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Gilbert Youth Soccer Association

Gilbert Youth Soccer Association

U4 Rules

4 V 4 OFFICIAL RULES

Ball Size: Size three (3)
Field Size: 10 yards x 15 yards
Goal Size: 6-foot-wide "pop-up" goals should be used.

Coaches:
 
1. There shall be no more than two (2) coaches on the sidelines of a game, per team.

Players:

  1. The maximum number of players on the field per team at any one time is four (4). The game is played without a goalkeeper.
  2. Substitutions are unlimited and are allowed during any dead-ball situation and for injuries.
  3. 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:

  1. The coaches will serve as the referees on the field.

Duration of the U4 Session:

  1. Each U4 session begins with a 25-minute team "practice" session, followed by a 4v4 game. Game duration is not firmly set and will be dependent upon the interest level of the young players. Typically, a U4 4v4 game should last for a maximum of 25 minutes.  Overall, U4 sessions should last for a maximum of 45-50 minutes.
  2. Coaches will determine appropriate break times. Breaks should be brief and only taken as necessary to provide refreshments and to make substitutions.

The Start of Play:

Play should be started by coaches' rolling the ball on to the field of play.

Ball In and Out of Play:

Any ball crossing the touch line or goal line should be redirected back onto the field of play by the coaches or facilitators of the game to best keep play in progress. Coaches are also encouraged to keep spare balls in their hands to roll a new ball onto the field as needed, to minimize lulls in play. There are no formal restarts of play, such as throw-ins or kick-ins.

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:

  • G.Y.S.A. 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.
  • U4 players will not be granted permission to play up due to safety reasons.
  • Parents 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.

Contact

Gilbert Youth Soccer Association (GYSA)
Field Location: 4260 S. Greenfield Rd.Gilbert AZ 85297 
Gilbert, Arizona 85297

Email: [email protected]

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