Mason SAY Soccer

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Co-Ed League Rules Modifications

Updated August 21, 2023

The rules of SAY Soccer shall be enforced as stated in the SAY rulebook unless modified on this page. These modified Laws are for Minors/Seniors and Kickers Co-ed.

Female Touch Update Beginning Fall 2023

Female Touch rules are NOT currently in effect. Mason SAY reserves the right to place Female Touch Rules in effect if this is being abused.

Law 1: Field

The recommended field size is the same as used for the Strikers and/or Kickers Division

Law 3: Players and Substitutions

The maximum number of players, including the goalkeeper, is 11 when playing 11v11 and 9 when playing 9v9. The minimum number of players, including the goalkeeper, is 8 when playing 11v11 and 6 when playing 9v9. Each team shall field a maximum of 8males, including the goalkeeper. And at least 1 female.

Any forfeits, including if the minimum number of players are not present and able to play, will be determined by the Mason SAY President and/or Mason SAY Referee Coordinator.

If female touch rules are in effect, the additional modifications below will apply:

In case of 1 female player, defending that player must be within the spirit of the game. Defending with multiple players to prevent Female touch is not allowed. A whistle and a verbal warning will be issued for unsporting behavior if, in the eyes of the referee, defending is outside the spirit of the game. A yellow card will be issued to the coach for a second offense.

Restart will be an indirect free kick at the location of the unsporting behavior.

Unsporting defending is considered more than 1 or 2 persons defending a Female player.

The game can still be played if there are less than 2 females present and able to play, including if no females are present.

Law 7: Duration

The game will be played in 15-minute quarters. No overtime.

Law 8: Start of Play

The female touch rule does not apply at the kickoff. Any player may take the kickoff. A goal can be scored directly from this kick. The taking of the kickoff by a female does not establish female touch.

Law 10: Method of Scoring

If female touch rules are in effect, the following policies will apply:

If 2 or more females are present and able to play, A female player must touch the ball in her attacking half of the field for a goal to be allowed unless the ball enters the goal from:

a) A kickoff and the ball has not been touched by a second teammate
b) A kick is taken from the defensive half of the field and has not been touched by a second teammate in the attacking half of the field.

Should a goal be disallowed because a Female Touch was not established, play should be re-started with a goal kick.

If one female is present and able to play, the ball must be touched by the female anywhere in any position on the field. The female touch will reset at kickoff.

If no females are present and able to play, the males present must make a minimum of 3 (three) passes on the offensive side of the field.

Law 13: Free Kicks

If female touch rules are in effect, the following modification will apply:

A female must take all free kicks awarded to a team in its attacking half of the field. An improper restart of play will result in an indirect free kick to the defending team from the position of the improper restart. Kicks awarded in the defense half may be taken by any player of the team.

Law 14: Penalty Kicks

If female touch is in effect, the following modification will apply:

A female must take all penalty kicks. An improper restart of play (penalty kick) will result in an indirect free kick to the defending team.

Law 15: Throw Ins

Any player of a team may take a throw-in. The taking of a throw-in by a female player does not establish a Female Touch.

Law 16: Goal Kick

Any player of a team may take a goal kick.

Law 17: Corner Kick

Any player of a team may take a corner kick. The Taking a corner kick by a female does establish female touch.

If female touch is in effect, the following modification applies:

A male can score a goal directly as long as the proper Female Touch has been previously established.

Notes

1. The goalie counts as one of the players

2. Only if female touch is in effect, In the opinion/interpretation of the referee(s):

If two or more females are present and able to play, Once Female Touch is established, a team does not lose the Female Touch until the ball crosses into its defense side of the field. This includes the taking of throw-in, any free kick, goal kick or corner kick that is taken in the attacking half of the field.
If no females are present and able to play, Once the 3 passes are established, a team does not lose the 3 passes until the ball crosses into its defense side of the field. This includes the taking of throw-in, any free kick, goal kick or corner kick that is taken in the attacking half of the field.