UNDER-5/6 AGE LEVELS
3 V 3 PLAYING RULES

Ball size: Size 3 soccer ball.

Number of players on field: Maximum is 3 per team on each field. Each team plays two games concurrently. The coaches and substitutes will stay between the two fields. The coaches are to monitor both games and substitute their players into each game. There is no goal keeper in 3 v 3 soccer, and defenders are not allowed to be stationed inside the marked goal area. A minimum of 4 players are needed to start the two games.

Number of players on team roster: Maximum of 10. Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time.

Substitutions: You may substitute players at the quarter break, half-time, on your team's throw-in or kick-in, after a goal has been scored by either team, on either team's goal kick, or if play is stopped for an injury. You are allowed only to play children rostered to your team. Playing ineligible players will result in disciplinary action by the league or state organization.

Equipment: Shin guards are required and must be worn inside of the sock. Soft-cleated soccer shoes or tennis shoes are allowed. Baseball and football spikes are not allowed. No jewelry (including earrings), watches, hard hair bands or barrettes, or bracelets can be worn.

Referees: Game referees will be parent volunteers, with one referee on each field. All rule infractions should be briefly explained to the offending player. Whistles will not be used. The referee is not to act as a coach, but may give helpful instructions to both teams.

Duration of the game: The game is divided into 4 quarters of 8 minutes each. Breaks between the quarters shall last only 1 minute each. The half-time break will last 5 minutes.

Kick-offs: Opponents should be 3 yards from the center mark while the kick-off is in progress. The ball must travel forward before another player touches it. The initial kicker may not play the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player of either team.

Ball in and out of play: The ball is in play until it entirely crosses the touchline or goal line or until the referee stops play.

Scoring: The entire ball must cross the goal line between the goal posts and under the cross bar for a goal to be scored. Although there are no standings and scores are not recorded, it is each coach's responsibility not to run up the score on either field.

Fouls and misconduct: The referee will explain all infractions to the offending player. All fouls will result in an indirect free kick.

Off-sides: None; but an attacker may not be stationed inside the other team's goal area.

Free kicks: All free kicks will be indirect. A goal may not be scored from an indirect kick until the ball has been touched by another player from either team. When a free kick is being taken, the other team's players must remain at least 3 yards away from the ball. No free kicks shall be taken by the attacking team within 3 yards of the defending team's goal. There are no penalty kicks.

Throw-ins/kick-ins: The player has the option to place the ball on the ground and kick it into the playing field or to throw it in. A kick-in is an indirect kick. If thrown in, both feet must touch the ground during the throw-in. Both hands must be used to throw the ball in. The ball must start from behind the player's head and pass over it. If a throw-in is taken incorrectly, the referee will give correcting instructions and allow the player one additional throw-in. On a second incorrect throw-in by the same player, the opposing team is awarded the throw-in. A player may not distract or impede an opponent performing a throw-in/kick-in. The player throwing or kicking the ball in cannot play the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player of either team.

Goal kicks: A goal kick restarts the game after the ball entirely crosses the goal line (outside or goal) and is last touched by an attacker. The goal kick may be taken from any point along the goal line outside the goal. Opponents must be at least 3 yards away from the ball. The kicker may not play the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player from either team.

Corner kicks: Officially there are no corner kicks. However, the attacking team will have a throw-in/kick-in (see above) at the side of the field when the ball crosses the goal line (outside the goal) and is last touched by a defender. The throw-in/kick-in must be taken near the corner of the field.

Injuries: In case of injuries, it is up to the discretion of the referee and coaches whether to continue playing the game or to stop play.

On-Field Coaching: Coaches may enter the field only to set players for kick-offs. Coaches must leave the field before play is resumed. Only the referee and players--not coaches--are allowed on the field during play.

Location of fans: Only coaches and players are allowed between the two playing fields. Parents and other spectators are only allowed to be at the end of the fields or as indicated by the location of bleachers, and not directly behind or close to a goal.

Recommendations:

Safety and First Aid: The coach is responsible for the health and safety of the players. You should have a first aid kit and your copy of the registration forms with you at every game and practice in case of injury. Also, AHFSH recommends that all players who wear glasses wear sport safety goggles. This will help prevent injuries to children who wear glasses as well as the other players.

Opposing coaches and players should shake hands after the games. Line the players on the center line to shake hands. Parents may form a tunnel to let the opposing team players and their own children run through the tunnel.

Parent should not coach or instruct players during the game and coaches are advised to refrain from over-coaching during the game.

September 11, 2002

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