The purpose of the first-time referee course is to prepare referees to work in a competitive or recreational youth and amateur adult matches. Registration Instructions

On successful completion of the course, candidates will receive a Grassroots Referee license for the current registration year. Once the license and badge are received, Grassroots referees can officiate competitive, small-sided or recreational youth and amateur adult matches.  

First-Time Grassroots Referees completing registration through the Learning Center must complete the following requirements:

 

• Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments – 1 hr.  
• SafeSport (if 18 years or older)- 1 hr.  
• Online Grassroots Referee Course Module – 4.5 hr.  
• First Time Grassroots Referee Quiz -  45 mins.  
• U.S. Soccer Federation Gold Standard NCSI Background Check (if 18 years or older)  
• Additional State Assignments as required 

 

For information please contact referee@cvysl.org for more details. Courses available in English and Spanish.

Effective immediately, the following rules will be applied to all recreational games played in CVYSL recreational leagues. The mercy rule is as follows:

1. When there is a 4-goal differential, the winning team may not score within the Penalty Box area and all the shots must be taken from the outside of Penalty Box.
2. When there is a 5-goal differential, the winning team must pull out a player; preferably, their striker.
3. When there is a 6-goal differential, the winning team must pull out the goalkeeper.
4. After the 7th goal, the winning team must pull out another player.

Rules regarding the Built-Out Line

When the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands during play from the opponent, the opposing team must move behind the build out line until the ball is put into play. This also applies to goal kicks being taken by the attacking team.

Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball into play (punts and drop kicks are not allowed).

After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the buildout line and play resumes as normal.

The opposing team must also move behind the buildout line during a goal kick until the ball is put into play.

Ideally, the goalkeeper will wait to put the ball into play once all opponents are past the build out line. However, the goalkeeper can put the ball into play sooner but he or she does so accept the positioning of the opponents and the consequences of how play resumes.

If a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the punt or drop kick occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.

The build out line will also be used to denote where offside offenses can be called. Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build out line. Players can be penalized for an offside offense between the build out line and goal line.

Opponents must not waste time moving out past the build out line. Referees should be flexible when enforcing the 6 second rule and counting the time of possession should only begin when all opponents have moved behind the build out line.

Games are 2 x 25-minute halves with continuous clock and 10 minute break.  Coaches may not play 4 quarters as this will impact other schedules.

Deliberate heading is not allowed (U12 and younger)

• Heading is prohibited in U12 and younger small-sided games.
• All players age eleven (11) years old and younger, who are playing up in 13U and older games, are prohibited from heading, and must clearly be identifiable to the match official. (i.e. armband)
• When a player, who is eleven (11) years old and younger, deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If a deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. If a player does not deliberately head the ball, then play should continue.
• All players age eleven (11) years old and younger, who participate in a non-CYSA sanctioned event with their CYSA player pass, must adhere to the CYSA heading policy and are prohibited from heading.