NorCal N1 Rules Summary
NorCal Premier N1 League
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.
Last Updated 8/7/26
NorCal Premier N1 is more prestigious than League play. Expect and require a higher level of professionalism and compliance from the teams/adults
Match Cards
Referees MUST use a referee wallet match card to report goals, misconduct and other items.
Players are to be checked in via an on-line NorCal App. Check in can be done on the referee's phone or on a phone of a member of the team staff. To participate, a player must be listed in the App for the match. No exceptions.
Coaches should be in the on-line roster. However, any coach with a valid pass for the club in question can be in the technical area. Note in your referee wallet.
After the match a representative of each team should take a photo of the referee match card.
Protests regarding field conditions must be noted by the referee in their wallet referee match report BEFORE the match. Protests regarding players or player passes must noted by the referee before or after the match.
Passes
A USClub Player Pass for each person (player and adult) in the technical area to be provided to the referee. Passes must have a picture. Passes must be associated with the match and are on-line.
Adults
At least 1 adult must have a pass with a photo must be on team side for the entire match. Maximum 3 credentialed adults in technical area. Each adult must have a pass.
Club Lines
Must use the diagonal system of control. DO NOT use a two-man two-whistle system. Recruit club lines if needed. No referee (other than club lines) may have a family member in the match.
Home team
Provides balls. Home team wears the lighter jersey color. Away team wears the darker jersey. In the event of conflict the referee picks which team is not adhering to the "Home=Light" rule and that team changes. NOTE this N1 rule differs from NorCal Premier, NorCal State Cup and NorCal ECNL-RL rules. .
Technical Area
Home club decides: Both teams on same side OR one team on each side. NOT the responsibility of the referee to inform the away team or to enforce.
Send offs
Report send offs in the NorCal App.
Half Time
All matches 10 or less minutes. For fields that are tightly scheduled, use less than 10 minutes. Typically 7 minutes.
IFAB "Only Captains"
Youth leagues are not adopting the IFAB requirements for captain armbands and the "only captains" mechanic. Posted July 22, 2025
U-Specific
U11-U12: 30 minute halves; 9v9; Minimum 6 players to start/continue, Maximum 16 players on game day roster;, Size 4 ball
U13: 35 minute halves; 11v11, Maximum 18 players on game day roster, Size 5 ball
U14-16: 40 minute halves; 11v11, Maximum 18 players on game day roster
U17-19: 45 minute halves; 11v11, Maximum 18 players on game day roster
Substitutions
Unlimited substitutions.
Orthopedic Supports
No hard casts, air splints or metal splints.
Knee, elbow and ankle braces okay - if referee deems safe to player and others.
Soft cast okay - if referee deems safe to player and others.
Concussion
Any player removed for a suspected head injury cannot return unless cleared by a Health Care Professional. Referees MUST be informed and meet with the Health Care Professional BEFORE the match. Must complete an incdent report.
Game Day
15 minute grace time for late arriving teams. Do not impact later matches. Both teams and referee can agree to equally shortened halves. Use your best coach management skills to convince both teams. If starts more than 15 minutes late - complete an incident report.
Home Team to provide benches and easy up covers for both teams.
Home Team to provide water for both teams and referee crew.
If time permits, Referees to conduct an "International Walk Out" 5 minutes prior to the match. Teams to shake hands before the game.
This information is the best that has been given to the webmaster. Please advise as to corrections or links.
Websites
This information is the best that has been given to the webmaster. Please advise as to corrections or links. Links update 8/14/25