Small Sided Recommendations
5vs5, 7vs7, 9v9

NISL / NPL DIVISION RULES AND REGULATIONS

Only NISL Player Passes and NISL Coach Passes are valid

Any NISL registered player from your NISL Club/Organization is allowed to play on the age appropriate team providing he is in good standing and not under suspension.

Game Roster

• 11 v 11 is limited to a maximum of 18 and a minimum of 14 players dressed in uniform per game.
• 9 v 9 is limited to a maximum of 16 and a minimum of 12 players dressed in uniform per game.
• Failure to have minimum number will result in a $100.00 fine per player.
• Teams will forfeit games due to insufficient numbers of players and will be fined $300.00 per game.
• Uniform NUMBERS must match the player’s name on the game card.

Per NISL/US Club Soccer rules players are only permitted to play a total of ONE U.S. Club Soccer NPL game per day.

No guest players. All players must be registered with a NISL Club and NISL League and in possession of a NISL sanctioned ID card. (NO Card, NO Play)

COACHING DURING THE GAME (RULE 403a )

• No coaching other than the conveying of tactical instruction is permitted during the game.
• The head coach is responsible for the actions of all persons associated with the team. The head coach shall ensure that no such person violates the coaching restriction. Violations by any person including spectators associated with the team will be deemed the action of the head coach.
• The Technical Area extends one yard on either side of the designated seated area and extends forward up to a distance of one yard from the touchline.
• A maximum of 3 Coaches/Managers Must have (US Club/NISL passes) are permitted in the technical area/team side of the field.
• Only 1 person at a time is authorized to convey tactical instructions, and must return to their position after giving such instructions. The coach and other officials must remain within the confines of the technical area except in special circumstances.

If a player, coach or bench personnel are involved in a fight they shall be ejected and suspended for two games and pay subsequent fines. If the individual is involved in a second fight during the season they be suspended for the remainder of the season, including post season.

• If bench players leave the technical area to become involved in a fight, that team forfeits the match and losses 3 points in the table.
• I.S.L. will investigate for other possible sanctions.
  1. Ex. Team removal from NISL

Red Cards

Players receiving a red card for fighting

1st offense - $70 fine + 2 game suspension

2nd offense - $100 fine + 5 game suspension

Players receiving a red card

1st offense - $50 fine + 1 game suspension

2nd offense - $75 fine + 3 game suspension

Coach being dismissed from the game

1st offense - $200 fine + 1-game suspension

2nd offense - $300 fine + 2-game suspension

There is no postponement of games by teams. The only person permitting a reschedule will be for weather or ground condition and will be determined by the Schaumburg Park District. Teams that NO SHOW - will a forfeit the game, the club will be fined $300, All games must be played even rescheduled games.

All games are scheduled to begin on time. There is no coin toss. The home team is listed first on the schedule and will determine direction. The visiting team is listed second on the schedule and will kick off. Games are U12 2 x 35 minutes & U13 thru U18 2 x 40 with a running clock. Halves will finish on time. If there is a significant stoppage time (injury or force of nature) time can be added to the game. There is no warm-up on the field. The starting line-up is to be ready by game time

SUBSTITUTION

There is no substitution by the winning team in the last 5 minutes of the game.

If teams attempt to fake injury to permit substitution, the player will receive a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Teams are permitted to have unlimited substitution

All participating clubs/teams/organizations are expected to “Honor the Game”

Respect the Rules of Competition and the Game.

Respect the officials

Respect your opponents

Respect your teammates and the other team

No coach, player, parent or team representative other then the team captain shall approach or speak to the center referee before the game, at the interval between periods, or after the game unless summoned by the center referee.

• PENALTY- Upon the first occurrence, the referee shall instruct the coach to return to the technical area. If the coach persists, or upon a second infraction, a caution shall be issued. On a third occurrence, an ejection shall be issue

Team Uninform conflict

• Home team are to wear their light kit
• Away team is to wear their dark kit
• If uniform colors conflict (Home and Away) clubs are responsible for working towards a reasonable

N.I.S.L. FAIR PLAY REGULATIONS

100. PURPOSE

101. In order to emphasize that fair play and respect are an essential component of soccer and vital to its successful promotion and development, these regulations aim to foster sporting attitudes and conduct among players, team officials, and spectators, thereby increasing the enjoyment of all those involved in the game.

200. DEFINITIONS

201. In context of these regulations, the following definitions apply:

a. Fair play: means acting according to ethical principles which, in particular, oppose the concept of sporting success at any price, promote integrity and equal opportunities for all competitors, and emphasize respect of the personality and worth of everyone involved in a sporting event.
b. Team official: coach, assistant coach, or other team staff.
c. Referee team: referee, assistant referees, additional assistant referees (if any) and fourth official.

202. In these regulations, the use of the masculine form refers equally to the feminine.

300. FAIR PLAY RANKINGS

301. In its efforts to promote fair play, each season NISL assesses the fair play shown at NISL competition matches played during the Fall and Spring seasons.

400. FAIR PLAY CRITERIA AND ASSESSENT PROCEDURE

401. The NISL match official assesses the fair play of the players, team officials, and spectators against the following five “ROOFS” criteria as set out in Articles 6 to 10:

a. Respect for the Rules;
b. Respect for Opponents;
c. Respect for the Officials;
d. Behavior of the Fans;
e. Behavior of Staff (coaches, team managers, etc.)

402. The NISL match official completes his fair play

500. RED AND YELLOW CARDS = FAIR PLAY DEMERITS

501. Each team has 10 points deducted for each yellow card its players are shown and 20 points for each red card.

600. RESPECT FOR RULES

601. Each team is awarded points from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 20 in five point intervals for showing respect to the rules of the game.
602. The following behavior in negative respect to the rules is taken into consideration (non-exhaustive list):

a. Time-wasting;
b. Tactics based on foul play;
c. Play-acting and simulation of injury;
d. Insulting opponents;

700. RESPECT FOR OPPONENTS

701. Each team is awarded points from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 20 in five point intervals for showing respect to the opponents.
702. Players are expected to respect their opponents and ensure that their team mates all and all other members of the team act in their spirit of fair play.
703. Negative conduct otherwise punished by means of a yellow or red card may be taken into consideration depending on the seriousness of the offense.
704. The following positive attitudes are taken into consideration (non-exhaustive list):

a. Efforts to gain time (e.g. bringing the ball quickly back into play, even when in a winning
position);
b. Helping an opponent to stand up;
c. Helping an injured opponent;
d. Shaking hands with opponents at the end of the match;
e. Congratulating opponents;
f. Extraordinary gestures of fair play (e.g. informing the referee if a corner or throw-in should
have gone to the other team).

705. The following negative attitudes are taken into consideration (non-exhaustive list):

a. Provoking a mass confrontation;
b. Serious fouls against opponents.
c. Spitting at an opponent;
d. Physical aggression towards an opponent (e.g. head butt, punch);
e. Racism and other discrimination.

800. RESPECT FOR THE OFFICIALS

801. Each team is awarded points from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 20 in five point intervals for showing respect to the officials.
802. Players are expected to respect the referee team as people, as well as the decisions they take.
803. The following positive attitudes are taken into consideration (non-exhaustive list):

a. Accepting the referee’s decisions without discussion;
b. Shaking hands with the referee team at the end of the match;
c. Respecting distances imposed for free-kicks;
d. Respecting timings (e.g. countdown to kick-off).

804. The following negative attitudes are taken into consideration (non-exhaustive list):

a. Arguing with a member of the referee team;
b. Ironically applauding a member of the referee team;
c. Encircling a member of the referee team;
d. Verbal abuse of offensive gesture towards a member of the referee team;
e. Physical abuse of a member of the referee team.

900. BEHAVIOR OF TEAM FANS (Parents, Relatives, Friends, Spectators, etc.)

901. Each team is awarded points from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 20 in five point intervals for the behavior of their team’s spectators. This criterion can only be assessed if a substantial number of fans of the team concerned are presents.
902. Spectators are expected to encourage their teams by creating a positive atmosphere in the spirit of fair play. They must respect each other, the players and team officials and the referee team. The spectators should acknowledge the other team’s performance, even in defeat, and must in no way intimidate or frighten the opposing team, the referee team or opposing supporters.
903. The following positive attitudes are taken into consideration (non-exhaustive list):

a. Applauding the opposition;
b. Ovation for an opponent (e.g. when substituted).

904. The following negative attitudes are taken into consideration (non-exhaustive list):

a. One of more spectators running onto the pitch;
b. Insulting chants;
c. Using or throwing pyrotechnics;
d. Using laser pointers;
e. Violence inside or in the immediate vicinity of the playing field location (e.g. against
opposition fans, facility managers, or police);
f. Racism and discrimination.

“Just Right Challenge”

A recommendation from the NISL to maximize
Player Development when your team is dominating

Teams N.I.S.L. recommends that teams play small sided games 5v5, 7v7, 9v9

If your team is ahead by 5 goals the losing team can add another player to play and continue to add another player every three additional goals to a maximum of 11 goals. If goal differential is then reduced to 4 goals players should be removed.

Hopefully you have all had the unfortunate experience of being on the losing side of a blow-out or a slaughter. If you have, you’ll know that it really is no fun for you and even less fun for the kids. If you haven’t had this experience, then take our word for it: it’s no fun and it really isn’t a positive learning experience for either team.

Thus, as coaches, we must do everything in our power to challenge our own players when we are winning by larger than 5 goals. Remember: a win, is a win, is a win. Winning by 2 or winning by 5 doesn’t matter (unless you’re on the losing side of things).

Here are some suggestions to challenge your players:

• DO respect the other team (the coaches, the players, the parents). This means that whatever advice you give your dominant team; make sure you do it in such a way that only your team gets the message. This means it needs to be done at an official break in the action (half time). If you already know your team is very likely to dominate, you can mention some strategies even before the game.

• DO plan ahead. If it is obvious your team is dominant, begin employing respectful strategies BEFORE you reach a 5-goal difference. You should know if your team is 3 goals up based on “luck” or “dominance”. If it’s dominance, start using the strategies when you’re only 3 goals up; don’t wait until the difference is 5.
So plan ahead!

DO continue to challenge (develop) your players AND the other team:

all shots must be with the weaker foot (but don’t make it obvious)
no shots should be taken unless we’ve completed 6 passes in a row (but don’t make it obvious)
no dribbling, only 2-touch play (but don’t make it obvious)
all shots must come from outside the penalty area (but don’t make it obvious)
give different players different opportunities on the field
have your weaker players challenging the other team’s strongest players
if you’ve got a great goalkeeper, don’t play them in goal

There are other ways to challenge your team while not running up the score. These are just a few suggestions.
The bottom line is this: Be respectful and create the Just Right Challenge for your players!

Examples:

NISL Build Up Line 7U, 8U, 9U & 10U

• The Build Out Line is used to promote playing the ball out of the back.
• When the GK has the ball, either during the play or from a goal kick, the opposing team should move behind the build out line.
• GK can play to ball right way or once the opposing team is behind the build out line
• NO PUNTING -­‐ GK can pass or throw/roll the ball to a teammate.
• After the ball is put into play by the GK the opposing team can cross the Build Out Line and play resumes as normal
• A restart from the GK’s hands or goal kick will take place if the opposition infringes inside the build out.
• Please follow this like https://youtu.be/tvp_R1XwTn4 to view how the Build Out Line will work.

Build Out Line FAQ’s

1. When can the opponents cross the Build Out Line?

o When the ball is in play.

• Ball is in play when it leaves the GK hands.
• Ball is in play when the kick by the player taking the Goal Kick.

2. GK has the ball and drops it to their feet – is the opponent allowed to cross the Build Out Line immediately or after the GK plays it?

o The opponents can cross the Build Out Line when the GK drops the ball to their feet

3. GK has the ball and drops it to their feet – Is the opponent allowed to cross the Build Out Line even if a teammate has not cleared the Build Out Line; or do all players have to clear before attacking?

o If the GK decides to play quick before the opponent retreats to the Build Out Line then the opponent may play the ball

4. GK has the ball and plays it to a teammate outside the penalty area –are the opponents allowed to play the ball at the moment the GK plays it to the teammate parallel to the goal box or when the teammate plays it?

o If the GK decides to play quick before the opponent retreats to the Build Out Line then the opponent may play the ball

5. Goal kick played to a teammate parallel to the goal box, when is the opponent allowed to cross the Build Out Line?

o When the ball is kick by the player taking the Goal Kick, the opponent can cross the Build Out Line

NOTE:

If the players are not technically proficient and the coaches and referees can agree before the game or at half time that the moment opponents can cross the Build Out Line is when the defender first touches the ball. This may be implemented more at the conferences level.

Basically coaches -­‐ If kids are having a hard time starting an attack and connecting one pass you should hold your kids longer. For the players at this lower level they will likely give the ball away pretty soon anyway. Tackling these players before the first pass or touch is made is not helping to grow that game and that is what we are trying to do.