1. GNWSA Updates
Fall 2016/Spring 2017 Season

2. NOTE: No GNWSA Players will be removed from their existing team unless that is the player’s request to do so.

3. Updates to Laws of the Game 2016/2017
Denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO)
If a player commits a DOGSO offense inside the penalty area it will now be a yellow card (caution) if the foul was an attempt to play the ball or challenge an opponent for the ball. However, the following offenses will still be a red card (send-off):
Handball
Holding, pulling or pushing
Not attempting to play the ball
Not having the chance to play the ball/obstruction
Serious foul challenges, violent conduct, etc.
Equipment
Any material on/covering socks must be the same color as the part of the sock it is covering.
Undershorts/tights must the be the same color as the main color of the shorts or the lowest edge (hem); the team must wear the same color.
A player who accidentally loses footwear (cleat) or a shinguard(s) can continue playing until play stops.
A player can return to the field during play after changing/correcting equipment once it has been checked by the AR and the referee signals
Fouls off the Field
A foul off the field of play will be penalized with a free kick on the boundary line nearest to where the foul occurred (penalty kick if in offender’s penalty area)

4. Updates to Laws of the Game 2016/2017
Kick-off
At the kick-off the ball can now be kicked in any direction, including backwards so no team-mates are allowed to stand in the opponents’ half.
Offside
Offside free-kicks will be taken from the place where the player commits the offside offense – this can be in their own half. A player can not be in an offside position in their own half but can move back into their own half from an offside position in the opponents’ half and commit an offside offense (play the ball, challenge an opponent, etc.) – this is where the free kick is taken from
Penalties (during normal play)
If the goalkeeper moves early and causes the penalty kick to be retaken, the goalkeeper will receive a yellow card (caution).
If the ball is kicked backwards, it results in an indirect free kick from the penalty spot.
If the kicker stops and ‘feints’ at the end of their run it will always result in an indirect free kick from the penalty spot and yellow card (caution) even if they score (i.e. no retake).
If the wrong player takes the kick, that player will receive a yellow card (caution) and it will be an indirect free kick.
Sending off offenses
Attempted violence is a red card (send-off) even if no contact is made
A players who deliberately strikes an opponent on the head or face will receive a red card (send-off) unless the force used was minimal/negligible
If a player commits a red card (send off) or second yellow card (caution) offense and the referee plays advantage, that player can not then be involved in play; the red card will be shown when play next stops. If the player becomes involved the referee will stop play, show the red card (send-off) and award an indirect free kick.

5. Updates to Laws of the Game 2016/2017
Substitutes
A substitute can take any restart (including a throw-in or corner kick) but must first step onto the field of play (to complete the substitution procedure).
Throw In
The ball must be thrown with BOTH hands and not thrown with one hand and ‘guided’ with the other.

6. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 2013
Previous Team Breakout: August 1-December 31, 2013
Fall 2016/Spring 2017: ’13s or U4
Field Size: 20x30 yds – no changes
Current Goal Size: 4.5’H x 9’W
Recommended Goal Size: 4’H x 6’W
Game Time: Four 8 minute quarters
Coaches Allowed on Field: Yes, one per team.
Players on Field: 4v4
Goalkeeper: No
Ball Size: #3
Roster: Minimum: 6, Maximum: 8
Intentional Headers: No
Score/Standings Kept: No
Trophies: Participation
# of Games: 8

7. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 2012
Spring 2016 Season: U3 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 2012-July 31, 2013
Fall 2016/Spring 2017: ‘12s or U5
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Existing Players from January 1-July 31, 2013
New Players from January 1-July 31, 2012
Current Field Size: 20x30 yds – no changes
Current Goal Size: 4.5’H x 9’W
Recommended Goal Size: 4’H x 6’W
Game Time: Four 8 minute quarters
Coaches Allowed on Field: Yes, one per team.
Players on Field: 4v4
Goalkeeper: No
Ball Size: #3
Roster: Minimum: 6, Maximum: 8
Intentional Headers: No
Score/Standings Kept: No
Trophies: Participation
# of Games: 8

8. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 2011
Spring 2016 Season: U4 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 2011-July 31, 2012
Fall 2016/Spring 2017: ‘11s or U6
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Returning Players from January 1-July 31, 2012
New Players from January 1-July 31, 2011
Current Field Size: 20x30 yds – no changes
Current Goal Size: 4.5’H x 9’W
Recommended Goal Size: 4’H x 6’W
Game Time: Four 8 minute quarters
Coaches Allowed on Field: No
Players on Field: 4v4
Goalkeeper: No
Ball Size: #3
Roster: Minimum: 6, Maximum: 8
Intentional Headers: No
Score/Standings Kept: No
Trophies: Participation
# of Games: 10

9. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 2010
Spring 2016 Season: U5 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 2010-July 31, 2011
Fall 2016/Spring 2017: ‘10s or U7
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Returning Players from January 1-July 31, 2011
New Players from January 1-July 31, 2010
Current Field Size: 20x30 yds – no changes
Current Goal Size: 4.5’H x 9’W
Recommended Goal Size: 4’H x 6’W
Game Time: Four 8 minute quarters
Coaches Allowed on Field: No
Players on Field: 4v4
Goalkeeper: No
Ball Size: #3
Roster: Minimum: 6, Maximum: 8
Intentional Headers: No
Score/Standings Kept: No
Trophies: Participation
# of Games: 10

10. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 2009
Spring 2016 Season: U6 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 2009-July 31, 2010
Fall 2016/Spring 2017: ‘09s or U8
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Returning Players from January 1-July 31, 2010
New Players from January 1-July 31, 2009
Field Size: 30x50 yds – no changes
Current Goal Size: 4.5’H x 9’W
Recommended Goal Size: 4’H x 6’W
Current Game Time: Four 12 minute quarters
Recommended Game Time: Three 15 minute periods
Coaches Allowed on Field: No
Players on Field: 4v4
Goalkeeper: No
Ball Size: #3
Roster: Minimum: 6, Maximum: 8
Intentional Headers: No
Score/Standings Kept: No
Trophies: Participation
Travel: Some games against Keller Soccer Association teams at Keller Fields if desired by coaches
# of Games: 10

11. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 2008
Spring 2016 Season: U7 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 2008-July 31, 2009
Fall 2016/Spring 2017: ‘08s or U9
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Returning Players from January 1-July 31, 2009
New Players from January 1-July 31, 2008
Current Field Size: 30x50 yds
Recommended Field Size: 30x47 yds
Current Goal Size: 6.5’H x 12’W
Recommended Goal Size: 6.5’H x 18.5’W
Game Time: Two 25 minute halves
Coaches Allowed on Field: No
Players on Field: 7v7
Goalkeeper: Yes
Ball Size: #4
Roster: Minimum: 10, Maximum: 12
Intentional Headers: No
Score/Standings Kept: Yes
Trophies: 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Division
Build Out Lines: Yes
# of Games/Travel: 5 home/5 away games vs. Northern Mid Cities Soccer Association teams

12. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 2007
Spring 2016 Season: U8 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 2007-July 31, 2008
Fall 2016/Spring 2017: ‘07s or U10
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Returning Players from January 1-July 31, 2008
New Players from January 1-July 31, 2007
Field Size: 40x70 yds
Goal Size: 7’H x 21’W
Game Time: Two 25 minute halves
Coaches Allowed on Field: No
Players on Field: 8v8
Goalkeeper: Yes
Ball Size: #4
Roster: Minimum: 11, Maximum: 13
Intentional Headers: No
Score/Standings Kept: Yes
Trophies: 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Division
Build Out Lines: Yes
# of Games/Travel: 5 home/5 away vs. Northern Mid Cities Soccer Association teams

13. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 2006
Spring 2016 Season: U9 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 2006-July 31, 2007
Fall 2016/Spring 2017: ‘06s or U11
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Returning Players from January 1-July 31, 2007
New Players from January 1-July 31, 2006
Field Size: 47x75 yds
Current Goal Size: 7’H x 21’W
Recommended Goal Size: 6.5’H x 18.5’W
Game Time: Two 30 minute halves
Coaches Allowed on Field: No
Players on Field: 9v9
Goalkeeper: Yes
Ball Size: #4
Roster: Minimum: 12, Maximum: 14
Intentional Headers: No
Score/Standings Kept: Yes
Trophies: 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Division
# of Games/Travel: 5 home/5 away vs. Northern Mid Cities Soccer Association teams

14. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 2005
Spring 2016 Season: U10 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 2005-July 31, 2006
Fall 2016/Spring 2017: ‘05s or U12 for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Returning Players from January 1-July 31, 2006
New Players from January 1-July 31, 2005
Field Size: Harmony Park: 60x100 yds/Roanoke Soccer Complex: 70x110 yds
Goal Size: 8’H x 24’W
Game Time: Two 30 minute halves
Coaches Allowed on Field: No
Players on Field: 9v9
Goalkeeper: Yes
Ball Size: #4
Roster: Minimum: 12, Maximum: 14
Intentional Headers: No
Score/Standings Kept: Yes
Trophies: 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Division
# of Games/Travel: 5 home/5 away vs. Northern Mid Cities Soccer Association teams

15. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 2004
Spring 2016 Season: U11 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 2004-July 31, 2005
Team Now Considered: ‘04s or U13 for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Returning Players from January 1-July 31, 2005
New Players from January 1-July 31, 2004
Field Size: Harmony Park: 60x100 yds/Roanoke Soccer Complex: 70x110 yds
Recommended Field Size: 75x112 yds
Goal Size: 8’H x 24’W
Game Time: Two 35 minute halves
Coaches Allowed on Field: No
Players on Field: 11v11
Goalkeeper: Yes
Ball Size: #5
Roster: Minimum: 14, Maximum: 18
Intentional Headers: Yes
Score/Standings Kept: Yes
Trophies: 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Division
# of Games/Travel: 5 home/5 away vs. Northern Mid Cities Soccer Association teams

16. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 2003
Spring 2016 Season: U12 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 2003-July 31, 2004
Team Now Considered: ‘03s or U14 for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Returning Players from January 1-July 31, 2004
New Players from January 1-July 31, 2003
Field Size: Harmony Park: 60x100 yds/Roanoke Soccer Complex: 70x110 yds
Recommended Field Size: 75x112 yds
Goal Size: 8’H x 24’W
Game Time: Two 35 minute halves
Coaches Allowed on Field: No
Players on Field: 11v11
Goalkeeper: Yes
Ball Size: #5
Roster: Minimum: 14, Maximum: 18
Intentional Headers: Yes
Score/Standings Kept: Yes
Trophies: 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Division
# of Games/Travel: 5 home/5 away vs. Northern Mid Cities Soccer Association teams

17. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 2002
Spring 2016 Season: U13 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 2002-July 31, 2003
Team Now Considered: ‘02s or U15 for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Returning Players from January 1-July 31, 2003
New Players from January 1-July 31, 2002
Field Size: Harmony Park: 60x100 yds/Roanoke Soccer Complex: 70x110 yds
Recommended Field Size: 75x112 yds
Goal Size: 8’H x 24’W
Game Time: Two 40 minute halves
Coaches Allowed on Field: No
Players on Field: 11v11
Goalkeeper: Yes
Ball Size: #5
Roster: Minimum: 14, Maximum: 22
Intentional Headers: Yes
Score/Standings Kept: Yes
Trophies: 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Division
# of Games/Travel: 5 home/5 away vs. Northern Mid Cities Soccer Association teams

18. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 2001
Spring 2016 Season: U14 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 2001-July 31, 2002
Team Now Considered: ‘01s or U16 for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Returning Players from January 1-July 31, 2002
New Players from January 1-July 31, 2001
Field Size: Harmony Park: 60x100 yds/Roanoke Soccer Complex: 70x110 yds
Recommended Field Size: 75x112 yds
Goal Size: 8’H x 24’W
Game Time: Two 40 minute halves
Coaches Allowed on Field: No
Players on Field: 11v11
Goalkeeper: Yes
Ball Size: #5
Roster: Minimum: 14, Maximum: 22
Intentional Headers: Yes
Score/Standings Kept: Yes
Trophies: 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Division
# of Games/Travel: 5 home/5 away vs. Northern Mid Cities Soccer Association teams

19. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 2000
Spring 2016 Season: U15 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 2000-July 31, 2001
Team Now Considered: ‘00s or U17 for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Returning Players from January 1-July 31, 2001
New Players from January 1-July 31, 2000
Field Size: Harmony Park: 60x100 yds/Roanoke Soccer Complex: 70x110 yds
Recommended Field Size: 75x112 yds
Goal Size: 8’H x 24’W
Game Time: Two 45 minute halves
Coaches Allowed on Field: No
Players on Field: 11v11
Goalkeeper: Yes
Ball Size: #5
Roster: Minimum: 14, Maximum: 22
Intentional Headers: Yes
Score/Standings Kept: Yes
Trophies: 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Division
# of Games/Travel: 5 home/5 away vs. Northern Mid Cities Soccer Association teams

20. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 1999
Spring 2016 Season: U16 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 1999-July 31, 2000
Team Now Considered: ‘99s or U18 for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Returning Players from January 1-July 31, 2000
New Players from January 1-July 31, 1999
Field Size: Harmony Park: 60x100 yds/Roanoke Soccer Complex: 70x110 yds
Recommended Field Size: 75x112 yds
Goal Size: 8’H x 24’W
Game Time: Two 45 minute halves
Coaches Allowed on Field: No
Players on Field: 11v11
Goalkeeper: Yes
Ball Size: #5
Roster: Minimum: 14, Maximum: 22
Intentional Headers: Yes
Score/Standings Kept: Yes
Trophies: 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Division
# of Games/Travel: 5 home/5 away vs. Northern Mid Cities Soccer Association teams

21. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 1998
Spring 2016 Season: U17 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 1998-July 31, 1999
Team Now Considered: ‘98s or U19 for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Returning Players from January 1-July 31, 1999
New Players from January 1-July 31, 1998
Field Size: Harmony Park: 60x100 yds/Roanoke Soccer Complex: 70x110 yds
Recommended Field Size: 75x112 yds
Goal Size: 8’H x 24’W
Game Time: Two 45 minute halves
Coaches Allowed on Field: No
Players on Field: 11v11
Goalkeeper: Yes
Ball Size: #5
Roster: Minimum: 14, Maximum: 22
Intentional Headers: Yes
Score/Standings Kept: Yes
Trophies: 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Division
# of Games/Travel: 5 home/5 away vs. Northern Mid Cities Soccer Association teams

22. Birth Year – January 1-December 31, 1997
Spring 2016 Season: U17 Team
Previous Team Breakout: August 1, 1997-July 31, 1998
Team Now Considered: ‘97s or U20 for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017
Teams May Also Include:
Existing/Returning Players from January 1-July 31, 1998
New Players from January 1-July 31, 1997
Field Size: Harmony Park: 60x100 yds/Roanoke Soccer Complex: 70x110 yds
Recommended Field Size: 75x112 yds
Goal Size: 8’H x 24’W
Game Time: Two 45 minute halves
Coaches Allowed on Field: No
Players on Field: 11v11
Goalkeeper: Yes
Ball Size: #5
Roster: Minimum: 14, Maximum: 22
Intentional Headers: Yes
Score/Standings Kept: Yes
Trophies: 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Division
# of Games/Travel: 5 home/5 away vs. Northern Mid Cities Soccer Association teams