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u4/u5 Recreational Soccer Rules​

Objective and Introduction

The objective of the U4 & U5 soccer program is to provide our children with a simple, fast-paced game with few interruptions that allows maximum participation by everyone. This is a recreational level league (not competitive) with the focus on active participation, skills development, and most of all fun.

The following rules guidelines are a summary that works in most situations. These rules are based on the Laws of Soccer, modified to the U4 and U5age groups. We have spent several seasons adjusting over time to get closer to the USYS (US Youth Soccer) Guidelines. 

  • Game Duration: 
  •  4 Quarters – 8 minutes each –with a 2 minute break at halftime.  Running clock except for injuries. We recommend subbing players every 4 min on a rotating basis through out the game.
  • 4 players on the field with no goalie (do not have a player stand in front of the goal all game, the defender should stay connected, and play about 10 yards behind the ball).
    • Each player should play half of each game.  If a child refuses to participate for any reason, let his/her parent know at the end of the game why the child did not participate.  If you have trouble with a child, attempt to work it out by discussing the problem with the child’s parent(s).  If you are still unable to resolve the problem, contact one of the Moore Soccer Association Board Members so he/she can assist.
  • The quarter break should be taken at a natural stoppage in play( i.e., Throw-in, Goalkick etc)
  • In Game Rules:
    • U4 soccer does not keep score.  This is a time for players to build confidence and skills while having fun.
    • Coaches should exhibit "Good Sportsmanship" and manage Goal Scoring opportunities when the goal differential reaches 7.
    • 1 Coach is allowed on the field during the match to assist the players to understand the match and point them in the right direction when needed
    • No penalty kicks or direct kicks – indirect kicks only.
    • No Slide Tackling allowed.
    • Throw-ins from the sidelines and goal kicks or corner kicks from the end line.  Allow some latitude on throw-ins while emphasizing proper technique. 
    • Six yards (goal) kicks are taken on the 6 yrd goal box.  Defending team players must back-up to midfield line.
    • There are no off-sides.
    • Substitutions at every 4 minute mark recommended OR as needed.
    • We will have 1 referee on every game. 
    • Coaches should instruct and encourage players throughout the game only, no comments to the officials or opposing players will be tolerated.
    • Parents should cheer for their son(s)/daughter(s) team only, no comments to the officials or other team’s players will be tolerated

Coaches responsibilities before the match begins 

  • Players equipment: All players are required to have uniforms and shin guards (socks are to be worn over the shin guards)
  • Shoes: No metal cleats, or Toe Cleats; Tennis shoes are fine. No sandals
  • Safety: No player may wear equipment dangerous to himself/herself or others. This includes casts, metal braces, and Jewelry. Earrings specifically prohibited, including posts for pierced ears.
  • The home team provides the Game ball (size 3)
  • COACHES
  • Players will exhibit the attitude of thier coach.Although the coach is responsible for teaching skills and strategy, the primary focus on the game should be for recreation and fun.
  • (1) Coach is allowed on the field to help guide and instruct the Little Athletes throughout the game. 
  • Players should not be taught to stand in front of the goal as a goalkeeper. They need to be empowered to play and run around the field getting as much touches on the ball as possible.
  • Players and coaches must shake hands after the game, preferably at the center line to model and encourage Sportsmanship to all our players.
  • All players must remove jewelry and watches before practices and games.
  • Coaches must use discretion with dominate players.  Try to ensure a competitive game.  If the game starts to get lopsided (7 goals), the stronger team should move better players to the back or take a player off the field.
  • No Coach or Parent may stand behind or beside the Goal. All spectators shouls remain on the Sidelines.

SIDELINE BEHAVIOR:

  • Coaches and Parents must control themselves at all times. Insulting, Offensive, or Abusive Language of any kind will not be tolerated by MSA. Offenders will be suspended from the complex or Coaching Duties if the situation can not be corrected. 
  • Coaches are responsible for their spectators (Contact the MSA Admin on site if a need arises)
  • Please encourage your team’s parents to offer only positive commentary.

NOTE: It is the Moore Soccer Association’s recommendation that coaches should ask their team to arrive 15 minutes prior to the game's start time. This provides coaches time to gather the team for pre-game instruction, stretching, and small drills to prepare them for their game. These things should be happening prior to being able to use the game fields; it is our goal to BEGIN all of our games promptly.

 

u6/u7/u8 Recreational Soccer Rules

Game Duration: 

  • 4 Quarters – 10 minutes each –with a 2 minute break at halftime.  Running clock except for injuries. We recommend subbing players every 4 min on a rotating basis through out the game.
  • 4 players on the field with no goalie (do not have a player stand in front of the goal all game, the defender should stay connected, and play about 10 yards behind the ball).
    • The quarter break should be taken at a natural stoppage in play( i.e., Throw-in, Goalkick etc)
  • Each player should play half of each game.  If a child refuses to participate for any reason, let his/her parent know at the end of the game why the child did not participate.  If you have trouble with a child, attempt to work it out by discussing the problem with the child’s parent(s).  If you are still unable to resolve the problem, contact one of the Moore Soccer Association Administrators so he/she can assist.
  •  
  • In Game Rules:
    • U8 soccer does not keep score.  This is a time for players to build confidence and skills while having fun.
    • Each player must play 50% of the time
    • No penalty kicks or direct kicks – indirect kicks only.
    • No Slide Tackling allowed.
    • Throw-ins from the sidelines and goal kicks or corner kicks from the end line.  Allow some latitude on throw-ins while emphasizing proper technique. 
    • Six yards (goal) kicks are taken from the 6 yrd. goal box on either side of the Goal.  Defending team players must back-up to midfield line.
    • There are no off-sides.
    • NO GOALKEEPERS AT U6/U7/U8
      • Players should not be taught to stand in front of the goal as a goalkeeper. They need to be empowered to play and run around the field getting as much touches on the ball as possible.

SCORE DIFFERENTIAL

  • No score differential should be greater than 5 Goals. If the Goal differential reaches 5, then the team that is behind may add an additional player. If the trend continues, an additional player may be added if teh differentail reaches 7. Added players may remain till the end of the match.

SIDELINE BEHAVIOR:

  • Coaches and Parents must control themselves at all times. Insulting, Offensive, or Abusive Language of any kind will not be tolerated by MSA. Offenders will be suspended from the complex or Coaching Duties if the situation can not be corrected. 
  • Coaches are responsible for their spectators (Contact the MSA Admin on site if a need arises)
  • We will have 1 referee on every game. 
    • Coaches should instruct and encourage players throughout the game only, no comments to the officials or opposing players will be tolerated.
    • Parents should cheer for their son(s)/daughter(s) team only, no comments to the officials or other team’s players will be tolerated.
  • Players and coaches must shake hands after the game, preferably at the center line to model and encourage Sportsmanship to all our players.
  • All players must wear shin guards.  Proper Soccer Cleats are recommended, no TOE CLEATS or other sports cleats allowed.
  • All players must remove jewelry and watches before practices and games.
  • Coaches must use discretion with dominate players.  Try to ensure a competitive game.  If the game starts to get lopsided (3 goals), the stronger team should move better players to the back, or take a player off the field.
  • Please encourage your team’s parents to offer only positive commentary.

NOTE: It is the Moore Soccer Association’s recommendation that coaches should ask their team to arrive 15 minutes prior to the game's start time. This provides coaches time to gather the team for pre-game instruction, stretching, and small drills to prepare them for their game. These things should be happening prior to being able to use the game fields; it is our goal to BEGIN all of our games promptly.

 

U10 Recreational Soccer Rules

Law 2 - The Ball: Size Four (4) Home team provides the ball

Law 3 - Number of Players: Each team consists of no more than 7 players, one of whom is the Goalkeeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than five (5) players. Subsitutuions are at any Stoppage and unlimited.

Playing time: Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. Teams and matches may be coed.

Law 4 - Players' Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but niforms must still distinguish teams 

Law 5 - The Referee: Registered Referee, Youth referee in training (working toward certification), Parent/coach or assistant coach. All rule infringementsshall be briefly explained to the offending player. lines of communication are to kept open and supportive in helping players to understand what happened. 

Law 6 - The Asisstant Referee: not required. may use club linesmen/women if desired

Law 7 - The Duration of the Match: Conform to FIFA with the exception of the match being divided into (2) equal halves of (25) minutes each. There shall be a Hlaftime interval of (5) Minutes. 

Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA 

Law 9 - The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA

.Law 10 - The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA

.Law 11 - Offside: Conform to FIFA. See Build out line information below

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA. with the exception that an indirect kick is awarded to the opposing team at the center spot on the halfway line if a Goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball in the air from his or her penalty area into the opponents penalty area.No slide tackling at this age

Law 13 - Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA. 

Law 14 - The Penalty Kick: Conform to FIFA. 

Law 15 - The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA. 

Law 16 - The Goal Kick: Conform to FIFA. 

Law 17 - The Corner  Kick: Conform to FIFA. 

** PLEASE READ THE U10 ADDENDUM AND APPENDIX ** 

Score Differential: No score should be greater than 5 Goals. If the goal differential reaches 5, the team that is behind may add an additional player. if the trend continues, an additional player may be added if the differential reaches 7. Added players may remain till the end of the match.

Coin Toss: Visiting team calls the coin toss and winner selects goal they wish to attack

Heading: No deliberate heading of the ball. Penalty is an indirect free kick

Build out Line: A build out line has been established to enable players to acquire more playing time with the ball. This line is mid distance between the halfway line and the penalty area line on both ends of the field. 

When the Goalkeeper, during play recieves the ball from an opponent or during a goal kick, the opposing team must move behind the build out lline until the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper. 

Once the opposing team is behind he build out line, the goalkeper can kick, pass, throw , or roll the ball into play. The goalkeper cannot Punt the ball. If this occurs an indirect free kick is awarded to the other team at the point of the infraction unless in the goal area. The ball is then placed on the goal area line to keep it out of the goal area. 

Offside is now called using the build out line rather than the halfway line. The penalty for being offside is an indirect free kick.

NOTE: It is the Moore Soccer Association’s recommendation that coaches should ask their team to arrive 15 minutes prior to the game's start time. This provides coaches time to gather the team for pre-game instruction, stretching, and small drills to prepare them for their game. These things should be happening prior to being able to use the game fields; it is our goal to BEGIN all our games promptly.

 

u11/u12 Recreational Soccer Rules

Law 2 - The Ball: Size Four (4) Home team provides the ball

Law 3 - Number of Players: Each team consists of no more than 9 players, one of whom is the Goalkeeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than five (7) players. Subsitutuions are at any Stoppage and unlimited.

Playing time: Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. Teams and matches may be coed.

Law 4 - Players' Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams 

Law 5 - The Referee: Registered Referee, Youth referee in training (working toward certification), Parent/coach or assistant coach. All rule infringementsshall be briefly explained to the offending player. lines of communication are to kept open and supportive in helping players to understand what happened. 

Law 6 - The Asisstant Referee: not required. may use club linesmen/women if desired

Law 7 - The Duration of the Match: Conform to FIFA with the exception of the match being divided into (2) equal halves of (25) minutes each. There shall be a Hlaftime interval of (5) Minutes. 

Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA 

Law 9 - The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA

.Law 10 - The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA

.Law 11 - Offside: Conform to FIFA. 

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA. with the exception that an indirect kick is awarded to the opposing team at the center spot on the halfway line if a Goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball in the air from his or her penalty area into the opponents penalty area.No slide tackling at this age

Law 13 - Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA. 

Law 14 - The Penalty Kick: Conform to FIFA. 

Law 15 - The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA. 

Law 16 - The Goal Kick: Conform to FIFA. 

Law 17 - The Corner  Kick: Conform to FIFA. 

Score Differential: No score should be greater than 5 Goals. If the goal differential reaches 5, the team that is behind may add an additional player. if the trend continues, an additional player may be added if the differentail reaches 7. Added players may remain till the end of the match.

Coin Toss: Visiting team calls the coin toss and winner selects goal they wish to attack

Heading: No deliberate heading of the ball. Penalty is an indirect free kick

NOTE: It is the Moore Soccer Association’s recommendation that coaches should ask their team to arrive 15 minutes prior to the game's start time. This provides coaches time to gather the team for pre-game instruction, stretching, and small drills to prepare them for their game. These things should be happening prior to being able to use the game fields; it is our goal to BEGIN all our games promptly.