General Rules

Games shall be played in accordance with the laws of the game for the appropriate age group established by Indiana Youth Soccer Association and NPU. If any N.P.United rule should be inconsistent with any I.Y.S.A. rule, the NPU rule shall prevail.

General Information
Any player attending a game will play at least one-half of the time in which he/she is in attendance.
(Exception: A coach may bench a player for misbehavior)
Only recreational teams may participate in the recreational group in New Pal United. A recreational team is one formed after an open public call for players.

Uniforms
Players are required to wear matching shirts, shorts and socks. No uniforms with advertising or logos on them maybe worn. No watches, earrings, bracelets, ball caps or non-prescription glasses may be worn during game play. Sweats maybe worn UNDER uniforms when conditions warrant but socks must show full length so to be visible to the referee. Soccer cleats maybe worn but not mandated. NO BASEBALL CLEATS. These are the square or rectangle hard soles.

Coaching From The Side Line
Coaching is not encouraged from the side line. The Referee may revoke permission to coach from the side line at any time. No Coaching is permitted from the spectator side or goal ends. Only Positive Coaching is permitted. Excessive shouting or negative, hypercritical or derogatory comments are not permitted. Coaches shall retrain from communicating with opposing players and coaches during the game.

Even-Up-Soccer
A coach with less than the required number of players prior to game start may request to play even-up soccer. If this is requested, the advantaged coach must either reduce the size of his fielded team or loan players to the other team. Loaned players may change at half-time. Coaches should strive to keep the scores of games within two or three goals of each other. This is REC soccer, we don't keep team standing nor do we keep score. A game ending in a "Tie' is the perfect match. Being aware of our goals of having fun, player development, and sportsmanship should ensure the even philosophy. If you are unsure how to maintain quality of play, while maintaining this idea, please contact your commissioner, the coaching director, or a Board member for ideas.

Sportsmanship
The philosophy of the league is to facilitate a friendly and sportsmanlike competition. Any conduct on or off the field inconsistent with this philosophy, will not be tolerated and subject to red or yellow card sanctions or removal from field. We are here for the kids. And it is your job to see that the kids have fun and learn at the same time. As a coach your player will learn the most from you as the "example" so keep that in mind in every action you take.

Cautions and Ejection (U10 and up)
A Red Card ejection of a player by a referee shall apply only to the game in which the player is ejected. No substitution may be made for a player given a Red Card ejection. Cursing or foul language used by a player, coach or spectator will be a cause for play stoppage and immediate ejection from the on going game. Participation in the next game will be addressed once the individual has had a conversation with a N.P.U. Board member and said Board member gives the approval.

Players issued a Yellow Card caution shall be substituted off the field at the time the caution was issued for a consultation with the coach. The player may return to the game at the next opportunity for substitution. A coach, assistant coach or other non player on the team side line shall be subject to all rules and may receive a caution or ejection by the referee for un-sportsmanlike or unfriendly conduct. The COACH IS RESPONSIBLE for the conduct of his players, assistants and spectators associated with his team on either side of the field.

Open Wounds
Any player found to have any open wound shall immediately be substituted off the field for first aid. First Aid should be administered by the parents. The player may return to the game at the next substitution opportunity provided the wound has been treated in such a way no blood may be discharged