The rules of the game are governed by FIFA rules, except where noted below for the Modified soccer formats (U06 to U12). Rules that are unmodified are those concerning the Start of Play, Out of Bounds, Fouls and Misconduct. The purpose of the Modified soccer format is to allow players to play the game in a format that will maximize player enjoyment of the game while teaching them the skills that they will need as they grow older.

These rules are standard for play in all modified formats:

• No standings will be kept for levels until U11 age group and will not be kept during spring season for any age groups.
• All players in good standing are to be played at least 50% of the time
• All players must wear shin guards
• All players must be properly registered with the Highline Soccer Club
• All parents must provide a signed medical release for their players or be physically present at all games and practices
• No jewelry is allowed on a player at all. They will not be allowed to play if they have jewelry on. Please don't challenge the referee on this.
• All comments from the sidelines must be positive and supportive of the players, coaches, and officials

Complete Association (HSA) Rules
HSA has approved small sided rules (U06 to U12) for its clubs. A copy of the rule set can be found HERE. Please print off the rules for reference.

HSA Three Goal Guidance
HSC strongly encourages its teams to practice good sporting play during competition and take measures to reduce severe score imbalances. In order to keep a fun and engaging game we encourage teams to take steps to prevent score line differentials larger than three goals. (3-0, 4-1, 7-4 for example).

For younger ages (U06-U07) certain imbalances can be corrected by allowing an additional player on the pitch for the team which is down. Note, pulling a player off from the winning side can accomplish a similar situation but reduces playing minutes and so is less favorable.

For all older age groups (U08-U12), HSA Recreational Member Clubs have jointly approved  implementation of a three goal policy for our HSA League. The guidance is as follows:

While HSC and WSSC recognize that in sports, score blowouts happen, it is a situation in Recreational Soccer that is highly unfavorable to the experience of players, coaches, and spectators. In order to support a more developmentally beneficial and fun experience in a way that comports with the ideals of good sportsmanship and good soccer, HSC and WSSC are releasing the following guidance to Coaches with the expressed expectation that teams make a good faith effort to keep final score differentials to within three goals.

First, the when. As Coaches and administrators, we understand the challenges of communicating to players who are actively playing on the field. Therefore, the guidance is that the first half of any game be played out with no expected mitigating conditions. While a Coach may choose to give instructions to their bench and substitutes during the first half, we the clubs, would prefer to reduce the chances of a Coach or parents shouting confusing instructions which may harm the confidence of their opponent during the first half.

At halftime, if a Coach believes without mitigating conditions that their team will finish the game with a score in excess of a three-goal margin of victory, they should communicate with their players one of the following conditions.

1. Goals should only be attempted by an offensive player shooting with one touch.
2. Goals should only be attempted by the offensive team after completing three consecutive passes and only finished with a one-touch shot excepting under conditions of a Corner Kick and on awarded Penalty Kicks.
3. Goals should only be attempted by the offensive team after completing three consecutive passes and finished with a one-touch from outside the penalty area excepting under conditions of a Corner Kick and on awarded Penalty Kicks.
   

The entire responsibility for providing mitigating conditions should be on the Coach who believes their team to be otherwise in an overly dominant position. Coaches should not add players or remove players as this disrupts the play without truly changing the dynamics of the game. Coaches may choose to add further conditions if the recommended ones above are insufficient in their judgment.

• U13 - Ball size #5, 35 minute halves (10 minute halftime), 11v11 (18 player max)
• U14 - Ball size #5, 35 minute halves (10 minute halftime), 11v11 (18 player max)
• U15 - Ball size #5, 40 minute halves (10 minute halftime), 11v11 (18 player max)
• U16 - Ball size #5, 40 minute halves (10 minute halftime), 11v11 (22 player max roster, only suit 18 players)
• U17 - Ball size #5, 45 minute halves (10 minute halftime), 11v11 (22 player max roster, only suit 18 players)
• U18 - Ball size #5, 45 minute halves (10 minute halftime), 11v11 (22 player max roster, only suit 18 players)
• U19 - Ball size #5, 45 minute halves (10 minute halftime), 11v11 (22 player max roster, only suit 18 players)

Click Here to visit FIFA.com for official rules and regulations governing full-sided play.
FIFA Laws of the Game 2023/24

For the WYS version of the mod rules and other coaching material, please visit the WYS site here:
http://www.washingtonyouthsoccer.org/coaches/coaching_tools/coachs_handbook

Handball Myth: With the exception of the goalkeeper inside the penalty area, any contact between the ball and a player's hand/arm is a hand-ball foul. Fact: The foul is called handling the ball and requires intentional contact. During youth soccer games there are many instances of accidental contact between hand and ball which do not constitute a foul.

Offside Myth: It is illegal for a player to be standing in an offside position. Fact: An offside violation only occurs if, at the moment the ball is played by a team mate, a player is in an offside position and, in the opinion of the referee, the player participates in the play, interferes with play, or otherwise gains an advantage from his/her position. Offside position is a matter of fact. Offside is a judgment made by the referee.

Throw-in Myth: On a throw-in, the thrower's feet must be behind the touchline (out-of-bounds). Fact: A throw-in may be legal as long as some portion of each of the thrower's feet is either behind or on the touchline. This means the thrower's heels may be on the touchline with his/her toes on the field.

Scoring a Goal Myth: If the ball is on the goal line, or any part of the ball is over the goal line, a goal has been scored. Fact: The entire ball must be completely across the entire width of the goal line for a goal to be scored. If any portion of the ball remains over any portion of the goal line, a goal has not been scored and the ball is still in play. Similarly, the ball is still in play if any portion of it remains over any portion of the touchline (side-line).