FIFA
- Laws of the Game
Rule
exceptions for each age group
U6
U8
U10
U12
U15
U18
Please also see
Parents Code of Conduct!
Referees are encouraged to explain the
infractions to the players. The players, coaches, and spectators may
not challenge the referee's rulings.
U-4, 5 & 6 Exceptions
(revised Sept. 9, 2005)
Law 1: Field of play: Dimensions: 25
yards by 20 yards. The midfield circle has a radius of 3 (three)
yards. There are no penalty areas, penalty marks, nor goal areas.
However, there will be an area marked in front of the goals that a
defender can not be positioned inside. The corner arcs have a 2 (two)
foot radius. The goal size is 4 (four) feet by 6 (six) feet. All other
FIFA rules apply.
Law2: The Ball: A size 3 ball is used. All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 3: The Number of Players: Matches are played 4 versus 4. There are
NO goalkeepers. Each player plays at least half the game unless for
disciplinary purposes or injury. The referee and opposing coach must
be notified, if any player doesn't play half the game. There are only
substitutions after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarters. If a player is
substituted because of an injury, the opposing coach may also
substitute. The injured player may return to the field during the same
quarter after he / she has been examined by the coach. The coach must
inform the referee before he / she re-substitutes the injured player.
All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 4: The Player's Equipment: All FIFA rules apply.
Law 5: The Referee: Coaches shall serve as facilitators. During the
first half the visiting team shall provide the facilitator. During the
second half the home team shall provide the facilitator. Coaches, as
referees, must not be biased towards either team during the match.
Other coaches are allowed to assist their players provided they are
not on the field of play. All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 6: The Assistant Referees: There
are no assistant referees.
Law 7: The Duration of the Match: There will be 4 (four) 8 (eight)
minute quarters and a 5 minute half-time break. The break between the
1st & 2nd quarters and the 3rd and 4th quarters will not exceed 2
minutes. There will be no extra time. All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 8: The Start and Restart of Play: The start of the 2nd and 4th
quarters will be where the referee stopped play at the end of the
proceeding quarter (i.e. throw-in, goal kick, corner kick, kick off).
Referees should only use the drop ball method as last resort. All
other FIFA rules apply.
Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play: All FIFA rules apply.
Law 10: The Method of Scoring: All FIFA rules apply.
Law 11: Offside: Offside will not be called.
Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct: All fouls and misconduct will result in
with a throw-in awarded to the opposing team. All other FIFA rules
apply.
Law 13: Free Kicks: All free kicks will be indirect. There are no
direct free kicks. All opponents must be 3 (three) yards from the
ball.
Law 14: The Penalty Kick: Penalty kicks will not be awarded.
Law 15: The Throw-In: Players will be allowed unlimited extra attempts
after an improper throw-in. Coaches and referees are encouraged to
assist after an improper throw-in. All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 16: The Goal Kick: Goal kicks should be taken within 2 (two) - 3
(three) yards of the goal. Opponents must be 6 (six) yards from the
ball before it is kicked. All FIFA rules apply.
Law 17: The Corner Kick: Opponents must be 6 (six) yards from the ball
until it is in play. All other FIFA rules apply.
Technical Area: Spectators and teams are allowed to be together on the
side.