YMCA Youth Sports Philosophy
Provide youth an opportunity to participate in an environment that fosters fair play, sportsmanship, teamwork, and development of new skills, fun, and the concept that everyone wins.
Substitutions/ Playing Time
All players must play at least half of the game; two full quarters. No player can play two quarters before all play at least one. No player is allowed to play three quarters before all have played three quarters.
Officiating
Teams in age divisions 4/5, 6/7, and 8-10 will have one official per game. Coaches in age division 3 will officiate their own games. Coaches who are officiating in the 3 year old division should bring their own whistle and stop clock. The referee’s decisions are final. They will stop play on fouls, injuries, severe weather conditions, instructional time, or anything else that could hinder the safety of the players.
Playing the Ball:
Play will begin with a free kick. The opposing players must stand outside of the circle as the kick is taking place. The ball must go forward on a free kick. The player who has kicked the ball cannot touch it again until the ball has been touched by another player. Once a team has scored then the opposing team will begin play with a free kick.
Teams in age divisions 6/7 and 8-10 will use goalies. Age divisions 3 and 4/5 will play without goalies. The goalie is the only player who is allowed to play the ball with his/ her hands or arms. This can only be done within his/her own goal area and penalty area. No one can interfere with the goalie when the keeper has full possession of the ball. All players must clear both the goal and penalty area when the keeper is throwing or kicking the ball out of their area. The goalie cannot pick up the ball outside of both the goal and penalty area.
All other players may use any other part of their body to stop, control, pass, move or score the ball. Use of the head, chest, legs, and feet are legal.
Unintentional handling of the ball, where the ball plays the hand rather than the hand playing the ball, is not penalized. A handball is called when a player intentionally
touches the ball with their hands or arms for various reasons. Handballs made in the penalty box will result in a penalty kick in age division 8-10.
The ball is out of play when it crosses the touchlines and goal lines.
Indirect and direct kicks will be awarded when fouls have occurred. Direct kicks occur when the player kicks the ball directly towards the goal. On Indirect kicks the player must pass or kick the ball to another player.
Team Conduct
Any player or coach who is guilty of misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior will be cautioned and if he/she persists, they will be disqualified from further competition. The player will be consented by the program director and sports coordinator before they are allowed to participate for the remainder of the sports league season. Violent conduct will result in immediate disqualification. Any ejection is enforced by a one game suspension.
Parents are also expected to conduct themselves as positive role models at all times. If the official hears a parent using profanity during a game then the official will grant the parent a verbal warning. If the parent continues to use profanity and verbal abuse during the game then the parent will be dismissed from the field. The Program Director will be notified of the situation and take immediate action.
Safety Comes First
All players must wear shin guards. Players are not allowed to wear necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and watches. Participants are allowed to play with a cast (with the written permission of a physician), however the cast may not be used in any threatening way or negatively affect the safety any participant (including oneself).
General Game information and guidelines
Age Divisions 3 4/5 6/7 8-10
Length of Quarters 6-minutes 8-minutes 8-minutes 8-minutes
Time outs per half 2 2 2 2
Players on field 5v5 5v5 6v6 6v6
Goalie NO NO Yes Yes
Practices and games
Every effort will be made to hold practices. Weather postings will be made on the Sports Weatherline at 513-852-9011. Decisions regarding the weather will be made at least an hour before practices and games. On days of ominous weather, please check the Sports Weatherline before your travels.
Contact Information
Please contact Adam Farris–Sports Director for additional information. Adam Farris can be reached at RC Durr YMCA at 859-534-5700 or at afarris@cincinnatiymca.org.
