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3v3 Soccer Rules
RULES OF THE GAME
*FIFA rules apply if not modified within*
Field Dimensions: The Playing field is 35 yards long by 25 yards wide for all ages. The goals are four feet high by six feet wide.
No Offisides in 3v3 Soccer!
No Slide Tackling: Players must stay upright and "on their feet" and may not make contact with an opposing player.
No Heading: Players may not head the ball.
Goal Scoring: A goal may only be scored from a touch (offensive or defensive) within a team's offensive half of the field (Ball must be completely on the offensive half of the field: Can not be touching the mid-line). If a player in their defensive end kicks the ball across midline and the ball hits another player (offensive or defensive) and the ball goes in the goal, a goal will be awarded.
The Goal Box: The goal box, eight feet wide by five feet long, is directly in front of the goal. The goals are four feet high by six feet wide. There is no ball contact allowed within the goal box, however, any player may pass through the goal box. If the ball comes to rest in the goal box, a goal kick is awarded regardless of who touched the ball last. Any part of the ball or player's body on the line is considered in the goal box and is an extension of such. Once the ball has broken the plane of the goal box, if the ball is touched by the defensive team, a goal will be awarded. If the offensive player touches after the ball has broken the plane, a goal kick is awarded. The plane of the goal box extends upwards.
Game Duration: The game shall consist of two 12-minute halves separated by a two minute halftime period. A coin toss will determine direction and possession before the start of the game. The team winning the coin toss will choose which goal to defend and the other team will kick. Games tied after regulation play shall end in a tie. A team, at the discretion of the referee, will forfeit at game time if they are not present. There are no time-outs during 3v3 games.
Penalty Kicks: Shall be awarded if, in the referee's opinion, a scoring opportunity was nullified by an infraction (the infraction does not automatically result in a red card). It is a direct kick taken from the center of the midfield line with all players behind the mid-field line and the player taking the kick. This is a "dead-ball" kick. If a goal is not scored, the defense obtains possession with a goal kick.
Hand Ball Clarification: Deliberate handling of the ball that denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity will result in the following: -a penalty kick will be awarded & -the player committing the foul will be sent off and shown a red card (at referee's discretion).
Cautioned Players (Yellow Card): Players that receive two yellow cards in one game will result in a red card. (Please see Red card rule)
Player Ejection (Red Card): Referees have the right to eject a player or coach from the game for continual disobedience or as a result of an incident that warrents sending off. The team may then continue with their remaining two, three, four or five players, however, if the player receiving the red card was on the field of play, the team must complete the entire game a player short. The player receiving the red card will automatically be suspended for their next game (no exceptions). Players that are red carded need to leave the immediate playing area, including the fan and team areas.
Coach/Parent Ejection: Referees have the right to eject a coach or parent from the game for continual disobedience or as a result of an incident that warrents ejection. Coaches or parents whom are ejected by the referee or league official must leave the field and area around the field before play will continue. If a coach or parent refuses to leave, the game may be forfeited in favor of the opposing team.
Five Yard Rule: In all dead-ball situations, defending players must stand at least five yards away from the ball. If the defensive player's goal is closer than five yards, the ball shall be played five yards from the goal box, in line with the place of the penalty.
Kick-Ins: The ball shall be kicked into play from the sideline instead of thrown in. The ball is considered in play when the ball is touched with a foot and moves one full rotation.
Indirect Kicks: All dead-ball kicks (kick-ins, free kicks, kick-offs) are indirect with the exception of corner/penalty kicks.
Goal Kicks: May be taken from any point on the endline.
Kick Off: May be taken in any direction.
Number of Players: 6 is the maximum number of players on a team; three field players and three substitutes (A team must have a minimum of 2 field players). 5 players are recommended for 3v3 soccer. Players may only play (one) team per division. There are no goalkeepers in 3v3.
Player Registration: All players must be registered on their team's roster before the season begins (player must be on roster before the first game). (exceptions may be made in case of injuries)
Substitutions: Substitutions may be made at any dead-ball situation, regardless of possession. Teams must get the referee's attention and players are to enter and exit at mid-field.
Delay of Game: Any player may be cautioned with a yellow card if it is deemed by the referee that the player is intentionally time wasting. eg: if a player intentionally kicks the ball long distances away from the playing field in order to waste time.
Tie-Breakers: For teams that are tied in record at season end, the following will determine seeding. (1) head to head results between tied teams (2) goal differential in head to head games (3) goals against in head to head games (4) goal differential for entire season (5) goals against for entire season (6) shootout. Each criterion is carried out to its fullest in determining the seeds in ties between 3 or more teams.
Sportsmanship: Good sportsmanship is to prevail at all times. Coaches will be held responsible for the conduct of themselves, their players, players' parents and spectators.
Uniforms: All players must wear jerseys/shirts during play and each team must bring both a light and dark collored jersey/shirt. If both teams are wearing the same color, a coin flip will determine which team must change. Referee must approve players wearing proactive cast, hard cast will not be allowed. Braces with exposed metal will not be allowed. No jewelry will be allowed, including earrings of any type, rope necklaces and bracelets. The only exception will be players wearing medical bracelets.
Equipment: All players must wear shin guards. Any player without shin guards will not be allowed to play. Here are the following ball sizes for each age group: U5-U8=Size 3 U9-U12=Size 4 U13&up=Size 5
* The League Director will have final authority on all league disputes and issues as well as interpretations of League Rules *