Rules Summary

Updated: 9/11/2023

Referee Procedures

Reference Documents/Links

• • The NPL home page is here for team research and added information.

  • NorCal hosted information for referees is here, specifics are one level down.

  • The Handbook is here. The handbook and related resources are summarized below.

Pre-Game

• Teams must give opposing team and referee a roster 20 minutes prior to the beginning of each game.

• The grace period for kick-off for late arrival of a team to the game is 15 minutes. If it is necessary for a game to be shortened due to a late start, both teams and the referee shall agree on having two equal shortened halves.

• The NorCal Game Card (printed Sheet of paper) is to be given to the Referee by the home team before the game. It is to be filled out and signed by the Referee and each teams coach. The home team will keep and file the game card for future possible reference. Maximum game day roster is 18 players, do not allow more than the allowed number to be checked in and play.

• Check players and coaches/managers against their US Club passes. NO PASS, NO PLAY! Player passes must have the individual's picture and be laminated to be valid.

• No Guest Players. Only players on the printed rooster may play, no handwritten names. The referee may write a player's name in but not until the name is seen on an electronic game card (on a phone for example). What might happen for a league game is a team adds players after the other team has printed the game card...if this happens simply ask the away team to show an electronic game card and then the referee can write the names in.

• Check players' equipment. Jewelry is not allowed. It is NOT OK to put tape over earrings or bracelets. Medical bracelets are allowed if made safe to the Referee's satisfaction.

• No Hard Cast allowed (even if bubble wrapped!)

Braces are allowed as long as the referee decides that the brace will not or cannot hurt the player wearing the brace or any other player.

• Diagonal System of Control (DSC) mandatory.

NorCal Protocol for Crew of < 3

Attention: There is no such NorCal rule of Forfeit for crew < 3

1. The visiting team should note the missing referees on the game card and the game should be played under protest. This means the visiting team can appeal to have the game replayed if necessary. **If there are major issues with the referees, an appeal to the Event Coordinator for a replay can be filed, however, in most instances the game can be officiated at an acceptable level.

2. Seek out an individual who is a current year licensed referee. If a current year licensed referee is found, then they may fill in as a full linesman (making all calls).

3. If there are no licensed referees available, a knowledgeable individual from either team can fill in as a "club linesman." A "club linesman" has a more limited role in the game and can only flag balls in and out of bounds (no offside, fouls, etc.).

Post-Game

• • Return player passes to teams. Do not keep the passes of any sent-off players or team officials.

  • Sign and return the NorCal Game Card to the Home team, fully filled out. Make sure you record the score for yourself so you can enter it into the Arbiter.

  • Referee also enters game report into Arbiter.

  • Send-off reports must be submitted within 24 hours. The send-off reporting system is now fully online Here. It is the official site obsoletes whatever invalid links or emails you may find in handbooks or other sources.

Playing Rules

NPL Substitution Rules

• A substitution can take place at any stoppage with the Referee’s permission.

• Unlimited substitutions are allowed in all age groups and competitions (except ECNL-RL).  However, teams may substitute only with the Referee’s permission. Substitutes must wait at the halfway line (off of the field of play) until the field player has left the field of play and/or the Referee has indicated the substitute may enter the field of play.

• Substitutions by either team are allowed at any stoppage of play with the permission of the Referee. Referees will be instructed not to allow substitutions deemed “excessive” or of a “time-wasting” nature. Please respect the sanctity of the game and refrain from using the free substitution rules to disrupt the match.

• Any player who leaves the game with a suspected head injury must be evaluated by a healthcare professional before returning to play. If a player is being evaluated on-site by a healthcare professional, the player may be temporarily substituted while the evaluation occurs, without the substitution counting against the team’s total number of substitutions and without prohibiting re-entry by the player being evaluated or the player replacing them. 

U12 (Pre-NPL)

• • 9 v 9, use 16 player game day roster

  • Size 4 Ball

  • 8 yd setback for Freekick and Center Circle size is 16 yds

  • Penalty kick mark at 10 yds

  • 30 Minute Halves

  • 10 Minute Half-Time

U13 (Pre-NPL)

• • 11 v 11, use 18 player game day roster

  • Size 5 Ball

  • 35 Minute Halves

  • 10 Minute Half-Time

U14

• • 11 v 11, use 18 player game day roster

  • Size 5 Ball

  • 40 Minute Halves

  • 10 Minute Half-Time

U15-16

• • 11 v 11, use 18 player game day roster

  • Size 5 Ball

  • 40 Minute Halves

  • 10 Minute Half-Time

U17-18

• • 11 v 11, use 18 player game day roster

  • Size 5 Ball

  • 45 Minute Halves

  • 10 Minute Half-Time