admin@nrasl.com PO Box 39482 North Ridgeville, Ohio 44039

NRASL Game Laws & Guidelines

NRASL Game Laws & Guidelines

 

Law 1 — Field of Play

Field, goal, and line sizes may vary based on available space and may be non‑conforming for certain age groups.

 

Law 2 — Ball Size

Size 3: Tots, U5/U6 Size 4: U8 (U7/U8), U11 (U9/U10/U11) Size 5: U14 (U13/U14)

 

Law 3 — Players

U8 (U7/U8): 4v4, no goalie U11 (U9/U10/U11): 7v7, includes goalie U14 (U13/U14): 9v9, includes goalie

Player Substitutions

Substitutions occur only with referee permission during a momentary pause (throw‑in, goal kick, restart). Play resumes on the whistle once exiting players are off the field.

 

Law 4 — Player Equipment

  • Shin guards required

  • Socks must be worn over shin guards

  • Cleats or tennis shoes allowed

  • Goalies must be differentiated (goalie shirt or pinnie)

 

Law 7 — Duration of the Match

U8 & U11

  • 12‑minute quarters

  • 2‑minute breaks between quarters

  • 5‑minute halftime

  • Total: ~57 minutes

U14

  • 28‑minute halves

  • 5‑minute halftime

  • Total: ~64 minutes

Clock Control: Referee controls the clock. Clock stops only for significant injury, weather, rare goalie substitution, or consultation with an NRASL Board Member.

 

Law 8 — Start & Restart of Play

  • Coaches and referee determine first kick and goal selection

  • Restart at midfield after each goal

  • Restart at midfield at the beginning of each quarter

  • If play is stopped for a reason not covered in the Laws, restart with a dropped ball

  • Referee may drop the ball without favoring either team

 

Law 9 — Ball In & Out of Play

Out of Play When:

  • Entire ball crosses goal line or touch line

  • Referee stops play

In Play When:

  • Rebounds off goal post, crossbar, or corner flag and stays in field

  • Rebounds off referee or assistant referee while on the field

 

Law 10 — Scoring

  • No scorekeeping

  • If a player asks the score: “There is no score — have fun!”

 

Law 11 — Offside

  • No offside rule except U14

  • For U14, call only obvious offsides

 

Law 12 — Fouls & Misconduct

  • No direct kicks

  • No penalty kicks

  • 100% Misconduct Enforcement

If Violent Conduct or Serious Foul Play Occurs:

  • Referee may stop play and clock

  • Referee consults NRASL Board Member regarding ejection

  • Players remain on field and take a knee

  • Ejected players may be replaced; game resumes

Sending‑Off Examples

  • Serious foul play

  • Violent conduct

  • Spitting

  • Offensive/insulting/abusive language or gestures

Coach Ejections

Coaches may be sent off for offensive or abusive language/gestures. Referee should notify concession stand to get a board member.

 

Law 13 — Free Kicks

All Free Kicks Are Indirect

A goal may only be scored if the ball touches another player before entering the goal. Indirect kick directly into opponent’s goal → Goal kick to defenders.

Inside the Penalty Area

  • Opponents must be 8 yards away unless on their own goal line

  • Ball is in play when kicked and moves

Outside the Penalty Area

  • Opponents must be 8 yards away

  • Ball is in play when kicked and moves

 

Law 15 — Throw‑Ins

  • Allow a re‑throw if first attempt is incorrect

  • Referee explains proper technique before re‑throw

 

Law 16 — Goal Kicks

  • May be taken anywhere inside the goal box

  • If ball is touched before leaving penalty area → retake

 

Law 17 — Corner Kicks

  • Taken from the corner where touchline meets goal line

  • Opponents must be 8 yards away

  • A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick