Number of Players:
Teams will consist of not more than seven (7) 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 (Howver, see 3 goal differential rule below).
There are NO GOALIES allowed.
Playing Field:
In general, fields are approximately 30-40yds x 20-30yds; Each goal is approximately 5 feet wide by 3 feet high.
Duration of Game:
Two twenty five (25) minute halves (one (1) minute rest between quarters, five (5) minutes at half). In the event that either team has only four (4) players at the time of kick-off, the field marshall has the discretion to to play four (4) twelve (12) minute quarters.
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 are be scored by kicking the ball into the opposing teams net, but only from each team's offensive side of the field. A team will not be awarded a goal on a direct kick made on a kick-off or a kick-in from the sideline or from their a shot which originates from their side of the field (or from the defensive side of the field). A goal may be scored directly on a corner kick. If one team is up by three (3) or more goals, the opposing team may add a fifth (5th) player until such time as the goal differential drops below three (3) goals.
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 from the top center of the arc.
Players in the Goal Mouth or Goal Arc
Any player may stand in the goal mouth or arc. However, no player is allowed to touch the ball in this arc.
Defensive Player Touching the Ball Within the Arc - If a defensive player touches the ball within the scoring arc, the result is a penalty kick for the attacking team from the centerline of the field. During the penalty kick, all players, on both teams, must stand behind the center line. After the kick is made, a goal kick will be awarded if the kick is missed.
Offensive Player Touching the Ball Within the Arc - If an offensive player touches the ball within the arc, a goal kick is awarded to the defending team.
Player Substitutions:
Subsitutions can be madeon the fly (at any time during play), but the player on the field must come completely off before the new player can enter the playing field. In addition, substitions may be made whenever the ball goes out of play by either team or by requesting same of field marshall.
Misc. Infringements / The Penalty Arc:
Tripping, intentional or blatant handling, etc can be dealt with by awarding an indirect free kick.
No slide tackling.
Coaching:
No coach or parent is allowed on the playing field during the game. Only field marshalls are allowed on the field during play unless the field marshall has granted specific permission of the coach to be on the field (e.g. injury). 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 field marshall 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.
NOTE - We ask that parents not talk to the Field Marshalls or Coaches during the game. Moreover, we ask that parents not "coach" their kids from the sidelines. This is detrimental to the game the the development of the children. Please enjoy the game, encourage your children, and be positive.
Scores and standings will not be posted on the SVSLV Soccer Club website. Scores are reviewed to ensure that coaches keep the game competitive and not lopsided. And the "arc" is used where there is a three (3) point goal differential.
Field Marshall:
Their job is to keep the playing environment FUN, SAFE and focused on the child. Duties of the Field Marshall are the same as a under FIFA Laws of the Game: keep time, enforce rules, stop and restart play. The Field Marshall's call stands. Coachs shall not challenge the Field Marshall's call during play.
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