Soccer

9. All matches will be played at school venues where available and other venues around Launceston and the northern region.
10. Venues must have toilets available (changerooms if possible), however players are encouraged to come ready to play due to limited time.
11. Ovals are to have correct field markings, goals, and nets. Grounds of reduced size may be used. Balls are to be the of correct size – Size 5 – and provided by the host school.
12. First Aid facilities/personnel will not be supplied at either school or non-school venues. According to the current DECYP policy, schools are encouraged to have a first aid qualified person in attendance and at minimum a fully stocked first aid kit.

13. Games should start on time.
    1. Games involving city schools should start at 1.00 and no later than 1.10.
    2. Games against Country schools should begin at 1.00 or earlier by pre-arrangement.
    3. In the case of a late start, halves and breaks are shortened to ensure the game finishes at an agreed time.
14. Game length:
    1. SENIOR OPEN – Each game consists of 2 x 35 – minute halves with a 5-minute break.
    2. JUNIOR OPEN – Each game consists of 2 x 30-minute halves with a 5-minute break.
    3. There will be no extra time.

15. Teams
    1. are to be school based.
    2. Consist of 11 players per side
    3. Are to be mixed. (both girls and boys named in the side and both be present on game day).
    4. All players must have equal playing time.
    5. Have a minimum of seven players to play a game and a preferred maximum of 16 on the team sheet.
    6. Players may be freely interchanged at any time during the game with permission from the referee.  All such changes to occur at the half-way line.  Teams must wait at least 5 minutes between such changes.
    7. Must forfeit the game if it is not ready with a minimum number of 7 players fifteen minutes after the rostered start time. A practice match can then be played if the coaches agree.
16. 9/Side Rules

If numbers for teams are limited, then coaches can play a variation from the usual 11/side to 9/side.  In such instances the following rules shall be applied.

1. 9/side with a maximum of 5 on the bench.
2. Each team must have a minimum of 7 players to constitute a game.
3. Where possible games should be played on the smaller grounds available at each venue.

17. Home Teams
    1. are to supply a match ball in good playing condition. Seniors – Size 5
    2. must supply a competent referee (often the coach) when not supplied. Schools can, however, share the responsibility of refereeing i.e., half a game each.
    3. a linesperson if deemed necessary.
    4. a responsible timekeeper. These positions can be held by coaches.

18. In Senior 1sts it is expected that Grade 9/10s are only to play. Special exemption must be given by the Executive Officer if a player from Grade 8 is to play – this would only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.
19. Smaller District High Schools may have combined teams from 7-10 as long as the student is not taking the place of a Grade 9/10 student who may be available.
20. It is assumed that schools who have teams in both the Wednesday 9/10 comp and the Thursday 7/8 comp will only play senior students on the Wednesday and Junior students on the Thursday. i.e. players may only play in one team per round.
21. Where a player has played more than half a roster in a higher division, they shall not continue to play in a lower division.
22. A player must have played at least half the roster games for a team in that season, in that competition, to qualify to play for finals for the same team. *If a school has two or more teams in one Division and one of those teams qualifies for the Grand Final, the players selected for the Grand final team must have played at least half the rostered matches for that team. NB: Players selected for Senior 1sts – must have played half the matches with the school but not necessarily with the Senior 1sts (best team on form , injuries etc.)

23. The finals will have the following structure:

Semi-finals

1. 1v4 and 2v3 play off. The winners play off in the GF.
2. Where two teams are equal on the ladder prior to the semis, then the percentage is calculated in the matches between the teams to determine who goes through to the SF. Obviously if only one match was played between these teams, then the team that won that game goes through.
3. If a SF final is washed out, and no alternative date is available to play the Semis, the teams occupying 1 and 2 on the ladder go through to the GF.
4. If a SF final is drawn the highest placed team goes through.

Grand Final

1. If scores are level at full time in a GF the golden goal rule will apply. Teams will play extra time (6 mins each way). Schools must take a player off the field every 2 minutes. The team that scores first will be declared the Premier team. If scores are still tied after extra time the team that finished higher on the ladder will be declared the Premier team.
2. In a GF, the interchange bench shall consist of any players that have qualified for their respective teams.
3. A copy of the team list showing all team members and the number of games they have played in that team must be made available to the opposing team and Executive Officer on request prior to the Grand Final.
4. If a final is washed out, and no alternative date is available, the team occupying the top ladder position will be declared the Premier team.
5. Venues for finals are determined by the team that finishes higher on the ladder.

24. The umpire(s) is in sole control of the game, but coaches are in charge of their team and must accept responsibility for the conduct of their team before, during and after the game, taking appropriate action to ensure proper conduct, especially, as on most occasions, the officiating umpire may be a school representative.
25. Coaches should be prepared to remove and discipline players for inappropriate conduct, regardless of whether the incident was seen by the umpires.
26. Umpires are responsible for reporting players for any misdemeanors.
27. NHSSA will provide an umpire where possible for senior games on Wednesday.
28. Schools will need to provide their own umpire for all junior games on Thursdays.

29. Both coaches must agree on the scores at the completion of each game.

30. Results are to be emailed to the Executive Officer as soon as practicable after the match.

31. Points for roster games to be allotted as follows:

Win – 5 Points

Loss – 1 Point                                                                 

Draw – 3 Points

Wash Out 3 Points

Forfeit (Win) 5 Points

Forfeit (Loss) 0 Points

32. Results will be updated to the website prior to next round. If results are not received by schools/coaches a NRR (no result received) will be recorded and a DRAW awarded.

33. Teams are to wear full playing uniform in school colours, soccer shorts, socks, boots, AND SHIN PADS (players without shin pads will not be allowed to take the field)

34. Umpires will be instructed to prevent players from taking the field if they are not correctly attired. Supervising staff should do this anyway.

35. Mouthguards are encouraged. Schools can mandate this according to school policy. Players choosing not to wear mouthguards do so at their own risk.

36. It is vital that all players treat the venues with respect. Any vandalism/smoking/vaping will mean our privileges being withdrawn. Offenders caught will be barred from the venue.

37. All players will line up after the game and shake the hand of every opposition player. Coaches will lead this by shaking hands with each other.

38. Soccer matches will be played under current ASF Rules subject to variations listed within.

39. The “sin bin” can be used at the referee’s discretion for any misdemeanor.
40. Set Penalties
    1. If a player receives a yellow card a report must be sent to the NHSSA Executive Officer. If a player collects three yellow cards in a season he is automatically suspended for the next match in which he is eligible to play. The NHSSA Executive Officer would advise all schools of this.
    2. If a player receives a red card he is automatically suspended for the next match. A report must be sent to the NHSSA Executive Officer who will decided if further action is necessary. All schools would be notified of such action and whether further action was being taken.
    3. A red card offence would be repeated swearing or swearing at the umpire. Violence will not be tolerated. This is an automatic red card and suspension for the next two NHSSA matches.

41. Generally, PICs of soccer will be informed if there are cancellations due to weather or forfeits from teams as soon as practicable. It will be PIC’s responsibility to then inform their teams and coaches.

Forfeits

1. Teams must forfeit the game if it is not ready with a minimum of 7 players 15 minutes after the rostered time.
2. If you need to forfeit prior to match day, please notify NHSSA EO as soon as possible to give every opportunity for the opposition to be informed (preferably prior to the end of previous school day).

Cancellations

1. Wednesday and Thursday – if games are to be cancelled schools will be notified by 12.00. If schools need to leave prior to 12.00am an attempt will be made to notify earlier.

2. If games have not been cancelled officially, but heavy rain begins falling during or just before the game, the game can be called off if either team refuses to play due to safety considerations.

3. Common sense must prevail in such a situation. If there is still strong disagreement, then the Executive Officer shall have the final say and both teams then must abide by that ruling. In the case of a match not proceeding because of bad weather 3 pts will be awarded to both teams.

4. In the event that a ground is deemed unfit for play, a match may be transferred to a ground within that region provided a ground is available.

5. If a game is unable to be played on the scheduled day owing to ground conditions, both schools will make every effort to re-schedule the match within the roster to decide final ladder placing’s.

6. In the event that a change of venue or cancellation is imminent, the host school must inform the Executive Officer and opposition school by 9am.

42. First Aid facilities/personnel will not be supplied at either school or non-school venues. According to the current DECYP policy, schools are encouraged to have a first aid qualified person in attendance and at minimum a fully stocked first aid kit.
43. It is important that coaches/managers be aware of any specific medical conditions or needs of their players and have the necessary individual medications on hand.
44. Students’ safety and wellbeing is always a priority so if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to call me, Rachel Buck – Executive Officer, on 0407432329.