Laws of the Game


FIFA Laws of the Game

 

 
U5-U10
The rules listed below are those adaptations unique to mini-soccer, following recommendations by FIFA and BC Soccer.
 

Age

 # of players

Halves

Offside

Coach on Field

Goalies

U5/6

3v3

20 min

No

Yes

3 players, no goalie

U7/8

4v4

25 min

No

Yes

3 players + 1 goalie

U9/10

7v7

25 min

No

No

6 players + 1 goalie

U11 to U18

U11 and U12
8 v 8
Size 4 ball
Offside Rule
30 minute halves, 5 min half time

U13 to U15

11 v 11
Size 5 ball
Offside Rule 
35 minute halves, 10 min half time

           U16 to U18      

11 v 11
Size 5 ball
Offside Rule
45 minute halves, 10 min half time
 
All divisions will have a 5-minute break at half time. Games may be shortened at the discretion of the referee if previous games run late. 
  • A size 3 ball shall be used for all divisions up to and including U8. Size 4 ball shall be used for U9-10.
     
  • If one team is short of players, ‘sharing’ to even out the sides is recommended.
     
  • Statistics are kept for all refereed games, but not posted in mini-soccer. 
  • The coin toss before the game is to determine the choice of half to start the game. The loser of the toss gets to kick off.
    Referees and coaches should ensure that players remove watches and jewellery, this includes all piercings (taping is not allowed) before the game starts. Pay special attention to hair clips and barrettes that could pose a danger.  
  • A goalkeeper may only handle (pick up) the ball inside his/her goal area (the small box) but may move outside the goal area in order to kick the ball. An indirect kick is awarded if the goalkeeper handles the ball outside the goal area.
  • Penalty kicks are never awarded in mini-soccer.
    All fouls are penalised with an indirect kick. All Caution and Send-off categories are valid. Referees will be instructed to follow the following procedure:
  • Award an indirect free kick as appropriate. Should the same player repeat the offence, the referee will tell the coach that this is a repeat offence and may suggest that the player be substituted for a short time. A player who persistently infringes the laws after several reminders should be shown the yellow card. Slide tackling is not permitted. Even if the defender makes first contact with the ball, the danger posed to the attacker on such a play, warrants an indirect free kick. Players may be sent off for serious foul play if a slide tackle is deemed to be excessively dangerous.
  • All items of jewelry (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, including studs, leather bands, rubber bands etc.) are strictly forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewelry is not acceptable. This includes coaches and referees with the exception of a watch.