1. Ball Size
   U-19, U-16 and U-14: Size 5
   U-12 and below: Size 4
2. Matches
   Regular Season Play: All matches, all age levels in 11 v 11 and 8 v 8, will consist of four (4) periods of fifteen (15) minutes each. All 6 v 6 matches will consist of four (4) periods of 10/12 (Ten/Twelve) minutes each. There will be a two (2) minute interval between periods and five (5) minutes at half-time. Teams will change ends at half-time. Regular season games may end in a tie.

   Post Season Play: When playoff games are tied after regulation time has expired, U-14 and above will play two (2) ten (10) minute periods to completion. If still tied then F.I.F.A. kicks from the penalty mark.

   Age groups below U-14 will play two (2) five (5) minute periods to completion. If still tied then F.I.F.A. kicks from the penalty mark.

   Promptness: Matches are started as scheduled. Teams more than ten (10) minutes late or not appearing will forfeit. Referees are directed to start matches on time regardless of the fact that a team is missing players (See rule 11.17 in the NYSL General Rules).

   Number of Players: Minimum of seven (7) to start and seven (7) to continue. All who are not being disciplined must play at least two (2) periods. All players must play three (3) periods before any player may play four (4) periods. Exceptions to be made known to the Division Director prior to the start of the match. Substitutions are permitted between periods only, except in the case of injury. Referee may allow free substitutions (USYSA Guidelines) during excessively hot weather. It is not required to notify referee of goalkeeper change when change is made between periods.

   Weather: Referee will suspend the match for lightning and may suspend for weather and/or field conditions deemed unsafe. In both regular season and post-season play, if the first half is completed then the match is official. If the first half is not completed, then the match will be replayed in it's entirety. In post-season play, if the score is tied when a match is suspended, and is rescheduled, the match will be replayed in it's entirety.

   Terminated Matches: The referee may terminate a match due to problems with players, coaches and/or spectators. The league will determine the results of the match and any sanctions to be imposed.

3. Equipment
   Eyeglasses: Require a retainer

   Dental braces: Require a mouth guard

   Shirt and Socks: Uniform shirts must be worn on the outside and tucked in. Uniform socks must be visible over sweat pants.

   Prohibited: Dangerous items, including belts, jewlery, watches, suspenders, pins, clips and earrings. No casts of any kind are allowed. Knee braces must have sharp or hard edges covered and padded splints must be wrapped and taped to at least one adjacent finger. (See General Rule 11.4 for complete rule regarding attire).

   Allowed: Visorless soft caps (ski hats). Goalkeepers may wear a soft billed baseball type cap, knit gloves/mittens (no metal clips). Sweat suits, which must be worn under the uniform with hoods tucked in. Religous medals may be worn if they are under the uniform and taped down.

4. Fouls and Misconduct
   Ejections: Any player sent off (red card) shall not be eligable for the next scheduled match. A deliberate, serious foul, or any violent conduct by a player may result in additional sanctions by the league.

   Cautions: Any player receiving a third caution (yellow card) in one season will be automatically suspended from his/her next scheduled game.

5. Referees Responsibilities
   Game Reports: The referee is required to fully complete the game report and cause it to be in the hands of the referee director by the Thursday following the match. The official will indicate any cautions, ejections or serious injury, as well as other indicated information.

   Referee Reports: Any cautions, ejections, serious injury, or serious unusual occurrance (match termination or suspension, etc.) will require the referee to file a referee report. This must be filed with the referee director within 48 hours of the match.

6. Six vs Six Rules
   Teams: Six (6) players per side which will include a goalkeeper. Teams will need four (4) players to start and continue.

   Offsides: There is no offside rule in 6 v 6 soccer.

   Cleared Balls: Balls that are cleared by the goalkeeper on his/her throw or punt, goal kick or any free kick (direct or indirect) by the defensive team from within the penalty area must first touch the ground or any player before crossing the midfield line. For an infraction of this rule, the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick at midfield where the ball crossed.

   Penalty Kicks: Penalty kicks are to be taken from the penalty spot at the top of the penalty area. This is located ten (10) yards from the goal line. All players other than the goalkeeper and the player taking the kick shall remain behind the midfield line until the ball is in play.

   Goal Kicks: Goal kicks may be taken from anywhere within the penalty area.

7. Eight vs Eight Rules
   Teams:Eight (8) players per side including a goalkeeper. Teams will need six (6) players to start and continue.

   Free Kicks, Corner Kicks and Penalty Kicks: All defensive players must be at least eight [8] yards from the ball at the time of the kick.

8. Protests
   The NYSL is a recreational league that wants the spirit of the laws to prevail. Referees are expected to officiate the game to the age of the participants. Learning the laws is part of player development. Protests concerning judgement decisions by referees will not be permitted. The reasons listed below will be considered:
   1. Non-roster players participating in game
   2. Intentional falsification of score sheet
   3. Eligible players not receiving mandated playing time
   4. Any unique occurrance that may warrant the attention of the operating committee.

The above is a summary of the playing rules and supercedes all previous editions. For a complete list of rules and regulations see the NYSL General Rules and By-Laws.