Rules

LAW 1: THE FIELD
1. Dimensions: Each field of play should be rectangular, with a length of 35 yards and a width of 25 yards.
2. Field Markings: The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of four (4) yards is marked around it.
3. Goals: Goal size shall be 4 feet high by 6 feet wide
4. Goal Area & Penalty Area: None

Field Dimensions Here

LAW 2: THE BALL
A size 3 soccer ball shall be used for all games.

LAW 3: NUMBER OF PLAYERS
1. Maximum number of players on the field is 4.
2. There are NO goalkeepers.
3. Maximum number of players on the roster is 8/12 with side-by-side play.
4. Playing Time: Every player shall play a minimum of 50% of each game if they have participated and cooperated in practice.
5. Substitutions: At any stoppage and unlimited.

LAW 4: PLAYERS EQUIPMENT
1. Players uniform consists of:
· Shirt
· Shorts
· Socks
· Shin guards completely covered by the socks and provide adequate protection.
· Shoes – Tennis shoes or soccer shoes with cleats.
2. Jewelry is not permitted. Exception: Medical alert jewelry can normally be made safe by taping it to the body with medical tape (with the necessary information still showing).
3. Casts are allowed at referee’s (coach) discretion.

LAW 5: REFEREE
Coach/Parent from each team should be used. They may be on the field of play. Players should receive a brief explanation if they have committed a rule infraction.

LAW 6: ASSISTANT REFEREES
None

LAW 7: DURATION OF THE GAME:
1. The game shall be divided into four equal quarters of 10 minutes.
2. There shall be a (2) minute break between the 1st and 2nd quarters & the 3rd and 4th quarters.
3. There shall be a (5) minute half-time break between the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

LAW 8: THE START OF PLAY
1. The referee will conduct a coin toss before the game. The visiting team calls the coin toss.
2. The winner of the coin toss chooses which goal to attack. The other team kicks off.
3. Teams switch ends of the field for the second half of the game.
4. Kick off is alternated between teams each quarter.
5. Opponents must be (3) yards away from the ball while the kick off is in progress. Teams must be in their own half of the field prior to the kick off.
6. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.

LAW 9: BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY
The ball is in play until it entirely crosses the touchline or goal line or until the parent/coach referee stops play by blowing the whistle.

LAW 10: METHOD OF SCORING
The ball must cross the goal line entirely while on the ground or in the air and enter the goal. Goals can be scored from offensive half of field only.

LAW 11: OFF SIDE
The off-side rule does not apply.

LAW 12: FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
1. Tripping, pushing, holding, kicking and intentional handballs are all offenses that should be whistled and award an indirect free kick to the non-offending team. The referee/coach/parent must explain ALL infringements to the offending player.
2. Deliberate heading is not allowed. If a player deliberately heads the ball an indirect free kick will be awarded to the other team from the spot of the head ball.

LAW 13: FREE KICKS
1. All free kicks should be restarted as indirect free kicks.
2. The ball is not in play until it is touched or played by a second player of either team.
3. A goal may not be scored from an indirect free kick until the ball has been played or touched by a second player of either team.
4. Opponents must be at least four (3) yards from the ball until it is put in play.

LAW 14: PENALTY KICKS:
1. No penalty kicks are to be awarded.
2. An indirect free kick may be awarded for infractions committed close to the defending team’s goal.
3. The ball should be placed at least four (3) yards from the goal line.

LAW 15: KICK-IN:
1. A kick-in restarts play after the ball entirely crosses over the touchline.
2. The kick-in is awarded to the opponent of the team which last played or touched the ball before it crossed the touchline.
3. All kick-ins are considered an indirect free kick
4. On kick-in from defensive end, all opponents must drop behind center line; no opposing pressure until ball crosses center line; all 3 players on kick-in team must touch ball before crossing center line
5. Kick-in from offensive end is considered indirect free kick; all opponents must be at least 3 yards away from ball.

LAW 16: GOAL KICKS
1. A goal kick restarts play after the ball entirely crosses the goal line (and is not a goal) and is last touched by the attacking team.
2. The goal kick should be taken within 2-3 yards of the goal line anywhere across the width of the field of play at the nearest point from where the ball was retrieved.  
3. All opponents must drop behind center line
4. No opposing pressure until ball crosses center line
5. All 3 players on kicking team must touch ball before crossing center line

LAW 17: CORNER KICKS:
1. A corner kick restarts the game after the ball entirely crosses the goal line (and not a goal) having been last touched by the defensive team.
2. Opponents must remain at least four (3) yards from the ball until it is in play

LAW 18: 5-8 RULE

LAW 1: THE FIELD
1. Dimensions: Each field of play should be rectangular, with a length of approximately 35 yards and a width of approximately 25 yards.
2. Field Markings: The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of 4 yards is marked around it.
3. Goals: Goal size shall be 4 feet high by 6 feet wide

Field Dimensions Here

LAW 2: THE BALL
A size 3 soccer ball shall be used for all games.

LAW 3: NUMBER OF PLAYERS
1. Maximum number of players on the field is 4 (no goalkeeper).
2. Maximum number of players on the roster is 8/12.
3. Playing Time: Every player shall play a minimum of 50% of each game if they have participated and cooperated in practice.
4. Substitutions: At any stoppage and unlimited.

LAW 4: PLAYERS EQUIPMENT
1. Players uniform consists of:
· Shirt
· Shorts
· Socks
· Shin guards completely covered by the socks and provide adequate protection.
· Shoes – Tennis shoes or soccer shoes with cleats.
2. Jewelry is not permitted. Exception: Medical alert jewelry can normally be made safe by taping it to the body with medical tape (with the necessary information still showing). Exception: Medical alert jewelry can normally be made safe by taping it to the body with medical tape (with the necessary information still showing).
3. Casts are allowed at referee’s (coach) discretion.

LAW 5: REFEREE
Coach/Parent from each team should be used. They may be on the field of play. Players should receive a brief explanation if they have committed a rule infraction.

LAW 6: ASSISTANT REFEREES
None

LAW 7: DURATION OF THE GAME:
1. The game shall be divided into four equal quarters of 12 minutes.
2. There shall be a (2) minute break between the 1st and 2nd quarters & the 3rd and 4th quarters.
3. There shall be a (5) minute half-time break between the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

LAW 8: THE START OF PLAY
1. The referee will conduct a coin toss before the game. The visiting team calls the coin toss.
2. The winner of the coin toss chooses which goal to attack. The other team kicks off.
3. Teams switch ends of the field for the second half of the game.
4. Kick off is alternated between teams each quarter.
5. Opponents must be (4) yards away from the ball while the kickoff is in progress. Teams must be in their own half of the field prior to the kick off.
6. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.

LAW 9: BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY
The ball is in play until it entirely crosses the touchline or goal line or until the referee stops play by blowing the whistle.

LAW 10: METHOD OF SCORING

The ball must cross the goal line entirely while on the ground or in the air between the goal posts and under the cross bar.

1. All players must be on the opponent's side of the halfway line (or demonstrating clear intent to move into that position) at the time a goal is scored.
   1. A player is considered making a clear intent if they are in the area between the midline and the circle arc on their side of the field.
2. If any player from the scoring team is not on the opponent's half or not displaying intent to move into that position, the goal will be disallowed, and the opposing team will be awarded a goal kick.

This rule ensures fair play and encourages attacking play for all players from the scoring team while maintaining the integrity of the game. 

 

LAW 11: OFF SIDE
The off-side rule does not apply.

LAW 12: FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
1. Tripping, pushing, holding, kicking and intentional handballs are all Offenses that should be whistled and award an indirect free kick to the Non-offending team.
2. Deliberate heading is not allowed. If a player deliberately heads the ball an indirect free kick will be awarded to the other team from the spot of the head ball.

LAW 13: FREE KICKS
1. All free kicks should be restarted as indirect free kicks.
2. A goal may not be scored from an indirect free kick until the ball has been played or touched by a second player of either team.

LAW 14: PENALTY KICKS
No penalty kicks are to be awarded. An indirect free kick may be awarded for infractions committed close to the defending team’s goal.
LAW 15: THROW-IN 
1. Throw-in restarts the game after the ball entirely crosses the Touchline.
2. The team which did not touch the ball last takes the throw-in.
3. A second throw-in will be allowed if the player commits an infraction on the initial attempt. The referee shall explain the infraction before allowing the player to re-throw.

LAW 16: GOAL KICKS
1. A goal kick restarts play after the ball entirely crosses the goal line (and is not a goal) and is last touched by the attacking team.
2. The goal kick should be taken within 2-3 yards of the goal line anywhere across the width of the field of play at the nearest point from where the ball was retrieved.
3. Opponents should be 10 feet away from ball on all restarts.

LAW 17: CORNER KICKS:
1. A corner kick restarts the game after the ball entirely crosses the goal line (and not a goal) having been last touched by the defensive team.
2. Opponents must remain at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play. 

LAW 18: GOAL ARC:
1. No player may touch the ball within the arc, however any player may move through the arc. Any part of the ball or player's body on the line is considered in the arc; the player is an extension of the arc.
2. An infraction occurs if a defender touches the ball inside the arc, an indirect free kick is awarded to the offensive team. The indirect free kick shall be placed 5 yards from the center of the arc. If an offensive player touches the ball within the arc, a goal kick is awarded to the defensive team. If the ball comes to a complete stop inside the arc, regardless of which team touched it last, a goal kick is awarded to the defensive team. 
3. The radius of the arc should be 10 feet.

LAW 19: 5-8 RULE

LAW 1: THE FIELD
1. Dimensions: Each field of play should be rectangular, with a length of approximately 55-65 yards and a width of approximately 35-45 yards.
2. Field Markings: The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of eight (8) yards is marked around it. Build Out line shall be 14 yards from goal line; sideline to sideline and both ends of field.
3. Goals: Goal size shall be 6.5 feet high by 18.5 feet wide or if not available 7 feet high by 21 feet wide.
4. Goal Area: A goal area is marked on each end of the field as: Two lines drawn at right angles to the goal line six (6) yards from each goalpost for a distance of six (6) yards and joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.
5. Penalty Area: A penalty area is marked on each end of the field as: Two lines drawn at right angles to the goal line ten (10) yards from each goal post for a distance of ten (10) yards and joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made eight (8) yards from the midpoint of the goal line. An arc of a circle with a radius of eight (8) yards from the penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area.

Field Dimensions Here

LAW 2: THE BALL
Size 4 soccer ball shall be used for all games.

LAW 3: NUMBER OF PLAYERS
1. Maximum number of players on the field is 7 (one which is a goalkeeper).
2. Maximum number of players on the roster is 14/18.
3. Playing Time: Every player shall play a minimum of 50% of each game if they have participated and cooperated in practice.
4. Substitutions: Unlimited by a team and can occur at any stoppage.

LAW 4: PLAYERS EQUIPMENT
1. Players uniform consists of:
· Shirt
· Shorts
· Shin guards completely covered by the socks and provide adequate protection.
· Shoes – Tennis shoes or soccer shoes with cleats.
2. Jewelry is not permitted. Exception: Medical alert jewelry can normally be made safe by taping it to the body with medical tape (with the necessary information still showing).
3. Casts are allowed at referee’s discretion.

LAW 5: REFEREE
1. U9-10 Games shall be officiated by USSF referees (assigned by the region). It is the home regions responsibility to hire and pay the official. A parent volunteer may be used if no official is assigned.
2. Players should receive a brief explanation if they have committed a rule infraction.

LAW 6: ASSISTANT REFEREES
Parent volunteers MAY be used on the sidelines to identify balls that have gone out of bounds.

LAW 7: DURATION OF THE GAME 
1. The game shall be divided into two equal periods of 25 minutes.
2. There shall be a (5) minute half-time break.

LAW 8: THE START OF PLAY
1. The referee will conduct a coin toss before the game. The visiting team calls the coin toss.
2. The winner of the coin toss chooses which goal to attack. The other team kicks off. The winner of the coin toss will kick off the second half of the match.
3. Teams switch ends of the field for the second half of the game.
4. Opponents must be eight (8) yards away from the ball while the kick off is in progress. Teams must be in their own half of the field prior to the kick off.
5. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.

LAW 9: BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY
The ball is in play until it entirely crosses the touchline or goal line or until the referee stops play by blowing the whistle.

LAW 10: METHOD OF SCORING
The ball must cross the goal line entirely while on the ground or in the air between the goal posts and under the cross bar.

LAW 11: OFF SIDE
The off-side rule does apply. You can only be penalized for offside between the build out line and the goal line in your attacking half.

LAW 12: FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following:
1. Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
2. Trips or attempts to trip an opponent
3. Jumps at or Charges an opponent
4. Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
5. Pushes an opponent
6. Holds an opponent
7. Handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within their own penalty area)
8. Spits at an opponent
9. Contacts the opponent before the ball when tackling.
An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if:
1. Opponent plays in a dangerous manner
2. Opponent impedes the progress of an opponent.
3. Opponent prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from their hands
4. Goalkeeper takes more then six seconds while controlling the ball with their hands before releasing it.
5. Goalkeeper touches the ball again with their hands after it has been released and has not touched another player.
6. Goalkeeper touches the ball with their hands after it has been intentionally kicked to them by a teammate.
7. Goalkeeper touches the ball with their hands after they have received it directly by a throw-in taken by a teammate.
8. Opponent commits any offense for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player.
9. Deliberate heading is not allowed. If a player deliberately heads the ball an indirect free kick will be awarded to the other team from the spot of the head ball.
10.PUNTING IS NOT ALLOWED. If a goalkeeper punts the ball, an indirect kick is awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.

LAW 13: FREE KICKS
The referee may award two basic kicks:
1. Direct free kick (a goal can be scored directly)
2. Indirect free kick (must touch another player before a goal can be scored.
The kicker may not kick/play the ball a second time until it is touched by another player. Opponents must be at least eight (8) yards away on all free kicks until the ball is put in play.

LAW 14: PENALTY KICKS:
Conform to USSF/FIFA with the exception of the penalty mark which is 8 yards from the midpoint of the goal line.

LAW 15: THROW-IN:
1. Throw-in restarts the game after the ball entirely crosses the touchline.
2. The team which did not touch the ball last takes the throw-in.
3. A second throw-in will be allowed if the player commits an infraction on the initial attempt. The referee shall explain the infraction before allowing the player to re-throw.

LAW 16: GOAL KICKS
1. A goal kick restarts play after the ball entirely crosses the goal line (and is not a goal) and is last touched by the attacking team.
2. The goal kick may be taken from any point within the goal area.
3. Opponents must remain outside the penalty and may not play the ball until it completely leaves the penalty area.
4. The ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area.
5. Build Out Line: When the goalkeeper has the ball, either during play or from a goal kick, the opposing team must move behind the build out line until the ball is in play.

LAW 17: CORNER KICKS:
1. A corner kick restarts the game after the ball entirely crosses the goal line (and not a goal) having been last touched by the defensive team.
2. Opponents must remain at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.

LAW 18: 5-8 RULE

LAW 1: THE FIELD
1. Dimensions: Each field of play should be rectangular, with a length of 75 yards and a width of approximately 50 yards.
2. Field Markings: The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of eight (8) yards is marked around it.
3. Goals: Goal size shall be 7 feet high by 21 feet wide
4. Goal Area: A goal area is marked on each end of the field as: Two lines drawn at right angles to the goal line six (6) yards from each goalpost for a distance of six (6) yards and joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.
5. Penalty Area: A penalty area is marked on each end of the field as: Two lines drawn at right angles to the goal line fourteen (14) yards from each goal post for a distance of fourteen (14) yards and joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made ten (10) yards from the midpoint of the goal line. An arc of a circle with a radius of eight (8) yards from the penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area.

Field Dimensions Here

LAW 2: THE BALL
A size 4 soccer ball shall be used for all games.

LAW 3: NUMBER OF PLAYERS
1. Maximum number of players on the field is 9 (one which is a goalkeeper).
2. Maximum number of players on the roster is 16.
3. Playing Time: Every player shall play a minimum of 50% of each game if they have participated and cooperated in practice. (Recreational Teams Only)
4. Substitutions: Unlimited by a team at the following stoppages:
· On their own throw-in
· On either teams goal kick
· After a goal is scored
· Halftime
· Injury

LAW 4: PLAYERS EQUIPMENT
1. Players uniform consists of:
· Shirt
· Shorts
· Socks
· Shin guards completely covered by the socks and provide adequate protection.
· Shoes – Tennis shoes or soccer shoes with cleats.
2. Jewelry is not permitted. Exception: Medical alert jewelry can normally be made safe by taping it to the body with medical tape (with the necessary information still showing).
3. Casts are allowed at referee’s discretion.

LAW 5: REFEREE
U11-12 Games shall be officiated by USSF referees (assigned by the region). It is the home regions responsibility to hire and pay the official.

LAW 6: ASSISTANT REFERES
1. Assistant Referees (USSF Referees) may be assigned by the region for U11-12 Recreational Games. If Assistant Referees are not assigned, use parent volunteers on the sidelines to identify balls that have gone out of bounds.
2. USSF Referees acting as Assistant Referees shall be assigned for all U11-12 Select Games.

LAW 7: DURATION OF THE GAME:
1. The game shall be divided into two equal periods of 30 minutes.
2. There shall be a (5) minute half-time break.

LAW 8: THE START OF PLAY
1. The referee will conduct a coin toss before the game. The visiting team calls the coin toss.
2. The winner of the coin toss chooses which goal to attack. The other team kicks off. The winner of the coin toss will kick off the second half of the match.
3. Teams switch ends of the field for the second half of the game.
4. Opponents must be eight (8) yards away from the ball while the kick off is in progress. Teams must be in their own half of the field prior to the kick off.
5. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.

LAW 9: BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY
The ball is in play until it entirely crosses the touchline or goal line or until the referee stops play by blowing the whistle.

LAW 10: METHOD OF SCORING
The ball must cross the goal line entirely while on the ground or in the air between the goal posts and under the cross bar.

LAW 11: OFF SIDE
Off-side rule does apply and conforms to USSF/FIFA.

LAW 12: FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following:
1. Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
2. Trips or attempts to trip an opponent
3. Jumps at an opponent
4. Charges an opponent
5. Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
6. Pushes an opponent
7. Holds an opponent
8. Handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within their own penalty area)
9. Spits at an opponent
10. Contacts the opponent before the ball when tackling.
An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if:
1. Opponent plays in a dangerous manner
2. Opponent impedes the progress of an opponent.
3. Opponent prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from their hands
4. Goalkeeper takes more then six seconds while controlling the ball with their hands before releasing it.
5. Goalkeeper touches the ball again with their hands after it has been released and has not touched another player.
6. Goalkeeper touches the ball with their hands after it has been intentionally kicked to them by a teammate.
7. Goalkeeper touches the ball with their hands after they have received it directly by a throw-in taken by a teammate.
8. Opponent commits any offense for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player.
9. At U11 deliberate heading is not allowed. If a player deliberately heads the ball an indirect free kick will be awarded to the other team from the spot of the head ball.

LAW 13: FREE KICKS
The referee may award two basic kicks:
1. Direct free kick (a goal can be scored directly)
2. Indirect free kick (must touch another player before a goal can be scored. The kicker may not kick/play the ball a second time until it is touched by another player. Opponents must be at least eight (8) yards away on all free kicks until the ball is put in play.

LAW 14: PENALTY KICKS
Conform to USSF/FIFA with the exception of the penalty mark is 10 yards from the midpoint of the goal line.

LAW 15: THROW-IN 
1. Throw-in restarts the game after the ball entirely crosses the touchline.
2. The team which did not touch the ball last takes the throw-in.

LAW 16: GOAL KICKS
1. A goal kick restarts play after the ball entirely crosses the goal line (and is not a goal) and is last touched by the attacking team.
2. The goal kick may be taken from any point within the goal area.
3. The ball must be stationary and is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team.
4. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
5. Opponents must be outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.

LAW 17: CORNER KICKS:
1. A corner kick restarts the game after the ball entirely crosses the goal line (and not a goal) having been last touched by the defensive team.
2. Opponents must remain at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.

LAW 18: 5-8 RULE

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If a team is behind by 5 or more goals, they may add an additional player onto the field. An additional player can remain on the field until the goal differential has been reduced to less than 5. This occurs again at an 8 goal deficit. If a player for the opposing/winning team is issued a red card and thus ejected the losing team in this "5-8" scenario, the losing team is not required to also remove a player until the score differential is reduced to 8 or 5 goals. This rule adaptation cannot be applied to any tournament play nor any competitions not exclusively Kickers recreational leagues.