Some Special FWRL Rules

Some Special FWRL Rules

7.02 Substitutions

In the U15, U16, U17 and U18 age groups the FWRL will operate under the FIFA-Seven (7) “per half” substitution system. Once replaced, players cannot re-enter the game during that half of play. Substitutions may be made during any stoppage in play. In the U14 age group, unlimited substitutions will be permitted at any stoppage of play with the consent of the match referee.

7.03 Match Length and Ball Size

Length of Half Ball Size

U-17 and U-18 45 min.; size 5 ball

U-15 and U-16 40 min.; size 5 ball

U-14 35 min.; size 5 ball

7.05 Official Match

A match shall be considered official after one full half of play is completed (the second half does not have to start). If less than one half is completed and the match is abandoned, the entire match must be replayed, subject to review by the FWRL Committee. If a match is abandoned in the second half of play due to inclement weather, the final score will be the score at the time the match is abandoned. If a match is abandoned due to gross misconduct, the FWRL Commissioner will decide the disposition of the match score following review of all information available including but not limited to Referee Game Reports, reports for FWRL staff, etc.

7.06 Forfeits-Lack of Appearance

A one-hour delay in the start of a game due to a team’s lack of appearance is permitted for scheduled matches before the game is abandoned. Failure to appear for a scheduled match will result in a forfeit.

7.12 Uniform Color Conflict

When there is a conflict in uniform color, the team listed first on the schedule must change their uniform color, subject to the Match Referee’s decision.

8.03 Payment of Referees

Referees and Assistant Referees appointed under the provisions of these FWRL Rules shall be paid in accordance with acceptable state and federal guidelines as independent contractors. All referees will be required to complete the US Youth Soccer Independent Contractor form to be compensated.. Each team is responsible for payment of one half of the FWRL required fees of the match officials.

(a) Referee fees for U-14 games shall total $100.00 ($50 per team).

(b) Referee fees for U-15 and U-16 games shall total $110.00 ($55 per team).

Fees will be distributed as follows:

a) U14

1. Center Referee $44.00

2. Referee Assistant 1 $28.00

3. Referee Assistant 2 $28.00

b) U15 – U16

1. Center Referee $48.00

2. Referee Assistant 1 $31.00

3. Referee Assistant 2 $31.00

c) U17 – U18

1. Center Referee $58.00

2. Referee Assistant 1 $36.00

3. Referee Assistant 2 $36.00

If the league requests a 4th official they will be paid $25.00 by the league.

If fields are closed and/or games are cancelled and the referees are not notified prior to their arrival at the site, the officials will be paid for their first scheduled match only. The site coordinator is responsible for collecting the referee fees prior to the match, and distributing them to the officials. In the event that there is only one Assistant Referee, only one Assistant Referee payment is made. The other Assistant Referee fee may be paid to a club assistant referee, if they are a registered USSF official.

Other Notes:

Before and after the match - Center Referee will receive 3 copies of match report either from the home team or visitor team. At the end of the match, CR will have both teams verify final score and any cautions, ejections, or send offs given during the game by each team signing the completed match report. One copy will be given back to team, one copy given to site coordinator (if available), and one copy kept by CR for his record.

In the event only one AR shows, both coaches need to agree on the appointment of the club AR and the AR may only call balls in and out of bounds.

Only US Youth Soccer player passes may be used for FWRL games. Passes from other organizations are not accepted. All passes must be returned to each team after the game, including those of red-carded players.

It is imperative that the FWRL see the game reports for the games. In non-Cal South events, the site host will collect the game reports and mail them to the FWRL. For Cal South events, the referees must mail to the address on the report or fax the game reports to Gary Emerson or Franke Conroe. For single games, just mail the reports to the address on the game report.

During the match - U15 & Above: At the start of the match, the starting 11 players will present their player cards to the referees...when a substitution is made, the player entering the match will present their player card to the assistant referee before entering...at half time, all player cards will be returned to the teams...repeat for start of second half.

Center Referee will give back all ID cards to both teams after the game. No Red Cards are held by the CR.

Guest Players: A team may use up to seven guest players in any game for U14 to U16 and up to three for U17 and U18. Obviously we use a standard 18 player game roster. Guest players must be listed (handwritten is OK) on the game roster, and ineligible players from the permanent roster must be lined out. At check-in, to be eligible to play as a guest player, the guest must be from the same club as the team, and obviously be age-appropriate. Only guest players from the team’s own club can guest play in FWRL. That information should be verified from the player pass.

Sorting out Problems: FWRL officials can be reached at

Jim Tilley: 505-980-4756

Franke Conroe: 858-518-7330

Gary Emerson: 818-357-0786

Leo Umana: 951-232-3090