Playing Rules

Read more about our playing rules by clicking on the categories below:

Playing Up

Beginning in 2006, a player who has been held back in school will be allowed to play on a team of the appropriate age level. The registration must note the request to play up under “Special Requests.” Other than this all placement will be based on the grade level of the player. There will be no other exceptions to this policy.

Coach Selection

LMVSC recreational coaches are volunteer coaches. Their divisional Player Director, based on need and league policies, selects coaches.
A coach that has a child participating on a Select team in another club is prohibited from coaching or assistant coaching for a LMVSC recreational team within their child’s age group. The “age group” is determined by the division the child is registered. Coaches in direct violation of this policy will be reprimanded as deemed appropriate by the Executive Board. The result of this particular infraction is dismissal.A coach who plays a non-registered player or allows a non-registered player to practice with his team is subject to disciplinary action by the Rules and Discipline Committee. The punishment for such an infraction may range from a warning through a life-time ban on coaching for LMVSC.

Playing Down

Any coach found playing a player down from an upper division will be reprimanded as deemed appropriate by the Executive Board. The result of this particular infraction is dismissal.

Equipment

Only gym shoes, tennis shoes or soccer shoes may be worn. Shirts of uniform color must be worn by all players; goalies must be distinguishable by shirts of different color. Shirts and shorts furnished by the LMVSC must be returned at the end of each season. No hard or dangerous items, such as watches or bracelets, are to be worn.

Goals

At the start of game day, goals are to be unlocked and placed on the field in their appropriate locations. Positioning of goals is to be handled by adults only with the supervision of either the team’s coach, assistant coach or team parent. At the completion of game day, the goals are to be replaced in their designated location, nested together, face down and locked.

Team Formation

Teams, to the extent possible, will be comprised of players from the same sub-division, community, and/or school, as formed under the jurisdiction of respective Player Directors.

7th/8th Grade division will have 18 players on the roster, with 11 v 11 with a goalkeeper. Two Halves of 35 Minutes each.
5th/6th Grade division will have 14 players on the roster, with 9 v 9 with a goalkeeper. Two Halves of 30 Minutes each.
3rd/4th Grade division will have up to 12 players on the roster, with 7 v 7 with a goalkeeper. Two Halves of 30 Minutes each.
2nd Grade division will have 10 players on the roster, with 6 v 6 with a goalkeeper. Two Halves of 12 Minutes each.
1st Grade division will have 10 players on the roster, with 5 players on the field and no goal keeper. Four Quarters of 10 Minutes each.
Pre-K/Kindergarten division will have 8 players on the roster, with 4 players on the field. Four Quarters of 8 Minutes each.

Practices

The LMVSC program is based on a low-key atmosphere with instruction and participation as major factors. Therefore, practices are limited to no more than three (3) times per week, including any games.

The Pre-K & Kindergarten Division teams shall have no more than two (2) team meetings per week including a game, i.e. two practices, one practice and one game, or two games.

Number of Players

The number of players on A division teams should not exceed 18. B Division teams will be formed with 14 players, C Division 3rd and 4th grade teams should not exceed 12 players, D Division 1st and 2nd grade teams will be formed with 10 players and E Division Teams will be formed with 8 players. (All player applicants must be referred to the appropriate LMVSC Player Director for registration and placement on a team. Teams with less than the appropriate number of players must accept players assigned by Player Directors).

The “E” Division teams shall have no more than two (2) team meetings per week including a game, i.e. two practices, one practice and one game, or two games.

Minimum Participation

All healthy players must participate in each game and must play at least half a game. However, if a player has missed weekly practices or has misbehaved to the point of disrupting practices, LMVSC coaches has the authority to play that particular player one quarter. Prior to game time, the opposing coach must be advised which player is playing one quarter. No player will be denied playing time due to any other circumstance. If a player is late for the first quarter and that player has been assigned to play that quarter, the coach has the option not to make up an additional quarter.

Rules Interpretation, Enforcement, and Protests

The Division Commissioners have full responsibility over the interpretation and enforcement of the rules. Any protest are to be made in writing, after coach’s consultation with the appropriate Player Director, and will not be made until 24 hours after game (waiting period). The written protest will be mailed, e-mailed, or if desired, hand-delivered to the appropriate Division Commissioner. Rulings by Division Commissioners may be appealed to the Club Commissioner. Appeals will be submitted in writing by one of the parties involved and be accompanied by the Division Commissioner’s ruling. FIFA rules govern LMVSC play with the exceptions listed in the Playing Rules of the LMVSC. Protests do not apply to the outcome of a game. We do not keep standings. Protests mainly applied towards reprimands, discipline decisions made by the Board and opposition of any LMVSC rules or policies.

Coach’s Responsibility

Each coach will insure that his team and players are in conformity with the rules herein, especially player eligibility and the league’s Code of Conduct. The coach is responsible for notifying the club of any significant injuries or player ejection.

Code of Conduct

Coaches, players and spectators are to sign and abide by the LMVSC’s Code of Conduct.

Red Cards

Red Cards issued to players or coaches are to be reported to the Club Commissioner by both coaches and to the Referee Coordinator by the referee. Coaches are to forward a short memorandum which describes the events leading to the issuance of the card. Referees are to record the issuance of the card on their game report form and mail it to the Referee Coordinator. The issuance of a red card shall result in the suspension of the offender from the next game. The receipt of a second red card in a season shall result in the ejection of the offender from LMVSC for the remainder of the season.

Time

Kick-off time may not be changed nor games rescheduled or cancelled without prior approval of the LMVSC Club Commissioner. Approval will require mutual consent of the coaches and will not be granted for minor absenteeism. The LMVSC Commissioner must be notified of such proposed changes no later than 6:00 p.m. five days prior to that on which the game was originally scheduled or that on which the game is to be changed to, whichever is earlier. This is to prevent conflicts and to permit referee notifications.

Transfers

The appropriate LMVSC Player Director must approve all transfers from one team to another.

Eligibility

No player may participate in a league game without being properly registered. The appropriate LMVSC Player Director must be notified of a new registrant at least 12 hours before said registrant’s first game.

Coach’s Behavior

Any coach who withdraws his team from competition because of a dispute with the referee will be suspended from coaching for the next game on the schedule. Please know in no uncertain terms, if a coach’s behavior is inappropriate during his/her role as a coach, LMVSC has the authority to dismiss that coach. Coaches must have a copy of the LMVSC handbook and their roster at each match.

Player’s Behavior

If a player is unruly or presents persistent problems for a coach and will not respond to the coach’s request to behave in an appropriate manner, the coach may insist that the player’s parent/guardian attend practices and games. If the problem is severe, the coach can keep the player from practicing or playing in a game. Coaches taking such action must inform the League Commissioner and the player’s parent/guardian before taking the action, or when that is not possible within 24 ours of taking action.

Referee/Player Assaults

Any LMVSC player or coach who physically assaults a Referee shall Assaults be ejected from the Club for one year. If a parent or relative of a player or a coach assaults a referee, the player or coach shall be ejected from the Club for one year. Assault is defined as any verbal threats or physical contact with the referee, or damage or threats of damage to the referee’s possessions or his/her family. If a player physically assaults another player, that player must sit out the remaining of that game. The opposing coach must report the incident to their Player Director for appropriate action.

Referee/Player Assaults

Build Out Line C3 & C4

Build Out Line C3 & C4:

Purpose – To help players develop and gain confidence playing out of the back.

Rules:

During a Goal Kick or upon the goal keeper receiving the ball in their hands, the opposing team must drop behind the build out line
Once the ball is passed outside of the goal box, the opposing team may pressure the ball
The goal keeper does not have to wait for the other team to drop behind the build out line; if the goal keeper elects to play the ball before the opposing team drops behind the build out line, the ball is live
A player is now considered offside when they are beyond the build out line and there is not an opposing player between them and the goal they are attacking; in essence the build out line is now the half field line for the purpose of offside
There is no punting; the purpose of the build out line is to help develop the confidence of a player to play from the back

Please click below to learn more about rules governed by FIFA:

Law 1: The Field of Play

The layout of the field of play shall conform to FIFA Law with the exception of small sided games, which may have unique markings appropriate to the small sided game.

Law 2: The Ball

The Ball shall have a circumference of 27″‑28″, weight of 14oz.‑16oz and pressure 8.5 to 15.6 lbs. It shall be constructed of approved materials and not be dangerous to players.

Law 3: Number of Players

Each team consists of eleven players, one of whom must be the goalkeeper. Any player may change places with the goalkeeper provided that the Referee is notified before the change and that the change occurs during a stoppage of play. When substituting, the Referee shall be informed that a substitution is proposed before it is made. The substitute shall not enter the field until the player being replaced leaves the field and only then after receiving a signal from the Referee. The substitute shall enter the field at the half-way line.

Law 4: Players Equipment

Mandatory equipment consists of a shirt, shorts, socks, shin guards and shoes. The Goalkeeper must wear colors, which distinguish him/her from the other players and the referees. A player may not wear jewelry or anything that is considered, by the referee, to be dangerous himself/herself or to other players. For an infringement of this law, the player shall be sent from the field to fix the equipment. If thermal shorts are worn, they must be of the same color as the shorts.” If player shorts are multi-colored, the undergarment must match the dominant color.

Law 5: Referees

One referee is appointed for each match. He is responsible for control of the game and his decisions are final. His authority commences as soon as he arrives at the field of play. He shall keep a record of the game and act as time keeper and allow the full or agreed upon time, adding thereto for all time lost through accident or other cause. He has the authority to stop the game for infringements of the Laws and suspend or terminate the game whenever he deems such stoppage necessary. The referee must send from the field of play, any player who is bleeding, until the bleeding is stopped. The player may then return to the field after receiving a signal from the referee.

Please click below to learn more about our 2nd Grade Rules.

Law 1: The Field of Play

Width: 30 Yards/90Feet

½ Width: 15 Yards/45 Feet

Length of Goals: 7×18

Length: 50 Yards/150 Feet

½ Length: 25 Yards/75 Feet

Penalty Box: 5 Yards/15 Feet

Goal Box: 8 Yards/ 24 Feet

Center Circle: 5 Yards/15 Feet

Law 2: The Ball

The ball shall be a size 3 made of approved materials.

Law 3: Player’s Equipment

Each player shall be issued a uniform consisting of a jersey, shorts and socks. Shoes may be either tennis shoes or soccer shoes with soft cleats. Shin-guards are mandatory and are not provided by the league for the player. It is the player’s responsibility to bring the shin-guards. In the event two teams have the same color uniforms, the team listed first on the schedule shall be responsible for wearing a shirt (practice jersey/”penny”), which distinguishes them from their opponents. No jewelry is allowed except medical alert jewelry that must be either taped to the wrist or, if a necklace, must be under the jersey and cannot bounce out during play.

Law 4: The Number of Players/Substitutes

1. The maximum and minimum number of players on the field for a team is six (6) for D2 Division. In this division, there is a goalkeeper.

2. The maximum number of players on a roster should not exceed ten (10).

3. Substitutions are permitted in the following circumstances:

In the case of an injury. If the injured player is substituted, the opposing team may also substitute, one for one.
Throw ins and Goal Kicks.

4. Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time.

Law 5: Referee

The game will be officiated by one LMVSC appointed referee. In case of the referee not showing up, a parent or coach may step in to referee the game, as long as both coaches agree.

Law 6: Assistant Referee (Linesmen)

There are no lines men for D2 Games

Law 7: Duration of the Game

The game clock is to run continuously except for half time and quarter breaks. The duration of the game shall not exceed fifty-four minutes, four 12-minute quarters. The break for the quarters shall not exceed 3 minutes and the half time interval shall not exceed 8 minutes. If weather conditions warrant, additional breaks may be taken, particularly if a team has no substitutes.

Law 8: Start of Play

The game shall be started with a place kick taken from the center mark. Opponents of the kicking team must be outside the center circle. The team taking the place kick to start the game shall be decided by a toss of a coin with the visiting team calling the coin in the air. For a place kick to be properly taken, the ball must be stationary on the center spot before it is kicked. The kick shall not be taken until the Referee signals. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves. A kick-off (place kick) shall be the method of restarting play at the beginning of each quarter and after a goal is scored.

Law 9: Ball In and Out of Play

The ball is in play on a kick when it is kicked and moves. The ball is in play from a “Throw-in” when it breaks the plane of the outer edge of the touchline and has left the hand of the player. The ball is in play on a drop ball when it hits the ground. If the drop ball hits the ground and then goes out of bounds before being touched by a player, it shall be dropped again. If a player touches the ball before it hits the ground, it must be dropped again.

Law 10: Method of Scoring

Law 11: Offside

Offside is not called in this division. Coaches are expected to not allow their players to “camp out” in front of the opponent’s goal.

Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct

Players at this age generally do not intend to commit fouls. The purpose of calling these fouls is to teach the players acceptable standards and therefore, fouls must be called so that the players will learn. Care must be taken to call only those fouls that serve as training points and are obviously intentional. Players at this age are excited about the game and do not intend to commit fouls. Please be sure to review the developmental stages of player in D2.

1. All fouls shall result in an indirect free kick with the all opponents at least 5 yards away.

2. Fouls shall only be called for the following actions:

Kicking – intentional, not simply a miss when attempting to kick the ball.
Tripping – intentional with no attempt to play the ball.
Charging – running into an opponent intentionally without attempting to play the ball.
Jumping at – intentionally jumping at an opponent without attempting to play the ball.
Holding an opponent with the hands or arms.
Hitting or spitting at an opponent
Pushing an opponent to prevent them from playing the ball.
Handling the ball, intentionally.

3. The coach/referee must explain all infractions to the offending players.

4. There are no cautions or ejections.

Law 13: Free Kicks

Free kicks shall be taken from the point of the infraction. The ball shall be stationary when kicked and shall be in play when it is kicked and moves.

Law 14: Penalty Kicks

Penalties will be taken from 8 yards out.

Law 15: Throw-Ins

When the ball goes out on the sidelines, players will perform throw ins to get the ball back in play. Referees will be lenient and work with players as this is the first year players are performing throw ins. A recommended method for players to learn to complete a throw in without lifting their foot: Instruct your player to cross their legs when executing a throw in. By crossing their legs, it will prevent their foot from lifting.

Law 16: Goal Kick

Normal Goal kick rules will be used for the D2 division

Law 17: Corner Kick

Normal Corner kicks will be used for the D2 division

Please click below to learn more about our 1st Grade Rules.

5 v 5

4 X 10 Minute Quarters

Law 1: The Field of Play

Size: The field of play shall be rectangular, its length being not more than 35 yards nor less than 20 yards and its width not more than 25 yards nor less than 15 yards. The length in all cases shall exceed the width. D1 Division fields, where possible, will be 35 yards by 25 yards.

Markings:

1. Distinctive lines of not more than 5 inches wide shall mark the field.

2. A halfway line shall be marked across the center of the field.

3. The center of the field will be marked with a circle with a radius of 4 yards.

4. There is no penalty area.

5. An arc with a radius of 5 yards shall be marked off from the center of the goal. The purpose of this arc to designate the area where Defensive players may not stand. This is to prevent a team from designating players to specifically defend the goal, which effectively circumvents the purpose of not having a goalkeeper in the “D1” Division. Defensive players may run across this area in an attempt to get to the ball or to compete for the ball. The concept here is to not allow players to “camp out” in front of the goal.

Goal: Portable practice goals provided by LMVSC are to be used where possible. The goals MUST be anchored to the ground. If a net(s)/goal is missing, cones may be substituted for the goal and the referee/coach is the sole judge as to whether or not a goal has been scored.

Corner Markers: Cones shall mark the corner.

Law 2: The Ball

The ball shall be a size 3 made of approved materials.

Law 3: Player’s Equipment

Law 4: The Number of Players/Substitutes

1. The maximum and minimum number of players on the field for a team is five (5) for D1 Division. In this division, there is no goalkeeper nor shall a player be designated to stand in front of the goal to function as a goalkeeper. [A player positioned as a goalkeeper defeats the purpose of the division, which is to get each player as much time as possible with their foot on the ball.]

2. The maximum number of players on a roster should not exceed ten (10).

3. Substitutions are permitted in the following circumstances:

In the case of an injury. If the injured player is substituted, the opposing team may also substitute, one for one.
The mechanics of substitution are basically on they fly.

4. Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time.

Law 5: Referee

The game will be officiated by Coaches or a team parent. Each team alternates providing referees by quarters. The officials from the two teams shall alternate quarters. Only one Referee is permitted on the field at a time to avoid confusion. Where possible, the Referee is encouraged to explain calls to the players of both teams when a call is made while at the same time trying to avoid delays in the game. In the case of restarting playing, the Referee is encouraged to explain mistakes to the player putting the ball into play.

Law 6: Assistant Referee (Linesmen)

Linesmen are to be parents. Each team provides one linesman for its side of the field. There shall never be throw ins. All “pass ins” are free “pass ins” to the team that has gained possession. A “pass-in” is a pass in the soccer context, meaning that the ball is kicked with the foot. A “free” pass-in means free of interference by the opposing team.

Law 7: Duration of the Game

The game clock is to run continuously except for half time and quarter breaks. The duration of the game shall not exceed fifty-four minutes, four 10-minute quarters. The break for the quarters shall not exceed 3 minutes and the half time interval shall not exceed 8 minutes. If weather conditions warrant, additional breaks may be taken, particularly if a team has no substitutes. The maximum total time for a game including the breaks is 60 minutes.

Law 8: Start of Play

Law 9: Ball In and Out of Play

The ball is in play on a kick when it is kicked and moves. The ball is in play from a “pass-in” when it breaks the plane of the outer edge of the touchline and has left the foot of the kicker. The ball is in play on a drop ball when it hits the ground. If the drop ball hits the ground and then goes out of bounds before being touched by a player, it shall be dropped again. If a player touches the ball before it hits the ground, it must be dropped again.

Law 10: Method of Scoring

A goal is scored when the entire ball passes over the goal line and into the LMVSC portable goal provided it has not been propelled by the hands or arms of a member of the attacking team. The defending team can score upon themselves provided that the ball does not enter the goal directly as a result of the defending team taking a free kick. A pass-in cannot score goals. A team cannot score from a kick off (place kick). A team cannot score from a kick-off, or pass-in. After a goal is scored, D-1 teams restart with a “Kick Off”.

Law 11: Offside

Offside is not called in this division. Coaches are expected to not allow their players to “camp out” in front of the opponent’s goal.

Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct

1. All fouls shall result in an indirect free kick with the all opponents at least 3 yards away.

2. Fouls shall only be called for the following actions:

Kicking – intentional, not simply a miss when attempting to kick the ball.
Tripping – intentional with no attempt to play the ball.
Charging – running into an opponent intentionally without attempting to play the ball.
Jumping at – intentionally jumping at an opponent without attempting to play the ball.
Holding an opponent with the hands or arms.
Hitting or spitting at an opponent
Pushing an opponent to prevent them from playing the ball.
Handling the ball, intentionally.

3. The coach/referee must explain all infractions to the offending players.

4. There are no cautions or ejections.

Law 13: Free Kicks

All free kicks shall be INDIRECT. A goal may not be scored until the ball has been touched or played by another player of either team. Free kicks shall be taken from the point of the infraction. The ball shall be stationary when kicked and shall be in play when it is kicked and moves.

Law 14: Penalty Kicks

No penalty kicks are to be taken in this game.

Law 15: Roll ins

Kick off at the start of each quarter, will remain a “kick off”. When the ball leaves the field over the touchline (sideline) either in the air or on the ground, a coach will roll the ball back in for the players.

Law 16: Goal Kick

Restart is by a “pass-in”. There shall be no goal kicks.

Law 17: Corner Kick

Restart is by a “pass-in”. There shall be no corner kicks.

4 v 4
4 X 8 Minute Quarters

Law 1: The Field of Play

Size: The field of play shall be rectangular, its length being not more than 30 yards nor less than 20 yards and its width not more that 20 yards nor less than 15 yards. The length in all cases shall exceed the width. Division fields, where possible, will be 30 yards by 20 yards.

Markings:

1. Distinctive lines of not more than 5 inches wide shall mark the field.

2. A halfway line shall be marked across the center of the field.

3. The center of the field will be marked with a circle with a radius of 4 yards.

4. There is no penalty area.

Corner Markers: Cones shall mark the corner.

Law 2: The Ball

The ball shall be a size 3 made of approved materials.

Law 3: Player’s Equipment

Law 4: The Number of Players/Substitutes

2. The maximum number of players on a roster should not exceed ten (10).

3. Substitutions are permitted in the following circumstances:

In the case of an injury. If the injured player is substituted, the opposing team may also substitute, one for one.
The mechanics of substitution are basically on they fly.

4. Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time.

Law 5: Referee

Law 6: Assistant Referee (Linesmen)

Law 7: Duration of the Game

Law 8: Start of Play

Law 9: Ball In and Out of Play

Law 10: Method of Scoring

Law 11: Offside

Offside is not called in this division. Coaches are expected to not allow their players to “camp out” in front of the opponent’s goal.

Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct

1. All fouls shall result in an indirect free kick with the all opponents at least 3 yards away.

2. Fouls shall only be called for the following actions:

Kicking – intentional, not simply a miss when attempting to kick the ball.
Tripping – intentional with no attempt to play the ball.
Charging – running into an opponent intentionally without attempting to play the ball.
Jumping at – intentionally jumping at an opponent without attempting to play the ball.
Holding an opponent with the hands or arms.
Hitting or spitting at an opponent
Pushing an opponent to prevent them from playing the ball.
Handling the ball, intentionally.

3. The coach/referee must explain all infractions to the offending players.

4. There are no cautions or ejections.

Law 13: Free Kicks

Law 14: Penalty Kicks

No penalty kicks are to be taken in this game.

Law 15: Pass-Ins NOT Throw-Ins

Kick off at the start of each quarter, will remain a “kick off”. When the ball leaves the field over the touchline (sideline) either in the air or on the ground a “Pass-In” is the method of restart. A “Pass-In” is a pass in the soccer context, meaning that the ball is kicked with the foot. Pass-Ins are performed from the Touchline (Sideline). “Pass-ins” should also take the place of any balls that have been kicked out of bounds. All “Pass-ins” are free “Pass-Ins” to the team that has gained possession meaning that they are to be free of interference by the opposing team.

For D1 Division, the restarts for the ball crossing the touchline or the goal line are Pass-Ins by a player of the team gaining possession of the ball.

1) The ball should never be “Passed in”, near a defending team’s goal area.

2) After a team has scored, play will be restarted with a Kick-Off.

3) “Pass ins” should take the place of goal kicks and corner kicks. NOT AT THE START OF EACH GAME OR THE RESTART OF EACH QUARTER.

“Pass-ins” should also take the place of any balls that have been kicked out of bounds. All “Pass-ins” are free “pass-ins” to the team that has gained possession meaning that they are to be free of interference by the opposing team.

A team cannot score from a kick-off, kick in, or pass in.

Law 16: Goal Kick

Restart is by a “pass-in”. There shall be no goal kicks.

Law 17: Corner Kick

Restart is by a “pass-in”. There shall be no corner kicks.

LMVSC has adopted the following new guidelines that restricts players from engaging in heading at U13 and younger. These guidelines apply to all players and coaches.

U11 and Younger

US Soccer guidelines are players in U11 programs and younger shall not engage in heading, either in practice or in games.

U12 & U13 age groups

US Soccer guidelines are for players U12 and U13 programs, that heading in training be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes per week with no more than 15-20 headers per day, per week

At age group divisions U11 and younger

Whenever the ball strikes a player in the head, play is stopped. The proper restart depends upon whether the player deliberately played the ball with his or her head. If deliberate, the proper restart is an indirect free kick to the opposing team. If this occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. If the play by the head is deemed inadvertent, then the proper restart is a dropped ball.

POLICY:

LMVSC’s Recreational League emphasizes participation, teaching basic soccer skills, good sportsmanship, and team play. The objective of LMVSC recreational soccer is to provide an atmosphere in which players can enjoy the game for its own sake without an undue emphasis on winning or losing. The Recreational League does not keep won-loss records during the season and does not use goal-differentials to determine divisions, player assignments, or post-season tournament play. Accordingly, blow-out games are contrary to the objectives of the Recreational League, and LMVSC Recreational League coaches shall make reasonable efforts to avoid blow-outs.

RULE:

A. DEFINITION: For the purposes of this rule, a blow-out situation shall be deemed to exist in an LMVSC Recreational League game at any time and under any circumstances when the goal-differential between the two teams then playing reaches five (5) or more goals.

B. REQUIRED ACTION: At any time that a blow-out situation begins to develop, goal differential of 3 to 4 goals, in an LMVSC Recreational League game, the coach of the dominating team shall actively endeavor to preclude increasing the goal differential. LMVSC recognizes that a coach cannot definitively control all of the dynamics of play in any given game, but the coach of the dominating team shall at a minimum make the following efforts to relieve the blow-out situation and preclude increasing the goal-differential:

If substitutes are available on the dominating team, the coach of the dominating team shall make substitutions, when permitted to do so by the Referee, so as to give more playing time to the team’s less skilled players, but subject to the over-riding requirement of the Recreational League that all players shall play as close as possible to at least one-half of each game;
The coach of the dominating team shall rotate player positions on the dominating team so as to assign goal-scorers to positions on defense;
The coach of the dominating team shall direct players on the dominating team to play with an objective of ball control rather than scoring; and
The coach of the dominating team shall take any other actions that he or she deems to be reasonable under the circumstances and within the spirit of this Rule.

If the goal differential increases to five (5) goals, the coach of the dominating team shall remove one player from the field. If the goal differential increases by another goal, the dominating team will remove an additional player. This player removal for a goal scored will continue until the following limits are reached: D2 Division down to 5 players, C Division down to 6 players, B Division down to 6 players, A division down to 7 players.

If the weaker team scores and reduces the goal differential, the dominant team may return a player to the field.

C. SANCTIONS: Existence of a blow-out situation, of itself, shall not be cause for sanctions. The sanctionable action, or lack of action, shall be the failure of a coach of a dominating team to take the actions described above to relieve a blow-out situation or the direct action of such a coach to “run up the score” and exacerbate a blow-out situation.

First violations of this rule shall be reported to the Boys’ or Girls’ Commissioner, as may be appropriate. If the Boys’ or Girl’s Commissioner believes that a violation occurred and that sanctions are warranted, he or she may caution or suspend the violating coach. Suspensions shall be for one (1) game and shall apply to the dominating team’s next game, regardless of whether that game is a regularly scheduled or post-season tournament game. Suspensions incurred as a result of the last game of a season shall be served at the first game of the next season, if the coach of the dominating team is coaching at the next season. A suspended coach shall not serve as an assistant coach while suspended.

Second or subsequent violations of this rule shall be referred to the LMVSC Rules and Discipline Committee and if a violation is found to have occurred, the R&D Committee shall impose such sanction as it deems appropriate.

D. APPEALS: Findings of first violations and/or sanctions imposed as a result of first violations may be appealed to the Club Commissioner. Findings of second or subsequent violations and or sanctions imposed by the R&D Committee may be appealed to the LMVSC Executive Board.

E. HEARINGS: Nothing in this Rule shall be interpreted to mean that a coach alleged to have violated this Rule shall be entitled to a hearing in person. The Boys’ or Girls’ Commissioner acting on a first violation, the R&D Committee acting on a second or subsequent violation, the Club Commissioner acting on an appeal of a first violation, or the LMVSC Executive Board acting on an appeal of a second or subsequent violation shall conduct such inquiry, by such means, as he, she, or they deem to be appropriate to the circumstances, including, but not limited to, inquiries by email, by telephone, by written reports, or by in-person hearings.

REFEREES: This Rule is not a part of the FIFA Laws of the Game and is not a Playing Rule of LMVSC intended to modify the Laws of the Game. Referees are to advise the coach of the dominant team that a player is to be removed from the field as the goal differential increases to 5 and above. Referees cannot force the coach of the dominating team to follow these actions. However, Referees at LMVSC Recreational League games shall be asked to include in their game reports to LMVSC blow-out situations and, in the opinion of the Referee, whether reasonable action was taken by the coach of the dominating team to relieve the blow-out situation and whether or not the number of players was reduced as directed above. Whether or not any action shall be taken thereafter shall be at the discretion of LMVSC as stated in this Rule

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