Middle School Rules Summary This rules summary is provided to the referees as a service. These are not the official rules of the competition. NO warranty is made that this summary is up to date.
General
Middle school soccer games shall be governed by the current National Federation High School Soccer Rules.
Match Cards / Passes
No match cards. No passes. No line up to check equipment.
Pre Match
Meet with both head coaches and the team captains. Explain that middle school soccer is an extension of the educational environment and the good behavior exhibited in classroom should be displayed on the field. Ask the coaches "will your players be legally and properly equipped by the time of kick-off?" First jewelry/equipment violation discovered during the match causes a yellow card shown to the coach. Subsequent violations cause a UC to the player(s).
Substitutions
Players may be substituted IF THE SUBSTITUTE IS CHECKED IN (ready at the half way line) at the moment play is stopped.
Teams may substitute at:
- Their own throw-in
- Their own corner kick.
- Any goal kick
- "Me too" substitutions apply
- A stoppage where an opponent has been issued a yellow card
Players may be substituted from the bench when:
- A goal is scored
- A player leaves the field due to injury at a stoppage
- A stoppage where a teammate has been shown a yellow card.
Goal Kicks
Once the ball is placed, it may not be picked up and relocated. Sanction with a YC for delaying the restart.
Yellow Card Misconduct - Cautions
Any player (including the goalkeeper) shown a YC must leave the field and may not return until the next legal substitution opportunity.
Send offs / Incident Reports / Concussion Protocol
Contact the assignor immediately after the match.
Mercy Rule
If at any point in the match there is a 5 goal differential, the team leading must remove one player from the game. Another player must be removed for each additional goal differential until the minimum number of players (7) are remaining. If the score differential goes back to 4, players may reenter the game.
Ball Size
5
Injuries
If an injured player is visited by staff on the field, they must be substituted. If a head injury is suspected the player may not re-enter the match.
Match Length
2 - 30 minute halves ......
5 minute rest period at the half.
Orthopedic supports
Knee and ankle braces okay - hard parts padded.
Hard arm/wrist splints may be allowed - if no danger.
Soft cast okay - if no danger.
Hard casts that cover the entire circumference of the arm/wrist are NOT permitted (even if padded).
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