Based on the new regulations for the 2026 season, here is a summary of the updated rules regarding guest players, field adjustments, and fair play.

While we strive for fun, competitive games, we want all players and families to remember that we are one league. Our primary recreational goal remains: "The game is the teacher." At this critical age, players must be exposed to as many game-like situations as possible, maximizing their playing time and touches on the ball.

Coaches and parents are encouraged to provide positive encouragement, and guidance allowing the players to make their own decisions and mistakes on the field.

• Allowing players to play down in age groups

In the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (NCYSA), the general rule is that players are not permitted to "play down" into a younger age group. Players are strictly assigned to divisions based on their birth year.

Exceptions to the "No Play Down" Rule

• Players with Disabilities: Some NCYSA-affiliated local recreation departments allow players with documented disabilities to play down one age division to ensure a safe and appropriate level of competition.

• Approval Process: Requests to deviate from standard age groups requires approval from the specific club's Director of Coaching, Division lead, and the Board once evaluated.

• A warning will be given for the first offence, followed by a suspension for a second offense. Anything thereafter would be permanent suspension. 

• Guest Player Rules

Teams should provide a roster to the referee before every game. Guest players are permitted only to reach the required roster size (full field plus two substitutes), if a team has a double header the required roster size is increased by 1 ( full field size plus 3 subs).  

The following requirements must also be meet:

• Eligibility: Must be from the same age bracket or younger and of the same skill level. (Recreation, classic, etc)

• Classic Players: May play only if board-approved, both coaches approve and within the correct age/skill bracket.

• Coach informed: Guest players being added are communicated to the opposing coach and referee in order to meet required roster. 

• Playing Time Parity: Guest players should not play more minutes than a rostered player. They are there to ensure a game happens, not to dictate the outcome.

• The "Borrowing" Spirit: If one team is short-handed, the opposing team is encouraged to "loan" players for that match to ensure a 5v5, 7v7 or 9v9 format is maintained, rather than playing down. 

On-Field Adjustments (Recreation Level)

If both coaches agree, and inform the referee the following rules can be modified at the field:

• Use of guest players beyond the required number.

• The number of players on the field.

• Game length (durations, quarters vs. halves). 

• Strict Rules (Board Approval Required)

The following cannot be changed at the field and must have board approval:

• Playing Down: Players are not allowed to play in a younger age bracket (e.g., a 12U player on a 10U team) without formal exemption.

• Physicality: Rules regarding heading, slide tackling, and fouls.

• Fair Play: General fair play standards. 

• New Fair Play "Mercy" Rules

To maintain a fun and competitive environment, teams trailing by a significant margin may adjust their numbers: 

• Down by 4+ goals: The trailing team may add one extra player to the field.

• Down by 6+ goals: The trailing team may add a second extra player.

• Alternative: As an alternative to adding players to the trailing team, the leading team may remove players. 

• If the score drops below either of the bonus goal amounts the team with the extra player must remove their advantage before the next kick off.
  
  

• Game size

• If no guest players are available and no players want to switch teams the game must be played down so each team has a minimum of 1 sub in order for the game to continue. 

• Kits

• Jersey tops are purchased in the registration.

• Since the league does not supply socks and shorts, Coaches pick the color of their teams socks and shorts.

NCYSA  Policys
https://www.ncsoccer.org/policies/