· Field Size: 50 x 80 yards

· Goals Size: 7 x 12 feet

· Soccer Shoes;

· Properly sized and non-exposed shin guards;

· Uniform with team-unique number;

· Sufficient water to keep the player hydrated.

Within reason, game rules should follow FIFA small-sided game rules. Below is a list of rules for clarification and some exceptions may occur;

· Duration: 25-min. halves with a 5-min. half-time;

· Lineups are 6v6 (including goalie);

· Game-day rosters should be no larger than 11 in the fall and 13 in the spring so that no child must sit out two shifts;

· No slide tackling;

· No child may play goalie the entire game. Even if there is a child who will be a designated goalie in travel, they must obtain field playing experience before they can become a knowledgeable goalie;

· Second chance on throw-in mistakes, referee’s discretion;

· All free kicks awarded for fouls inside the penalty box are played from the spot of the foul as an indirect free kick (no penalty kicks);

· Properly inflated size 4 ball should be provided by the team designated as the home side;

· Substitutions:

- goal kicks: either team

- throw-ins: both teams may sub only if the team in possession subs;

· Kick-offs must move forward;

· If there is a color conflict, the home side must change. Always bring a second color to every game;

· Hand shake after the game;

· Captains - choose a different set of captains each week to allow every player to get a sense for the responsibility;

· Playing time – unless there is sufficient and reasonable reason otherwise, each player should play at least half the game. Winning the game is not a reasonable reason.

· No blow-outs: teams down by 5 goals should add a player (removed when less than 5 goals down);

· Only eligible (of appropriate age and not carded) players may participate.

Off-Side:

· There is technically no off-side rule.  The off-side rule is, however, enforced when the referee feels a player is intentionally attempting to use their position to gain an advantage for an obvious goal scoring opportunity. Generally, close incidents are not enforced when a group of players are moving the ball down the field. The idea is to keep play moving and introduce off-the-ball runs without penalty.

·  Place goals, with two sandbags on back of each goal, on the field and put up nets;

·   Set-up cones and corner flags to mark the field.

 

VSA will provide the referees.  If none are available, it is up to the coaches to provide one team representative per half. (Home team – first half)