All games will be played using FIFA rules, with the modifications explained below.

1. Player’s Equipment

· All players must wear soccer attire, shin guards, cleats and a jersey in a contrasting color from the opposing team.

· For player safety, no front cleats are allowed such as baseball and football cleats.

· Players shall not wear anything that is dangerous to another player or himself or herself including: watches, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, baseball caps, hard casts, etc.

Tapping jewelry such as earrings is NOT acceptable

2. Ball Size

In accordance with FIFA rules:  Size three (#3)

3. Duration of the Game

· The game is to be divided into four (4) equal quarters

U6 ten (10) minutes each quarter.

U7 twelve (12) minutes each quarter

U8  twenty-five (25) minutes halves.

· There is a half time break of five (5) minutes.

· U6&U7 there is a one (1) minute break at the quarters. The quarter breaks are designed to be subbing opportunities. All players may exit the field for a drink, but should return immediately.

· There is no overtime.

4. Number of Players

(U6&U7)

Maximum number of players on the roster is eight (8).

Maximum on the field is four (4).

Minimum on the field is three (3).

(U8)

Maximum number of players on the roster is ten (10).

Maximum on the field is seven (7)

Minimum on the field is four (4).

5. Substitutions

All players present must play a minimum of 50% of the game.

(U6&U7)

· Substitutions are allowed by both teams at the end of each quarter and half. 

· Substitutions are allowed any time the ball goes out of bounds regardless of which team has possession.

· Substitutions may be made at any time for injury.

(U8)

· Substitutions are allowed any time the ball goes out of bounds regardless of which team has possession, with the exception of corner kicks.

· No substitutions can be made on corner kicks.

6. Start of Game

· The HOME team has the choice of side of field from which to view the game.

· The HOME team provides the game ball.

· On the first game of the day, the HOME and VISITING teams set up the playing field.

· On the last game of the day, the HOME and VISITING teams break down the field, lock up the goals and clean up.

7. Players/Coaches/Spectator Viewing Line

· Players, coaches must be within 10 yards to the left or right of the mid line on the same side of the field. Spectators must be on the opposite side of the field from the players and coaches.

· No player, coach and/or spectator may stand behind the goal line during the game.

8. Start of Play

· The winner of a coin toss determines which goal the team will defend in the first half. The other team takes the kick off.

· Opponents must be six yards away from the center mark when kick-off is in progress.

· The kick off must go forward one ball revolution before another player may touch the ball.

· A goal CANNOT be scored on the first touch of the ball after the start of play.

9. Ball In and Out of Play

· When the sphere of the ball completely crosses the goal or touchline, the ball is out of play.

10. Method of Scoring

· A goal is scored when the complete sphere of the ball goes over the goal line between the goal posts and under the cross bar.

· The ball cannot be thrown, carried or intentionally propelled by hand or arm over the goal line.

· Goals may be scored from anywhere in the field, but cannot be scored directly from a goal kick, throw-in, kick-off or an indirect free kick.

· If one team is dominating the play make the necessary adjustments for both teams to have the opportunity for offensive success. See website for suggested age appropriate adjustments.

11. Goalkeepers

(U6&U7)

· There shall be no goalkeepers therefore no one is allowed to intentionally touch the ball with their hands.

· The goal will have an arc, which no player (offense or defense) can enter to score or prevent a scoring opportunity.  A coach can call a foul resulting in an indirect kick at the centerline to the opposing team if the player enters the box while in active play.

· A player should not be placed at the top of the arc in a permanently defensive role. Please keep in the spirit of the arc’s intention to not play with a goal keeper type position.

(U8)

· There shall be goalkeepers who are allowed to use their hands anywhere inside their penalty box.

12. Fouls and Misconducts

(U6&U7)

· Fouls should be called by the coach if: a player pulls on another player's shirt; deliberately pushes or trips another player; slide tackles a player; plays reckless to gain possession; or engages in excessively rough play of any kind.

(U8)

· A direct free kick is awarded against a team, which commits any offence inside its own penalty area. The ball is placed just outside the penalty box, closest to the location of where the ball was when the penalty occurred. Opponents must remain 6 yards away from the ball until it is played.

13. Indirect Free Kick

· A goal may not be scored with an indirect free kick until the ball has been played or touched by a second player of either team.

14. Goal Kicks

· When the ball is last touched by an attacking player before going completely over the goal line and a goal is not scored, play is restarted by the defending team kicking the ball from anywhere within its goal area.

· Opponents must remain outside of the penalty area (at least 6 yards away from the ball) until the ball is in play and comes completely out of the penalty area.

15. Penalty Kicks

No penalty kicks are to be taken during these games. 

16. Corner Kicks

When the ball is last touched by a defending player before going completely over the goal line and the goal is not scored, the play is restarted by the attacking player taking a kick from within the corner arc on the side of the field where the ball went over the goal line. Defenders must be six yards away from the ball when the corner kick is taken. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves.

17. Throw-Ins

When the entire sphere of the ball passes completely over the touchline, play is restarted with a throw in taken by a player of the team opposite to that of the player who last touched the ball. A throw in requires that the player taking the throw in face the field, have both feet on or outside the touch line, use both hands, and deliver the ball from behind and over his or her head.

(U6 )

Do not interrupt play for incorrect throw-ins.

(U7 & U8)

If a player fails to properly throw in the ball, that player will be given the opportunity to retake the throw-in.

18. Off Side

(U6-U7)

There is no off side.

(U8)

There is no official off side rule, however a referee can stop play and award an indirect kick to the opponent if a player is consistently involved in the play well behind the second to last player.

19. Referee

(U6 & U7 )

o There is no official referee.

o Only 1 coach per team is allowed on the field to help with the direction of the ball. That coach will stay in their half and help ALL players in that half regardless of which team they’re on. Coaches will ensure that all players play safe and call fouls accordingly to help the players develop good sportsmanship.  Coaches will agree before the game starts which “half” is theirs.

o All stoppages of play should be as short as possible.

(U8)

We’ll have referees conducting these games.

20. Sportsmanship

o Good sportsmanship will prevail at all times.

o Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, parents, and spectators.

o Coaches and players are encouraged to shake hands with opponents after the game.

o If any issues arise during a game, discuss the issue with the opposing coach privately. DO NOT attempt to discuss issues in front of players or parents