Mad River Youth Soccer League

“The small-sided game”
No standings or scores are to be kept for this age group. The focus of these games should be on skill development, sportsmanship and enjoyment.
1.	The first two teams on the field are responsible for setting up the field and the last two teams are responsible for policing the field, taking down the nets, and storing all of the equipment at the field building./td>
2.	Each team will be divided into two groups to play two side-by-side concurrent games, of four players per side, including goalkeeper. All teams are to play the same number of players on the field at all times. Coaches may freely substitute players between the two fields at regular substitution opportunities.
3.	In the event of a team arriving with less than 8 players, the Coaches will agree on a format that is “equal and fair” not to exceed 4 v 4, (Example: one mini- game of 4 v 4 and another of 3 v 3)
4.	Game time is 4 periods, 10 minutes long, with 2-minute breaks at the 1st and 3rd quarters and a five minute break at half-time. Coaches should call for a substitution when a player looks tired and to alternate all players into the game throughout the period.
5.	No one is permitted to PRACTICE or PLAY without shin guards.
6.	Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of your game.
7.	There are no direct or penalty kicks in this age group - only indirect kicks.
8.	No “offsides” rules apply in this age group.
9.	Players should play all the positions at every game; no player should be goalie at every game, several players should alternate in this position.
10.	Each mini team should have a coach, assistant coach or team parent in charge to do the substitutions. Spectators are to sit on the outsides of the field, with coaches & players in the middle, between the fields.
Restarts (when the ball goes out of play):
1.	Throw in when it goes out the side lines.
2.	Goal kick (or corner) when it goes out the end line. Goal kick to be taken from the “hash mark” 3 yards in field, inside the “magic circle”. NOTE: all opposing players must be IN THEIR OWN HALF at the taking of a goal kick. The goal kick may not travel across the half line without being played/touched by another player. However, for the ball to be “in play’ from a goal kick, it must leave the “magic circle”.
3.	“Goalies” may only use their hands in the “magic circle”. All kick outs and throw outs after handling the ball must touch another player before crossing the half line.
4.	A goal may not be scored on a throw-in, a goal kick, or a free kick.
5.	Infringement of the rules of the game - tripping, handling, etc - will be called and an indirect free kick will be given (ball must be touched by two players before a shot or score is made).
6.	All players must be at least 5 yards from the ball on free kicks and corner kicks.
No one is permitted to PRACTICE or PLAY without shin guards.