PROPOSAL & DEVELOPMENT FOR 2026-2027 SOCCER RULES (In-progress: Thu, Nov. 6 11:10AM; Fri, Nov. 7 12:27PM)
10.6.1 General Guidelines
- 10.6.1-1 If a rule in the sport of soccer is not specifically addressed or contained herein, NFHS (“Federation”) rules shall be applied.
- 10.6.1-1.1 DIAA, and/or US Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and FIFA guidelines may be referred to and applied in certain situations when deemed appropriate.
- 10.6.1-1.2 No coach or coordinator at the affiliate level shall alter, revise, or change any rules prior to, during, or after the conclusion of competition.
- 10.6.1-2 The CYM Sports Coordinator is the lead rules interpreter for the sport of soccer within CYM Sports programming.
- 10.9.1-2.1 Interpretation of all CYM Sports rulings and governing rules for the sport of soccer will be declared final by the CYM Sports Coordinator.
- 10.6.1-3 The CYM Soccer Coordinator (if applicable) is the lead representative and organizer for the sport of soccer within CYM Sports programming.
- 10.6.1-4 The Soccer Ambassador is the lead advocate for all affiliate coaches within CYM Sports programming.
- 10.6.1-4.1 Head Coaches may suggest rule changes to the Soccer Ambassador or CYM Volleyball Coordinator prior to or after season.
- 10.6.1-5 Soccer offered in CYM Sports is a co-ed program, with rosters consisting of both male and female participants.
- 10.6.1-5.1 All participants, coaches, parents, and spectators should be aware of the adherent risk involved in co-ed athletic programs.
- 10.6.1-5.2 By agreeing to participate in CYM Soccer, the participating party understands and agree to such terms and conditions, and may not hold CYM Sports, the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, or affiliated programs responsible for circumstances or injuries that arise from participation.
10.6.2 Administration of SOCCER
- 10.6.2-1 A team registration is required to consist of 14 participants minimum in order to compete in CYM Sports Soccer.
- 10.6.2-1.1 A team may register less than 14, provided they meet the minimum + 1 required to field a team on the field, or a second team is formed to compete in competition.
- 10.6.2-2 Teams are placed in divisions in accordance with section 10.1 Universal Guidelines.
- 10.6.2-3 The listed home team on schedule will select their team bench upon arrival.
- 10.6.2-4 All matches must have a pre-match meeting conducted with Official(s), Head Coach and team captain(s).
- 10.6.2-4.1 The visiting team captain shall call the coin toss.
- 10.6.2-4.2 The winner of toss shall select first possession or side of field to defend first.
- 10.6.2-4.3 Head coaches must provide an approved team roster that matches their CYM registration at the meeting.
- 10.6.2-5 Both teams shall warm up simultaneously.
- 10.6.2-5.1 All teams are granted 5-minutes for warm-up on the field, based on the discretion of the officials and facility allotted time-slot. Coaches should use available space on location, but must respect facility restrictions.
10.6.3 Equipment
- 10.6.3-1 All teams are required to have three (3) designated game balls, and shall be provided by the listed home team for each match.
- 10.6.3-1.1 All varsity divisions will use a size five (5) soccer ball.
- 10.6.3-1.2 All varsity divisions will use a size four (4) soccer ball.
- 10.6.3-2 In the event that a neutral site is secured but does not provide flags, it is the responsibility of the listed home team to provide flags for the match.
- 10.6.3-3 In the event that an official deems it necessary to differentiate teams, the home team will be required to wear pennies.
- 10.6.3-4 Shinguards are required for all levels, fully-covered by soccer-appropriate socks.
- 10.6.3-5 Jewelry around the neck or below the chin is prohibited on the field of competition, including warm-ups.
- 10.6.3-5.1 Stud or post earrings are permitted if secured to the body.
- 10.6.3-5.2 Medical alert medals and Religious medals are not considered jewelry, but must be secured to the body.
- 10.6.3-6 Body paint or glitter on hair, face, uniform or body is prohibited.
- 10.6.3-7 Head adornments are allowed, provided they are securely fastened and do not present an increased risk to the player, teammates or opponents.
10.9.4 Competition
- 10.6.4-1 All varsity matches will be two 30-minute halves that are running clock, with a five (5) minute halftime.
- 10.6.4-1.1 In the event of a tie at the end of regulation during regular season, that match will conclude in a draw.
- 10.6.4-1.2 Teams are to report to the site of competition 15 minutes prior to the start of their match.
- 10.6.4-2 All junior varsity matches will be four 15-minute quarters that are running clock, with a two (2) minute intermission between periods and five (5) minute halftime.
- 10.6.4-2.1 In the event of a tie at the end of regulation during regular season, that match will conclude in a draw.
- 10.6.4-2.2 Teams are to report to the site of competition 15 minutes prior to the start of their match.
- 10.6.4-3 The officials are the official time-keepers for all matches.
- 10.6.4-3.1 Game officials are not responsible for keeping score.
- 10.6.4-4 All scores will be submitted by assigned program coach in accordance with section 10.1 Universal Guidelines.
10.6.5 Postseason & Championships
- 10.6.5-1 Soccer postseason(s) and Championship(s) are sponsored and sanctioned in accordance with section 10.1 Universal Guidelines.
10.9.6 Mandatory Play & Sit Regulations
- 10.6.6-1 Mandatory play rules exist in the Varsity C-Division
- 10.6.6-1.1 All eligible players on the bench must participate in each game.
- 10.6.6-1.2 Each player is to play a minimum of 15 minutes of each match, which does not need to be continuous.
- 10.6.6-1.3 Injury, medical issues, disciplinary reasons or special circumstances may reduce this, if formally submitted and approved by the office.
- 10.6.6-1.4 Failure to comply with the minimum playing time during the regular season, or in postseason opportunities, will result in a forfeiture and may result in further disciplinary actions.
- 10.6.6-2 Mandatory play rules exist in Junior Varsity.
- 10.6.6-2.1 All eligible players on the bench must participate in each game.
- 10.6.6-2.2 All eligible players are required to play at least 15 minutes within the 1st three quarters of the game; upon completion of stipulation, a coach may play any member of their team in the fourth quarter.
- 10.6.6-1.3 Injury, medical issues, disciplinary reasons or special circumstances may reduce this, if formally submitted and approved by the office.
- 10.6.6-1.4 Failure to comply with the minimum playing time during the regular season, or in postseason opportunities, will result in a forfeiture and may result in further disciplinary actions.
10.6.7 Summer Workouts
- 10.6.7-1 Summer conditioning may begin the 1st Monday of June
- 10.6.7-1.1 Summer conditioning sessions must be voluntary.
- 10.6.7-1.2 Summer conditioning sessions may last no longer than 90 minutes in duration, limited to twice per week.
- 10.6.7-1.3 Summer conditioning prohibits the usage of soccer balls and technical work.
- 10.6.7-2 Summer conditioning must end on the Friday prior to authorized tryout date.
- 10.6.7-3 In accordance with section 10.1 Universal Guidelines, Heat and humidity rules are in-effect during summer conditioning.
- 10.6.7-3.1 Violations could result in team(s) being ruled ineligible for postseason.
10.6.8 Related Policies: Junior Varsity Safety Guidelines
- 10.6.8-1 Slide tackles are prohibited, and will result with an indirect free kick for the opposing team at the spot of the infraction, or US Soccer applicable ruling.
- 10.6.8-2 Intentional heading is prohibited, and will result with an indirect free kick in conjunction with US Soccer standards.
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