FLORIDA YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE 4v4 GAME RULES
FLORIDA YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE 4v4 GAME RULES U4 REC - U6 REC - U6 SUPER REC - U8 REC Law 1 – The Field of Play: Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line. Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than (5) inches wide. The field of play is divided into two 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. The Goal Area: None. The Penalty Area: Semi circle around goal. Flag posts: None. The Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA. 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. Safety: Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement. Law 2 – The Ball: Size three (3) Law 3 – The Number of Players: A match is played between two teams, each consisting of four (4) players on the field. A team may start game with three (3) players.
Substitutions: can be made at any stoppage and unlimited. Playing time: Each player SHOULD play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. Teams and games may be coed. MERCY RULE: REC: Please be aware that this division is intended for the development of players and that most of them are at a beginner stage. We do not keep scores in the REC divison; there is no championship game. If a team is winning by a six (6) goal differential, the referee will ask the winning team to pull out one of its players in order for the game to be played at a more equal level. The winning time should ad a player back to the game if losing team comes within a three (3) goal differential. SUPER REC: Since this division is competitive the mercy rule that applies is the following. If the winning team reaches an eight (8) goal differential, the referee will mark that score as the final game score. The game will continue for the time remaining, but any goals scored will not be considered in final score. Law 4 – The Players Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams. Law 5 – The Referee: An OFFICIAL will be used. All infringements shall be briefly explained to the offending player. Law 6 – The Assistant Referees: None. Law 7 – The Duration of the Match: The match shall be divided into four (4) quarters of ten (10) minutes each. There shall be a two (2) minute water break in between each quarter.
Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA, with the exception of the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play. Player MAY NOT SCORE from kick-off. Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA. Law 10 – The Method of Scoring: Players may not score from their own defending half. In order to score a goal, players must kick the ball after it crosses the mid field line. Law 11 – Offside: None. Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: The referee/coach/parent must explain ALL infringements to the offending player. Cards may be shown for misconduct. Law 13 – NO HEADER RULE: When a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick (IFK) should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. Law 14 – Free Kicks: All free kicks are indirect. Opponents are to be at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play. Law 15 – The Penalty Kick: A foul or intentional hand-ball committed by a player in own Penalty Area results in a direct free kick from mid field marker. All players must be behind mid field line. If ball hits the post there is no rebound. Game restarts with goal kick for opposing team if goal is not scored.
Law 16 – The Throw-In: Players must use hands to throw ball into play; opponents must be four (5) yards from the ball until it is in play. Law 17 – The Goal Kick: The goal kick should be taken within 2-3 yards of the goal line anywhere across the width of the field of play at the nearest point from where the ball was retrieved. Opposing players must be outside of goalkeepers box until ball is in play. Goal kicks are INDIRECT free kicks therefore a player MAY NOT SCORE from a goal kick. Law 18 – The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least four (5) yards from the ball until it is in play. **US Youth Soccer recommended modifications to the FIFA Laws of the Game. FIFA Laws of the Game can be found at www.ussoccer.com/referees. **Rules of game are subject to change by FYSL administration.
