RULES

1.  There are four divisions:  Younger Girls [grades 2-4], Older Girls [grades 5-6], Younger Boys [grades 2-4] and Older Boys [grades 5-6].

2.  League games will be played on Sunday afternoons.  Games will start no earlier than 12:30 p.m. and end no later than 7:00 p.m.    Games will be played at Memorial Field and adjacent fields at Scioto Darby Elementary School.

3.  Each team shall have at least two [2] practices per week.  Practices not exceed 90 minutes.  Practices should start no earlier than 6 p.m. and end no later than 8 p.m.  At each coach's discretion, additional practices may be scheduled during the week so long as the ability of other teams to use practice areas is not impaired.  The practice schedule is subject to the approval of the division commissioner.  Any changes in practices are to be reported to the division commissioner.

4.  Practices and games generally are conducted rain or shine.  However, no games or practices shall proceed when the air temperature is below 40 degrees or the wind chill temperature is below 35 degrees.  No games or practices shall proceed in the event of threatening severe weather such as heavy, driving rain or lightning.  For lightning, HYLA follows the official guidelines adopted by the NFHS [National Federation of State High School Associations].  A 30-second or less flash to bang count suspends play and the field will be vacated.  All present should seek appropriate shelter.  Once suspended, play shall not resume until at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lighting is witnessed or thunder is heard.  The game officials, in consultation with available HYLA officers and  the coaches, shall decide when conditions are favorable for play.  Weather conditions can quickly change in the spring and for that reason where safely feasible, HYLA attempts to make weather related cancellation decisions on a game by game basis.

5.  There shall be no official keeping  of win-loss standings during the regular league season, prior to the Mudsock Tournament, consistent with HYLA's instructional nature.  Game Scores will not be displayed during the regular season in the younger divisions.  In the older divisions, score will be displayed on the field.  The Mudsock Tournament involves traditional scored play and will be based on a random draw .  All divisions will play a double elimination format.

6.  For regular season play, there shall be no all-star team or similar designation.  Team recognition for most improved player or most spirited player is permissible.

7.  Coaches will be expected to conduct games with the objective that players have equal playing time during regular league play, prior to the Mudsock Tournament.  For the Mudsock Tournament, coaches are encouraged to provide playing time to all participants, but have the discretion to use players consistent with the competitive nature of the tournament.

8.  Goalies are to be warmed up only by the coaches.  There are to be no practice shots on goal with a goalie in the crease unless under direct supervision of coaches.

9.  Game officials will be used at all games.  For the girls division, high school players may be used after demonstrating adequate knowledge of the rules.  Certified officials will be used for boys games.  High school players with adequate knowledge of the rules may assist one certified referee in the younger boys division.  If officials are not available for whatever reason, board members and coaches not directly involved with the teams on the field will be asked to cover the game.

EQUIPMENT

Older and Younger Boys:

Helmet:    provided by HYLA if the player does not have his own

Shoulder Pads:   provided by HYLA if the player does not have his own

Mouthguard:   initial one provided by HYLA, subsequent ones by player

Gloves:   provided by player

Arm pads:  provided by player

Athletic cup:  provided by player

Stick:  provided by player

Rib cage protector:  optional

Goalie protective equipment and stick: provided by HYLA if player does not have his own

Older and Younger Girls

Stick:  provided by player

Mouthguard:   initial one provided by HYLA, subsequent ones by player

Eye Guards/Goggles:  provided by HYLA if player does not have her own

Gloves:  optional