NorCal State Cup Rules Summary 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.
State Cup is more prestigious than League play. Expect and require a higher level of professionalism and compliance from the teams/adults.
Match Cards Changed Spring 2024
Home team provides a Match card with printed names to the Referee. Away team should have a match card too. Away team match card to be used if the home team has no match card. All player names must be printed on the match card. Player names in strikethrough font cannot play.
If neither team has a match card - ask the coaches to write out a match card on a piece of paper: player names, jersey number and birthdates. File an incident report.
After the match, print your name on the match card, and both coaches sign the match card. Referee and both coaches take a photo of the match card. Retain the photo till one month after the end of the season. Signed match card is returned to the home team.
Protests regarding field conditions must be written on the match card BEFORE the match. Protests regarding players or player passes must be written on the match card before or after the match
Player Passes Changed Spring 2024
In order to play, each player must have:
1) A physical (laminated or unlaminated) or an electronic USClub Player Pass (example picutrue or pass on a cell phone) at the game and listed on the match card, OR
2) A physical (laminated or unlaminated) or an electronic USClub Player Pass and not listed on the match card. The referee and only the referee can write in the player name on the match card. The referee will tell each team that there is a player not printed on the match card. The other team should file an incident report.
Referee should check that the:
- Pass is Current
- Lists the correct club.
- The picture is of the player.
- The player is not too old.
Health Care Professional
A player with a suspected concussion will leave the match and cannot return unless cleared by a health care professional. The health care professional must be presented to the referee BEFORE the match.
Adults Changed Spring 2024
Maximum of 3 adults permitted in technical area. A minimum of 1 credentialed adult must be in the technical area. In order to be a credentialed adult, the adult must have:
1) A physical, laminated or unlaminated USClub pass. OR
2) An electronic / digital USClub pass displayed on a device.
If the last credentialed adult is sent off - abandon the match. File an incident report.
Adult name need not be printed on game card. If Adult name not listed on game card, write it in.
If the adult name has a strikethrough and the adult claims that they are permitted to be present, allow them to be present File an incident report.
Adult pass must be:
- Current
- Photo must match the individual
- Of the correct club
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. Changes jersey color if there is a conflict.
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
Do not confiscate the pass. Leave the pass with the team. Within 24 hours go to http://www.norcalreferees.com/sendoff and fill out a send off report.
Deliberate Heading
In U11 matches and younger, deliberate heading of the ball is to be whistled. Award an IFK for the opponents. In 7v7 matches if there is no goal area, IFK awarded to the attackers with in the penalty area are to be taken from the penalty area line parallel to the goal line closest to the point of the infraction. In matches where there is a goal area, IFK awarded to the attacker within the goal area are to be taken from the goal area line parallel to the goal line closes to the point of the in fraction.
U-Specific
U08-U10: 25 min halves; 7v7; Minimum 5 players to start/continue, Maximum 14 players on roster., Size 4 ball, Build out line
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
7v7 Build Out Line
- Goalkeeper has the ball in his/her hands => all opponents must retreat behind the Build out line and reman there till the ball is released from the goalkeeper's hands.
- Goalkeeper cannot punt, half volley or drop kick the ball. Infraction earns an IFK for the opponents at the point of the infraction.
- At a goal kick, the opponents must retreat behind the the build out line and remain there till the ball has been put into play (kicked and moved).
- An attacker is not in a offside position if they are behind the build out line.
Substitutions
At the discretion and permission of the Referee. EITHER team may substitute at any stoppage.
Referees are advised to discourage excessive or time wasting substitutions.
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).
Matches needing a Winner
Some matches must have a winner. Ask each coach before the match, if this match must have a winner.
If tied at the end of regulation - play two full 5 minute overtime periods. Then Penalty shootout
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.
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