Rule Modifications
Rule Modifications for Recreational Teams
The following are rule modifications for any sanctioned game for the following age group and restrictions played at Eagle Harbor Soccer Complex.
Listed are only the modifications, or changes, to the specific rule/topic stated.
All other rules not modified or stated will follow the normal rules of competition governed by NFYSL, FYSA, USYSA, USSF and FIFA.
Updated May 2018
Field
Reduced field and goal dimensions
Ball
Size 3
Players
3 per side (minimum 2 to avoid forfeit) for U5 players. No Goalkeeper.
4 per side (minimum 3 to avoid forfeit) for U6 players. No Goalkeeper.
Duration
There are four 8-minute playing periods with approximately 2 minute breaks between each quarter.
The coach should make sure that no one player should play 4 periods until everyone has played three.
Equipment
Soft-cleated soccer shoes or tennis shoes (baseball cleats are not permitted unless the toe cleats are cut off).
Shin Guards – MANDATORY for both practices and games.
NO JEWELRY.
Substitutions
When the ball is out of play and at each quarter break.
Free-kicks
All Kicks and Restarts (including Free-Kicks, Kick-Off’s and Goal-Kicks) are considered INDIRECT with the exception of Corner Kicks, which will be considered a DIRECT Kick.
No Offside
No Throw Ins – Only Kick Ins
- If ball goes over goal line for a goal kick, ball is placed in goal area to be kicked. This provides a good teaching tool for players so they understand field markings as they progress to older age groups.
- The only function of having a goal area marked is for goal kicks. Coaches shall not allow or instruct their players to goal-tend and should instruct their players to “stay connected” with the flow of the game.
- If a player is considered to be goal tending or standing in the goal area, the referee should FIRST warn the COACH of the team that is goal tending. If this type of play continues, the other team should be awarded an indirect free kick at the top of the box.
Referee should emphasize:
- Fun
- Fairness
- Safety
- Learning
Field clarification
Removal of the “no-entry” zone in front of the goals. With the removal of the no-entry zone, Coaches shall not allow or instruct their players to goal-tend and should instruct their players to “stay connected” with the flow of the game.
**Referee should briefly explain any infringements to the player(s) and help players with instructions.
Field
Reduced field and goal dimensions
Ball
Size 3
Players
6 a side (minimum of 5 to avoid forfeit)
Duration
25 minute halves with mandatory hydration break mid-way through half.
5-minute half time.
Equipment
Soccer cleats or tennis shoes.
Shin guards – MANDATORY for both practices and games.
NO JEWELRY.
Substitutions
Prior to throw-in, in your favor
Prior to goal kick by either team
After a goal by either team
At half time
At referee’s discretion
Free-kicks
All Kicks and Restarts (including Free-Kicks, Kick-Off’s and Goal-Kicks) are considered INDIRECT with the exception of Corner Kicks, which will be considered a DIRECT Kick.
No offside
Field
Reduced field and goal dimensions
Build out line
Ball
Size 4
Players
7 a side (minimum of 5 to avoid forfeit)
Duration
25 minute halves with mandatory hydration bread mid-way through half
5-minute half time
Equipment
Soccer cleats or tennis shoes
Shin guards – Mandatory for both practices and games
NO JEWELRY
Substitutions
Prior to throw-in, in your favor
Prior to goal kick by either team
After a goal by either team
At half time
At referee’s discretion
Free Kicks
All standard indirect free kick and direct free kick rules apply
Offside
Offside infraction at the U9/U10 age can only take place between the build out line and the goal line.
During a sanctioned game when only One (1) Referee is used, the Referee shall call OFFSIDE to any player they deem in a “blatant off-side position” (that is, a player who is “cherry picking”).
The Referee shall RESTRAIN from calling off-side if the player moves into an off-side position “within the course of the play” or is in a “reasonable distance or position” from the ball.
Field
Reduced field and goal dimensions
Ball
Size 4
Players
9 a side (minimum of 6 to avoid forfeit)
Duration
30 minute halves with mandatory hydration break mid-way through half
7-minute half time
Equipment
Soccer cleats or tennis shoes
Shin guards – Mandatory for both practices and games
NO JEWELRY
Substitutions
Prior to throw-in, in your favor
Prior to goal kick by either team
After a goal by either team
At half time
At referee’s discretion
Free Kicks
Direct and indirect free kicks will be awarded
Offside
Standard offside infractions apply
Heading
No heading
Ball
Size 5
Players
11 a side (minimum of 7 to avoid forfeit)
Duration
35 minute halves with mandatory hydration break mid-way through half
7-minute half time
Equipment
Soccer cleats or tennis shoes
Shin guards – Mandatory for both practices and games
NO JEWELRY
Substitutions
Prior to throw-in, in your favor
Prior to goal kick by either team
After a goal by either team
At half time
At referee’s discretion
Free Kicks
All standard indirect free kick and direct free kick rules apply
Offside
Standard offside infractions apply
Ball
Size 5
Players
11 a side (minimum of 7 to avoid forfeit)
Duration
40 minute halves with mandatory hydration break mid-way through half
7-minute half time
Equipment
Soccer cleats or tennis shoes
Shin guards – Mandatory for both practices and games
NO JEWELRY
Substitutions
Prior to throw-in, in your favor
Prior to goal kick by either team
After a goal by either team
At half time
At referee’s discretion
Free Kicks
All standard indirect free kick and direct free kick rules apply
Offside
Standard offside infractions apply
Coaching Guidelines for All Age Groups
The following coaching guidelines apply to ALL United Soccer AllianceRecreation Program Teams U5-U19 and shall be enforceable by the Game Referee(s), Field Marshall, the Club’s Director of Coaching, CRT, BOD Member or Employee.
- ALL Coaches on the Coaches’ sideline shall be on the official game roster, have a valid and current Coaches Pass (when applicable) and have an “approved” FYSA Risk Management Status.
- There shall be only TWO (2) Coaches allowed on the Coaches’ sideline.
- Of the two Coaches on the Coaches’ sideline, only ONE (1) shall be permitted to stand and “coach the players” while the game is in progress.
- Coaches shall remain in the Coaches’ Technical Area, if such area is provided (defined) at their respected field.
- Failure to adhere to the coaching guidelines shall result in disciplinary action administered by the CCSC Director of Coaching.
| Age Group | U5/U6 rec | U7/U8 Academy/Rec | U10 Academy/Rec | U9/U10 Travel |
| # of players | U5: 3v3, U6: 4v4 | 6, incl GK | 6, incl GK | 6, incl GK |
| Game length | Four 7 1/2 min. playing periods, w/2min. Breaks between | 2 x 25, 5 min half | 2 x 25, 5 min half | 2 x 25, 5 min half |
| passes (must be laminated) | Roster only | Roster only | Roster only | Passes and Roster |
| Ball size | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Encroachment | 3 yds | 5 yds | 8 yds | 8 yds |
| PK | none | none | 8 yds | 8 yds |
| Offside | no | no | yes | yes |
| Ref/AR | Center Only | Center only | yes | yes |
| subs | any stoppage with ref permission | any stoppage with ref permission | any stoppage with ref permission | any stoppage with ref permission |
| Water breaks | mandatory | mandatory | mandatory | mandatory |
| fouls | All restarts are IFK | All restarts are IFK with exception of corners | all IFK and DFK rules apply | all IFK and DFK rules apply |
| coaches | must be on roster | must be on roster | must be on roster | must have laminated pass |
| Red Card Reports | Send to Chris Kenney: [email protected] Mary Barth: [email protected] Matt Hollyoak: [email protected] | Send to Chris Kenney: [email protected] Mary Barth: [email protected] Matt Hollyoak: [email protected] | Send to Chris Kenney: [email protected] Mary Barth: [email protected] Matt Hollyoak: [email protected] | Send to Chris Kenney: [email protected] Mary Barth: [email protected] Matt Hollyoak: [email protected] |
| Substitions | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Age Group | U5/U6 rec | U7/U8 Academy/Rec |
|---|---|---|
| # of players | U5: 3v3, U6: 4v4 | 6, incl GK |
| Game length | Four 7 1/2 min. playing periods, w/2min. Breaks between | 2 x 25, 5 min half |
| passes (must be laminated) | Roster only | Roster only |
| Ball size | 3 | 3 |
| Encroachment | 3 yds | 5 yds |
| PK | none | none |
| Offside | no | no |
| Ref/AR | Center Only | Center only |
| subs | any stoppage with ref permission | any stoppage with ref permission |
| Water breaks | mandatory | mandatory |
| fouls | All restarts are IFK | All restarts are IFK with exception of corners |
| coaches | must be on roster | must be on roster |
| Substitions | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Red Card Reports | For all groups, send to: Chris Kenney: [email protected] Mary Barth: [email protected] Matt Hollyoak: [email protected] |
|
| Age Group | U10 Academy/Rec | U9/U10 Travel |
|---|---|---|
| # of players | 6, incl GK | 6, incl GK |
| Game length | 2 x 25, 5 min half | 2 x 25, 5 min half |
| passes (must be laminated) | Roster only | Passes and Roster |
| Ball size | 4 | 4 |
| Encroachment | 8 yds | 8 yds |
| PK | 8 yds | 8 yds |
| Offside | yes | yes |
| Ref/AR | yes | yes |
| subs | any stoppage with ref permission | any stoppage with ref permission |
| Water breaks | mandatory | mandatory |
| fouls | all IFK and DFK rules apply | all IFK and DFK rules apply |
| coaches | must be on roster | must have laminated pass |
| Substitions | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Red Card Reports | ||
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Our home fields are located at the Eagle Harbor Soccer Complex in Clay County, and we are one of the largest soccer clubs in Florida. We serve over 2500 youths of Clay and neighboring counties for Recreational, Academy, Premier and Semi-Professional Soccer.