Hello Fellow Referees,
With the summer season already here, I wanted to remind you of the playing rules for the various Leagues and divisions as I am still getting lots of questions.
If you want to officiate in any leagues, you must log onto Ref Centre and update your leagues, divisions and availability and make sure you click submit.
Just a Reminder all game sheets must be submitted to the perspective leagues within 24 hours after a game, The information for submitting game sheets can be found on each game sheet for the various leagues.
Heat advisory policy:
If the air temperature rises to above 30 C at game time, the following guidelines shall apply:
30C and below- no action.
between 30-35C – enforced 2-minute water breaks during each half.
above 35C - referee to make final decision as to water breaks and whether to play the game.
Lightning Safety/ Severe Weather Policy:
When thunder roars, go indoors!
The safety of players, coaches, management, and spectators is the primary concern in any weather event that occurs during all matches sanctioned by Canada Soccer. By understanding and following the below information, the safety of everyone shall be greatly increased. Ultimately, the referee has the final say over delaying or restarting a match due to weather. Waiting to stop play or not waiting to start play may result in a serious injury or loss of life. Referees are expected to act responsibly when dealing with such events during matches they are controlling.
Retreat Line:
How the retreat line is implemented.
When the goalkeeper has the ball in their possession at a goal kick, after making a save or when the
ball is in their hands, the opposing team members would "retreat" to the predetermined area of the field.
The predetermined areas are as follows:
5v5 - Half way line. It is recommended the goalkeeper does not drop kick the ball
7v7 – 1/3rds line.
9v9 - 1/3rds line.
With the opposition retreating to the correct part of the field the goalkeeper can now successfully throw
or pass the ball to a team mate. Once the player receiving the ball from the goalkeeper touches the
ball, the ball is in play and the opposition players can pressure and attempt to win the ball.
If the goalkeeper chooses not to wait for the opposing players to “retreat” and releases the ball from
their hands to their feet or throws/passes the ball down the field, the ball is instantly in play.
Opponents must be behind the retreat line and cannot cross the retreat line until the ball:
Is touched by a player of the team receiving the GK’s distribution
Leaves the field of play
Crosses the retreat line. (If the goalkeeper chooses to play the ball across the retreat line prior
to the opposition crossing the retreat line)
Is released by the GK’s hands to allow distribution with their feet (drops the ball to pass/dribble
with their feet)
For more information on the retreat line complete with diagrams please take a look at Ontario Soccer’s
publication, Field Organization Guide. It’s available to view/ download at:
http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0112/8119/1901-Field-Organization-Guide.pdf
1. EMDSL
NEW THIS SEASON! FOR AGES U8-U11 NO HEADING OF THE BALL, IF SO AN INDIRECT FREE KICK WILL BE AWARDED TO THE OPPOSING TEAM.
U8-U12 Game Sheets when filling out EMDSL game sheets for U8 to U12 you are still required to put 0 - 0 for the score and give the coaches their copy. (1 white copy for the team and 1 copy for the referee to submit) For the copy you return to the league you need to record the actual score of the game as well as record the score on ref centre. This is not to be shared with the coaches and we do not need to know who scored the goals.
U13-U18 Game Sheets Please record the official score and who scored the goals, YC and RC. Then give the coaches their copies (2 sheets to the home team and the 2 sheets to the away team).
U8-U11 Law 15 pass-in/dribble-in
A pass-in or dribble-in is a method of restarting play.
The kicker may conduct either as a method of restarting play throughout the duration of the match.
A pass-in or dribble-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball crosses the touch line, either on the ground or in the air.
A goal cannot be scored directly from a pass-in/dribble-in.
EMDSL Divisions:
U-8&9-----> FORMAT: 5v5 Incl. the Keeper
Referee Fees - Please reference this link
SIZE 4 Ball
2x20 minutes halves
NO Throw ins: The ball must be kicked in or dribbled in when the ball crosses over the touchline.
Kick ins or dribble in is allowed on a corner kick.
All free kicks are indirect NO penalty kicks, No yellow or Red Cards.
Retreat line is 1/3 of the field which can be marked with cones placed on both sides of the field.
Player substitution may be made at any time on the fly or stoppage of play
No Scores, No Standings, No offsides.
U10&11-----> FORMAT: 7v7 Incl. the Keeper
Minimum Number of players 5
Referee Fees - Please reference this link
SIZE 4 Ball
2x25 minutes halves
NO Throw ins: The ball must be kicked in or dribbled in when the ball crosses over the touchline.
NO dribble in is allowed on a corner kick.
All free kicks are indirect except a penalty kick. (PK Mark 9M)
Retreat line is 1/3 of the field which can be marked with cones placed on both sides of the field.
5 second rule applies to retreat line.
Player substitution may be made at any stoppage of play.
No Scores No Standings & No offsides.
U-12-----> FORMAT: 9v9 Incl. the Keeper
Minimum Number of players 6
Referee Fees - Please reference this link
SIZE 4 Ball
2x35 minutes halves
Throw ins.
Regular offsides
Free kicks are direct and indirect as per FIFA, Penalty Mark 9 Meters
Retreat line is 1/3 of the field which can be marked with cones placed on both sides of the field.
5 second rule applies to retreat line.
Player substitution may be made at any stoppage of play.
No Scores, No Standings
EMDSL pertaining to U13-U18.
U13/U14- FORMAT 11v11
Referee Fees - Please reference this link
SIZE 5 Ball
2x40 minute Halves
Regular FIFA rules including offsides
Unlimited regular substitutions and on their own possession throw in. Opposing team may piggyback.
U15/U16 FORMAT 11v11
Referee Fees - Please reference this link
SIZE 5 Ball
2x45 minute halves.
Regular FIFA rules including offsides
Unlimited regular substitutions and on their own possession throw in. Opposing team may piggyback.
U17/U18 FORMAT 11v11
Referee Fees - Please reference this link
SIZE 5 Ball
2x45 minutes halves.
Regular FIFA rules including offsides
Unlimited regular substitutions and on their own possession throw in. Opposing team may piggyback.
If you have any questions, please Text me, call me, or Email me
Have a Great Season!
Tom Partalas, EMSA
Referee Coordinator
