Running Up the Score

Coaches must also refrain from comments or actions which degrade and humiliate the other players or coach.  A coach yelling from the sideline to his/her team that the other team is bad and to stop scoring so we don’t get in trouble with the league, is an example of past poor behavior that has been reported to the league.

If a team is clearly superior to the other team, once that team is already winning by four or five goals, the team in the lead should give priority to aspects of the game other than scoring a goal. For example, completing as many consecutive passes as possible while keeping the ball away from the opponent; or working the ball forward with short controlled passes until reaching the opponent’s goal box, then maintaining possession and working the ball the other direction with short controlled passes to your own goal box.

If the difference in the playing level of the teams is one or two dominant players, work on developing the weaker aspects of those players’ soccer skill set. Consider making those players touch the ball left footed/non-dominate foot, or have a one, two or three touch max before they must pass to a team mate. A coach could also have a dominant field player move to goalkeeper. Coaches and parents should also keep in mind, if a player is not being sufficiently challenged by playing at the Recreational/In House level, they may benefit by switching to Club/Travel soccer (typically tryouts are in approximately late February, with detailed information published on the napaunited.org website).

Be creative in solving this problem. A coach is doing NONE of the players on the field any good if that coach has a player who can repeatedly toe the ball into the top of the opponent’s goal from midfield and the coach “wins” every game in this manner. The idea is to develop your players’ soccer skill set in a fun, instructive environment, while not humiliating an opponent.

Under 10 Modified Rules for Recreational

Unless otherwise modified by these rules, the most current FIFA Laws of the Game, shall govern the rules of play.

Field of Play

• Dimensions: The field of play shall be approximately 45 yards wide by 60 yards long. Napa United will line the fields.

• Markings: Distinctive lines from 2-5 inches wide, halfway line, center circle with a 8 yard radius, four corner arcs (2 foot radius), a goal box approximately 30 yards wide by approximately 14 yards deep.

• Spectators: Spectators should remain on the field opposite the teams’ sidelines, and never enter the field of play.

• The goals shall be approximately 12 feet wide by approximately 6 feet high and shall be placed on the end lines equidistant from the corner flags.

• Build Out Line: To encourage player development, a buildout line is marked equidistant between top of the penalty box and the halfway line. All restarts from the goalkeeper must start behind the buildout line. Opposing team must retreat to the buildout line before play resumes. Goalkeepers cannot drop kick. Once the goalkeeper resumes play, the opposing team can cross the buildout line.

The Ball

Size four (#4)

Number of Players

• Under 10 teams will play 7 vs. 7, with goalkeepers. Playing time: each player shall participate in a minimum of 50% of the total game time.

• Substitutions can be requested on any stoppage of the game. Substitutions can only be made after the referee has acknowledged and approved the request. Players must wait at the halfway line to be substitute.

Players' Equipment

• Jersey, shorts, shin guards must be underneath socks.

• No jewelry. No hard casts allowed.

• Players shall not be allowed to wear anything dangerous to themselves or any other players.

• The team listed as the home team shall wear black and supply the game balls.

Referee

Typically only one referee will be assigned to a game at the U10 level. The referee should explain all infractions to the offending player, without undue delay of the game or showing favoritism to either team. Ideally the referee should address both teams, to maximize the learning opportunity.

If a referee does not show up for a game, unless otherwise agreed by the coaches, each coach shall referee one half of the game.

Abuse of a Referee

Abuse of the referee by coaches, spectators or players will not be tolerated. Reports of such behavior will be investigated by the League and, if confirmed, will result in appropriate discipline against the offending party.

Missed or “blown calls” will always be a part of the game, even at the highest professional levels. At our U10 level, the referees are often our youngest and most vulnerable. Too often these young referees quit after very bad experiences.

Coaches must always behave appropriately and must always require the same from their players and spectators. Coaches must be a part of the solution to referee abuse, not a source of the problem.

Duration of the Game

• The game is to be divided into two halves 25 minutes each.

• Half-time break shall not exceed 5 minutes.

The Start of Play

A kick-off starts play at the beginning of each half and restarts play after a goal has been scored.  The opponents must be outside of the center circle when the kick-off is being taken. A goal may be scored directly from a kick-off.

NOTE: The ball is in play once initially touched. The initial kicker cannot touch it a second time until another player touches it.

Ball In and Out of Play

The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal or touchlines.

Method of Scoring

• The whole of the ball must cross the goal line between the goal posts and under the cross bar.

• The ball cannot be thrown, carried, or intentionally propelled by hand or arm over the goal line.

Off-Sides

The off-side rule is enforced at the build out line.

Free Kicks

All fouls will result in an INDIRECT FREE KICK - with opponent 10 yards away.

On an Indirect Free Kick a goal may be scored against the opposing team only if a second player of either team touches the ball.  No indirect free kicks shall be taken in the goal box. There are no penalty kicks.

Headers are not allowed at this age. Any intentional header will result in an indirect free kick for the opposing team. ***NOTE RULE REGARDING HEADING: U10 players are prohibited from deliberately heading the ball. When the player deliberately heads the ball, an IDFK shall be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.***

Throw-ins

At the moment of delivering the ball the thrower should:

·        Face the field of play

·        Have part of each foot either on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline

·        Hold the ball with both hands

·        Deliver the ball from behind and over the thrower’s head

·        Begin the throw at the point where the ball left the field of play

·        After delivering the ball, the thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. 

All opponents must stand no less than 2 yards from the point at which the throw in is taken.

One re-throw shall be allowed if a foul throw occurs.  The Referee shall explain the fault before the re-throw is taken. If yet another foul throw occurs, then the opposing team shall be awarded the throw in.

Goal Kicks

• A goal kick may be taken from any point inside the goal area.

• Opponents must be behind the buildout line.

Corner Kicks

• May be taken from any point inside the corner arcs, on the side of the field where the ball left the field of play.

• A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.

• Opponents must be 10 yards away from the ball.

League Standings/Scores

Regular season scores and standings are not maintained or reported to the league for this age group.

U8 Modified Rules for Recreational

U8s Play 2 games simultaneously on side-by-side fields.

Law 1. Field of Play

·        Two side by side fields

• Dimensions: Each field of play shall be square (40yds x 30yds).

• Markings: Distinctive lines from 2-5 inches wide.

• Goals: The goals shall be about 8’ wide by 5’ high and equidistant from the corners

Law 2. The Ball: Size three (#3)

Law 3. Number of Players

• 4 (four) per side, no goal keeper.

• Playing time: Each player shall participate in a minimum of 50% of total playing time. The goal of every

 coach is to have all players play equal playing time.

• Substitution: during either stoppages in play or on the fly (like indoor soccer or hockey).

Law 4. Player’s Equipment

The player’s equipment shall consist of a jersey or shirt, shorts, shin-guards under socks, footwear.

NOTE: A player shall not wear anything that is dangerous to another player or him/herself.

Law 5. Referee – none

Two parent/coaches, one from each team at each field – shall observe/assist/encourage.  The parent/coach shall be encouraged to explain an infraction to the offending player, without undue delay of the game or showing favoritism to either team. Parent/coach should address both teams, not an individual, while doing so.

Law 6.  Assistant Referees  - none

Law 7.  Duration of the Game

• The game is to be divided into two halves, 20 minutes each half.

• Half-time break shall not exceed 5 minutes.

Law 8. The Start of Play

A kick-off starts play at the start of each half and restarts play after a goal has been scored.  The opponent must be 6 yards from the center line when kick-off is being taken. A goal may be scored directly from a kick-off.

NOTE: The ball can be played forward or backward on the first touch. It cannot be touched by the initial kicker a second time until it is touched by another player.

Law 9. Ball In and Out of Play

The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal or touch lines.

Law 10. Method of Scoring

• The whole of ball must cross the goal line between posts and under the cross bar.

• The ball cannot be thrown, carried or intentionally propelled by hand or arm over the goal line.

Law 11. Off-Side - None

Law 12. Fouls and Misconduct

1. Fouls

a.      Fouls by hand: Handling the ball. Intentionally holding, pushing, or striking the opponent.

b.       Fouls by feet: Intentionally tripping, kicking, and jumping at the opponent.

c.      Fouls by body: Charging from behind, violent charging (intentional)

2.      The parent/coach should explain all infractions to the offending player in less than 15 seconds.

NOTE: If explanation requires more than 15 seconds, wait for the end of the game to do so.

Law 13.  Free Kicks

All fouls result in free kicks that are indirect.  On an Indirect Free Kick (IDFK) opponents must be at least 6 yds away, a goal may be scored against the opposing team only if the ball is touched by a second player of either team. No indirect free kicks shall be taken in the goal box. ***NOTE RULE REGARDING HEADING: U8 players are prohibited from deliberately heading the ball.  When the player deliberately heads the ball, an IDFK shall be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.***

*** Sliding at this age level is not allowed.  Slide tackling at this age level is considered a dangerous play.

Law 14. Penalty Kicks: No Penalty Kicks

Law 15. Throw-Ins

At the moment of delivering the ball the thrower:

·        Faces the field of play

·        Has part of each foot either on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline

·        Holds the ball with both hands

·        Delivers the ball from behind and over his head

·        Delivers the ball from the point where it left the field of play

·        After delivering the ball the thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. 

All opponents must stand no less than 2 yards from the point at which the throw in is taken.

One re-throw should be allowed if foul throw occurs.  The Coach/parent shall explain fault before re-throw.  The

second throw in should be played.

Law 16. Goal Kick

• Goal kick is taken from marked point.

• Opponents must be 6 yards from the ball.

• A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick.

Law 17. Corner Kick

• Is taken from corner point.

• Opponents must be 6 yards away from the ball

U6 Modified Rules for Recreational

U6s Play 2 games simultaneously on side-by-side fields

Law 1.  Field of Play

·        Two side by side fields

• Dimensions: Each field of play shall be square (30 yds x25 yds).

• Markings: Distinctive lines from 2-5 inches wide.

• Goals: The goals shall be about 6’ wide by 4’ high and equidistant from the corners.

Law 2.  The Ball

Size three (#3)

Law 3.  Number of Players

1. 4 per side, no goal keeper.

2. Playing time: Each player shall participate in a minimum of 50% of total playing time. The goal of every coach is to have all players play equal playing time.

3. Substitution: may be made during either stoppages in play or on the fly (like indoor soccer or hockey).

Law 4.  Player’s Equipment

The player’s equipment shall consist of a jersey or shirt, shorts, shin-guards under socks, footwear.

NOTE: A player shall not wear anything that is dangerous to another player or him/herself.

Law 5.  Referee – none

Two parents or coaches, one from each team at each field, shall observe/assist/encourage.  The parent/coach shall explain any infraction to the offending player, without undue delay of the game or showing favoritism to either team.  The parent/coach should address both teams, not an individual, while doing so.

Law 6.  Assistant Referees  - none

Law 7.  Duration of the Game

1. The game is to be divided into two halves, 20 minutes each half.

2. Half-time break shall not exceed 5 minutes.

Law 8.  The Start of Play A kick-off starts play at the beginning of each half.  The opponent must be 6 yards from the center line when kick-off is being taken. A goal may be scored directly from a kick-off.

NOTE: The ball can be played forward or backward on the first touch. It cannot be touched by the initial kicker a second time until it is touched by another player.

Law 9.  Ball In and Out of Play

The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal or touch lines.

Law 10.  Method of Scoring

1. The whole of ball must cross the goal line between posts and under the cross bar.

2. When a goal is scored, ball is put immediately back in play by a kickoff at midfield.

3. The ball cannot be thrown, carried or intentionally propelled by hand or arm over the goal line.

Law 11.  Off-Side : None

Law 12.  Fouls and Misconduct

1. Fouls

   1. Fouls by hand: Handling the ball. Intentionally holding, pushing, or striking the opponent.

b.       Fouls by feet: Intentionally tripping, kicking, and jumping at the opponent.

                                      c.     Fouls by body: Charging from behind, violent charging (intentional)

Law 13.  Free Kicks 

All fouls result in free kicks that are indirect.  On an Indirect Free Kick (IDFK) opponents must be at least 6 yds away, a goal may be scored against the opposing team only if the ball is touched by a second player of either team. No indirect free kicks shall be taken in the goal box. ***NOTE RULE REGARDING HEADING: U6 players are prohibited from deliberately heading the ball.  When the player deliberately heads the ball, an IDFK shall be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.***  Sliding at this age level is not allowed.

Law 14.  Penalty Kicks

No penalty kicks.

Law 15.  Throw-Ins

At the moment of delivering the ball the thrower:

·        Faces the field of play

·        Has part of each foot either on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline

·        Holds the ball with both hands

·        Delivers the ball from behind and over his head

·        Delivers the ball from the point where it left the field of play

·        After delivering the ball the thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. 

All opponents must stand no less than 2 yards from the point at which the throw in is taken.

One re-throw should be allowed if foul throw occurs.  The Coach/parent shall explain fault before re-throw.  The second throw in should be played.

Law 16.  Goal Kick

• Goal kick may be taken from marked point.

• Opponents must be 6 yards from the ball.

• A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick.

Law 17.  Corner Kick

1. May be taken from corner point.

2. Opponents must be 6 yards away from the ball.