SFYS Premier 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 7/10/25

League - Weather Hot Line / Game Day Hot Line

Questions? Talk to field marshal first. No field marshal? Call 415-794-2974

Player Passes

Printed on a game day photo roster.
Applies to Players, Coaches and Guest Players.
Guest coaches can use ANY team game day photo roster.
Not on the roster = no play. No handwritten names.

Adults

Only 2 coaches in the Technical Area ("Coaches' Box"). People not on a game day roster are not allowed in the technical area. Guest coach from same registration league permitted as long as they are on a game day roster (any game).

Player Counts

U08-U10 - 7v7 Minimum 5 Maximum 13
U11-U12 - 9v9 Minimum 7 Maximum 15
U13-U19 - 11v11 Minimum 7 Maximum 18

Referee Crew

U09-U12 : One USSF Referee and two STAR referees - get the names of the STAR referees !!!!
Games that start late must be shortened equally in each half to end on time.
No coach? No game day roster? No team? - do not wait more than 5 minutes.

  • Referees are encouraged to explain infractions.
  • Prepare a Match Report on the Pensra website.
    >> No report = no pay
    >> Report rainouts. You are paid if the game started. Otherwise no pay.
    >> Report forfeits. . You are paid.
    >> You must have a W9 form on file with Pensra or SFYS.
    >> Note the names of the STAR referees in your report

Match Reports

Submit match reports online at the Pensra website-> Must logon.

Mercy Rule

No Mercy rule in SFYS Premier

Age specific

Legal slide tackling is permitted at all ages
PK and DFK all ages.

Direct Kicks allowed all ages
... For Ages U09-U12, the wall should be set at 8 yards
... For Ages U13-U14, the wall should be set at 10 yards

Penalty Kicks allowed all ages
... For Ages U09-U10, the penalty kick should be taken at 8 yards
... For Ages U11-U12, the penalty kick should be taken at 10 yards
... For Ages U13-U14, the penalty kick should be taken at 12 yards

U09 and U10 7v7 Build Out line

Deliberate Heading

U09-U12 No deliberate heading. Infractions are an IFK.

Match Length

U09-U10 - 2 X 25 minute
U11-U12 - 2 X 30 minute
U13-U14 - 2 X 35 minute

Substitutions

Unlimited substitutions at any stoppage with Referee's permission.
Add time for time lost for substitutions.

Half Time

5 minute half time all levels

IFAB "Only Captains"

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

Send offs

Click here-> for procedure.

Other

U09-U12  - Size 4 

Playoffs

  • If tied at end of regulation - straight to Penalites
  • Penalties  for 7v7 is best of 5 then sudden death - from 8 yds.
  • Penalties for 9v9 is best of 5 then sudden death- from 10 yds
  • Penalties for 11v11 is best of 5 then sudden death.
  • Only 10 minutes allotted for Penalties- keep it moving!
  • No guest players.   Guest Players permitted in Consolation match.   

More Information

General Information (Pay)->
Referee Resources->
Become a Ref->
How to get games->

Rules of the Competition

Rules Fall 2024 - check the tab