Middle School 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 3/25/2022

General

Similar rules as High Schools.  

Match Cards / Passes

No match cards.  No passes.  No line up to check equipment.

Pre Match

Meet with both head coaches and the team captains. Explain that middle school soccer is an extension of the educational environment and the good behavior exhibited in classroom should be displayed on the field.   Ask the coaches "will your players be legally and properly equipped by the time of kick-off?"  First jewelry/equipmetn violation discovered during the match causes a yellow card shown to the coach.  Subsequent violations cause a UC to the player(s).   

Substitutions

Players may be substituted IF THE SUBSTITUTE IS CHECKED IN (ready at the half way line) at the moment paly is stopped.

Teams may substitute at:

  • Their own throw-in
  • Their own corner kick.
  • Any goal kick 
  • "Me too" substitutions apply
  • A stoppage where an opponent has been issued a yellow card

Players may be substituted from the bench when:

  • A goal is scored
  • A player leaves the field due to injury at a stoppage
  • A stoppage where a teammate has been shown a yellow card.

Goal Kicks

Once the ball is placed, it may not be picked up and relocated.    Sanction with a YC for delaying the restart.

Yellow Card Misconduct - Cautions

Any player (including the goalkeeper) shown a YC must leave the field and may not return until the next legal substitution opportunity. 

Send offs / Incident Reports / Concussion Protocol

Contact the assignor immediately after the match.

Ball Size

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Injuries

If an injured player is visited by staff on the field, they must be substituted.  If a head injury is suspected the player may not re-enter the match.   

Match Length

 2 - 30 minute halves ......
5 minute rest period at the half.

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).