Livermore Youth Soccer League

U5 (Class 4) Rules of the Game Modifications

Updated: 8/24/06

 Age Group

Players on Roster

Maximum

Players on field

Minimum

Players on field

Use Goal Keeper

Time per Half

Quarter break

Half Time

U5

8

4 (no goalie)

3 (no goalie)

no

16

2 min

5 min

This section defines the rule modifications for the LYSL Under-5 Class 4 (House) program. Unless otherwise stated, FIFA rules apply.

       LAW I.   THE FIELD OF PLAY

a.       The field of play shall be rectangular. The length shall exceed the width.

                                                                        i.      Size: 20-30 yards x 15-20 yards.

b.      Markings:

                                                                        i.      Distinctive lines from 2 to 5 inches wide. Halfway line, Center circle, four corner arcs, Goal area.

c.       Goals:

                                                                        i.      The goals shall consist of two upright posts and equidistant from the corner flags.

                                                                       ii.      Measurements: Five feet high and Two yards wide (six feet).

d.      Coach and Players on one side of the field; parents and other observers on the other side of the field.

     LAW II.   THE BALL

a.       Conform to FIFA.

b.      Size three (3).

  LAW III.   THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS

a.       Conform to FIFA, with the following exceptions:

                                                                        i.      Maximum number players on the field at anyone time is four (4). No goalkeeper.

                                                                       ii.      Teams must field at least two (2) players

                                                                     iii.      Maximum number of players on the roster should not exceed eight (8).

                                                                     iv.      Substitutions:

1.      During quarter break and at halftime.

2.      After any injury, by either team.

3.      Any stoppage in play by either team.

b.      Playing Time: Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time per game attended.

  LAW IV.   THE PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT

a.       Conform to FIFA, with the following exception:

                                                                        i.      Shin-guards are MANDATORY.

b.      Note: A player shall not wear anything which is dangerous to another player or to himself, this includes any jewelry, braces, casts, or other item deemed unsafe by the referee or game monitor.

    LAW V.   THE REFEREE

a.       Conform to FIFA, with the following exception:

                                                                        i.      U5 games use a “game monitor”.

                                                                       ii.      May be a certified referee, parent, coach or assistant.

                                                                     iii.      Duties are the same as a Referee under FIFA Laws of The Game: keep time, enforce the rules, stop and restart play. Responsible for making decisions on points connected to the game and the decisions are final.

                                                                     iv.      Shall be encouraged to explain an infraction to the offending player, without undue delay of the game or showing favoritism to either team. The Referee should address both teams, not an individual, while doing so.

b.      If a player continues to use incorrect skill after advised by the referee as to the correct method – allow play to continue but advise by word that the error is being overlooked for the good of the game.

c.       Keep playing environment FUN, SAFE, and focused on the players.

  LAW VI.   THE ASSISTANT REFEREE

a.       There is no Linesman/Assistant Referee.

LAW VII.   THE DURATION OF THE MATCH

a.       Conform to FIFA, with the following exception:

                                                                        i.      The game shall be divided into four (4) eight (8) minute quarters.

                                                                       ii.      There shall be a two (2) minute break between the first and second quarters.

                                                                     iii.      Half-time break shall not exceed five (5) minutes.

                                                                     iv.      There shall be a two (2) minute break between the third and fourth quarters.

                                                                      v.      The total playing time of the game shall not exceed one (1) hour from the scheduled start time.

LAW VIII.   START AND RESTART OF PLAY

a.       Conform to FIFA, with the following exception:

                                                                        i.      Opponent must be six (6) yards from the center until the ball is in play.

b.      Note: The ball is not in play until it travels its own circumference and cannot be touched by kicker a second time until touched by another player.

  LAW IX.   THE BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

a.       Conform to FIFA.

    LAW X.   THE METHOD OF SCORING

a.       Conform to FIFA.

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

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

  LAW XI.   OFFSIDE

a.       U5 has no offsides.

LAW XII.   FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

a.       Conform to FIFA.

b.      Note: A “foul" is any play which possibly could result in injury.

LAW XIII.   FREE KICKS

a.       Conform to FIFA, with the following exceptions:

                                                                        i.      All free kicks are indirect. A goal may not be scored until the ball has been played or touched by a second player (not necessarily from the same team). The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves.

LAW XIV.   THE PENALTY KICK

a.       U5 has no penalty kicks.

LAW XV.   THE THROW-IN

a.       Conform to FIFA, with the following exception:

                                                                        i.      If the ball is improperly thrown in the throw-in shall be re-taken after an explanation.

                                                                       ii.      If the ball is improperly thrown in the 2nd time a player of the opposing team shall take the throw-in.

LAW XVI.   THE GOAL KICK

a.       Conform to FIFA, with the following exception:

                                                                        i.      Opponents must be five (5) yards away from the ball.

                                                                       ii.      Goal kick may be taken from any point inside the goal area.

LAW XVII.   THE CORNER KICK

a.       Conform to FIFA, with the following exception:

                                                                        i.      Opponents must be five (5) yards away from the ball.

                                                                       ii.      May be taken from any point inside the corner arcs. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves.

 

PUBLICITY AND SCORING:

Scores of games will not be recorded or publicized. Individual statistics may be publicized.

 

NOTE TO GAME MONITOR:

Help these kids learn how to play within the laws of the game. Gently instruct them regarding why a call was made, and what to do from that point.

 

NOTE COACHES, PARENTS, AND OTHER OBSERVERS:

Discussion with the Game Monitor on decisions must be after the game has completed. Let the player have FUN. It is their game.