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U5 and U6 GUIDELINES
The following guidelines include the only elements of the Laws of the Game that
apply to the AYSO Short-Sided Games Program for U-5 ,U-6games:
The Field: The recommended field size for U-5 ,U-6 games is 30 x 15 yards marked with lines or cones.
The Goals: The goals in U-5 ,U-6 games should be a maximum of 4 feet high and 6 feet wide or just use tall cones set 6 feet apart.
The Ball: A size 3 ball is used for U-6 games.
The Teams: Each U-5 ,U-6 team should have a maximum of 8 on the roster. Games are played with 4 players per team on the field (4v4) and no goalkeepers. Substitutions are made at quarters, halftime and for injuries. A minimum of 2 quarters is required for each player and it is recommended that no one play 4 quarters until everyone has played 3 quarters.Separate boys and girls teams are recommended at all levels
.
Player Equipment: Shoes and shinguards covered by the socks are mandatory at all practices and games for all age groups. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use. No single cleat on toe.
Officials: There is no need for fully qualified referees to manage U-5 ,U-6 games. One or both of the coaches should “officiate” using a whistle to stop play. The games are intended to be an opportunity for the very youngest of our players to experience the fun of playing. The barest of minimum rules are needed and should be applied with a generous amount of flexibility. For as much as possible, the coaches should not be on the field while“officiating”. Let the players have the freedom to play with a minimum of whistling that interrupts play.
Duration of Game: U-5 ,U-6 games are twenty minutes and are played in 2 ten minute halves with substitutions allowed 5 minutes into each half. The half-time break is 5 to 10 minutes.
The Start of Play: To start the first and second halves and following each goal in all age group games, play is started or restarted with a kick-off in the center of the field. A coin toss is used to determine which team kicks off to start the game and the other team kicks off to start the second half. Following a goal, the team scored upon kicks off.
The Kick-off: The kick-off is taken from the center of the field with each team in their own half and the team not kicking off at least 5 yards from the ball in U-5 ,U-6 games. Do not insist the opponent be a minimum of precisely 5 yards from the ball as this is just a guide to give the kicker room to kick the ball without it immediately hitting an opponent. Remember,let them play and do not interfere for technicalities.
Ball In and Out of Play: The ball is out of play in all age group games when it completely crosses the touch line(side line) or goal line (end line) either on the ground or in the air. The coach, in U-5 ,U-6 games, will determine when the ball is out of play and should interfere as little as possible in the restart. It’s the player’s game, let them play and work on technique later.
Method of Scoring: A goal, in all age group games, is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goalline into the goal. Goals should be enthusiastically celebrated by everyone but, in U-5 ,U-6 games, they are not recorded to determine who wins. Everyone wins in U-5 ,U-6 games.
Fouls and Other Stoppages: Deliberate fouling should be rare in U-5 ,U-6 games. Kicking, tripping, handling the ball and dangerous play may occur. There should be few, if any, additional reasons to stop play in U-5 ,U-6 games. If a player is “not playing well with others” or if play must be stopped for any other reason (injury, substitution, confusion, or to watch a passing train, butterfly or frog), refocus the players and begin again with a free kick or throw-in as appropriate. Award the restart to whichever team deserves it or flip a coin to decide but do not make it a lengthy ceremony. Exercise common sense, briefly explain infractions and standback and let ‘em play.
Free Kick: Play may have to be stopped occasionally to “sort things out” in U5, U-6 games. A player may pick the ball up and start running with it or want to keep it away from the othe players or perhaps there is a pile of kids on the ground kicking at both the ball and each other. Stop play and correct the situation, then restart with a free kick for a deserving player. All free kicks in U-6 games are direct free kicks which means, if you’re lucky, a goal can be scored directly from the kick.
Throw-in: When the ball goes out of play, in U-5 ,U-6 games, across the touch lines (side lines), a throw-in is awarded from where it crossed the line to the team that didn’t touch it last. In U-5 ,U-6 games, whether the throw-in is properly taken or not, let it go! Proper technique can be taught later. Again, let them play, give quick explanations when necessary and minimize interruptions. Keep the game moving and fun.
Kick-in:
When the ball goes out of play across one of the goal lines (end lines) and a goal is not scored, a kick-in, in U-5 ,U-6 games, is awarded from where it crossed the line to the team that didn’t touch it last. As with the throw-in, the coach should let the player take the kick-in with as little ceremony or interference as possible. Keep the game moving and fun.