Below is an outline of the rules that should be enforced in the U8 and younger divisions by volunteer referees.   This can also be used as a basic reference for older divisions.  If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out and ask for clarification!

Major Fouls (as outlined below) typically result in a direct free kick (DFK) for the opposing team.  The Spokane Rapids recreational soccer program modifies this for teams U10 and younger, all free kicks are indirect (IFK).  Please check out our Small Sided Program outline at the link below for more information.

MAJOR FOULS (U11+ Direct Free Kick)

• Kicking or trying to kick an opponent. 
• Tripping or trying to kick an opponent. 
• Jumping at an opponent. 
• Charging opponent. 
• Holding opponent. 
• Striking or trying to strike an opponent. 
• Pushing opponent.
  

The offenses above require the official to determine if the offense was committed in a manner considered to be "careless" (simple foul), "reckless" (yellow-card offense, warning), or using "excessive force" (red-card offense, send-off).  The offenses below do not and are always penalized with a free kick (U11+, DFK).

• Tackle an opponent to gain possession, making contact with the opponent first.
•  Handling the ball deliberately (includes goalkeeper outside of the penalty area).
• Spitting at an opponent (red-card offense, send-off)
  

MINOR FOULS (Indirect Free Kick)

ALL AGES

• Dangerous play (i.e. high kicking near another player’s head, playing the ball on the ground, trying to play a ball held by a goalie) 
• Intentionally wasting time when taking a throw-in, goal kick, corner kick, or free kick (rule of thumb is 6+ seconds, give multiple warnings first). 
• Touching the ball a second time after the ball is in play following a throw-in, goal kick, corner. 
  

THE BELOW APPLY TO U8 AND OLDER ONLY

• The goalkeeper touches the ball with their hand after release or after a deliberate kick or throw from a teammate. 
• An opposing player prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his/her hands. 
• The goalkeeper takes an excessive amount of time to release the ball (rule of thumb is 6+ seconds, give multiple warnings first).
  

NO CARDS ARE TO BE ISSUED BY VOLUNTEER OFFICIALS

Explain offenses and immediately substitute the player off

YELLOW AND RED CARDS (U9+)

CAUTION - YELLOW CARD 

• Unsporting behavior (i.e. taunting). 
• Dissent by word or action (arguing with the referee).
• Persistent infringement (5+ Major fouls). 
• Intentionally delays restart of play.
• Fails to retreat required distance (5 yards) on free kicks or corner kicks kick. 
• Enters or re-enters without the referee’s permission.
  

SEND OFF - RED CARD

• Serious foul play (i.e. excessive tackle from behind). 
• Violent conduct (i.e. punching, slapping any player).
• Spits at an opponent or any other person. 
• Denies a goal or obvious goal-scoring opportunity w/DFK foul. 
• Denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by an offense punishable by free kick or penalty. 
• Offensive, insulting, or abusive language or gesture. 
• Second caution.