Soccer Rules 6U
1. Overview
Game play is governed by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Laws of the Game, as modified by Timbergrove Sports Association (TSA). The Laws of the Game, as modified, are as follows:
2. Field of Play
2.1. Dimensions
The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line.
(Typical dimensions may be included here)
Note: For fall 2017 the 6U pitch was 120’ long and 65’ wide.
2.2. FieldMarkings
Distinctive lines not more than (5) inches wide. 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.
Goal Area: 8‐yard by 12‐yard box centered about each goal Flag Posts: Conform to FIFA Laws of the Game
Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA Laws of the Game
2.3. Goals
Goals must be placed on the center of each goal line. They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corners and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The goals will be 6’ x 8’.
Safety: Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement.
Figure 1: Field Dimensions
3. The Ball
Teams in this division will use a Size 3 ball.
4. The Number of Players
A team roster consists of 7 to 8 players. A match is played by two teams, each consisting of 5 players in the field of play. There are no goalkeepers in 6U.
Substitutions are unlimited and may be made at any stoppage of play with authorization from referee.
Playing time: Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. No player shall exceed 75% playing time unless all other players exceed 60%. It is the coach’s responsibility to enforce this rule.
5. Forfeiture for too Few Players
The minimum number of players required to play an official game is 4. Below this number the game is a forfeit in favor of the team with the requisite number of players. If the match becomes out of hand the team short players may request players from the opposing team to switch sides (provided they have subs). However, the game score is considered final at that point. The point of this provision is to provide our players with as much quality playing time as possible.
Any team not on the field and ready to play at the scheduled game time may be assessed a one goal penalty at the discretion of the referee.
The team that is short players may only request that the opposing team play short players on the field to make the number of players even if all of the players on the larger squad are able to reach a minimum of 50% playing time for all players. Additionally, the game will be a forfeit with a 3‐0 victory being awarded to the team sitting its players. It is not the responsibility of the opposing team to bear the burden for a team that is not able to field a squad.
6. The Players’ Equipment
Conform to FIFA Laws of the Game. Non‐uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must distinguish teams. Shin guards are MANDATORY for both practices and games, and must be covered entirely by socks. If needed, teams can be distinguished by scrimmage vests.
A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry; with the exception of a medical alert bracelet).
7. The Referee
Coaches will serve as the referees. All rule infringements shall be briefly explained to the offending player by the coaches.
8. Other Match Officials
Not applicable.
9. The Duration of the Match
The match shall be divided into four 8‐minute quarters with a 5‐minute halftime break. No added time will be added to the end of either half.
10. The Start and Restart of Play
Conform to FIFA Laws of the Game, with the exception that the opposing team is be at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.
11. The Ball In and Out of Play
Conform to FIFA Laws of the Game.
12. The Method of Scoring
Conform to FIFA Laws of the Game. Official score is to be kept and then reported to the Division Director by both Head Coaches. If a team is winning by five goals the team ahead is encouraged to practice passing skills and refrain from racking up more goals.
13. Offside
Not enforced in 6U.
14. Fouls and Misconduct
If a player commits a foul (intentionally touching ball with hands, pushing, hitting, tripping, etc.), a free kick shall be awarded the opposing team at the spot of the foul. All free kicks are direct kicks.
15. Heading
Deliberate headers are not allowed in games or practice for 6U.
16. Slide Tackling
Slide tackling is not allowed at any time. The first offense results in a warning for both teams. A second offense by the same player results in ejection.
17. Free Kicks
Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game, with the exception that the opponents are to be at least eight (8) yards away from the ball until it is kicked.
18. The Penalty Kick
Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game, with the exception that the opponents are to be at least eight (8) yards away from the ball until it is kicked.
19. The Throw-In
There are no throw-ins. The ball is out of play when the whole of the ball passes over the sideline on the ground or in the air. When the ball goes out of play on the sideline/touchline, the ball shall be placed at the point on the sideline where it passed out of play. The opponents of the player who last touched the ball before the ball passed out of play may dribble or pass the ball in bounds from this location.
All opponents must stand at least 2 yards (6 feet) from the point on the sideline where the ball is dribbled or passed into play. A goal cannot be scored directly from an in-bound play. If the ball is kicked directly by the in-bounding player into the opponents’ goal, a goal kick is awarded. If the ball is kicked directly by the in-bounding player into the in-bounding team’s goal, a corner kick is awarded.
20. The Goal Kick
The ball may played from any spot within the goal box. The player taking the kick may dribble or pass the ball into play. Opponents must drop back to the half-way line until the ball is in play. Otherwise conform to FIFA Laws of the Game.
21. The Corner Kick
The player taking the kick may dribble or pass the ball into play. Opponents must stand at least 2 yards (6 feet) from the corner where the kick is taken until the ball is dribbled or passed into play. Otherwise conform to FIFA Laws of the Game.
22. Standings and Point System
The winning team will be awarded 3 points, a tie will award one point to each team and there will be zero points awarded to the losing team.
23. Fair‐Play
Coaches and players shall exhibit behaviors consistent with FIFA’s Fair‐Play at all times.
24. Concussion Initiative
If a player is suspected of having a head injury, the player may not return to that game. As with any injury, TSA recommends that the player seek medical attention as soon as possible.
25. Goal Box
Defenders are not allowed in the goal box unless 1) the ball is entering (or already in) the goal box or 2) if they are actively marking an opponent off the ball which brings them into the box. Each of the first two offenses result in a throw‐in nearest the infraction. Future infringements result in an indirect kick from the nearest corner of the goal box.
The purpose of this rule is to keep the players actively involved in the play on the field. We do not want players stationed “back on defense” during these games such that they are no longer part of the game. As the coaches are refereeing these games please work together to keep all involved (e.g., pull defenders up to the Halfway Line).