YMCA of Middle Tennessee
Soccer Rules of Play
U4, U5, & U6
Law 1
The Field of Play:
o Dimensions:
The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be
greater than the length of the goal line.
o Length:
30 yards
o Width:
20 yards
o Field Markings:
Distinctive lines no more than five (5) inches wide. The field of play is divided
into two (2) halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint
of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of four (4) yards is marked around it.
o The Goal Area:
A goal area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at
right angles to the goal line three (3) yards from the inside of each goal post.
These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of three (3) yards and are
joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines
and the goal line is the goal area.
o The Penalty Area:
No
o Flag posts:
Optional
o The Corner Arc:
Yes – one (1) yard
o Goals:
Goals must be placed on the center of each goal line. They consist of two
upright posts equidistant from the corners and joined at the top by a horizontal
crossbar.
Recommended goal size is 4’ x 6’.
Safety: Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may
only be used if they satisfy this requirement.
Law 2
The Ball:
o Size three (3)
U6 – Soccer Rules of Play - pg 1
Updated 3.26.15
Law 3
The Number of Players:
o A match is played by two (2) teams, each consisting of no more than three (3) players.
There are NO goalkeepers. (Two 3v3 games are played simultaneously on two fields)
o Teams may be coed if full team of all males or females are not available.
o Substitutions:
At any stoppage and unlimited.
o Playing time:
Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time.
Law 4
The Players Equipment:
o Uniforms must match.
o Uniforms must be worn over undershirts or jackets during inclement weather.
o Shin guards are required.
o Undershirts are allowed.
o No toe cleats (tennis shoes are allowed).
Law 5
Law 6
The Referee:
o Coach/Volunteer. All infringements shall be briefly explained to offending player.
The Assistant Referees:
o None
Law 7
The Duration of the Match:
o The match shall be divided into four (4), eight (8) minute quarters. There shall be a one
(1) minute break between each quarter. There shall be a half-time interval of five (5)
minutes.
Law 8
Law 9
Law 10
The Start and Restart of Play:
o Kick off from center circle, with the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are
outside the center circle. Center circle is scaled to match field size.
The Ball In and Out of Play:
o Ball is out of play when it completely crosses over touch line or end line.
The Method of Scoring:
o Ball completely crosses over the end line between goal posts.
U6 – Soccer Rules of Play - pg 2
Updated 3.26.15
Law 11
Law 12
Law 13
Law 14
Law 15
Offside:
o None
Fouls and Misconduct:
o All fouls are indirect. The referee/coach/volunteer must explain ALL infringements to
the offending player. No cards shown for misconduct.
Free Kicks:
o All kicks are indirect.
The Penalty Kick:
o None
The Throw-In:
o All players must be two (2) yards from the ball until it is in play.
o Unlimited throw-ins until form is correct.
Law 16
The Goal Kick:
o The goal kick should be taken from any point within the goal area by a player of the
defending team from the nearest point to where it was retrieved. The ball is in play when
it is kicked directly out of the goal area. No players can touch the ball until it leaves the
goal area. A goal kick is retaken if a player touches the ball within the goal area.
Law 17
The Corner Kick:
o Opponent Players must be five (5) yards from kicker.
Note: These are general meanings and do not include exact definitions of the Laws of the Game
or all official interpretations of FIFA, soccer’s governing body. (www.fifa.com)
U6 – Soccer Rules of Play - pg 3
Updated 3.26.15