CCSLCoast Rules SummaryPrintable

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 8/9/22

Match Cards

Home team provide two or three copies. Away team provides one - three copies.. Referee & team officials sign all three copies. The referee keeps one copy. One copy to home team.   One copy to away team.   Note send-offs on all three copies.  

Make a check mark checked for which players are present. Players / adults that are lined out on Match Card may not participate.

Guest players may be handwritten - on all three copies.   Include Name, Registration number and Date of Birth.

Player Passes

Players - no pass no play.   Physical pass or view pass electronically 
Fall - Only White CYSA passes.
Spring - Blue or White CYSA passes or USClub passes or AYSO passes or USYS passes. All passes must be from the same issuer (all CYSA or all AYSO or all USClub).(CYSA and USYS passes can be mixed.)

Checking passes / match cards is transparent. i.e. teams can see the passes of the other team - can take pictures of match card/passes.

Adults

At least one adult with a pass must be present in technical area.. Only adults with passes on team side. Maximum of 5 adults (includes during half time.)

Player Counts

7v7 Matches -- Maximum Game Day Roster is 14.  Minimum  5 to start or continue.
9v9 Matches -- Maximum Game Day Roster is 18    Minimum 6 to start or continue.
11v11 Matches -- Maximum Game Day Roster is 18

Blow Out Rule

Goal differential of greater than 7 in the younger and lower brackets can lead to a deduction of points in the standings. Not the referee's job, but might be helpful in match management to mention to coach of the team that is winning.

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).

Concussion Protocol

Players that sustain any kind of head impact or injury are to be asked to leave the field. Do not allow the player to return if you detect any symptom of concussion including any loss of consciousness.  The CCSL Game Day Instructions state, "The actions of the referee are not intended to indicate any type of medical diagnosis, they are simply being asked to use their judgment regarding a possible concussion for the safety of the player. If a referee does not ask that a player be removed from the match, the coach is still responsible for protecting the safety of the player and following the Cal North Concussion Procedure and Protocol."

Hydration

Hydration breaks are permitted in hot weather.

7 v 7 U09-U10

    • Yes PKs
    • Yes goal area and penalty area
    • Yes goal kick from goal area 
    • Penalty spot 10 yds from goal line
    • 8 yds insted of 10 yds distance on free kicks
    • One referee.  Can use club linesmen.
    • Build Out Line  - 
      • On a Free Kick from inside their own Penalty Area, opponents must retreat behind build out line. Must remain behind build out line till ball is in play (kicked and moves) This is a CCSL only rule 

9 v 9 U11-U12

  • 8 yds instead of 10 yds distance on free kicks.
  • PK from 10 yds not 12 yds
  • Minimum number of players is 6 to start or continue a game
  • Three referees.

Deliberate Heading

In U12 matches and younger, deliberate heading of the ball is to be whistled. Award an IFK for the opponents. If there is no goal area, IFK awarded to the attackers within the penalty area are to be taken from the penalty area line parallel to the goal line closest to the point of the infraction.

9v9 and 11v11 - Deliberate heading in the penalty area and the goal area - the resulting IFK follows the restart laws outlined in Law 13 (position of ball, position of defenders)

Players that are 11 years old and younger are not permitted to head the ball. If such a player is "playing up" say on a U13 team they are still not permitted to head the ball.  Players under 11 and playing up are to be identified to the referee and are to wear an armband.

Half Time

10 minute minimum rest period at the half.

IFAB "Only Captains"

Youth leagues are not adopting the IFAB requirements for captain armbands and the "only captains" mechanic.  Posted July 22, 2025

Other

Mechanical noise makers not permitted.
Ball Size: U09 - U12 => Size 4: ... ... U13+ => Size 5

Send offs 

Do NOT retain the pass. Complete on line report at On-Line Sendoff Report or GotSport Send Off Report 

Incident Reports 

Player injury? One team no shows? Abandon the match? Terminate the match? Call the Police? See signs of a concussion? Referee assaulted?  Complete the League Incident Report-> and tell your Assignor!

Official Websites


Check-In, Send Off, Dismissal, Incident Reports->

Updated 8/15/19 Official rules for 2019 Fall season expected on August 19, 2019
Updated 9/15/19
Updated 8/9/22