SFYS Premier 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.
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
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