Additional Rules for In Town
The rules of In Town play are similar to the U10, 7v7 travel games with the following differences:
Rosters - No rosters are needed for the Sunday In-town games
Division 2 (6 –7 year olds)
Plays four - 10-minute quarters. Halftime breaks 3 -5 minutes maximum
Play 4v4 games with NO Goalie !.
Coaches are allowed on the field during play for a short time
• They will play games on the far right field looking from the snack shack facing the fields.
Division 1 (7 - 8year olds)
Plays four – 12-minute quarters. Halftime breaks 3 -5 minutes maximum
Plays 5v5 games with A GOALIE ! (Goalies should have a different color shirt or pullover)
Coaches are NOT allowed on the field during play
• They will play games on the far left field looking from the snack shack facing the fields.
SAFETY
• Referees & coaches will check the nets before every game. DO NOT play the game if nets are not secured.
• Referees will quickly line players up for equipment check (no watches or jewelry of any kind including studs).
Players must have shin pads and be reminded not to kick the ball when the goalie has possession
Kick off
Games must start on time, the referee will select a team to kick off & then rotate the kick off every quarter
Referees should keep the game moving, and help instruct the rules of the game if necessary.
Whistles
• You should use loud whistles and explain their calls loudly to the coaches, players, and fans so they can learn the rules also. Referees should use correct hand signals and point to, or place the ball in correct location
Free Kicks
• Referees should direct the players to where and what corner kicks, goal kicks and throw-ins are.
• Referees may allow play to continue on a one time double kick infraction by a player
Throw-ins
• Referees may allow a player to re-throw an obvious bad throw in, stop the game and quickly show them how to do it and let them try again.
• Referees may also allow play to continue if a foot is slightly lifted or if the ball is not completely behind the head
Substitutions
• No substitutions on the fly. Substitution by either team can be made during any stoppage in play, throw-ins, corners kicks, etc.
• Coaches are urged not to continually ask the referee how much time is left. To avoid any unnecessary substitutions, referees should yell when there is 1 minute left in quarter.
Running up the score
• Coaches are urged not to run up the score and a 4-goal limit is trying to be incorporated. Referees may inform coaches if the score is getting well beyond 4 goals
MODIFIED RULES FOR 7 ON 7 PLAY
Playing Field
The game will be played side to side in half a normal field. The goal line and halfway line of the normal field will make the touchlines of the small field. The field dimensions shall be approximately 50 by 60 yards.
Markings
• Kick-off point at center of the small field
• No goal area. Penalty area marked by the penalty line 12 yards from the goal line, one side of the field to the other
Goals
• Approximately 6 feet tall by 4 yards wide, where available
• If these small goals are unavailable, standard 8 feet tall by 8 yards wide will be used
Number of players
A team will consist of 7 players (including the goalkeeper) and a minimum of 5players. Max roster size = 13 players.
The Ball
Size 3 ball shall be used for all ages under U10. Size 4 ball shall be used for U10 and U12. Size 5 ball shall be used for U14 and older.
Duration of play
All 7v7 games shall consist of two 30 minute halves with a half time interval of 5 minutes.
Offside Law
The offside law does not apply.
8 Yard Rule
Opposing players shall be 8 yards from the ball on the kickoff, corner kicks, direct kicks, and indirect kicks, rather than 10 yards as normally required for 11v11 play. On goal kicks opposing players are required to be outside the penalty area.
Penalty Kick
The penalty spot will be 9 yards from the center of the goal where goals are 6 feet by 4 yards are used. Where goals 8 feet by 8 yards are used, the penalty spot will be 12 yards from the center of the goal. All players except the goalie and kicker must be behind the center of the field until the ball is kicked.
Goalkeeper Save
After a goalkeeper takes possession, the ball must next touch a player or the field in the defensive half of the field or there is a loss of the ball. Play restarts with an indirect free kick at the halfway line. Applies to throws, punts & drop kicks.
Goal Kick
The goal kick shall be taken in the penalty area from anywhere at least 6 yards behind the penalty line. On a goal kick, the ball must next touch a player or the field in the defensive half of the field or there is loss of the ball. Play restarts with an indirect free kick at the halfway line.
Indirect Kicks
Indirect kicks by the offensive team due to a foul by the defense within the penalty area shall be taken from the point on the “Penalty Line” nearest the spot of the infraction.
Drop Balls
A drop ball within the penalty area shall be taken from the point on the “Penalty Line” nearest the spot of the infraction.
Throw Ins
If a team is making a substitution on its own throw in, then the other team may also make substitution.