South River Youth Athletics

Modifications to Soccer Laws of the Game for 5v5

1. Field: playing fields shall be 40 yards x 30 yards. Goal areas will extend 4 yds into the field and 3 yds from each post. Penalty areas will extend 8 yds into the field and 6 yds from each post. Center circle will be 8 yds. Goals will be 6.5ft. x 12ft.
2. Ball: Games will use a size 4 ball..
3. Players: each team will have five players, one of whom is the goal keeper.
   1. Substitutions may be made at the end of each quarter, after a goal, or in the event of injury. Managers may also substitute "on the fly" as long as the player leaving the field leaves before the substitute enters.
   2. Participation: all players must play an equal amount.
   3. Each player may only score 2 goals per quarter—except for the final quarter or if player’s team is down by more than 3 goals at any time.  The last offensive player to touch the ball (excluding goalie) is considered to have scored the goal.  If the ball is kicked into the goal (not a deflection) by the defense (own goal), the goal counts in the score but is not assigned to any player on the other team. If a goal is scored by an ineligible player, the other team makes a goal kick from the end line.
4. Players equipment: players must wear jerseys of matching color and shin guards. Keepers must wear pinnies of different color than teammates and opponents.
5. Referee: a referee will be provided by the league. If a referee does not show, a coach or parent should referee the game.
6. Assistant Referees: no ARs will be used.
7. Duration of Match: Games will have four 10 minute quarters with a two-minute halftime. If the score is tied at the end of play, the game is recorded as a tie. The clock doesn't not stop for an injury but extra time may be added by the referee.
8. Start and Restart of Play: normal rules apply. A coin toss determines opening possession. The winner of the coin toss chooses which goal to attack. The other team starts with the ball. Possession will alternate at the beginning of each quarter.
9. Ball In and Out of Play: normal rules apply.
10. Method of Scoring: normal rules apply with limitation is 3.a above
11. Offside: the offside rule will not be enforced for 5v5.
12. Fouls and Misconduct: normal rules apply plus slide tackling is not allowed.
13. Free Kicks: the distance from free kicks is reduced to 5 yds.
14. Penalty Kicks: penalty kicks will be taken from the top center of the penalty area. Once the shot is taken, the ball is dead unless in possession of the keeper. No rebounds or follow-up play is allowed. If the shot is missed, the defensive team is awarded a goal kick.
15. Throw-Ins: normal rules apply
16. Goal kicks: goal kicks will be taken from the goal area (small box around the goal) .
17. Corner Kicks: corner kicks will be taken within the corner arc (or 1 yd of the corner if arc is not marked).