Number of Players:
Teams will consist of not more than eight (8) players and not less than three (3). A maximum of four (4) players and not less than three (3) players will be allowed on the field of play for each team.
There are NO GOALIES allowed.
Playing Field:
Approximately 30-40yds x 20-30yds; Each goal is approximately 6 feet wide. A 3 meter / approx. 10 foot penalty arc in front of each goal that neither team may enter.
Duration of Game:
Two twenty minute halves (1 minute rest between quarters, 5 minutes at half)
Objective of the Game:
To score on the opponents goal by shooting the ball at the goal from the attacking half of the field and outside of the penalty arc of the opposing team.
Game Commencement / No Offside:
Game begins with the ball being played from the center.
No Offside in 4v4.
Scoring:
GOALS / SCORING – goals may only be scored from inside the attacking half of the field and outside the opponent’s penalty arc. A shot in the net that violates these rules will result in an indirect kick for the other team from the original point of contact. Any second and/or subsequent violations will result in a penalty kick for the opposing team. A team will not be awarded a goal on a direct kick made on a kick-off or a kick-in from the sideline. A goal can be scored directly on a corner kick.
Restarts:
SCORING – After a score, the non-scoring team kicks off from the center circle of the field.
BALL OUT OF BOUNDS - When a ball goes out of bounds at the touchline, the team taking possession will start with an indirect kick at the point where that ball went out of play. Goal kicks will be taken anywhere on the line of the defensive penalty zone.
STALLING FOR TIME - If, in a referee’s discretion, a team intentionally kicks a ball out of bounds (an inordinate distance) or fails to retrieve a ball in a prompt manner, for the purpose of allowing time to expire, they will be warned. If the situation occurs a second time, the opposing team will be awarded a penalty kick.
Player Standing in Penalty Arc Area: No player may stand in the “penalty zone” (a 2 meter / 10-foot area around the center of the goal). If a player is standing in the zone, the penalties will be:
First offense—opposing team gets an indirect kick from midfield.
Second and any further offenses—opposing team gets a penalty kick from midfield.
Player Substitutions:
May be made when the ball goes out of play by either team by requesting same of referee.
Misc. Infringements / The Penalty Arc:
Tripping, handling, etc can be dealt with by awarding an indirect free kick.
The penalty arc is a 2-yard semicircle located in front of the goal. No player is allowed inside the arc when the ball is in the arc. You are allowed to cut across the arc to traverse the field (as long as the ball is not in the arc). If an attacking player goes into the arc with the ball, an indirect kick from the arc is awarded to the defensive team. If a defensive player enters their own arc to defend a ball in the arc, a penalty kick is awarded to the attacking team at approximately 5 to 6 yards from the goal (or a distance appropriate for the skill level to gain an advantage since the infraction was caused by the defense). If a ball becomes 'dead' within the penalty arc, the referee will restart by awarding an indirect kick from the goal line to the defending team. Referees will be somewhat flexible with the penalty arc as the intent is to not allow either team to play the ball in the arc. A team is not penalized for cutting thru the arc to retrieve a ball outside the arc unless it becomes a continual infringement. Continual infringement of the penalty arc will be handled as unsporting behavior in accordance with the laws of the game.
No slide tackling.
Coaching:
No coach or parent is allowed on the playing field during the game. As much as you want to help out, game time is when you want to allow the kids to 'play' the game. Let them use what you've taught them during practice. During the game, the kids begin to learn and explore soccer on their own and make their own mistakes. The desire is for them to make their own decisions and not act as little robots that continually look to the coach for their next move. During the game you can note what needs to be corrected and at the next practice make those improvements at a more intimate level. 'Trailing' the kids during the game actually detracts from their development. We understand that they may need assistance during restarts and getting the ball back into play. The referee is instructed to be instrumental in that aspect. Please also note that no coach or parent is permitted behind the goals.
Parents:
Parents are encouraged to allow the children to play freely. Your role at these earliest stages is to provide them with an environment that is safe and fun; hook them on the game. Free play in limited areas propels players into a high number of one against one match-ups which develops skill. Basically, whoever is nearest, whether attacking or defending, does the job. The game is the teacher. Without a goalkeeper, every player takes shots with great frequency. Watch closely. Children like to score goals! With less structure and fewer rules, children are free to play and learn about a great game.
Scores and standings will be posted on the SVSLV Soccer Club website. Scores are reviewed to ensure that coaches keep the game competitive and not lopsided.
Referee:
Their job is to keep the playing environment FUN, SAFE and focused on the child. Duties are the same as a Referee under FIFA Laws of the Game: keep time, enforce rules, stop and restart play.
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