Rule Modifications for Rec League

Field
Reduced field and goal dimensions

Ball
Size 3

Players
3 per side (minimum 2 to avoid forfeit) for U5 players. No Goalkeeper. 
4 per side (minimum 3 to avoid forfeit) for U6 players. No Goalkeeper.

Duration
There are four 8-minute playing periods with approximately 2 minute breaks between each quarter. 
The coach should make sure that no one player should play 4 periods until everyone has played three.

Equipment
Soft-cleated soccer shoes or tennis shoes (baseball cleats are not permitted unless the toe cleats are cut off). 
Shin Guards – MANDATORY for both practices and games. 
NO JEWELRY.

Substitutions
When the ball is out of play and at each quarter break.

Free-kicks
All Kicks and Restarts (including Free-Kicks, Kick-Off’s and Goal-Kicks) are considered INDIRECT with the exception of Corner Kicks, which will be considered a DIRECT Kick.

No Offside

No Throw Ins – Only Kick Ins 

• If ball goes over goal line for a goal kick, ball is placed in goal area to be kicked. This provides a good teaching tool for players so they understand field markings as they progress to older age groups.
• The only function of having a goal area marked is for goal kicks. Coaches shall not allow or instruct their players to goal-tend and should instruct their players to “stay connected” with the flow of the game.
• If a player is considered to be goal tending or standing in the goal area, the referee should FIRST warn the COACH of the team that is goal tending. If this type of play continues, the other team should be awarded an indirect free kick at the top of the box.

Referee should emphasize:

• Fun
• Fairness
• Safety
• Learning

Field clarification

Removal of the “no-entry” zone in front of the goals. With the removal of the no-entry zone, Coaches shall not allow or instruct their players to goal-tend and should instruct their players to “stay connected” with the flow of the game.

**Referee should briefly explain any infringements to the player(s) and help players with instructions.

Field
Reduced field and goal dimensions

Ball
Size 3

Players
6 a side (minimum of 5 to avoid forfeit)

Duration
25 minute halves with mandatory hydration break mid-way through half.
5-minute half time.

Equipment
Soccer cleats or tennis shoes.
Shin guards – MANDATORY for both practices and games.
NO JEWELRY.

Substitutions
Prior to throw-in, in your favor
Prior to goal kick by either team
After a goal by either team
At half time
At referee’s discretion

Free-kicks
All Kicks and Restarts (including Free-Kicks, Kick-Off’s and Goal-Kicks) are considered INDIRECT with the exception of Corner Kicks, which will be considered a DIRECT Kick.

No offside

Field
Reduced field and goal dimensions

Build out line

Ball
Size 4

Players
7 a side (minimum of 5 to avoid forfeit)

Duration
25 minute halves with mandatory hydration bread mid-way through half
5-minute half time

Equipment
Soccer cleats or tennis shoes
Shin guards – Mandatory for both practices and games
NO JEWELRY

Substitutions
Prior to throw-in, in your favor
Prior to goal kick by either team
After a goal by either team
At half time
At referee’s discretion

Free Kicks
All standard indirect free kick and direct free kick rules apply

Offside

Offside infraction at the U9/U10 age can only take place between the build out line and the goal line.

During a sanctioned game when only One (1) Referee is used, the Referee shall call OFFSIDE to any player they deem in a “blatant off-side position” (that is, a player who is “cherry picking”).

The Referee shall RESTRAIN from calling off-side if the player moves into an off-side position “within the course of the play” or is in a “reasonable distance or position” from the ball.

Field
Reduced field and goal dimensions

Ball
Size 4

Players
9 a side (minimum of 6 to avoid forfeit)

Duration
30 minute halves with mandatory hydration break mid-way through half
7-minute half time

Equipment
Soccer cleats or tennis shoes
Shin guards – Mandatory for both practices and games
NO JEWELRY

Substitutions
Prior to throw-in, in your favor
Prior to goal kick by either team
After a goal by either team
At half time
At referee’s discretion

Free Kicks
Direct and indirect free kicks will be awarded

Offside
Standard offside infractions apply

Heading
No heading

Ball
Size 5

Players
11 a side (minimum of 7 to avoid forfeit)

Duration
35 minute halves with mandatory hydration break mid-way through half
7-minute half time

Equipment
Soccer cleats or tennis shoes
Shin guards – Mandatory for both practices and games
NO JEWELRY

Substitutions
Prior to throw-in, in your favor
Prior to goal kick by either team
After a goal by either team
At half time
At referee’s discretion

Free Kicks
All standard indirect free kick and direct free kick rules apply

Offside
Standard offside infractions apply

Ball
Size 5

Players
11 a side (minimum of 7 to avoid forfeit)

Duration
40 minute halves with mandatory hydration break mid-way through half
7-minute half time

Equipment
Soccer cleats or tennis shoes
Shin guards – Mandatory for both practices and games
NO JEWELRY

Substitutions
Prior to throw-in, in your favor
Prior to goal kick by either team
After a goal by either team
At half time
At referee’s discretion

Free Kicks
All standard indirect free kick and direct free kick rules apply

Offside
Standard offside infractions apply