SOUTHEND RECREATIONAL SOCCER
MINI SOCCER - RULES OF THE GAME
MONDAY/TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY NIGHT (AGES 5-8)
SECTION 1 - THE TEAMS
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
Basic compulsory equipment shall consist of shorts, socks, shin guards,
footwear, and a numbered shirt.
Each team will consist of 7 players, one player being a goalkeeper.
A team must field a minimum of 5 players to begin any game.
All players must be registered in the mini soccer program.
All players must be given equal playing time/sitting time.
Substitutions will be allowed under the following conditions, with a minimum
of 5 minutes, and a maximum of 10 minutes per shift:
a) during a stoppage
b) if any player is injured
c) or as requested by coaches, upon consent of the referee
An agreement of the substitution time-frame is to be agreed upon by both
coaches and the referee prior to the commencement of play.
Teams will be required to switch ends at half-time.
SECTION 2 - THE PLAY
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
All F.I.F.A./O.S.A. rules apply unless altered or deleted in the following
sections.
All games will consist of 2 x 30 minute halves with a 5 minute break for halftime.
All Monday-Thursday games will be preceded by a 20-30 minute practice
starting at 6:30 p.m. to be immediately followed by a game. Games should
start no later than 7 p.m. Regardless of start times; games are 30 minute
halves with a 5-10 minute half time break.
The referee will decide which team will get the first ball.
Ball size for all games and practices:
 Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday - Size 3 ball.
 Thursday – Size 4 ball.
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2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
2.12
2.13
2.14
2.15
2.16
The offside rule does not apply.
Kick-ins will apply for Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday.
Thursday Minis will be throw ins. (Players will get a second chance if a foul is
committed on the throw in. After that possession will be turned over)
A penalty shot will be awarded if any defensive player commits any of the fouls
mentioned in Rule 12 of the Southend Mini Soccer rules inside the 12 yard box.
All free kicks are indirect, with the exception of an intentional foul inside the
12 yard box, referenced in 2.8 above.
If the goalie handles the ball outside the 12 yard box, an indirect free kick will
be awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the infraction.
Monday-Wednesday ONLY- If a defending player passes back to the
goalkeeper and then he/she handles the ball, a free kick WILL NOT be
awarded.
Goal kicks can be taken:
 Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday - from any point before the 12 yard line.
 Thursday– from any point before the 5 yard line.
All Players must be outside the 12 yard box when a goal kick is taken. The
ball must leave the 12 yard box before it is handled again.
No parents are allowed on the field or behind the nets.
Coaches are on the field:
 Monday/Tuesday - Two coaches per team will be allowed on the field.
 Wednesday – One coach per team will be allowed on the field.
 Thursday– No coaches or parents are allowed on the field.
The goalie shall wear a different colour shirt or pinny.
Scores will not be kept.
SECTION 3 - CONDUCT
3.1
3.2
Handshakes between the teams are to occur before the games commences.
All players and spectators must sit three yards clear off the sideline. Players
and coaches of both teams are to sit on one side the field and spectators on
the opposite side.
3.3 No parent, coach or spectator may stand behind the nets.
3.4 Players, coaches, parents and spectators shall not criticize the game officials
at any time and shall encourage the same from the players.
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