 6 players present for U9-U10 teams.

IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER

The league hotlines will post widespread closings. If there is no information on the hotlines, and the referee has not been called by the assignor, he/she shall go to the field. If the referee delays the start of a game or halts a game in progress, he/she should set a specific waiting period (generally 15 to 30 minutes) and then make a decision about continuing. A cancelation decision by the referee does not automatically affect following games.

GAME REPORTS

Both team managers will provide the referee with official state-approved team rosters.

Referees shall complete the online game report through the NCSL website.  All team rosters should be retained through the season, and a week or two thereafter.

FIELD PREPARATION

The home team is responsible for providing a safe and acceptable playing field. If the referee deems the field not playable or unsafe because of inadequately cut grass, or improper lines or nets, he/she shall abandon the game and note in the online game report why the game was not played. Referees will be paid even if the game is not played.

TEAM SPORTSMANSHIP LIAISON

Each team will designate a TSL who will identify him/herself to the referee before the game. TSLs shall be responsible for ensuring spectators maintain proper sideline behavior and observe the spectator restraining line.

Referees may request TSL assistance for handling serious spectator problems.

SUBSTITUTIONS

NCSL allows substitutions at the referee’s discretion at any stoppage of play. Substitutions are no longer limited to goal kicks, kick-offs, and the team’s own throw in. The only limitation is that the entering player may not enter the game to immediately take a penalty kick.

Special note for NCSL | This change has been modified by NCSL – players are still allowed to leave the field from wherever they choose, unless instructed by the referee.

REPORTING GAME-RELATED PROBLEMS

Referees must show all cards to coaches.

Serious game problems (terminations, excessive cards, spectator behavior, forfeits, etc.) shall be reported promptly to the Rules & Discipline Chairman. The referee shall decide if a narrative report is also warranted.

Cases of referee abuse or assault should be immediately reported, to the Chairman of the state Adjudication Committee as well as to the league Rules & Discipline Chairman.

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

The referee must check each team’s official state roster and player passes prior to the start of the match. Teams have 15 minute grace period to produce the official state roster and player passes. If not available for checking by then, the game shall be terminated and the league notified.

If any player’s eligibility is questionable, the player shall be allowed to participate in the game and a full report shall be provided.
 
If a player is clearly not eligible to play, he may not play.

Any instance of ineligible or suspected ineligible players must be reported to the Rules and Discipline Chairman.

UNIFORMS

Shirts, except goalkeepers, must be numbered and must correspond with numbers on the Game Report Card. A player may not enter the game without a numbered shirt.

The home team must change jerseys in case of conflict.

Players must wear shin guards at all times.

Shirts must be tucked in and socks pulled up over the top of shin guards at the beginning of each half.

TEAM AND SPECTATOR SIDES

All teams shall be on one side of the field and spectators shall be on the opposite side (unless this is not possible due to geographic conditions).

Coaches and assistants shall remain within 20 yards of their side of the center line.

Coaches are responsible for controlling their own behavior and that of their team and adults on their sideline.

Spectators shall remain between the 18-yard lines extended to the touchline and shall be a minimum of 3 yards from the touchline, whether a spectator restraining line is provided or not. Spectators may not stand behind the goal line or goal.

Use of horns, clappers, bells, sirens, megaphones, etc. is not permitted at NCSL games.

Contact your assignor for weather related information

Check the NCSL homepage for weather related information on game days

NCSL RULES AND DISCIPLINE CHAIRMAN: e-mail RDChairman@ncsl-soccer.com