A. Conduct of Game:
| Age Group | Length of Game | Overtime Periods | Rest Periods | Ball |
| U-16 | 80 minutes -
two 40 min. halves | None except as noted in B below | 5 min. between halves | #5 |
| U-14 | 70 minutes -
two 35 min. halves | None except as noted in B below | 5 min. between halves | #5 |
| U-12 | 60 minutes -
two 30 min. halves | None except as noted in B below | 5 min. between halves | #4 |
| U-10 | 50 minutes -
two 25 min. halves | None except as noted in B below | 5 min. between halves | #4 |
| U-8 | 40 minutes -
two 20 min. halves | None | 10 min. between halves | #3 |
| U-6 | Shall have the field for a period of one hour. The first one half hour shall consist of practice with two teams sharing the field. The second half hour shall be a scrimmage (practice) game between the two teams. Additional practice not required and not mandatory. |
B. If at the end of regular season play a tie results between the top two teams as determined by Rule 3.A below, a single game playoff to be arranged by the League Match Secretary will determine a League Champion. If in the event of a tie for first place between more than two teams, a single game elimination will be arranged by the League Match Secretary. If at the end of regulation play in any playoff game a tie score results, a winner will be determined by playing an overtime period and, if necessary, the taking of penalty kicks as provided for under the rules of HOUSE LEAGUE CUP PLAY. The Board may suspend this rule based on weather and field availability.
C. Substitution in All Age Groups - players may be substituted only during a stoppage of the game as outlined below:
1. Prior to a throw-in, in your favor.
2. Prior to a goal kick, by either team.
3. After a goal, by either team.
4. After an injury, when the referee stops play, by either team.
5. At half time.
6. When the referee stops play to caution a player, only the cautioned player may be substituted, prior to the restart of the game. The cautioned player may not return to the game until the next substitution opportunity for his/her team.
7. U-8 subs can only change at breaks and injuries.
In any case, a substitute may not enter the field of play until they have been given the signal to do so by the referee.
D. MUST PLAY – Every player on every team must play a minimum of one-half of every game unless the player is to be restricted for disciplinary or other reasons. If a player is to be restricted, the following sequence must be followed:
1. The coach must contact the League Match Secretary in their age group no later than the day prior to the game for clearance to restrict the player.
2. After receiving clearance, the coach must notify the parents no later than the day before the game.
3. The day of the game the restriction must be noted by the coach on the game card prior to the start of the game.
4. For a second restriction on the same player at any time during the season, the above sequence (1, 2, and 3) shall be followed, however, the League Match Secretary shall submit a written report to the Board no later than 72 hours after the game in question to substantiate the above action.
Failure to comply with the above procedures shall subject the coach/team to disciplinary action.
A. Conduct of Game
| Age Group | Length of Game | Overtime Periods | Rest Periods | Ball |
| U-16 | 80 minutes -
two 40 min. halves | One 30 min. period 15 minutes each direction with 5 min. rest between | 5 min. between halves and prior to O.T. period | #5 |
| U-14 | 70 minutes -
two 35 min. halves | One 20 min. period 10 minutes each direction with 5 min. rest between | 5 min. between halves and prior to O.T. period | #5 |
| U-12 | 60 minutes -
two 30 min. halves | One 20 min. period 10 minutes each direction with 5 min. rest between | 5 min. between halves and prior to O.T. period | #4 |
| U-10 | 50 minutes -
two 25 min. halves | One 20 min. period 10 minutes each direction with 5 min. rest between | 5 min. between halves and prior to O.T. period | #4 |
| U-8 | NO CUP PLAY |
| U-6 | NO CUP PLAY |
All overtime periods in any cup or tournament competition will be “Golden Goal”.
B. In the event no winner is determined after overtime play, then both teams will take kicks from the penalty mark (as specified in F.I.F.A. Laws Of The Game, July 2001, until a winner is determined (EXCEPT FOR U-10’S).
1. The referee shall choose the goal at which all the kicks from the penalty mark shall be taken.
2. Each team shall take five (5) kicks from the penalty mark. The kicks shall be taken alternately.
3. The referee shall toss a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss shall take the first kick.
4. The team which scores the greater number of goals shall be declared the winner.
5. Only the players who are on the field at the end of the match, in which extra time is authorized shall be eligible to take part in the kicks from the penalty mark.
6. If, after each team has taken five (5) kicks, each has scored the same number of goals, the taking of kicks from the penalty mark shall continue, in the same order, until such time as each has taken the same number of kicks and one team has scored a goal more than the other. The kicks shall not continue after one team has scored a total of goals which establish them as winners.
7. Each kick shall be taken by a different player, and not until all eligible players on any team have kicked may a player take a second kick.
8. Any player who was on the field at the end of the match (see paragraph 5) may change places with his/her goalkeeper at any time during the taking of the kicks from the penalty mark.
9. Other than the player taking a kick and the opposing goalkeeper, all players shall remain within the center circle while the taking of the kicks from the penalty mark is in progress.
10. Unless stated to the contrary herein, the conditions of Law 14 will apply in the taking of these kicks. The F.I.F.A. Board Decisions 7, 8, and 9 shall be interpreted by analogy.
C. Substitution - Substitution in Cup play shall be the same as provided for in the Under 16 and 14 groups in Rule I.C.
D. Must Play - Every player on every team must play a minimum of one-half in every game.
A. Point system for scoring
3 points for a win
1 point for a tie
0 points for a loss
B.Uniform - as follows:
1. All players must be in full standard league uniform in order to play. The standard minimum league uniform shall consist of an authorized jersey, pants, shinguards and socks (socks MUST be worn over shinguards), as worn by all other team members with the exception of the goalkeeper, and shoes.
2. Each Goalkeeper's shirt shall be clearly distinguishable from all other players upon the field.
3. Violation of uniform code may result in a team being ineligible for cup play and league awards.
C. Shoes - Any legal soft toe soccer shoe provided for in the "Laws of the Game" shall be permissible. If a player does not have legal soccer shoes, he must play in tennis or gym shoes (canvas top with rubber, crepe, or soft plastic type soles).
D. Changing Goalkeepers - When a goalkeeper is to be replaced by a substitute, the following conditions must be observed:
1. The referee shall be informed of the proposed substitution before it is made.
2. The substitute shall not enter the field of play until the player they are replacing has left, and then only after having received a signal from the referee.
3. The substitute shall enter the field during a stoppage in the game and at the halfway line.
Punishment for infringement of above procedure:
1. Play shall not be stopped for an infringement. The players concerned shall be cautioned when the ball goes out of play.
2. For any other infringement of this law, the player concerned shall be, and if the game is stopped by the referee to administer the caution, it shall be restarted by an indirect free kick to be taken by a player of the opposing team from the place where the ball was play was stopped. (Rev. Aug. 1974)
E. Charging the Goalkeeper - The goalkeeper may not be charged or impeded in any manner when in the penalty area. However, the ball may be played at any time the goalkeeper does not have full possession of the ball. The referee shall have sole authority in determining when the goalkeeper has full possession of the ball.
F. Wearing of a Cast
1. Players wearing orthopedic casts, braces, (metal, carbon fiber, hard plastic, and like devices), or splints (air or metal) shall not be eligible to participate in any game, practice, tryout or training session.
2. A player must not use equipment or wear anything, which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry).
3. The referee has the final decision on the safety of players’ equipment.
G. Scheduling Authority - The League Match Secretaries shall have final authority to set all regular league games. If both teams jointly agree to play a scheduled game at a different time and/or place and/or date, they may do so provided permission is first secured from the League Match Secretary. Should any regular league game or cup game be changed to be played at a different time and/or place and/or date without the consent of the League Match Secretary, or in his/her absence, the President of the League, a loss to both teams will be assessed. (Rev. Aug. 1974) In case of a rescheduled game for the coaches convenience, coaches of both teams involved will be responsible for field preparation, securing a game ball and securing a referee agreeable to both coaches. (Rev. Aug. 1974) Should any properly postponed game (due to C.Y.S.A. Tournament game or any agreed upon postponement) not be able to be amiably rescheduled by the coaches, the League Match Secretary shall assume the authority for rescheduling.
H. Playability of Fields - Governed by agreement with the City of Dublin Parks and Recreation Department.
1. Scheduled Day's Games - The President of the League will have sole authority in determining the playability of the day's scheduled games. When the playing condition of the fields is in question, he/she shall make a decision by 8:00 a.m. on the scheduled day of play; his/her decision will be passed to the Coaches Coordinator, Referee Coordinator, Secretary and Field Manager. The Coaches Coordinator shall be responsible for notifying all coaches of the decision who will in turn notify all players. The Referee Coordinator shall be responsible for notifying applicable persons assigned to game/fields scheduled for that day. The Secretary shall be responsible for updating the DUSL sportsline and website to reflect the decision.
2. Individual Day's Games - If field conditions change after the scheduled day's games have commenced, the referee will be the sole judge in the determination of individual field/game conditions as to whether play will commence/continue. He shall notify both coaches in the event of the cancellation of that game and report this on the Referee Report which will immediately be delivered to the League Match Secretary or, in his/her absence the President of the League, by the Home team coach in order that a decision can be made concerning other games scheduled to be played on that field.
I. Delaying Start of Game - Any team delaying the start of a scheduled game more than fifteen (15) minutes without sanction of proper authority shall forfeit the game to the opponent by a score of 1-0. (Proper authority shall be the League Match Secretary or in his/her absence, the President of the League.)
J. Referee Report Card - A standard C.Y.S.A. game card shall be used for each game and to be provided by the League. All teams will be graded for sportsmanship as indicated at the bottom of the card with the highest sportsmanship being a Number 5.
K. Field Equipment - At the beginning of the first game scheduled, the Home team coach will deliver the game ball and the corner flags to the field. The two coaches will be responsible for setting up goals and nets. At the completion of the last scheduled game, both coaches will be responsible for removing goals, goal nets and any other field equipment to the applicable field Maintenance/Equipment Manager.
L. Injured Player - In the event that a player is injured during practice or a game and requires a doctor's attention, he/she must have a written release from their doctor before returning to practice or game play.
M. All Designated Team Coaches - All designated team coaches shall be responsible individuals and 18 years of age or older, if at all possible.
N. Once the game begins, the referee is in full charge of the game. NO person (Coach, Player, Parent or Spectator) shall enter the field of play at any time without permission of the referee. When directed, the referee, assistant referee or other designated persons, will be empowered to enforce this rule.
O. Coaching from the sidelines, giving direction to one's own team on points of strategy and position is permitted provided:
1. The coach is in the bench area. The bench area is defined as within ten (10) yards of the center line and behind a line one (1) yard from the touch line.
2. NO mechanical devices are used.
3. The tone of the voice is informative and not a harangue.
4. No coach, substitute or player is to be anywhere but at his bench during the game.
5. NO coach, substitute or player is be make derogatory remarks or gestures to the referee, other player, substitutes, or spectators.
6. NO coach, substitute or player is to use profanity.
7. NO coach, substitute or player is to incite, in any manner, disruptive behavior.
P. Ejection from Game - In the event a player, coach or assistant coach is ejected for misconduct, the referee shall so report the incident on the Referee Report. That player, coach or assistant coach is automatically suspended for the period of time as stated in the CYSA Team Manual under disciplinary rulings. These penalties are not subject to appeal. Additional disciplinary action may be taken by the Board of DUSL and will be based on the report and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee (see below).
Q. Disciplinary Rulings and Punishments - The Board of Directors will have sole authority in taking action of reported disciplinary problems. Referees will report disciplinary problems on the Referee Report citing explicitly facts and circumstances to insure a report with sufficient detail to enable the Board to conduct a fair and unbiased hearing. Such reports will be delivered to the Referee Coordinator who will investigate the report for presentation to the Board. All concerned parties will be informed of the date and time of the Board hearing in order that they might be present, if so desired. Any additional penalties above the minimum guidelines as stated in the CYSA Team Manual, as imposed by the Board, may be appealed provided that the decision of the Board is appealed by a formal protest with the appropriate fee, as stated in the Dublin United Soccer League Constitution By-Laws, Article II, Section 3.
