as of august 14th, 2017

RECREATIONAL LEAGUE RULES - As Adopted on 8/14/17

1. Introduction

1.1 The league shall be named Sunflower Soccer League.

1.2 The mission of the league is to provide soccer league play for teams and individuals in a fun and no-pressure environment.

1.3 The league shall be managed and operated by the staff of Sunflower Soccer Association. 1.4 The league is a member of Kansas State Youth Soccer association (KSYSA).

1.5 All members will have contact information on file with the League. The information shall include a valid e-mail address for each member.

1.6 The league office is located at 4829 NW 17th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66618. Mailing address is PO Box 750194, Topeka, Kansas 66618.

1.7 The league website can be found at www.sunflowersoccer.org 

1.8 The SSA staff shall have final authority in all matters not specifically provided for by these rules and policies.

1.9 The league will offer competition for Boys and Girls teams from U4 through U18.

2. Rosters and Formats

2.1 SSA allows for individual and team registration. Individual registrations will be placed on teams according to, as much as possible, their school enrollment. Allowing coaches to keep their roster intact from season to season is permitted.

2.2 The league will adhere to the following maximum “game-day” roster limits:

1. 4 v 4 – 8 players (no goalkeeper)

2. 7 v 7 – 12 players

3. 9 v 9 – 16 players

4. 11 v 11 – 18 players

2.3 Eligibility of players shall be in accordance with KSYSA regulations, unless otherwise specified and approved by the league.

2.4 SSA recreational players are permitted to guest play in a premier league.

2.5 Each player and coach for age groups over U8 must have a valid (laminated and signed by an official of their home state) US Youth Soccer player pass in order to participate in the league. The passes must be brought to every game.

2.6 All recreational teams will play at the age group of their oldest player. Proof-of-birth shall be provided at registration for each new player.

2.7 SSA will be responsible for placement of teams within each age division

3. Operations

3.1 Referees will submit game cards with the match result. SSA staff will then record scores on

our website using “TeamSnap” software. Scores will not be kept in the U4-U7 divisions.

3.2 All scheduling requests, including reschedules, must be made using SSA policy as outlined on our website.

3.3 Forfeits shall be recorded with a score of 3-0. In the case of a double forfeit both teams will record a 0-3 loss. The minimum number of players that must be on the field to avoid a forfeit are:

1. 7 v 7 4 players

2. 9 v 9 5 players

3. 11 v 11 7 players

3.4 For games U8 and up teams will set up on the same side of the field. Parents will remain the opposite sideline.

4. Rules of Play

4.1 The ball: U8 and under will use a size 3 ball. U9-U12 will use a size 4 ball. U13 and older will use a size 5 ball.

4.2 Player equipment: The jersey of all players, except the goalkeeper, must have a visible number unique from the other members of the team. Shin guards are mandatory for all players. No jewelry shall be worn. In case of jersey color conflict, the home team (listed first) shall change.

4.3 Duration of game

1. U4-U8 - 8-minute quarters

2. U9-U10 - 25-minutes halves

3. U11-U12 - 30-minute halves

4. U13-U14 - 35 minutes halves

5. There will be a maximum of fifteen (15) minute grace period given due to tardiness of a team or coach. After the fifteen (15) minutes the game shall be forfeited if a team is still not able to start the game.

4.4 Substitutions: Except as noted, substitutions shall be unlimited. The team in possession may substitute after any dead ball situation. The team not in possession can only substitute at these times provided the team in possession is also substituting. Free substitutions are allowed by both teams after goals, at a goal kick or at the end of a quarter / half.

4.5 Point system: Each team will be awarded 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie and 0 points for a loss. No scores or standings will be recorded in the U4-U7 leagues.

4.6 Tie breakers: If after the season a tie breaker is needed the following criteria will be utilized:

1. Head to head result

2. Goal differential

3. Goals scored

4. Fewest goals allowed

5. Coin toss

4.7 Other rules

4.7.1 There will be no offside in the U4-U7 divisions

4.7.2 In the U8 division offside will only be whistled in flagrant situations. Players not looking to take advantage of being in an offside position will not be penalized.

4.7.3 There will be no penalty kicks in the U4-U7 divisions. Restarts will be indirect free kicks from the spot of the foul.

4.7.4 There will be no throw ins in the U4-U5 divisions. Restarts will be a kick in form

where the ball went out of bounds. If the ball goes out over the end line, then the restart shall be a goal kick or a corner kick. All restarts are indirect free kicks.

4.7.5 Restarts will be throw ins starting at age U6 and players will have unlimited retries until age U8

4.8   MERCY RULE

• This is for all 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11 teams
• Will only be effective for league games
• During a game if your team is leading by 7 goals you will be required to remove one player from the game.  If you take a lead of 10 goals, you will be required to remove another player from the game. If you take a lead of 12 goals, you will be required to remove another player from the game.  If you take a lead of 13 goals, you will be required to remove another player from the game. 
• If at any point of the game the score differential gets under the 7, 10, 12 or 13 goals, your team will be able to add those respective players back into the game. 

5. Inclement Weather

5.1 If the air temperature of heat index reaches 105 games and / or practices will be cancelled.

5.2 If the air temperature or heat index is between 90 and 104 then SSA will insist upon mandatory water breaks midway through each half of games and will advise coaches to modify outdoor practices.

5.3 Air temperatures below 30 will result in games or practices being cancelled.

3. Discipline and Conduct

6.1 All coaches and team officials shall be subject to all rules pertaining to misconduct. Any coach or team official can be held responsible for any individual associated with their team at any match.

6.2 Profanity: Profanity and unsporting conduct by any individual will not be tolerated either on or off the field.

6.3 Alcohol: There will be no drinking of alcoholic beverages in the soccer park.

6.4 Referees: The referees are in complete charge of the field and adjacent area from when they arrive at the site until they depart. Referees are empowered to issues yellow or red cards to players or coaches during that time frame. The referee may suspend a game for coach, player or parent misconduct.

6.5 All complex rules shall be respected and obeyed.

6.6 Suspensions: Any player or coach who receives a red card shall be automatically suspended for the next game. Suspensions for more severe behavior may be increased at the discretion of the Executive Director.

6.7 Discipline Committee:

6.7.1 All matters of concern to Sunflower Soccer association must originate from the referee’s written game report or from a formal protest / complaint submitted in writing by a party involved.

6.7.2 Any player, team official or spectator alleged to have been guilty of any violation of the laws of the game, the bylaws or rules and regulations of the association, or of any conduct detrimental to the game shall be subject to appropriate penalty as determined by the Discipline Committee.

6.7.3 The SSA Discipline Committee shall consist of the Board President, Executive Director and three (3) other people.

6.7.4 The Executive Director shall notify, in writing, any penalty or suspension determined by the Disciplinary Committee.