Coaching REsources - Rules of the Game

South End Soccer

Modified Rules of the Game for South End Soccer Recreational Games 

UPDATED AUGUST 2019

Gr. 1-2 Game Rules

• Four 8 min. quarters, 2 min break end quarter, 5 min. break at half (subs in stop-ages, everyone needs to play)
• 4 v 4 with no goalie, Size 3 ball
  
• Field size approx. 25x35y, goal 5y wide @ center of each end and use small “pop-up” goals
  
• Rotate each quarter between teams having one coach be Referee and one coach from other team be time keeper (maybe rotate at half)
  
• No scores kept
  
• No off-sides, NO heading, No goalie
  
• Yes for corner kicks, goal kicks & throw-ins, and allow do-over if needed with instruction by Referee/Coach
  
• For goal kicks, attacking team drops back into their half
  
• All fouls shall result in a direct free kick.  Examples of fouls are handballs, pushing, tripping, grabbing, rough play
  
• Referee/Coaches must explain ALL infringements to the offending player. No cards shown for misconduct. If a child is being too rambunctious/exhibiting unsportsman-like conduct then the game official will ask the coach to make a substitution of that player to give the child a chance to calm down before returning to play
  
• Officiating should be flexible & patient, and that time keeping runs continuously thru the period – there are no time stoppages other than the designated periods or added time at the end of the game
  
• Opposing coaches, players and parents should shake hands after each match​
  

Gr. 3-6 Game Rules

• Two 30min halves, 5-10 min. break at half (subs at any stoppages, everyone needs to play)
• 7 v 7 including goalie, Size 4 ball
  
• Field size approx. 35x55y, goal 5y wide @ center of each end
  
• Yes scores kept, but no record/standings will be kept.
  
• No off-sides ; NO heading, yes goalie
  
• Yes for corner kicks, goal kicks, & throw-ins
  
• For goal kicks, attacking team drops back into their half
  
• All fouls shall result in a direct free kick. Examples of fouls are handballs, pushing, tripping, grabbing, rough play
  
• Referee/Coaches must explain ALL infringements to the offending player. No cards shown for misconduct. If a child is being too rambunctious/exhibiting unsportsman-like conduct then the game official will ask the coach to make a substitution of that player to give the child a chance to calm down before returning to play.
  
• Referees: officiating should be flexible & patient, and that time keeping runs continuously thru the period – there are no time stoppages other than the designated periods or added time at the end of the game
  
• Opposing coaches, players and parents should shake hands after each match

Source: http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/coaches/SmallSidedGames/