League Rules

  1. The league is divided into four divisions: Mites (1st & 2nd Grades), Peewee (3rd & 4th Grades), Junior Varsity (5th & 6th Grades), Varsity (7th & 8th Grades)
  2. Younger players can move up a division and play; older players MAY NOT move down.  No kindergartners may play as per diocesan policy.  Younger players who are playing up a division MUST have a release form signed by a legal guardian/parent before stepping on the field to play. ANY team or coach not following this procedure is subject to league action or sanctions. Coaches you are responsible! No one wants to be a party to a lawsuit. Only students in grades 2,4 or 6 can move up.
  3. All players must be a student in good standing of the school they represent.
  4. Schools that field more than one team in a division must divide the team evenly, preferably a random pick process. There will be no stacked teams.  Players are assigned to and play for only 1 team.  (see rule 2c)
  5. Each team will have their players in some sort of uniform, which can be as simple as t-shirts, preferably numbered. Each player MUST wear the appropriate equipment (shin guards, soccer socks & shorts). If cleats are worn they must be molded plastic. Any type of exposed metal is not allowed (including watches, jewelry, etc).
  6. The mite division teams play on a modified field, roughly half the size of a regular field, with seven players on the field per team. The peewee, junior varsity and varsity play on a full size field with 11 players per team on the field.
  7. In the event a team cannot field the specified number of players it is up to the coaches to work out a compromise.  If not, both teams play down in order for the game to be played.  Example: 10 players..8 play/2 sub - 9 players...7 play/2 sub - 8 players...7 play/1 sub.  Playing quarters for rest instead of halves in encouraged.
  8. Gender issue: ALL DIVISIONS there must be a minimum of 2 girls on the field at all times. This rule is in effect up to there being 4 girls or fewer present. If each team 5 or more girls present then there must be 3 girls on the field. There can be a gentlemen's agreement to BREAK the rule if they agree to it.
  9. When a team is not able to meet the gender rule, and there's NO gentlemen's agreement to break the rule, the game is still played but regardless of the actual goals scored, the outcome of the game was pre-determined. (1-0)
  10. Game reports: game results will be reported by referees this year.  Coaches may file game comments if they desire.
  11. We would appreciate that you do not reschedule any games given the fact that the schedule was already written giving you the days off you had requested.   It is not the responsibility of the scheduler and the League Director to reschedule your game.  If a game reschedule is still needed, the following procedure must be followed:
  • Contact opposing coach to verify a reschedule.
  • Notify Pat Bonner (984-9088) about rescheduling game and the reason for the reschedule.
  • Contact Jerry Sullivan (694-8877) to cancel referee for that day, if not WE are paying 2x for 1 game.
  • COACHES set up NEW day, date, time and field for game (NO RESTRICTIONS).
  • Contact Jerry Sullivan for a referee (a 4-5 day notice would be greatly appreciated).
  • Contact Pat Bonner to advise when the rescheduled game will be played.
  • The team that initiates the reschedule is to pay a $20 fee.  Make check payable to Parochial Kickers Soccer and mail to:
    Patrick Bonner 146 Bering Ave. Tonawanda, NY 14223
  1. If a team cannot play the game as scheduled the team forfeits the game to the opponent. There is no rescheduling.
  2. Game times/Ball sizes
  • Mites (4) 10 minute quarters, Ball size 3
  • Peewee (2) 30 minute halves, Ball size 4
  • Jr Varsity (2) 30 minute halves, Ball size 4
  • Varsity (2) 30 minute halves, Ball size 5
  1. There is no overtime period for games that end in a tie.
  2. We use FIFA Laws of the Game Guide for Referees United States Soccer Federation, most recent edition, as our final reference in the game. The referee's call is the final decision in disputes. We rely on the FIFA sanctioned referees we hire to call games. Referees may not be perfect however they are the ultimate authority. A review may be requested with the board and they will make the final decision in disputes.
  3. There is NO offside for MITES games only.
  4. There will be a thirty minute wait time for lightning to pass over.  If there is still lightning after that thirty minute period then the game is called and will not be rescheduled.

Ten Commandments of Parental Behavoir

  • Talk about the other kids team-indeed, on both teams in the same manner you would like other parents to talk about your child.  This is the golden rule applied to sports.  Watching kid's sports tends to be a social affair.  When you're making conversation on the sideline with your friends and neighbors, think about what you're saying before you actually say it.  To always be on the safe side, only voice praise for the other children.  That way, you'll never go wrong.
  • It's nice to give the coach a pat on the back when he or she wins.  It's even nicer when you give the coach a pat on the back after a loss.  Remember that the vast majority of coaches are volunteers who are sacrificing their own time to help your kid.  So give them a well-deserved salute, especially when their team hasn't fared too well that day.
  • Don't hesitate to give the ref a pat on the back either.  As you might have guessed, refs are people too.  And they like when parents and fans acknowledge their on-field efforts as well.  Why don't you lead the way?
  • Remind your child that it's the effort that counts.  We all know all kids want to win.  That's a given.  But we also know that for every winning team, there's also a loser.  Be prepared to cushion your child's disappointment after a loss by pointing out that he or she played hard and put forth a tremendous effort.
  • Avoid the post-game analysis.  When the game is over and your child climbs back into your car, avoid at all costs the detailed excruciating post-game analysis of everything he or she did right and wrong.  Just let them chill out, savor the fun of having played, and relax.  The absolute worst time for "friendly criticism" is immediately after the game.
  • SMILE.  A LOT.  Kid's sports are about having fun, and because kids take their behavioral cues from you, try to at least look like you're enjoying yourself.
  • If you aren't a "good sport" at the games, the kids won't either.  This should be self-evident.  If you set a pattern of being a sideline loudmouth who likes to yell and scream at the ref, coach or opposing team, don't be surprised when your kids start copying your behavior.  You will have only yourself to blame.
  • Take time to learn the rules of the game.  A lot of kids these days are playing sports you may or may not be familiar with.  So if you don't know the rules of the game, why don't you and your child learn them together?  Besides, it's a good idea to read the rule book.  It just might help win a dispute.
  • If you must make noise at the games, shout only praise and encouragement.  If you're a screamer and yeller, make certain that when you open your mouth, you're only pouring forth cheerful encouragement for your child's team.  There's never any place for derogatory, snide or sarcastic comments at kid's games.
  • Above all, be there for your children.  Support them, praise them, and let them know you can always be counted on for unconditional love, regardless of the final score.