Boys Player Handbook

Playoff Overtime Rule 

During NVTYLL playoff games overtime rules have this exception: After the eight minutes of sudden death (2 four minutes periods) each team will remove one defender from the field of play until there is a winner. (9 total players on the field for each team)

Timing – 20/10 Second Count

20 or 10 second count for 7th/8th and 5th/6th, but no count for 3rd/4th

Stalling

Stalling shall be enforced for 7th/8th and 5th/6th throughout the game and the team with the lead must keep the ball in goal area during the last two minutes of the game.  No stalling rule for 3rd/4th.

Penalties

Time serving penalties are enforced and man up situations are permitted for 7th/8th and 5th/6th. Penalized players in U11 must run off the field and the other team has a man advantage until the new player replaces the penalized player.

Body Checks

Body checking is permitted in the 7th/8th Division; however, no take-out checks are permitted by any player. A take-out check is defined as any check in which the player lowers his head or shoulder with the force and intent to put the other player on the ground.

Players in the 7th/8th division may make contact in an upright position within three yards of the ball. No body checking of any kind (including man/ball “clear the body” type pushing) is permitted in 3rd/4th or 5th/6th. Positioning yourself against an opponent to gain possession of a loose ball (boxing out an opponent) is permitted. If a loose ball is not moving in 3rd/4th, the referee may re-start play by awarding the ball to the team that is in their defensive zone.

Mercy Rule

7th/8th and 5th/6th.  In any game and at any point during a game when there is a four-goal lead, the team that is behind will be given the ball at the midfield line in lieu of a face-off as long as the four-point lead is maintained, unless waived by the coach of the trailing team.  The mercy rule is not enforced during playoff games.

Equipment Checks

It is the responsibility of each and every coach to ensure that all players are properly equipped with helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, and mouthguards for every league sanctioned game.  Additionally, coaches must require all goalies to be outfitted with proper chest and throat protection gear.

 Stick/Pocket Checks

7th/8th and 5th/6th only

• Official will make 1 stick check per team per half (player and time randomly selected by the official), ideally during a stoppage in play so as to not slow game.  Coaches can request that the official check one (1) specific, opposing player’s stick per game.
• Official to check pocket depth and release of ball top and bottom only.
• No stick dimension measurements unless flagrant violation suspected in official’s judgment.

Lightning Policy

NVTYLL has adopted the NFHS guidelines with regard to lightning:

1. A 30-second or less flash-to-bang count calls for immediate removal of the athletes from the field to an appropriate shelter.
2. Thirty minute rule.  Once play has been suspended, wait at least thirty minutes after the last flash of lightning is witnessed or thunder is heard prior to resuming play.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Personal fouls are to be taken seriously. In addition to the NFHS rules, any player or coach who uses derogatory or profane language (starting with “damn”) on the field or bench, whether addressing a player, coach or referee may receive: first offense, 1 to 3-minute non-releasable unsportsmanlike conduct penalty; second offense a 3-minute non-releasable expulsion foul.

Play-Off Seeding

The teams from each division will qualify for the playoffs based on the following criteria:

1. The top teams from each division will be based on team points standings from the regular season (league play only)
2. In the event of a points standings tie playoff spots will be based on head-to-head match-up first.
3. In the event of a tie on both criteria 1 and 2 the playoff spot will be awarded to the team that allowed the fewest goals during the season.
4. In the event of a tie on the above three criteria a coin toss will be conducted by the league.