Youth Soccer Rules
The field of play will vary depending on the age. For the Pre-K/K division (4-5 yr olds), they will use a rectangular field, with a length of approximately 35 yards and a width of approximately 20 yards. For the 1st/2nd division (6-7 yr olds), they will use a rectangular field, with a length of approximately 50 yards and a width of approximately 30 yards. Fields will be measured and marked by either cones, or marked out by recreation staff.
A 6x8” goal will be used for the 1st/2nd division (6-7 yr olds), and a 4x6” goal will be used for the Pre-K/K division (4-5 yr olds) during the games. For practices, cones may be issued to coaches and should measure their appropriate goal size.
A size 3 ball will be used for both divisions. Coaches will be issued 2 balls for practice.
Each game is broken up into four quarters 8 minutes in length. The clock will stop every 4 minutes to allow coaches to make a substitution. There will be a 2-minute rest between quarters and 5-minutes at halftime.
The number of players from one team on the field at any one time is four. 4 v 4. Maximum number of players on the roster should not exceed eight (8). Goalkeepers will not be used in either division.
Each player is required to play at least two quarters, or half of the game. Substitutions will be allowed during stopped play with referee’s permission. Please have substitutes enter at mid line.
All players will receive an official T-shirt that must be worn on game days. Shin-guards are MANDATORY! Tennis shoes or cleated soccer shoes are recommended.
Rather than a Certified Referee, an on-site supervisor will referee the game. Their job is to:
A coin flip will determine who will get the possession of the ball first. Coaches will choose one member of their team to partake in this. Once that has been established, opponents must be 5 yards away from the ball while the kick off is in progress. The ball must be kicked into the opponents half of the field. At half-time, the possession of the ball will switch.
The ball is in play until it entirely crosses the boundary line or goal line or until the referee stops the play by blowing the whistle.
A goal is scored when the whole ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air.
No offsides for either division.
Fouls such as a handball, a trip, or a push will occasionally occur, most of the time unintentionally. If an obvious foul takes place (at the discretion of the referee), then an indirect kick will be awarded to the non-offending team. Opponents must be 5 yards from the ball.
Because of the age, all free kicks should be classified as indirect. Indirect kicks are taken where the penalty occurs and must be touched by another player to score.
No penalty kicks are to be taken during these games.
A corner kick restarts the game after the ball entirely crosses the end line (outside the goal posts) having last been touched by a defensive player. Corner kicks may be taken from any point by the corner cone. Opponents must be five yards from the ball.
Throw-In restarts the game after the ball entirely crosses the touchline. A second throw-in will be allowed if the player commits a foul on initial attempt. The referee shall explain the proper method before allowing player to re-throw. The proper procedure of throw ins are as followed:
Goal kicks are taken after a player from the opposing team sends a ball over the defending teams end-line. The opposing team must stand behind the halfway line while the kick is taken. The other players position themselves between the ball and the opponents so they can be first to the ball.
As a volunteer coach, you are responsible for your team’s safety during your practice time. Make sure you meet with each of the parents so you can be aware of any special allergies/medications/ treatments your players may have. Be sure to properly warm-up and cool-down your players, as well as allow them water breaks. In order to provide a safe environment for the players and yourself; please follow these general requirements:
1. Check soccer field for obstacles such as pot holes, puddles, any elevated areas or hazards, ie: sprinklers, locks, flags, litter.
2. Make sure equipment is moved away from the playing area or stored properly. Keep balls in ball bag when not in use.
3. Do not leave field unsupervised – either you or your assistant must be at each practice.
4. Be aware of any strangers just hanging out and watching. Coaches must stay with the team until all participants have been picked up and must have parents permission before transporting them.
5. Please develop an emergency/evacuation plan for each site where you play.
In case of an accident or injury, please follow these steps:
A. Assess the situation – is it a life threatening injury?
B. Keep the player calm and reassure him/her.
C. If an on-site supervisor is present, assist him/her with what needs to be done.
D. If an on-site supervisor is not present, do the following:
1. Contact 911 if necessary
2. Contact the Field House at (206) 870-6527
3. Contact the parents/emergency contact of the player
4. If basic first aid is necessary, i.e., bloody nose, scrapes, bruises, use supplies in the first aid kit. Injuries need to be reported to the on-site supervisor and the parent.
It is best to try to prevent accidents. Do not diagnose an injury. Provide as much treatment as possible and report it to the on-site supervisor or the Field House.
These precautionary steps will help protect you and the players on your team. If you have any questions, please contact Sara Gould, Recreation Specialist/ League Coordinator at (206) 870-6527.