Under 5 - Rules of Play

Field Size: Approximately 30 yards long by 20 yards wide. Coaches help set up the field for the first game of the night, and coaches will put away the goals after the last game.Approximately 30 yards long by 20 yards wide. Coaches help set up the field for the first game of the night, and coaches will put away the goals after the last game.

Penalty Area: None

Goal Size: Approximately 3 feet high by 5 feet wide. Differing size goals are acceptable at this age group.

Parents/Coaches: Coaches are to take one side of the field with the team. Parents are to take the opposite side of the field. One coach per team is allowed on the field to help direct their team. Coaches may not move players to advantageous points on the field and must avoid getting in the way. All other coaches must be on the sideline not on the ends of the field. If a coach does not have any help for the game in terms of sitting on the sideline with the players, a parent may help. Keep the coaching minimum and let them play!

Ball Size: #3

Runaway Games: It is not good for any player at this age group to be involved in a blowout. It is not good for the players of the team with more goals and it is not good for the team that is behind. CFU requests that once a team is winning by four goals either one of the following options are employed. 1) Mixing the teams to make them even. 2) Letting the weaker team play with an extra player. Not 2-3 extra players. 3) The stronger team playing with 1 player less. If a team is winning by 6 goals then the teams must be mixed. All of these methods should be done discreetly so that it is not a big deal. If this is not being done please see a field marshall.

Field Players: 4

Goalkeeper: None

Playing Time: All players must play approximately the same amount of time in each game. This does not mean some players play a half each while others play the majority of the game.

Time: Four periods each lasting 10 minutes. A 2-minute break between periods and a 5-minute break for half time. The total length of the game excluding brakes is 40 minutes.

Kickoff: The home team kicks off the first half and teams rotate kickoffs in every period. Kickoffs will occur from the center of the filed. Opponents will be on their side of the field and at least 3 yards form the ball. The team with the ball must be on their side of the field until the ball is put into play. At this age group it is not necessary for the ball to move forward on the first touch. Teams will not switch ends of play unless conditions of the field/weather are such that it gives an unfair advantage. The referee decides this and his/her decision is final.

Offside: None

Penalties: All penalties are restarted with an indirect free kick. That means another player must touch the ball before it goes into the goal. Major penalties include intentional handball, tripping, pushing, and dangerous play. All fouls within 5 yards of the goal are to be moved 5 yards from the goal line. To place the ball use an imaginary arc 5 yards from the goal and place the ball on the arc at a spot in line with the goal and the foul. All opponents must remain three yards from the ball until it is kicked.

Referee: Yes. We often use young referees to work these games. No negative comments, yelling, or harassing of these young people will be tolerated. If you have issues with an official please find a field marshal. We hope these young people will continue to officiate in the years to come and we cannot afford to chase them off.

Out of Play: (The ball must be completely over the line to be considered out of play!)

• If a ball goes over the sideline (touchline) the ball will be kicked in by the team which did not last touch it, at the spot the ball went out of bounds. If the throw is illegal, the player will be given a second chance.
• If the ball goes over the end line and is last touched by the defensive team, it is a corner kick. This will be restarted by the attacking team getting a free kick from the corner of the field closest to where the ball went out of play. All defenders must be at least 3 yards from the ball until it is kicked.
• If the ball goes over the end line and is last touched by the attacking team it is a goal kick. A free kick will be given to the defending team from anywhere within 3 yards of their goal. All defending players must be 3 yards or more from the ball. The idea is to let the players get the ball back into play again.

Planted Players: No player may be given a place to stand, guard, wait, or watch over. All players must be given the freedom to move in relation to the ball. In fact it should look like bunch ball. We are not looking for kids who go on the field and get caught standing. We are not looking for players who have been told to stay in one place on the field and have no freedom to move appropriately. These are players that have lost complete connectivity or do not have the ability to support their team through the direction of the coach. If you have a question or issue with this during your game please see a field marshal and let me know of the problem.

Coaching Credentials: Only registered coaches may be on the player’s side during the game unless it is an emergency and needed by the coach to watch the bench. Please let the field marshal know before the game begins if someone is not registered and will be on the players side of the field.