Tips
Short sided games

U6 Ball Size 3

The U-6 activity day consists of a 60-minute session: 35 minutes of technical development and one 25-minute game.

Field
Dimensions: 30 yards long, 15 yards wide (max).
Markings: Distinctive lines can be used but are not required. Field can be marked using 20 flat pro-cones to mark all four sides.
Goals: Maximum four feet high and six feet wide OR four tall cones, two each set six feet apart.


Players
Number: Three per team on Field; no goalkeepers. Five max on roster.
Substitutions: Between periods, at half time and for injuries.
Playing time: Minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three.
Teams: Separate girls and boys teams at all levels of play. Only players should be allowed on the ?field, with the exception of a coach from each team who will manage the game.

Players Equipment


Footwear: Soccer shoes, tennis shoes or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.
Shinguards: MANDATORY, must be covered entirely by socks.

Duration of Game


Four five-minute periods. Half time break of 510 minutes.

Start of Play


The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field.
The coaches determine which team starts the game with a coin flip and the opposing team starts the second half.
Coaches will ensure that opponents are at least five yards from the spot of the kick.

Ball In & Out of Play

To be determined by coaches.

Fouls & Misconduct


To be assessed by coaches.
Direct free kick for all fouls, with the opponents ?five yards away from the ball.

Official

There is no need for fully qualified referees to manage U-6 games. One or both of the coaches should officiate. The games are intended to be an opportunity for the very youngest of our players to experience the fun of playing. The barest of minimum rules are needed and should be applied with a generous amount of flexibility. Let the players have the freedom to play with minimum interruption





U8 Ball Size 3

Players
Number: Five per team on field; no goalkeepers.
Seven maximum on roster.
Substitutions: Between periods, at half time and for injuries.
Playing time: Minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three.
Teams: Separate girls and boys teams should be promoted at all levels of play.
Duration of Game

Four 10-minute periods. Half time break of 5-10 minutes.

Players Equipment
Footwear: Soccer shoes, tennis shoes or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.
Shinguards: MANDATORY for both practices and games, and must be covered entirely by socks.
Start of Play


The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field.
The coaches determine which team starts the game with a coin flip and the opposing team starts the second half.
Opponents must be six yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.
Method of Scoring: See U-8 Coaching Manual.

Fouls & Misconduct
Direct free kicks for all fouls, with the opponents six yards away from the ball.


Free kicks awarded the attacking team inside the defending teams goal area should be taken from the nearest point on the goal area line in front of the goal.
No penalty kicks. Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches and eliminate the need for cautions and send-offs. Do not show yellow or red cards.
U-8 Officials
AYSO certified U-8 Officials or higher are required for U-8 games. The U-8 Official should briefly explain any infringements to the player(s) and encourage proper play and sporting behavior. As with all games, every effort should be made to keep the game moving and free from stoppages for doubtful infractions. Let them play and enjoy.

Assistant Referees/Club Linesmen:
If available, qualified assistant referees who have completed Assistant Referee Certification may be used to assist the referee. This is an opportunity for new assistant referees to begin getting experience. If qualified assistant referees are not available, Club Linesmen (untrained volunteers who may be affiliated with one of the teams/clubs) may be recruited from the spectators to assist the referee with calling the ball in and out of play only. This is an opportunity for parents to get involved.




U10 Ball Size 4

Players
Number: Seven per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper. Ten maximum on roster.
Substitutions: Between periods, at half time and for injuries.
Playing time: Minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three.
Teams: Separate girls and boys teams should be promoted at all levels of play.

Players Equipment
Footwear: Soccer shoes, tennis shoes or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.
Shinguards: MANDATORY for both practices and games, and must be covered entirely by socks.


Duration of Game

Four 12.5-minute periods.
Half time break of 5-10 minutes.

Start of Play

The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field.
The coaches determine which team starts the game with a coin flip and the opposing team starts the second half.
Opponents must be eight yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

Fouls & Misconduct

Opponents must be eight yards from the ball on restart kicks.
Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches and eliminate the need for cautions and send-offs.

Referee
AYSO certified Regional Referees or higher are required for U-10 and older games.The referee should briefly explain any infringements to the player(s) and encourage proper play and sporting behavior.
As with all games, every effort should be made to keep the game moving and free from stoppages for doubtful infractions. Let them play and enjoy.


Assistant Referees/Club Linesmen:
If available, qualified assistant referees who have completed Assistant Referee Certification may be used to assist the referee. This is an opportunity for new assistant referees to begin getting experience.
If qualified assistant referees are not available, Club Linesmen (untrained volunteers who may be affiliated with one of the teams/clubs) may be recruited from the spectators to assist the referee with calling the ball in and out of play only. This is an opportunity for parents to get involved.



U12 Ball Size 4


Players
Number: Nine per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper. 12 maximum on roster.
Substitutions: Between periods, at half time and for injuries.
Playing time: Minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three.
Teams: Separate girls and boys teams should be promoted at all levels of play.

Players Equipment
Footwear: Soft-cleated soccer shoes or tennis shoes.
Shinguards: MANDATORY for both practices and games, and must be covered entirely by socks.
Referee The referee must be a certified regional referee or above.

Duration of Game


Four 15-minute periods.
Half time break of 5-10 minutes.




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