Smyrna Soccer Club

Brief Rules for Coaches and Referees

U-4

• Teams are split in two, and play on two adjacent fields.
• Ideally 4 v 4, but can alter to fit amount of children showing up for game
• Four 8 minute quarters.  Substitutions required to allow each child to play at least half of each game.
• Two minute breaks at end of first and 3^rd quarter. Five to seven minute break at the half.  Make substitutions at this time
• Size # 3 ball
• No goalkeepers
• Coaches serve as referees
• Parents stand along touch and goal lines to keep ball in play.  No throw-ins, goal kicks or corner kicks. 
• All free kicks are indirect
• No offside rule

U5/U-6

Same as U-4 in all areas except the following:

• Four 10 minute quarters
• Goal line play is allowed. Coaches can decide before game if they want to do goal kicks and corner kicks

U-8

• Ideally 5 v 5 with goal keepers
• Two 24 minute halves with free substitutions.  Five to 7 minute break at the half.  Can be altered to play subs at quarters if teams do not have subs (we don’t expect 7 year olds to run 24 minutes without a break)
• Substitutions should be made from mid-line (not from bench) and are permitted:

• Each child must play at least half of each game
• Size # 3 Ball
• Keepers are used
• All free kicks, including kick-off are indirect. Players should be at least 3 yards away.
• No offside rule, however coaches should NOT instruct players to hang out in front of goal
• Coaches should also NOT encourage a ‘hanging defender”. Defenders should be instructed to support attack
• Single Center referee when available.  Coaches MIGHT need to serve as officials.
• After improper throw in, referee should give instruction and allow re-take.  If second attempt is improper ref should allow game to play on.  This can be modified towards end of season.

U-10

• Games should abide by GSSA rules for small-sided games
• 6 v 6 with keepers
• Two 30 minute halves with free substitutions.  Substitutions should be made from mid-line (not from bench) and are permitted:

• Each child must play at least half of each game

U-10 Keeper Rule:

• Each child must play on active fields of play for an equal amount of time they are in goal.  No player can be in goal for more than half the game.
• Size # 4 Ball
• Kicks are either direct or indirect, in accordance with FIFA rules.  Opposing team should be at least  6 yards away.
• The Offside rule is in effect.
• Use of 3 man referee crew is preferred, use of one single Center referee is permissible
• Improper throw ins result in loss of possession, assuming ball came into play. 

U-12

Same as U-10 except:

• 8 v 8
• U-10 Goal keeper rule does not apply.

U-14

Same as U-12 except:

• 11 V 11
• Size #5 Ball
• Two 35 minute halves
• 3 man referee team should be used.  If not available, club linesman should be used

U-16

Same as U-14 except:

• Two 40 minute halves
• All referees MUST be R8 grade or higher,

U-19

Same as U-16 except:

• Two 45 minute halves.