UPPER HOUSE INTERIM RULES

(2011)

The San Francisco Vikings Soccer League (“League” or “Vikings League”) will offer Upper House playing divisions for Division 3 (also referred to as class 3) teams for both girls and boys U10 and U11 teams. In general USSF, USYSA, CYSA and Vikings League rules shall apply to the Upper House coaches, players, spectators and teams. See the Vikings League rules on the League website.

Modifications to the Vikings League rules for Upper House divisions follow. Section references below are the same as in the Vikings League Rules and Regulations (2008-2009). 

II. TEAM CENSUS, CLASSIFICATION

A. League To Classify; No Selection of Players Based on Ability. Teams in the Upper House division will be considered developmental teams and classified as Division 3. Upper House teams may hold tryouts and/or select players based upon ability.

V. REQUIREMENTS FOR GAME DAY

B. Minimum Number of Players, Delays, No Referee, Kickoff

1. Minimum Number of Players. In order to start playing a game, a team must have present at least seven players for all eleven a side games and at least five players for all small sided games.

3. Absence of Referee. It is the intention of the League to have three person teams officiate at Upper House games. In the absence of one or two referees, the team coaches will be responsible for finding volunteer linesmen(s) if requested by the center referee. In the absence of all referees, the team coaches will either find a licensed referee or each coach will referee one half of the game, and the game will be official if played. The home team will referee the first half of the game and the away team will referee the second half of the game. The coaches are responsible for ensuring that the game is played in a safe manner. A coach who is acting as a referee may not coach his team while he is acting as referee.

D. Minimum Playing Time, Special Substitution Rules, No Running Up the Score
2. Special Substitution Rules. With the referee’s permission, unlimited substitutions will be allowed at the following times: at goal kicks (either team), after a goal (either team), at a throw-in (throw-in team only), at an injury (injured player), upon a yellow card (carded player only may be substituted, but not required) and at half time. No substitutions will be allowed on corner kicks.

3. Four Goal Lead Requirement. The Upper House has no formal requirements when one team gets a large lead over their opponent. However, the League awards a different number of standing points to the winner based upon the score differential (see Section VII B. & C.). In general, teams and coaches are strongly encouraged not to run up the score in any game. If one team is stronger than the other, the League encourages the coach of the stronger team to take steps like substituting for stronger players, playing weaker players in forward positions, etc. to even the competition.

H. Trained Volunteer Linesmen.  Upper House teams are not required to have a Trained Volunteer Linesman or Advanced Trained Volunteer Linesman.

VII. CHANGE OF DIVISION, PLAYOFFS & AWARDS

A. Placement of Teams in Divisions. All Upper House teams will play in the same division within their age and gender classification.

B. & C. Season Format. All Upper House teams will play an 8 to 10 game schedule, round robin style against other teams in their division. Rained out or otherwise canceled games may or may not be rescheduled. There will be no playoffs. Division standings will be kept based upon the results of League games, as follows: three points for a win (score differential 6 goals or less), two points for a win (score differential greater than 6 goals), 1 point for a tie, and 0 points for a loss. In the case of a forfeit, the non-forfeiting team receives a win with a 3-goal differential. Point totals may be adjusted to reflect the imposition of penalties by the Fair Play Committee of the League, including penalties for not honoring the spirit of the game. The team with the most points is the division or bracket winner. If tied on points, the winner will be determined based on the following criteria (in order): 1. Head to Head competition; 2. Aggregate goal differential (Max/Min per game: +3/-3); 3. Aggregate goals against (Max/game: 3); 4. Aggregate goals in favor (Max/game: 3); 5. Tie Stands.


X. AGE GROUP MODIFICATIONS TO LAWS OF THE GAME

E (NEW). Upper House U10. 
The Laws of the Game, as modified by C.Y.S.A. and these rules, shall apply with the following exceptions:
1. FIELD -Recommended dimensions and markings: Length 50 to 90 yards; Width 35 to 60 yards. The center circle should have an eight (8) yard radius. Four corner arcs each with a two (2) foot radius. Goal area boundaries: six (6) yards from each goal post along the goal line and six (6) yards into the field of play. Penalty area boundaries: fourteen(14) yards from each goal post and fourteen (14) yards into the field of play. Penalty mark not required.

2. BALL -The ball shall be size 4.

3. NUMBER OF PLAYERS - Eight (8), one of whom shall be a goalkeeper. Roster size is limited to 13 players.

4. GAME DURATION -Two 25 minute halves, 5-minute halftime.

5. FREE KICKS - Opponents must be a minimum of 8 yards away. An offense that would result in an indirect kick in the penalty area shall be taken as an indirect kick from the closest point on the line defining the penalty area.

6. PENALTY KICKS - NO PENALTY KICKS. An offense that would result in a penalty kick shall be taken as a direct kick from the closest point on the line defining the penalty area.

7. CORNER KICK - Opponents must be 8 yards away from the ball.

8. THROW-INS - One re-throw will be allowed if foul throw occurs. Referee will explain fault before re-throw.