MCSC Policies and Rules
General Rules of All Games Held At MCSC
HOME TEAM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DIFFERENTIATING JERSEY COLOR.
HOME TEAM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR NETS CONDITION AND GAME BALLS
HOME CLUB IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REFEREE(S)
FIFA AND GCSA RULES WILL APPLY TO ALL MATCHES.
CANCELLATIONS MUST BE RESCHEDULED FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURES LISTED IN THE POLICIES AND RULES
TEAMS ARE TO LEAVE THE FIELD CLEAN OF ALL TRASH AT THE END OF EACH GAME
AFTER THE LAST GAME ON EACH FIELD THE HOME COACH SHOULD:
ENSURE ALL TRASH HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE FIELD, INCLUDING FROM THE PLAYER AREA AND SPECTATOR AREAS
RETURN CORNER FLAGS TO THE CLUBHOUSE
CANCELLATION / RESCHEDULE PROCEDURE
The cutoff is 72 hours prior to your game time. Saturday 10:30am kickoff means Wednesday 10:30am is your cutoff for notification.
POLICIES
1. All cancellations must be received 72 hours before the game is scheduled to avoid paying referee fees.
2. Coach requesting a late notice cancel is required to pay the referee fees prior to the game being rescheduled. Please let traveling away teams know of this.
3. Game reschedules must allow at least 72 hours for scheduler to be able to assign referees.
Note:
If a phone call is made or in-person request is made, an email will need to follow within the cancelation time period, following the above directions.
CANCELLATION ONLY
1. Contact opposing coach and request cancellation.
Both coaches must agree to cancel.
2. Coach requesting cancellation sends email to assignor.
In open/traveling leagues the Mayes County coach sends the email.
3. Assignor will respond with a confirmation of receipt.
CANCELLATION WITH RESCHEDULE REQUEST
1. Contact opposing coach and request cancellation.
Both coaches must agree on the cancellation.
2. If time permits before 72 hour cut off, agree on 3 (three) dates and times to play the game.
3. Coach requesting the cancellation sends email to assignor.
In open/traveling leagues the Mayes County coach sends the email.
4. Assignor will acknowledge the receipt of the email.
Note: Confirmation of new date and time may not be immediate.
RESCHEDULE REQUEST FROM PREVIOUS CANCELLATION
1. Contact opposing coach and request reschedule dates.
Both coaches must agree on the dates and times.
2. Coach requesting the reschedule sends email to assignor 72 hours before requested date/time.
In open/traveling leagues the Mayes County coach sends the email.
3. Assignor will reschedule and confirm the accepted date.
Note: Confirmation of new date and time may not be immediate.
EMAIL FORMAT:
To: mcsasoccerinfo@gmail.com and CC the opposing coach.
Subject line must follow one of the below. This is critical for email searches and sorting.
1. Cancel – Saturday 3/7 – 10am – Rec U14 girls – Game 5410
2. Cancel/Reschedule – Saturday 3/7 – 10am – Rec U14 girls – Game 5410
3. Reschedule – Rec U14 girls – Game 5410
Body of email for straight cancel.
Eg. Please cancel the game between the U14 girls vs Skiatook on 4/1 at 2pm.
Reason:
Eg. The <team name> cannot play due to sick kids and not enough players to play the game.
Body of email for straight reschedule. (dates should be in order of preference) Please reschedule the game between U14 girls Pink Panthers vs Skiatook Daisy Pickers.
The last scheduled date and time was 3/7 at 10am on field 11.
We have agreed on the following dates and time.
1. March 14th at 2pm
2. March 18th at 7pm
3. March 20th at 7pm
Body of email for combined cancel and reschedule.
Include information from straight cancel and then add the straight reschedule information.
Failure to provide notice in the format above may result in the rejection of your request due to lack of or too much information.
Please do not forward multiple email chains between coaches.
Do not use an old email to start a new request.
FULL DAY RESCHEDULE POLICY
In the event of all games being canceled due to weather or other events MCSC will work to reschedule the entire day’s games as soon as possible. When practical we will follow an 8+4 schedule.
U12 and below games will be moved 8 day and 4 hours from current schedule date and time.
IE:
Original game scheduled 9/10 @ 10:00 AM.
New schedule date will be 9/18 @ 2:00 PM.
If you cannot make this work, then coordinate with the other team coach and pick alternate dates and follow the normal reschedule process.
HOW TO…
FIND THE COACH OF ANOTHER TEAM TO CANCEL/RESCHEDULE:
1. Go to gotsoccer.com
2. Login into your coach account
3. Click on schedule
4. Go to your division and click on full schedule
5. Click on team contact info on right side.
6. If there is not information for the coach please contact the mcsasoccerinfo@gmail.com
U6 - Little Kicks - IN HOUSE CLUB RULES
4 V 4 for all games
Ball Size - 3
Game time is two 10 minute halves
During hot weather consideration should be given to four 50 minute quarters
No goal keeper - last defender must be half way between the goal line and halfway line during kickoff
Everyone needs to play offense and defense
Each player should play 50% of the match
Goal kick-opposing team must be behind the halfway line
At kick off the opposing team must be at least 10 feet away from the ball
All players should remain upright at all times during play. No sliding in any way during game play.
During a throw in, corner kick, or goal kick, play SHOULD NOT begin until both coaches have had the opportunity to inform their players of proper setup. The ref will indicate when play will begin. However, if both teams are familiar with what is occurring, the ref may allow play to begin quicker than if one or both teams appear unsure of what to do.
Coaches should NOT instruct players to quickly place the ball back into play, in order to gain an advantage. This is a learning age group and should be treated as such.
Coaches should instruct players of what proper behavior is when a ball leaves the bounds of play. They should encourage players to act and prepare for the throw in, goal kick, or corner kick.
If a team is up by 5 points the opposing team will be allowed to add a player to the field or the up team will take one off the field
Game cancellations must go through the club through an email (mcsasoccerinfo@gmail.com) or through the TeamReach App using the Coaches TeamReach.
Shin guards are required and must be worn under socks
Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any stoppage with referee permission
No scores will be kept and no standings will be issued
At times referees may be pulled from U6 games to staff other games and coaches are requested to referee the games.
Coaches may be on the field with players to help guide and teach the players.
Practices are held at the coaches discretion for days and times, but should be limited to 30-45 minutes and preferably once per week.
U8 IN HOUSE CLUB RULES
4 V 4 for all games
Ball Size - 3
Game time is two 20 minute halves
During hot weather consideration should be given to four 10 minute quarters
No goal keeper - last defender must be half way between the goal line and halfway line during kickoff
Everyone needs to play offense and defense
Each player should play 50% of the match
Goal kick-opposing team must be behind the halfway line
At kick off the opposing team must be at least 10 feet away from the ball
All players should remain upright at all times during play. No sliding in any way during game play.
During a throw in, corner kick, or goal kick, play SHOULD NOT begin until both coaches have had the opportunity to inform their players of proper setup. The ref will indicate when play will begin. However, if both teams are familiar with what is occurring, the ref may allow play to begin quicker than if one or both teams appear unsure of what to do.
Coaches should NOT instruct players to quickly place the ball back into play, in order to gain an advantage. This is a learning age group and should be treated as such.
Coaches should instruct players of what proper behavior is when a ball leaves the bounds of play. They should encourage players to act appropriately and prepare for the throw in, goal kick, or corner kick.
If a team is up by 5 points the opposing team will be allowed to add a player to the field or the up team will take one off the field
Game cancellations must go through the club through an email (mcsasoccerinfo@gmail.com) or through the TeamReach App using the Coaches TeamReach.
Shin guards are required and must be worn under socks
Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any stoppage with referee permission
No scores will be kept and no standings will be issued
Practices are held at the coaches discretion for days and times, but should be limited to 45 minutes to one hour and twice per week.
U10 LOCAL RULES OF COMPETITION
Player - 7v7 max 12 per team
Game time
2-25 min halves
10 min half time
Ball – Size 4
No Heading
No Goalkeeper punt or drop kicks
Standing are kept
Trophies 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
Shin guards are required and must be warn under socks
Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at a stoppage with referee permission
CONCUSSION INITIATIVE
Deliberate heading is not allowed in 7v7 games
If a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense
If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred
U10 BUILD OUT LINE
The build out line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting
When the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands during play from the opponent, the opposing team must move behind the buildout line until the ball is put into play
Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball into play (punts and drop kicks are not allowed)
After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build out line and play resumes as normal
The opposing team must also move behind the build out line during a goal kick until the ball is put into play
If a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense
If the punt or drop kick occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred
The build out line will also be used to denote where offside offenses can be called
Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build out line
Players can be penalized for an offside offense between the build out line and goal line
Ideally, the goalkeeper will wait to put the ball into play once all opponents are past the build out line
However, the goalkeeper can put the ball into play sooner but he or she does so accept the positioning of the opponents and the consequences of how play resumes
To support the intent of the development rule, coaches and referees should be mindful of any intentional delays being caused by opponents not retreating in a timely manner or encroaching over the build out line prior to the ball being put into play
Coaches are responsible for addressing these types of issues with their players
Referees can manage the situation with misconduct if deemed appropriate
Referees should be flexible when enforcing the 6 second rule and counting the time of possession should only begin when all opponents have moved behind the build out line
COACHES
Coaches will follow the Zero Tolerance Policy of MCSC
Coaches will set up and utilize a Team Reach for their team and facilitate communication with parents through that Team Reach
Coaches U10 and Above will bring a match card to each game their team participates in
PRINT MATCH/GAME CARDS
Go to gotsoccer.com
From the dashboard Click Team Management
Click on Matches
From the team schedule click on Print Match Card
Select standard game sheet
Click Export
Print the game card
Coaches U12 and Above will have Player Passes with them at each game. They should be laminated and have a photo of each player on the Player Pass
All issues should be reported to the Club President or Vice President
Coaches will ensure that all assistant coaches are registered as a coach with MCSC and have completed all required courses.
Coaches can receive a Yellow or Red Card during a game or be ejected from the game and complex for the comments made by spectators or parents from their team. It is the coach’s responsibility to control the actions of their team's spectators or parents. The decision to Card a coach or eject a coach is the responsibility of the ref and/or club representative
Feedback is important during any event, just like you will discuss the match with your team, Club Officials will discuss matches with the Referee team. If you, as a Coach, have constructive comments to make, they are to be made to the Club President or Vice President AFTER the game has ended and all players, coaches, and spectators have left the field of play. The comments should be constructive in nature and not critical or designed to undermine a referee's authority during the game in question or at future games. Specific calls during a game will not be overturned or disputed in these discussions.
Coaches are reminded that, like their decisions/calls during a game, referee calls during a game are final and cannot be undone. Referee calls are not to be disputed with the referee. Referee calls cannot be contested or appealed.
Under no circumstances should a Coach or parent reach out to a referee to discuss a call or game. This includes before, during or after a game. Should this occur the person making contact will be reported to the MCSC Board and the penalties noted in the Zero Tolerance Policy for inappropriate behavior will be applied.
Inclement Weather Policy
The safety of our players, parents, volunteers and fans is of the highest importance to the Mayes County Soccer Club. Therefore, in the event of severe weather and/or lightning, play will be suspended and all persons shall leave the fields and seek shelter immediately. In the absence of lightning during rain/snow event play will continue unless the weather or field conditions warrant a suspension of play or early game termination. Play will resume AFTER the threat has passed and an official all clear as been issued.
Upon the suspension of play all persons must leave the fields and go to their vehicles or a place of safety.
During suspension of play MCSC may post live updates to the MCSC Field Conditions webpage at: mayescountysoccer.com or to the Mayes County Soccer Facebook page.
In the event that hazardous conditions do not clear in a timely manner games may be abandoned. Abandoned games will be indicated by the referee(s) or a board member.
For abandoned regular season games: If the second half of the game has commenced the game is considered complete and results are final. If the second half of the game has not commenced the game will need to be rescheduled and replayed in its entirety.
For suspended or abandoned tournament games: If the second half of the game has commenced the game is considered complete and results are final. If the first half of the game has not commenced the game will be suspended until play may continue or as decided by the board of directors. Final contests will be decided on the field by completion of the game or by penalty kicks if time or conditions do not permit game completion or as decided by the Board of Directors. If applicable, the awards presentation is suspended, the head coach of team should present themselves immediately following the end of their contest to the headquarters tent to receive their team’s trophies and individual awards.
The Board of Directors reserve the right to make whatever adjustments may be necessary in game length to proceed with the schedule following a delay due to inclement weather.
The best place to wait out the storm is in a nearby enclosed building or vehicle. Do not wait under a tree, pavilion, tent or umbrella
How Should Coaches Handle Rough Play During a Game
Option A – Calm your own team!
When the emotions of coaches escalate, those of the players tend to do the same, making the game harder for both the coach and the referee to manage.
Instruct your team to play in control, to not foul and play the right way.
This typically will help reduce the emotions of the other coach as well.
Option B - Pull your team.
It’s just a game and if it gets way out of hand, pull your team. Say “thanks but no thanks” and walk away. Player safety is more important than a victory and youth sports is about learning the game and not about a win. If more than half the game has not been played, the game may be recorded as a forfeit, but player safety is more important. You can report the game to MCSC at a later time and the Board can determine the next steps.
Option C – Discuss it with a club official.
Politely ask to speak to a club official and ask that he or she give his/her input about the crew as the game seems to be getting out of hand. Allow the club official to handle all interaction with the referee team, use it for training, or growth. But be prepared to see no change in the game. Referee calls will not be reviewed or overturned. Remember this is about player safety and not about winning or losing the game.
How Should A Coach Handle a Call(s) They Do Not Agree With
Referee's are people and that should be remembered at all times
The Coach should never address the call during the game. This includes making statements such as:
Call the Game Both Ways
Watch Player #
Explain the Call Ref
Coaches, Parents and spectators shall never yell at the referee(s), including criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or feedback of any kind before, during or after the game. Zero Tolerance Policy
Feedback is important during any event, just like you will discuss the match with your team, Club Officials will discuss matches with the Referee team. If you, as a Coach, have constructive comments to make, they are to be made to the Club President or Vice President AFTER the game has ended and all players, coaches, and spectators have left the field of play. The comments should be constructive in nature and not critical or designed to undermine a referee's authority during the game in question or at future games. Specific calls during a game will not be overturned or disputed in these discussions.
Referee Assignments/Game Expectations
Referee's are people and that should be remembered at all times.
The designated assignor for MCSC will determine who the referees are for each match. That individual will determine the referee configuration for each match: 1 referee or 3 referees.
When possible the assignor will use the following as guidelines for what referee(s) to assign each game to:
U6 games will not have referees.
U8 games will have one referee. This referee will typically be a club linesman or someone planning to become a referee.
U10 games may only have one referee. However, when possible three referees will be utilized. These games will be used for development of the referee.
U12 games, when possible, will have three referees. These games will have more experienced referee teams than U10 games.
U14 and Above - Preference will be given to these games having the most senior referee teams who are signed up as referees with MCSC. A three member referee team will be utilized for these games.
In all cases, a referee's call(s) during a game are final.