AYSO Area 4U
U-6 Short-side Rules

Soccer, by any measure, is the most popular game in the world. One reason is it's easy to play. It can be played just about anywhere and requires very little equipment - perhaps markers of some sort for the two goals and the four corners of the field, and, of course, a ball.

Soccer is non-stop action, played in two halves with far fewer interruptions than other team sports. For sheer exercise, it is hard to beat. In fact, it pro-vides one of the best cardiovascular workouts in all of sport.

There are normally eleven players on a soccer team. However, smaller teams are used for younger players. The following is the AYSO Under-6 program which includes only those aspects of the game which are age-appropriate.

GAME GUIDELINES FOR U-6

Field

Dimensions: 30 yards long and 15 yards wide maximum

Markings:

• Distinctive lines not required; field can be marked using 10 flat procones and four rectangular cones.

Goals:

• Maximum four feet high and six feet wide.

The Ball:

• Size three.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS:

• Maximum number of players on the field at any one time: three (3); no goalkeepers.
• Maximum number of players on the roster: five (5).
• Substitutions: Between periods and at halftime.
• Playing time: MINIMUM of 50% of the total playing time for each player, and 75%, when possible. No one should play four periods until everyone has played three periods.
• No co-ed teams.  Separate girl teams should be promoted at all levels of play.

Player's Equipment:

• Footwear: Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes.
• Shinguards: MANDATORY for practices and games.

Referee:

• The referee could be either a
• adult referee
• youth referee
• coach
• Referees should emphasize
• fun
• fairness
• safety
• learning
  NOTE: Referees should briefly explain any infringements to the players and help players with instructions.  All referees must be registered AYSO volunteers.
• Referee decisions are final and must not be questioned by coaches.

Duration of Game:

• Four five-minute periods.
• Halftime break of five to ten minutes..

The Start of Play:

• The game should be started with a free kick in the middle of the field.  The coaches should determine which team starts the game and the opposing team should start the second half. The referee will ensure that opponents are at least five yards from the spot of the free kick.

Ball In and Out of Play:

• When the whole ball passes over the touch line, either on the ground or in the air, it should be thrown in from where it crossed the line, by a player of the opposite team.
• When the whole ball passes over the goal line (not into the goal), it should be kicked into play from where it crossed the line by a player of the opposing team.

Method of Scoring:

• No change from regular play. Score not kept.

Fouls and Misconduct:

• Direct free kick for all fouls, with the opponents five yards away.
• Referee should explain ALL infractions.

AYSO Recommendations:

• Parents, coaches, and players from both teams exchange handshakes before and/or after each game.
• League standings are not recorded.
• Game scores are not recorded.
• All players receive participation awards.
• Spectators are not allowed behind either goal or within three yards outside the touchline
• Only game participants are allowed to run the length of the field.
• Parents and coaches should encourage players, but not coach or instruct players during games.