Game Policies

1. Cheer positively for the things you like and encourage your team. Have fun!
2. Never put down the other team or any of the players of either team.
3. Let the players play the game! Leave sideline coaching to the coach. Spectators frequently yell instructions to the players. These instructions may contradict those of the coach and only serve to confuse the players and detract from their enjoyment of their game.
   
4. Our referees, like all AYSO officials, are volunteers, not professionals. While their decisions may not always be agreeable to all participants and spectators, they are final. No useful purpose is served by shouting disagreement or derogatory remarks at the referees. Referees can caution players (showing a yellow card) and dismiss players from the game (showing a red card) for misconduct. Referees can also caution and dismiss coaches, and can even terminate the game. Deliberate fouls or abusive words and disrespect on the part of players, coaches, or spectators can lead to these actions.
5. Every year, we have many new referees and coaches. Each is volunteering to do a difficult job and mistakes inevitably occur. Heckling the referees or a coach is totally unwarranted. Serious problems involving coaches or referees should be brought to the attention of the Regional Commissioner after the game.
6. For the safety of all, coaches and spectators must remain at least 1 yard from the sideline. No one is allowed behind the goal or within 18 yards of the goal-line on either end of the field. Coaches and referees are asked to enforce this policy.
7. No smoking or alcoholic beverages are allowed at games or practices.
8. Water and some form of citrus, preferably sliced oranges, is the only recommended half-time refreshment.
9. All players present and in proper uniform at the start of the game must play at least half of the game. If a player cannot play for a health reason, or is under suspension, (s)he should not wear a uniform to the field.
10. Thanks to the Palo Alto Unified School District and the Palo Alto Recreation Department, we have the use of fine facilities. It is our responsibility to encourage everyone to use these facilities properly and to keep the fields clean and free from litter. If you see anyone misusing the facilities (e.g., climbing fences, playing ball near windows, throwing litter on the field, etc.), please bring the matter to the attention of a coach, referee, or other AYSO official.

1. Each player must wear:
   • the issued uniform: shirt (tucked in), shorts, and socks (pulled up)
   • shinguards (under socks)
   • regulation soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or sneakers (with or without rubber cleats). Soccer shoes with cleats are strongly recommended for all games and practices. Screw-in cleats must be in good condition, with all cleats installed. Metal cleats and toe cleats are not allowed. "Baseball shoes" which have a toe cleat may be used only if the toe cleat is removed, e.g., sawed off, with no sharp edges remaining.
2. Players may not wear anything that is dangerous to any player. This includes, but is not limited to: splints, casts, metal bracelets, rings, earrings, wristwatches, and hair barrettes. Referees have a Player Equipment List which describes their policies. The Referee's decision on the legality of player apparel is final.
3. Long hair must be tied back with a rubber band or other soft retainer. Prescription eyeglasses should be secured. Sunglasses are not permitted. Only goalkeepers may wear (soft) knee or elbow pads and soft-billed caps. Goalkeepers may also wear "warm up" pants.
4. The uniform should be worn only for regularly scheduled league games and official practice games.
5. Additional clothing, such as shirts and long pants, may not be worn over the uniform while a player is participating in a game. Sweatshirts (hood must be tucked completely inside shirt) or "bicycle shorts" may be worn under the uniform if their color matches the uniform. Players not attired in proper uniform will not be allowed to play until properly dressed.

The Regional Commissioner, in consultation with the Regional Referee Administrator, can cancel games prior to the scheduled time of play. The only person authorized to cancel a game at the field is the Referee scheduled for that game after (s)he personally inspects the field. Coaches cannot cancel a game, even by mutual consent.

If it is raining more than a light sprinkle, the city requires that fields be closed. In addition, play on a saturated field is not allowed. Playing on closed fields can cause us to lose our field permits. If the city has not closed the fields for the day, play may resume later. Depending on the amount of rain and the condition of the field when rain ceases, it may be possible for a game to start late or resume. The Referee decides. Games later in the day may go on when earlier games have had to be cancelled. It's a good idea to show up at the field unless you hear otherwise.

Division Commissioners will inform their coaches when city field closures result in game cancellations. A game postponed because of weather is rescheduled by the Division Commissioner whenever possible. When fields are tight or there are many games cancelled on a day, rescheduling may not be possible.

Updated June 2009
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