Dear Coaches,
First, I would like to thank you for stepping up to coach in our Spring League. I hope it was as much fun for you the first
year as it was for me. As the Director of Referees I wanted to take the time to clarify some of the rules which are unique to the small field format of the Spring League. I would also encourage you to read over the
Spring League rules from the Escondido Soccer Club website. Most of the rules are the same as the "big" game, but there are a few changes. I'll comment on those down below
- First, even though we don't need numbers on the "uniform" shirts, we do need you to bring a scrimmage vest or a t-shirt of a different color for your goalies.
- A goal cannot be scored directly from a kickoff, or a goal kick.
- The distance on a free kick is eight yards, not ten.
- Substitutions can be made by either team at any stoppage of play, with the referee's permission. That means goal kick, a penalty, an injury, throw in, etc. You no longer need to be in possession of the ball. However, if you are seeking to gain an advantage by trying to slow down the game, then the referee can deny the substitution.
- The goalkeeper distribution which cannot go beyond the half line refers to when the ball is in the possession of the goalie, and he distributes the ball by a throw, or a punt. If he is running up to clear the ball with a kick directly off the ground, it does not apply. It also does not apply on a goal kick. The ball can be distributed down the field, it just won't count if it goes directly into the net.
I encourage you to have fun, teach the game to your players, and try to give as much playing time as you can to everyone. Please remember to crank down the competitive juices. This is a time to be laid back and enjoy the game. You can bring out your game faces in the fall...
Thank you,
Charles Fleuret
Director of Referees
Escondido Soccer Club
