Mini Soccer Rules

U5-U10 

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

• 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.
• U5-U6 There is no goal area. U7 – U18:  No one, other than the goalkeeper is allowed inside the goal area.  An indirect kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player intentionally runs into or through the goal area in order to play the ball.  If the attacking team is awarded an indirect kick in this manner, it must be taken from two metres away from the goal area line closest to where the infraction occurred. 
• All foul throws shall be retaken.

   
• 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.

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