Be prepared for some changes! At these levels we offer a transition to the soccer game that most are familiar with. We keep the team size smaller so that each player gets more touches.
- There are 2 referees for each game. Please talk to the refs calmly if you believe that they are allowing dangerous play. If no response and dangerous play continues, please notify the league coordinator or speak with the head ref or a board member. Safety is our first responsibility!
- The playing field is the larger (often lined in white) field, with larger goals that require a goalie.
- A size 4 ball is used.
- Players waiting to sub must wait at the mid-field line for the ref to wave them in when there is a stoppage of play.
- Play is conducted with 7 players versus 7 players. If there are not enough players, or too many subs, to play 7 v 7 comfortably, then adjust the teams to play with equal numbers. Try to work with the other coach to create the optimal game for the players (Even sharing players if the numbers are lopsided).
- Coaches remain on the sideline on their half of the field.
- The team plays with goalies. Goalies can use their hands anywhere inside the large goalie box.
- Opposing teams cannot make contact with the goalie once he/she has the ball. Refs are instructed to protect the goalie and coaches are asked to tell your players to do the same (or you may have a very hard time finding goalies for your team by mid season!)
- Penalty kicks and corner kicks are in effect, as is the offsides rule. It is the coach’s responsibility to ensure players understand these rules. Offside is a particularly tricky concept at this age, so coaches are strongly encouraged to devote extra time at the start of the season to teaching players this concept. Refs are instructed to also reinforce the off sides and other newer rules for the first few games.
- If a throw in is illegal, the throw goes to the opposing team. The player must have two hands on the ball, the ball must go over their head and both feet must remain off the field and on the ground.
- Goal kicks must be taken from the small box within the penalty area. The ball must clear the goalie box before either team is allowed to touch the ball. If the ball does not clear the box, the goal kick is retaken.
- Punting is not allowed at the 3/4 level. On goal kicks, the opposing players must move to the half field line when the goalkeeper has the ball during play or a goal kick until the ball is in play. Once the team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball. After the ball is put into play by the keeper, the opposing team can cross the half field line and resume play.
- No slide tackling is allowed. A player also cannot kick the ball while he or she is lying on the ground. If a player is on the ground with the ball nearby, please try to encourage play to stop until the player is up to avoid injury.
- For safety reasons, no heading of the ball is allowed. Intentional heading will result in an indirect kick for the other team.
- The game is played with two - twenty five minutes halves. In particularly hot weather, or if there are few subs, coaches and referees may decide to play 4- 12 minute quarters. Time continues to run, except for injuries.