4 V 4 OFFICIAL RULES
Ball Size: Size Three (3)
Field Size: 25 yards x 30 yards
Goal Size: 5' high x 5' wide
Coaches:
1. There shall be no more than two (2) coaches on the sidelines of a game, per team.
Number of Players:
- The maximum number of players on the field per team at any one time is four (4). The game is played without a goalkeeper.
- Substitutions are unlimited and are allowed at quarter end and half time, for injuries and during any dead-ball situation including kick-ins, goal kicks, kick-offs, and corner kicks.
- Playing Time: Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time, regardless of skill level, as long as the child arrives prepared to play in the proper uniform, is not under disciplinary suspension and is not physically handicapped due to illness or injury.
The Referee:
- The coaches or their designee will serve as the referees on the field.
Duration of the Game:
- The game shall be divided into four (4) twelve (12) minute quarters.
- There shall be a two (2) minute break between quarters one and two, and between quarters three and four.
- There shall be a half-time break of five (5) minutes.
The Start of Game
- Play is started by kick-off at the center of the field at the beginning of each quarter, and after each goal is scored. Players of the defending team shall stand on their side of the field, no closer to the ball than five (5) yards from the center mark when the kick-off is taken.
- Teams shall rotate kick-offs each quarter.
Ball In and Out of Play:
Note: The rules for kick-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks are designed to quickly get the ball back into play. Coaches are strongly encouraged to NOT treat restart situations as “set plays"; they should avoid significantly delaying the restart of play by fine-tuning the positioning of players before allowing the ball to be played in. The intent is to maximize the time that the ball is “in play” on the field for maximum player development.
- Pass-Ins: Any ball crossing the touch-line will result in a kick-in for the opposing team. Players shall place the ball on the line, where the ball exited the field, and pass the ball in. Players of the team defending the kick-in shall not be positioned any closer than five (5) yards from the ball. Players shall not take throw-ins.
- Goal Kicks: Any ball crossing the goal line that was last touched by the attacking team will result in a goal kick to be taken by the defending team. When setting up for the goal kick, players of the team defending the goal kick shall not be positioned in the kicking team’s half of the field (all players on the team defending the kick shall drop back to their own half). The ball shall be placed at the top of the Goal Arc.
- Corner Kicks: Any ball crossing the goal line that was last touched by the defending team will result in a corner kick to be taken by the attacking team. Players of the team defending the corner kick shall not be positioned any closer than five (5) yards from the ball.
- There are no throw-ins in the U-7 age group.
Goal Area:
There are no goalkeepers, therefore, players shall not stand inside the marked goal area nor block the mouth of the goal during play. Rather, players should only enter the goal area to win the ball while actively defending against an offensive player, or to take possession of a loose ball. Respecting the goal area rules will foster a more exciting game with more scoring opportunities and will create situations in which players can learn the correct principles of defending.
Free Kicks:
Free Kicks are not applicable for this age group. Play should be restarted after a stoppage by coaches as soon as possible to best keep play in progress.
Offside:
The offside rule is not applicable to this age group.
Misc. Rules:
- GYSA encourages healthy and positive sports competition and puts a priority on the developmental process and the quality of play instead of the game outcome. It is not our desire to instill the "killer instinct" in the player, but rather to foster physical fitness, knowledge of the sport, agility, quick thinking and aggressive offensive and defensive play. Dangerous play and/or abusive language to coaches, players, or referees will not be tolerated.
- Parents/coaches and spectators should be there to enjoy the game, foster a positive sporting environment and to encourage the activity of all the youngsters participating in the game. Please leave the “coaching” to the coaches.
- Parents, spectators and coaches should not keep score – leave that to the players. Seek always to build character through soccer by focusing on the long-term developmental process over the short-term result of a game.