Standards of Play

Inter League Alliance

Standards of Play

These standards are mandatory for all Inter League Alliance matches and are intended to support consistency, safety, professionalism, and a positive playing environment across all competition.

Game Format and Scheduling

9v9 Format (U12 Age Groups)

Players on Field8 field players + 1 goalkeeper
Maximum Game Day Roster18 players
Minimum Players to Start6 players
Ball SizeSize 4
Match Duration2 x 35 minutes

11v11 Format (U13, U14, U15 Age Groups)

Players on Field10 field players + 1 goalkeeper
Maximum Game Day Roster18 players
Minimum Players to Start7 players
Ball SizeSize 5
Match Duration2 x 40 minutes
Game Times: Matches should be scheduled between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM

Field & Equipment Standards

Home teams are responsible for ensuring all fields meet Inter League Alliance standards prior to kickoff. Proper field setup is a requirement and reflects the professional standards of our league.

9v9 Field Requirements

Goal SizeMinimum 6 x 18 ft to 7 x 21 ft
Field Length70–80 yards (USSF recommended)
Field Width45–55 yards (USSF recommended)
MarkingsClearly visible field markings required
Game BallsOfficial, properly inflated match balls required

11v11 Field Requirements

Goal SizeStandard 8 x 24 ft
Field Length100–120 yards (USSF recommended)
Field Width55–80 yards (USSF recommended)
MarkingsClearly visible field markings required
Game BallsOfficial, properly inflated match balls required

Team & Parent Placement (Sideline Management)

Teams & Coaches
Parents & Spectators
Teams and coaches must be on one sideline only. Parents and spectators must be directly opposite. No spectators are permitted behind goals or along end lines.
  • Teams and coaches must be positioned on one sideline only.
  • Parents and spectators must be positioned on the opposite sideline, directly across from the teams.
  • No spectators are permitted behind goals or along end lines.
  • Coaches are responsible for maintaining sideline compliance at all times.

Expected Team & Parent Behavior

  • All players, coaches, parents, and spectators must demonstrate respectful and sportsmanlike behavior.
  • Dissent, verbal abuse, harassment, or intimidation toward referees, players, coaches, or league officials will not be tolerated.

ENYYSA Zero Tolerance Policy

Policy Standard: The Inter League Alliance enforces the ENYYSA Zero Tolerance Policy on Misconduct Toward Referees, aligned with U.S. Soccer Policy 531-9.
  • Violations may result in removal from the field, suspensions, fines, and further disciplinary action.
  • Clubs and coaches are responsible for educating parents and spectators prior to match day.

AED Safety Requirement

Player safety is the top priority of the Inter League Alliance. All home teams are required to have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on site for every match in accordance with ENYYSA and U.S. Soccer safety policies.

Home Team Responsibility: The Home Team is responsible for providing a functioning AED on site for all home matches.
  • The AED location must be confirmed with the referee prior to kickoff.
  • The AED must be accessible, visible, and functional for the entire duration of the match.
  • At least one team representative present must be familiar with AED operation.
  • Failure to comply with AED requirements may result in delayed kickoff, match abandonment, or disciplinary action in accordance with ENYYSA and U.S. Soccer safety policies.

Match Day Requirements

Professional match organization is a core expectation of the Inter League Alliance. Every match must be administered to the highest standard, with preparation beginning well before kickoff.

Printed Match Day Rosters

  • Printed Match Day Team Rosters with Photo ID are mandatory for all matches.
  • Two physical hard copies must be brought to every match.
  • Rosters must be exchanged with the opposing team and the referee prior to kickoff.
  • Digital rosters are not permitted under any circumstances.
  • Only players and coaches listed on the printed roster may be present on the team sideline.

Home Team Responsibilities

  • Proper field setup with visible and accurate markings.
  • Correct goal sizes per age-group format.
  • Official match balls available and properly inflated.
  • Certified referees confirmed and present.
  • AED on site, accessible, and location confirmed with referee.
  • Roster exchange completed with visiting team and referee.
  • Referee fees collected or payment arrangements confirmed.

Arrival, Uniform & Equipment

  • Teams must arrive with sufficient time for check-in, roster exchange, referee payment, field setup, and AED confirmation before kickoff.
  • All uniforms and equipment must comply with USSF Laws of the Game.
  • Conflicting kit colors must be resolved prior to kickoff; the home team changes if necessary.
  • Referees have the authority to delay, suspend, or terminate a match if match day, safety, payment, or behavior requirements are not met.

Referee System & Fees

Referee System by Format

U12 (9v9)

1-Person Referee System

U13, U14, U15 (11v11)

3-Person Referee System
1 Center Referee + 2 Assistant Referees

U12 Referee Fees

Total Fee

$80

Split

$40 per team