Do not record league standings.

Do not record final score.

Participation awards for all – no trophies or awards just for the best team.

Parent/coaches, non-playing players, parents and spectators should be located not less than six (6) yards from outside the touchline, nor should they be closer than twenty (20) yards to the goal line.

No individual should be allowed to run the length of the field except participants of the game.

Parent/coaches should not coach or instruct players during the game.

No alcoholic beverages or tobacco products will be consumed or allowed near the playing area.

No “slide tackling” is permitted in this age group.

LAW I                     THE FIELD

A.       Markings:

1.      Distinctive lines not more than five (5) inches wide.

2.      A halfway line shall be marked out across the field.

3.      A center circle with a six (6) yard radius.

4.      Four corner arcs, each with a two (2) foot radius.

5.      Goal area – six (6) yards from each goal post and six (6) yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.

6.      A penalty area may be used, the size of which shall be in proportion to the size of the field.

LAW II                   THE BALL

A.       Size three (3)

LAW III                NUMBER OF PLAYERS

A.       Maximum number of players on the field at any one time – five (5).  One of whom must be the goalkeeper.

B.        Maximum number of players on the roster should not exceed – ten (10).

C.       Minimum number of players required to field a team – four.

D.       Substitutions:

1.      Injuries.

2.      See Law VII.

E.        Playing Time:  Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of all total playing time.

F.        Teams and games may be co-ed. 

LAW IV                PLAYERS EQUIPMENT

Player’s equipment must conform to FIFA with the following exceptions:

A.       Footwear:  Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes.

LAW V                  REFEREE

A.       Registered referee.

B.        Associate referee.

C.       Parent/Coach or Assistant.

D.       Referee’s decision on points of fact connected with the game shall be final.

E.        All rule infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending player.

F.        Only registered referees have the power to caution players.

LAW VI                ASSISTANT REFEREE

Use Club Linesmen.

LAW VII             DURATION OF GAME

A.       The game shall be divided into four (4) equal twelve (12) minute quarters.

B.        There shall be a two (2) minute break between quarters one (1) and two (2), and another two (2) minute break between quarters three (3) and four (4).

C.       There shall be a half-time break of five (5) minutes between quarters two (2) and three (3).

 LAW VIII           THE START OF PLAY

Conform to FIFA with the following exception:

A.       Opponents must be a minimum of five (5) yards from center mark while kickoff is in progress.

 LAW IX                BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

Conform to FIFA. 

LAW X                  METHOD OF SCORING

Conform to FIFA.

LAW XI                OFF-SIDE

There shall be no off-side rule.

 LAW XII             FOULS AND CONDUCT

Conform to FIFA with the following exceptions:

A.       All fouls will result in an indirect free kick with the opponents a minimum of five (5) yards away.

B.        The referee must explain all infractions to the offending player.

C.       No caution or ejections shall be issued to players in the form of a yellow or red card, but verbal warnings/punishment may be issued as deemed necessary by the referee.

 LAW XIII           FREE KICK

Conform to FIFA with the following exceptions:

A.       Shall be classified under one heading – indirect.

B.        A goal may not be scored until the ball has been played or touched by a second player of either team.

C.       No kicks shall be taken by the attacking team from within the defending team’s goal box.

LAW XIV          PENALTY KICK

No penalty kicks are to be taken during these games.

 LAW XV             THROW-IN

Conform to FIFA with the following exceptions:

A.       A second throw-in must be allowed if the player commits a foul on initial attempt.  The referee shall explain the proper method before allowing the player to re-throw.

LAW XVI          GOAL KICK

Conform to FIFA with the following exceptions:

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

B.        Opponents must be a minimum of five (5) yards away from the ball.

 LAW XVII        CORNER KICK

 Conform to FIFA with the following exceptions:

A.       Opponents must be a minimum of five (5) yards away from the ball.

Excerpt below from Chapter 3 Rules and Regulations concerning Game Postponement, Suspension or Abandonment:

3.20        GAME POSTPONEMENT, SUSPENSION, OR ABANDONMENT

3.20.1.          Incomplete game because of misconduct:

If a game is not completed because of misconduct clearly traceable to one or the other contending teams, its management, or its followers as determined by the respective authority, the respective authority shall decide as to the disposition of the game.

3.20.2.          A referee or NFWASA board member has the final authority to postpone, suspend, or abandon a game due to foul weather or other circumstances he/she judges to be unsatisfactory.  If both are present, the board member’s decision takes precedence.

3.20.3.          Weather guidelines are as follows:

1.      Under 9 and older leagues shall play in any weather that does not constitute a hazard to health. Under 8 and younger leagues shall play in dry weather when the temperature is above 40 degrees F., and wet weather ONLY when the temperature is above 50 degrees F and at the discretion of the referee to determine if the conditions are hazardous and in accordance with 3.20.2.

2.      Lightning shall always be considered hazardous.

3.      Teams must report to the field ready to play regardless of the weather, unless the respective member association of where the game is being played has notified the coach prior to game time or has made a determination for the game and communicated such on the member association information line.

4.      If a game is abandoned due to weather after the second half has begun, it shall be considered a complete game.

3.20.2.          Referee Absence

1.      The absence of a referee to officiate a game for U8 and younger leagues shall not be considered grounds for game postponement or rescheduling.  It is the responsibility of the coaches for the respective teams to share in the officiating responsibilities or to identify a mutually agreed upon individual to officiate the game.

2.      In the event there is an absence of a referee(s) to officiate a game for U9 and older leagues, it is at the discretion of the present referee(s) to determine the actions required to proceed with the game in accordance with bylaw 3.12.