LMVSC Playing Rules

(Exceptions to the FIFA Laws of the Game)

Field

The field of play shall be rectangular. Recommended dimensions: 80-120 x 50-75 yards. The goals shall be 7-8 feet high by 18-24 feet wide. Other dimensions may be adjusted proportionately for small sided teams.

Ball

Only LMVSC approved balls, size 3 for D & E, size 4 for B & C Divisions, with size 5 for all other Divisions are to be used in games, unless coaches of both teams agree otherwise. Balls do not have to be FIFA approved.

Game Time (start)

Games shall commence at the scheduled starting time if at least seven players (B & A division) of each team and each team's coach and referee are present. A 15-minute grace period is provided to allow at least seven players and the team coach to arrive. If a team fails to appear in the allotted time and fails to notify the other team of the delay, the game is forfeited. C Division = 7, D Division = 5 & E Division = 3.

Game Time (duration)

The length of each game shall be as described below:

• E Division teams shall play four 8-minute quarters
• D Division 1st grade teams shall play four 8-minute quarters
• D Division 2nd grade teams shall play four 10-minute quarters
• C Division teams shall play four 10-minute quarters
• B Division teams shall play two 30 minute halves
• A Division teams shall play two 35 minute halves

Other noteworthy points:

• The interval at halftime shall be 5 minutes.
• The intervals between quarters (if any) shall be 3 minutes.
• No overtime shall be played except by specific permission of the LMVSC Commissioner.
• Kick-off at the beginning of quarters will alternate between teams.
• Teams will swap ends of the field after each half.

Substitutions (when)

Substitutions are made with the consent of the Referee.

1. After a goal is scored by either team--substitution to be made prior to the ball being placed back into play by the place kick.
2. After a goal kick is awarded to either team--substitution to be made prior to the ball being placed back into play by the goal kick.
3. After a throw-in - pass-in or roll in is awarded to your team--substitution to be made by either team prior to the ball being placed back into play by the throw-in - pass-in or roll-in ONLY IF the team awarded the throw-in - pass-in or roll-in chooses to make a substitution. If the team taking the throw-in - pass-in or roll-in does not substitute, the opposing team IS NOT allowed to substitute.
4. When a player is injured and the referee has stopped play to permit the coach to take care of the injured player, the team for which the injured player plays may substitute for the injured player before play resumes.
5. Between Quarters and at the half-time interval.
6. Substitution is not permitted upon award of a penalty kick, corner kick, direct free kick, or indirect free kick.

Substitutions (how)

Prior to a substitution, with the exception of substitutions made after an injury, between quarters, or at the half time interval, the coach must:

1. advise the referee that the coach wants to make a substitution
2. receive the referee's permission to make a substitution
3. take off the player who is to exit and then send on the player who is to enter; players entering and exiting the field must do so at the point where the halfway line meets the touch line on the substituting team's side of the field.

Ejections

Player or players ejected by the referee may be replaced at the beginning of the next period, by a player who has not been ejected from the game. A player ejected by the referee is to be reported to the LMVSC Commissioner by the coaches.

Restarting

After a temporary suspension of play, the referee shall restart the game by a drop-ball where the ball was last in play. If play was stopped in the goal area, the game shall be restarted with a drop-ball at the nearest point outside the goal area.

Uniforms

Uniforms shall be checked prior to the commencement of each half to ensure that each player's appearance presents the image desired by LMVSC. Shirts are to be tucked into the shorts and socks shall be pulled up.

Restricted Area

No one is permitted behind the goal lines during game play. The referee will warn the appropriate coach upon the first infraction and caution the coach if the individual is not removed. If the individual persists and will not move to the touchline (sideline), the game will be suspended until he/she departs the area of the goal line.

Fouls

Slide-tackling is a minor foul for D, C and B Divisions. It is permitted in the upper Divisions (7th grade and up). The referee shall treat slide tackling in the lower divisions as Dangerous Play and award an indirect free kick for a routine violation of this rule.

Charging

A player shall not charge the goalkeeper in the goal area unless he/she is dribbling the ball with his feet or is obstructing. After the goalie is in full possession of the ball (trapped by either or both hands), the goalie must not be interfered with or impeded while holding, bouncing, or kicking the ball. The referee shall caution, or eject as appropriate, any player who intentionally interfere with the goalkeeper.