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Morris United Soccer Club
Morris United Soccer Club
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    • Home
    • About MUSC
      • MUSC Pathway to Play
      • Club Mission & Philosophy
      • Club Contacts
      • Bylaws
      • Policies
    • Programs
      • Super Soccer Development
      • Recreation Soccer
      • United Travel Soccer
      • STA Morris United
      • TOPSoccer
      • Morris United / STA Camps
    • Register
      • Super Soccer Registration
      • Recreation Registration
      • Travel Tryouts
      • TOPSoccer Registration
      • Coach Registration
      • Camp Registration
    • Resources
      • Become a Volunteer
      • Fields
      • Health & Safety
      • United Travel Uniforms
      • Parent Resources
      • Coach Resources
  • Home
  • About MUSC
    • MUSC Pathway to Play
    • Club Mission & Philosophy
    • Club Contacts
    • Bylaws
    • Policies
  • Programs
    • Super Soccer Development
    • Recreation Soccer
    • United Travel Soccer
    • STA Morris United
    • TOPSoccer
    • Morris United / STA Camps
  • Register
    • Super Soccer Registration
    • Recreation Registration
    • Travel Tryouts
    • TOPSoccer Registration
    • Coach Registration
    • Camp Registration
  • Resources
    • Become a Volunteer
    • Fields
    • Health & Safety
    • United Travel Uniforms
    • Parent Resources
    • Coach Resources

Resources for Parents

Financial Assistance

United Travel Uniforms

Financial Assistance

Financial support is available for eligible families.

Sideline Etiquette

United Travel Uniforms

Financial Assistance

Six things to keep in mind when attending your child's game.

United Travel Uniforms

United Travel Uniforms

United Travel Uniforms

United Travel players are required to order and pay for their game day uniforms and training gear.

Equipping Your Player

Equipping Your Player

United Travel Uniforms

In addition to a uniform, it is important your child has the right fitting equipment to keep them safe while playing soccer.

Know the Rules

Equipping Your Player

Understanding Offside

The rules of soccer are known as "The Laws of the Game".  You'll have more fun watching your child play if you understand them.

Understanding Offside

Equipping Your Player

Understanding Offside

Checkout this 2 minutes video to help understand the offside rule. 

sideline etiquette

Do Not Coach From the Sideline

You are not the coach!


  • A common problem in youth soccer is the impulse parents have to shout instructions to their young player from the sideline. It’s especially difficult for a child because he or she has a tendency to refer to what a parent says, which often conflicts with the instruction from the coach. 
  • Imagine your reaction to being in a room and having multiple people yelling instructions at you, and you'll understand the confusion you see in your child. 
  • The tone a parent yells with is typically a lot more aggressive than the coach. The coach is instructing with a teaching mentality, while the instructions that parents are yelling have an immediacy to it.
  • Parent's want it done now because they want the gratification of the instant result (which may be wrong). This conflicts with what the coach is trying to do. 

Do Not Criticize Officials

You are not the referee!


  • Referees are often children themselves and are people who will make mistakes — even those officiating at the highest levels of play. 
  • When parents go after a referee for what they perceive as a mistake, it begins to make the game about the adults rather than the kids.
  • A referee is ideally going to make an objective decision on what he sees. A parent is going to interpret that same situation through the prism of the team that their child plays on, if it’s a decision that goes against their team, they’re automatically going to have a subjective view on it.
  • The additional problem comes that when the child sees a parent yelling at the referee, that child thinks it’s accepted. Parents need to remember they always need to be a model for their child. 

Think Before Interacting with Other Spectators

Would you be happy with you Interaction being posted on social media?


  • Grown adults should be able to go and enjoy their child’s experience without having any confrontations.   
  • Don’t forget, you’re not just representing the club, you’re representing your child.  


Ask yourself the following questions:

  • The way you’re acting right now — if you could see yourself through the eyes of your child, what would you think of yourself?
  • Why are you making a public spectacle over a U-11 soccer game?
  • Are you proud of what you’re doing right now?
  • Would you allow your child to act like this?
  • Would you be happy with your behavior being displayed on social media? 

Don't Stress About the Result

This is NOT the World Cup!


Do you find yourself pacing up and down the sideline — anxiously following the action as it unfolds on the field? 

  • Stop it. 
  • Breathe.  
  • Just calm down. 
  • Enjoy the game. 
  • Stop being so attached to it. It’s not your game. 


Focus on the fun your child

  • Is he having fun? 
  • Is she active? 
  • Is he enjoying the social nature of the game? 
  • Is she getting as much out of this experience as he can?  Keep things in perspective.

Save Questions for the Next Day

There is a time to talk to your child's coach.  After the game is not that time.


  • Maybe you don’t agree with how much your child played in a game or another decision the coach made during the match. 
  • It’s important to take some time to think about it rather than confronting the coach in front of your child and the team.
  • Parents should not approach the coach after the game, unless it's to say thank you.  
  • It’s an emotionally charged conversation and very little good can come from that.   
  • At that time, there’s very little a coach can say that will make the parent feel any better. 
  • Go home. Talk to your family. Sleep on it. Get in touch the next day and arrange a time to discuss your questions.  

Understand the Rules of Soccer

The Laws of the Game

The rules that govern the game of soccer are called "The Laws of the Game" and are often abbreviated as the "LOTG".  The Laws of the Game are authorized on an annual basis by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and provided by the Fédération Internationale de Football Associations (FIFA).   The board consists of eight members, four of which come from FIFA, and the other four come from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales – all countries that contributed to the development of the sport.

FIFA’s most recently published rule book is 140+ pages, which is a bit ambitious for the casual player who is just becoming familiarized with the game. For this reason, below is a simplified version for players and parents to become familiar with the basic rules of soccer. It is also important to note that although FIFA publishes an established set of rules, they are often modified by national and regional leagues and organizations. With that, you should ensure that you inquire with your coach, fellow players or club regarding any rules that deviate from the norm.  The end of this page, has a summary of some modifications to rules associated with Morris United Soccer Club. 

The IFAB 17 Laws of the Game 


Law 1: The Field of Play

Soccer can be played on either grass or artificial turf, but the surface must be green in color. The field must be rectangular in shape, and distinctly marked by two short goal lines and two long-touch lines. The field is divided into halves, separated by the halfway line, which runs from the midpoints of each touchline. At the midpoint of the halfway line is a marked center point surrounded by a lined center circle with a radius of 10 yards. Opposing players are not allowed to enter this circle during the possessing team’s kick-off. The length of the touch line must be greater than the length of the goal line.

Regulation lengths are:

  • Touch line: Minimum 90 meters (100 yards), maximum 120 meters (130 yards)
  • Width (goal line): Minimum 45 m (50 yds), maximum 90 m (100 yds).
  • At each end of the field is an eight-yard-wide goal centered along the goal line.
  • Six yards from each goal post along the goal line and six yards out into the field (perpendicular to the goal line) is the goal box.
  • Extending 18 yards from each goal post along the goal line and 18 yards out into the field (perpendicular to the goal line) is the penalty box.
  • In each of the four corners of the field is a five-foot-high corner flag.


Law 2: The Ball

A soccer ball must be spherical in shape and made of leather or another comparable medium. Its circumference must be in the range of 27 to 28 inches. This rule is only applicable for official sanctioned matches, as youth leagues often employ the use of a smaller ball that is better suited to children.


Law 3: The Number of Players

Matches are generally played by two teams of 11 to a side. The goalkeeper is included in the 11-player total. If a team cannot field at least seven players at match time, the game is a forfeit. Teams of fewer than 11 a side will be seen in youth leagues where smaller teams are used as a developmental tool. FIFA-sanctioned matches are generally limited to three substitutions per match, with the exception of friendly matches. Most youth leagues allow an unlimited number of substitutions, which must also be listed on the game card prior to the beginning of the match, otherwise those players are ineligible. Substitutions may only enter at the halfway line, upon the referee’s approval, and after the player being subbed out has left the pitch. The goalkeeper may be substituted with anyone on the pitch or any eligible substitute on the bench during a game stoppage.


Law 4: The Players’ Equipment

All players are required to wear a jersey, shorts, shin guards, socks and cleats. The socks must cover the shin guards entirely. If the referee deems a player’s equipment unsatisfactory, the player can be sent off until the issue is remedied.


Law 5: The Referee

The referee is the authority on the field, and his word is law. If you question a referee’s decision, you can be disciplined further simply for dissent.


Law 6: Other Game Officials

The other game officials (assistant referees) are primarily responsible for assisting the referee in performing his duties – this includes signaling with a flag when a ball goes of play, when a player is fouled, or when a player is in an offside position.


Law 7: The Duration of the Match

A soccer match is comprised of two 45-minute halves, with extra time added for each at the referee’s discretion. The halves are separated by a half-time period not to exceed 15 minutes. The extra time generally corresponds with the referee’s determination of how much time was taken up due to substitutions and injuries. The amount of extra time is announced and displayed at the half line at the end of each 45-minute period. Although soccer does have an allotted time limit, it is ultimately up to the referee’s as to when to end a match.  Youth soccer matches are often set to be less than 45 minutes per half, to accomodate the age of players. 

Law 8: The Start and Restart of Play

Kick-off is generally determined by a coin toss, whereby the winning team can either choose to start with the ball or choose which goal they would like to attack. The losing team is then afforded whatever choice the winner does not elect to take. Kick-off occurs at the start of each half, and after each goal scored, and is taken at the center of the halfway line. If a team scores a goal, the opposing team is given the kick-off to restart the match.


Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play

The ball is out of play when it fully crosses either the goal line or the touch line. It is also out of play if the referee stops play for any reason. If, for any reason, the ball strikes the frame of the goal or the referee and remains within the goal and touch lines, it is still in play.


Law 10: The Method of Scoring

A goal is scored when the entire ball has crossed the goal line within the frame of the goal. At the end of the match, the team with the most goals is the winner, barring the circumstantial necessity for extra time.


Law 11: Offside

When an attacking player receives the ball while on his opponents half, he must be level or behind the second to last defender (the last typically being the goalkeeper). However, this rule only applies if he is involved with the play. To get a better understanding of the offside rule, please see the guide section for a more detailed explanation.


Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct  

A direct free kick is awarded when a player:

  • Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
  • Trips or attempts to trip an opponent
  • Jumps at an opponent
  • Charges an opponent
  • Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
  • Pushes an opponent
  • Tackles an opponent
  • Holds an opponent
  • Spits at an opponent
  • Handles the ball deliberately

If any of these are fouls are committed by a player in their team’s penalty area, the opposing team is awarded a penalty kick. Indirect free kicks are awarded if a player:

  • Plays in a dangerous manner
  • Impedes the progress of an opponent
  • Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his/her hands
  • Commits any other unmentioned offense

Yellow cards are awarded as a caution or warning to a player and can be issued for the following offenses:

  • Unsporting behavior
  • Dissent by word or action
  • Persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game
  • Delaying the restart of play
  • Failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick,free kick, or throw-in
  • Entering or re-entering the field of play without the referee’s permission
  • deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission

Red cards are used to send a player off the field, and can be issued for the following offenses:

  • Serious foul play
  • Violent conduct
  • Spitting at an opponent or any other person
  • Denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (the goalkeeper being an exception)
  • Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offense punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick
  • Using offensive or abusive language and/or gestures
  • Receiving a second caution (yellow card) in the same match


Law 13: Free Kicks

Free Kick is broken into two categories, direct and indirect. A direct kick can be shot directly into the opponent’s goal without touching another player. An indirect free kick is indicated by the referee raising his hand during the kick. An indirect kick can only go into the goal if it has subsequently been touched by another player before it enters the goal. The ball must be stationary for both types of kicks.


Law 14: The Penalty Kick

A penalty kick is awarded either when a defensive player fouls an attacking player or commits a handball in his/her team’s penalty area. The penalty kick is placed at the penalty spot, and all players on both teams must remain outside the penalty box during the shot. They may enter the box immediately after the shot is taken. The goalkeeper may move horizontally along the goal line before the shot is taken, but he may not come off the line until the ball is struck.


Law 15: The Throw-In

A throw-in is awarded when the possessing team plays the ball out of bounds over the touchline. While taking a throw-in, a player must release the ball with both hands simultaneously and keep both feet firmly planted on the ground. If these conditions are not met, play is stopped and the throw-in is given to the opposing team. Players are not allowed to score directly off a throw-in.


Law 16: The Goal Kick

A goal kick is awarded when the offensive team plays the ball out of bounds over the defensive team’s goal line. After the ball is out of play, the defender or goalkeeper may place the ball anywhere within the six-yard goal box and kick the ball back into play.


Law 17: The Corner Kick

A corner kick is awarded to the offensive team when the defensive team plays the ball out of bounds over its goal line. The ball is placed within the corner area and is kicked back into play by the offensive team. Players can score directly off a corner kick.

Understanding offside - law 11

Check out this great video and understand the Offside Rule in 2 Minutes

Financial Assistance

Requesting Financial Assistance

The Morris United Soccer Club seeks to ensure  all players are able to participate in our programs  regardless of financial constraints.  Accordingly, the MUSC provides support,on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the MUSC Board of Directors via our Financial Assistance Program.    This Program operates on a "needs based" model and is based on each requesting player's individual situation, the potential number of players requesting financial assistance and funds available in the program.


If you require assistance or you are aware of a family that is not participating in soccer for financial reasons, please contact MUSC at scholarships@morrisunited.com. 


All requests for aid are kept strictly confidential. 

Player Equipment

Player Equipment

In addition to a jersey, shorts and socks; players are required to wear shin guards, appropriate footwear, and "Rec Specs" if corrective eye-glasses are necessary. 

Shin Guards

All players must wear appropriately sized shin guards when participating in Morris United programs including practices and games.   Shin guards must be worn under the player's socks.

Footwear

 Players may wear sneakers, soccer cleats, indoor soccer shoes, or turf soccer shoes when participating in Morris United programs.   Soccer cleats and turf shoes may NOT be worn on hard (e.g. gymnasium) surfaces.   Please refer to the specific program for confirmation on the appropriate footwear players may wear.

Baseball cleats, football cleats and lacrosse cleats are NOT permitted while playing soccer at anytime.

Rec Specs

Since 2006, NJ Law has mandated that any child who wears corrective eyeglasses must wear sports glasses ("rec specs") when playing certain sports (including soccer).  Morris United Soccer Club players must comply with this law when participating in MUSC programs.


"Any child who wears corrective eyeglasses while participating in racquetball, squash, tennis, women's lacrosse, basketball, women's field hockey, badminton, paddleball, soccer, volleyball, baseball or softball, sponsored by a school, community or government agency, shall be required to wear protective eyewear that meets the frames standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F803 and lens standards of the American National StandardsInstitute (ANSI) Z87.1."

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Morris United Soccer Club

45 South Park Place, Box 103, Morristown, New Jersey 07960, United States

+1 602 492-6872

Copyright © 2023 Morris United Soccer Club - All Rights Reserved.

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