U6 Rules

1. The ball- size 3 ball

2. Number of Players 

• Maximum of three players per team (3v3)
• There are no goalkeepers. All players will play the field. Positioning players in a solely defensive position (stationed in front of the goal) is not permitted. 
• Substitutions are allowed at any stoppage of play.  Hockey-style substitutions may be used so long as the player to be substituted is off the field prior to the entry of the new player.
• Players are allowed to enter either field and play at any time. 
• All players should have equal playing time. Coaches are responsible for ensuring equal playing time. 

3. Officiating

• Each team will provide a Game Monitor. One Game Monitor will be used per field. Parents, coaches, assistant coaches, referees, and other people with soccer experience may serve as Game Monitor.
• The responsibility of Game Monitors is to keep the game flowing as smoothly and rapidly as possible.

4. Duration of the Game

• Each game will have four, 10-minute quarters. There will be three minutes between quarters.
• The clock shall not be stopped for anything except a significant delay due to injury.
• Teams switch ends after the second quarter.
• Teams alternate the four kick-offs that start each quarter. 

5. Start and Restart of Play

• On all “free kicks” (goal kicks, corner kicks, kick-offs, kick-ins, and indirect kicks), the defending players must be at least four yards from the ball.
• The ball is kicked off to start the game and after a goal from the exact center of the field. The defending players must be outside the center circle until the ball is played. The ball must go forward on the first kick and may not be touched by the player who kicked of until another player from either team has touched it. This will result in a re-kick.
• Play is considered dead when the ball completely crosses the goal line or touchline (sideline). If any part of the ball is on the field or touching the line, the ball is still in play.
• If the ball is out of play over the touchline, the team last touching the ball loses possession. The other team will put the ball back in using a kick-in (NO THROW-INS WILL BE ALLOWED!). The ball will be placed at the spot it went out. The defending team must not be closer than four yards away. The kick-in is classified as an indirect kick. Another player must touch the ball before a goal is scored.
• If the ball goes out of play over the goal line, the team that last touched the ball loses possession.  i. If the attacking team gains possession, it puts the ball into play with a corner kick. The defending team must be at least four yards away (free kick distance) when the ball is kicked.  ii. If the defending team gains possession, it puts the ball into play with agoal kick. The kick may be taken anywhere inside the goal arc. Opponents must be at least Free Kick Distance away.
• When a goal is scored, the team scored upon re-starts the game with a kick-off from the center of the field.
• If the Game Monitor halts play due to injury or other event not covered in these rules, the game is restarted with a drop ball.
• The player taking the free kick may not touch the ball again until it has been touched by another player.

6. Method of Scoring

• When the ball is kicked completely across the goal line and between the goal posts.
• Players cannot enter the “crease” located in front of each goal. Any ball that stops moving inside the crease will result in a goal kick by the team defending that goal, regardless of who played the ball. Any infraction of the crease rule will result in either a goal (if the infraction occurs by the team defending that goal) or a free kick from the edge of the crease (if the infraction occurs by the team attacking).

7. Fouls and Misconduct

• Fouls are as follows:  § Tripping (trips an opponent without first contact with the ball)  § Violent Play (striking, kicking, pushing, and abusive language)  § Hand Ball (player uses hands or arms in a deliberate attempt to control the ball)  § Dissent (this includes disruptive behavior, failure to follow instruction from the Game Monitor, failure to retreat the Free Kick distance)
• If a foul is committed, the Game Monitor or Coach can briefly explain the infraction to the player.
• A foul results in an indirect free kick for the team against which it was committed. A goal may not be scored on an indirect free kick until it has been touched be another player of either team. Opponents must be at least four yards away. If a foul occurs within four yards of the opponent’s goal, an indirect kick will placed on the edge of the goal arc.
• If a foul is particularly violent or if a player repeatedly fouls, thee Game Monitor may require that the player be substituted out. The player may reenter the game at the next substitution opportunity.

8. One-sided Games

• If a team draws ahead by three goals, the team’s coach should use methods to reduce his/her team’s scoring. This may include resting the most effective players and/or instructing players to stay in the defensive half.
• If a team draws ahead by four goals, the other team will add one player to the field. When the goal differential is reduced to three, each team may play at 3v3.
• If a team draws ahead by five or more goals, the other team should add a fifth player until the goal differential is reduced.