General Outdoor Rules

Spectator Rules

Parents and spectators should be at the opposite side of the field from the coaches and their team players.  We have this rule for the organizing of the players when they are off - it creates confusion for the coach when the coach can't find players because they are sitting with their parents instead of with their team.  It also helps create an independence from the parents and a bonding with the other team players and coaches.  Also, no one should be sitting or standing behind the goal areas.  Goalkeepers need to think for themselves during the game and not have a parent telling them what to do.  If spectators are allowed behind the goal, it would open the possibility of the opposing team to say negative comments to the keeper.  Parents and spectators should be cheering on the players and letting the coaches do the coaching and the players do the playing.

Fair Play

Please remember that JFK Soccer is about having fun.  Let's not take the game too serious.  Hopefully, players are rotated fairly and every one has a chance to play goalkeeper and striker throughout the summer.  Changing of the goalkeeper is allowed only at half time to minimize the time it takes to do shift changes. The goalkeeper should wear a different colored vest.  After the game, both teams must line up and shake hands saying "good game".  Poor sportsmanship behavior could lead to ejection from the Club.

Injured Player

When a player is injured on the field, the players should sit or kneel where they are, so they don't all walk over to take a look.  Only the coaches and referees should be on the field to check up on the player.  It also wastes game time when every one has to get back into position.  If the injury is serious, then the coach will call the parent over. 

Time

DURATION OF GAME

Under 5 - 2 x 20 minutes halves

Under 7 - 2 x 20 minutes halves

Under 8 - 2 x 25 minutes halves

Under 9  - 2 x 25 minutes halves

Under 10 - 2 x 25 minutes halves

Under 11 - 2 x 25 minutes halves

Under 12 - 2 x 30 minutes halves

Under 14 - 2 x 30 minutes halves

Under 17 - 2 x 30 minutes halves

Start the game on time especially if there is a game after yours.  If you start late and there is a game on after yours, you should end the game early to accommodate the next game's start time.  There is no extra time for injury or any other reason.  Players should arrive at least 10 minutes before game time to prepare, warm up and receive pre-game instructions from the coach.  Teams risk the possibility of forfeiting the game if the minimum number of players are not in attendance within 5 minutes of game time.  The minimum number of players for a game is available in the More Rules section.  Teams must play even sided EXCEPT for All-Star divisions U10 and older.  Late players may have to sit out the first half at the coaches discretion.

Garbage & Parking

Don't litter. Our fields are maintained by the school boards and our volunteers.  Our volunteers can't keep up with the amount of garbage, especially water bottle, left on the fields.  Please take the garbage to a litter container at the field or bring it home.  Continuing to leave garbage at the fields could cost the Club its permits and we all lose out.  Our members have generally been doing great in the parking situation.  Just a simple reminder to continue to park lawfully and with respect to others.

Policies, Rules, Etiquette and Procedures (P.R.E.P.)
Pre-season rules – Use of school property.
JFK uses soccer fields on school property.  We have to rent the fields.  There are 3 signs you’ll find around the schools:
1. "Private Property, No Trespassing.”   Only JFK members and guests have the exclusive use of the fields during our permitted times.  Any school functions however, trumps our permit.  JFK pays almost $100,000 a year to the school boards for the use of fields and gyms.  It’s our largest expense next to the cost of uniforms & balls.  P.S. In the summer, we rent the fields, not the building.  
2. “No Smoking on School Property.”   That means no smoking on the soccer field, beside the soccer field, in the parking lot, by the portables and by the trees.  If it’s school property – no smoking please.  It’s a $5,000 fine. 
3. “No Dogs.”  The school field is not a dog park.  Please don’t bring your dog no matter how friendly or small.  Don’t bring him in a purse, don’t bring him on a leash, don’t bring him here or there.  Sorry, I couldn’t make it rhyme like Dr. Suess did.
4. Yes, I said 3 signs but there’s another really important rule that doesn’t have a sign posted.  “No access to school building.”  That means don’t bang on the school door demanding your child needs to use the washroom.  You’re not allowed to use the school washrooms.  About 10 years ago at another club, this happened.  The father of one of the players got into an argument with the caretaker of the school demanding he let them in to use the washroom.  The next day, the club received notice from the school board that the permit for that school has been cancelled.  True story.  P.S. The schools have cameras so don’t even try it, big brother is watching.  Washroom time is before or after soccer when you’re at home or at the restaurant. 
5. I know, I said 3 signs.  Do not litter.  There may be no sign that says this, but it’s the law.  Water bottles, empty freezies, orange peels or whatever.  Please put them in the garbage or take it home to put in the garbage.  Put it in the garbage at the gas station if you have to but don’t leave it on the grass.  If the school decides it’s an extra chore to pick up after us, they may charge JFK an extra fee.  We already pay almost a $100,000 a year to rent soccer fields and gyms, we can’t afford the extra caretaking fees.  Think green and be eco-friendly.  Thanks to our of our dedicated members, you’ll be receiving a free reusable bottle in June for your drinks.  Less garbage!  

Why did you join soccer?  Most people say it’s to have fun, so let’s have fun!  

A lack of signs of the school does not mean the rules are not in place.  People have been known to deface, destroy or remove signs. 


Follow this link for more rules.