The Rule Book
MBYLL uses the USL Youth Rule book (which is based on the National Federation of High School Rules with modifications designed for the youth game).
Every year, MBYLL votes on our own modifications to the USL Youth rules - specific to our league.
The Written Rules
We will put both a link to the USL Youth Rules as well as our complete list of modifications on our website by Jan 1st under the Rules tab.
We will also have a concise summary of these rules in our pre-game checklist which we will give out in January at our regional meetings and to each coach who attends a 2018 Coaching Education clinic.
The Process for New Rules
Each of the 5 MBYLL regions elects 3 members to serve as the local CRGA Committee. The collective 15 members review and consider new rule proposals in the fall. In December, they collectively vote on which proposal will pass and become a new rule and which will be rejected.
Honoring the Rules
The rules we vote on are the default MBYLL-wide rules. It is possible that an individual region may elect its own variation or exception of a rule (as long as it does not compromise the safety of the game).
HOWEVER, for any game that involves two teams from different regions, the default MBYLL rules MUST be played. It is not the rules of the HOME program. Cross-regional games will be played by MBYLL rules regardless of where the game is played.
Pre-Game Conferences
We require a pre-game conference between the two head coaches and the official(s) before each game to review the rules (checklist) and discuss any agreed-upon modifications. Officials should NOT conduct separate meetings. Please insist that the officials and the two head coaches all meet together for EVERY game.
Please report officials to the league who refuse conference or insist we play by other rules (such as NFHS or NCAA rules). But please, avoid hostile confrontations with officials and opponents, especially as it relates to the rules. Play the game peacefully (we are all tasked with being positive role models) and report violations after the fact.
New Rules for 2018
The following 8 rules passed and will be adopted for the 2018 spring season:
1. A goal shall be counted as long as the ball as been released from the player's stick prior to the expiration of a period.
2. Spectators (in addition to players, coaches, and team personnel) can cause a time-serving unsportsmanlike penalty.
3. Level 1/2 shall require two attempted passes be made in the offensive half of the field before a legal shot may be taken. In the event of a whistle, if the offensive team has made the two pass attempts, they are not required to attempt any additional passes.
4. Level 3/4 shall require one completed pass be made in the offensive half of the field before a legal shot may be taken. In the event of a whistle, if the offensive team has made one completed pass, they are not required to complete an additional pass.
5. Level 1/2 shall require two attempted passes be made in the offensive half of the field before a legal shot may be taken. If two attempted passes have been completed in the offensive end and the defensive team gains possession of the ball but does not successfully clear the ball before losing possession, the original offensive team must attempt two additional passes prior to shooting.
6. There will not be a penalty for raking the ball at Level 1/2.
7. There will not be a penalty for raking the ball at Level 3/4.
8. For Level 3/4, a penalized player will exit the field, but the two teams will play at full strength (no time-serving penalties at Level 3/4).
Notes
The 2 attempted passes (1/2) and the 1 completed pass (3/4) have not changed. But what happens after a whistle has for both levels and what happens after a loss of possession and then a regain of possession for Level 1/2 has as well.
USL decided to eliminate the raking penalty for 1/2 & 3/4. MBYLL voted in agreement with it. Coaches are encouraged to teach proper groundball pick-up techniques, however, and should discourage raking to secure a loose ball.
Finally, Level 3/4 will now match Level 1/2 in terms of time-serving penalties (Player exits the field, but two teams play at full-strength).
Thank you for your attention.
We will be going over this in greater detail at clinics and regional meetings.
Joey Picard, MBYLL Communications & Interim Chair of the CRGA Committee
