NorCal State Cup

The NorCal Playing League is a A US Club sanctioned league providing teams in Northern California Premier Competition.

NorCal State Cup 2015-2016 Season Information Referee Procedures Pre-Game NorCal Protocol for Crew of < 3 Post-Game Playing Rules Group Round Notes Playoff End of Game Tie U9/U10 U11 U12 U13, U14 U15, U16 U17, U18 Links

2015-2016 Season Information

Referee Procedures

For up to date information and schedules for researching teams U9-U10, U11-U13, U14-19. New revised Handbook for all ages, leagues and competitions is here. Extra rules/verbiage is here. Hopefully all these resources are correctly summarized below.

Pre-Game

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• The NorCal Game Card (printed Sheet of paper) is to be given to the Referee by the home team before the game. The away team may also have a game card, confirm they match and/or use the more recently print copy. Confirm with both coaches if there are discrepancies between game cards.
  

• The game is to be filled out and signed by the Referee and each teams coach. The home team will keep and file the game card for future possible reference. NOTE the maximum game day roster size for each playing level, do not allow more than the allowed number to be checked in and play.
  

• Check players and coaches/managers against their US Club passes. Passes must have picture and laminated. NO PASS, NO PLAY!
  

Special case - If a whole team of Player Passes is forgotten, lost, or missing /late by an Act of God – the game should be played using the official game card rosters. However, pictures must be taken of the team of players by the coach to be later submitted to NorCal in the event the game is contested by the other team.


• No Guest Players. Only players on the printed rooster may play, no handwritten names.
  

• Check players' equipment. Jewelry is not allowed. It is NOT OK to put tape over earrings or bracelets. Medical bracelets are allowed if made safe to the Referee's satisfaction.
  

• Be aware that NorCal requires a full crew of referees for every game, and the coaches have the option of playing the game "under protest" if there are less than 3 referees at the game, but they need to document that BEFORE the start of the game, not after seeing that the result is not in favor.

NorCal Protocol for Crew of < 3

Attention: There is no such NorCal rule of Forfeit for crew < 3
1. The visiting team should note the missing referees on the game card and the game should be played under protest. This means the visiting team can appeal to have the game replayed if necessary. **If there are major issues with the referees, an appeal to the Event Coordinator for a replay can be filed, however, in most instances the game can be officiated at an acceptable level.
2. Seek out an individual who is a current year licensed referee. If a current year licensed referee is found, then they may fill in as a full linesman (making all calls).
3. If there are no licensed referees available, a knowledgeable individual from either team can fill in as a "club linesman." A "club linesman" has a more limited role in the game and can only flag balls in and out of bounds (no offside, fouls, etc.).

Post-Game

• Return player passes to teams. Do not keep the passes of any sent-off players or team officials.
  

• Sign and return the NorCal Game Card to the Home team, fully filled out.
  

• Referee also enters game report into Arbiter.
  

• Send-off reports must be submitted within 24 hours. The send-off reporting system is now fully online Here. It is in development but obsoletes whatever invalid links or emails you may find in handbooks or other sources.

Playing Rules

Rules are spread across two handbooks (see above), one for youngers, other for olders.

NorCal Substitution Rules:
• No limit on number of subs or re-entry
• Both Teams: kick-off, goal kick, throw-in, injury
• Cautioned player (not mandatory)

Group Round Notes

If a NorCal Cup(s) First or Second Round game is tied after regulation, the tie stands and will be posted as a tie.

Playoff End of Game Tie

For matches that need a winner (Seeding Round and Knockout Phase), if the match is tied after regulation - two 5 minute “Golden Goal” periods will be played. Teams will have a short break before the first overtime. After 5 minutes, teams will change sides, with no break, and play the remaining 5 minutes.

If the game is still tied after the overtime periods, FIFA Kicks-From-the-Mark will decide the winning team.

Please note: Please make sure you arrive for your game knowing if the game can end in a draw or if a winning team is required.

U9/U10

• 8 v 8 (7 and keeper), use 14 player game day roster
  

• Size 4 Ball
  

• 25 Minute Halves
  

• 5 Minute Half-Time
  

• Either team may substitute on any stoppage, subject to the referee’s approval.
  

• All throw-ins must be done correctly, but at the discretion of the referee a re-throw can be granted.
  

• Penalty kicks will be allowed.
  

• All major and technical fouls will be enforced resulting in direct free kick or indirect free kick as appropriate.
  

• Offside will be enforced.
  

• Goal kicks may be taken from any point within the penalty area in order to keep the game flowing, unless both coaches agree otherwise in advance with the referee. Remember that the attacking team must be at least 10 yards from the ball regardless of where it is placed in the penalty area.

U11

• 8 v 8, use 14 player game day roster
  

• Size 4 Ball
  

• 30 Minute Halves
  

• 10 Minute Half-Time
  

• FIFA Laws for all else

U12

• 11 v 11, use 18 player game day roster
  

• Size 4 Ball
  

• 35 Minute Halves
  

• 10 Minute Half-Time

U13, U14

• 11 v 11, use 18 player game day roster
  

• Size 5 Ball
  

• 35 Minute Halves
  

• 10 Minute Half-Time

U15, U16

• 11 v 11, use 18 player game day roster
  

• Size 5 Ball
  

• 40 Minute Halves
  

• 10 Minute Half-Time

U17, U18

• 45 Minute Halves
  

• 10 Minute Half-Time
  

• Ball Size: 5
  

• 18 player game day roster.

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