Rules of Play

U5 and U6 New Ball Rules:

Under 5 & 6 Soccer (aka New Ball) is a wonderful program designed to introduce young children to the game of soccer. First and foremost, New Ball soccer is about kids having FUN! At this level, kids play small-sided soccer in a 3v3 format emphasizing fun and basic soccer skills. New Ball soccer differs from soccer in older age groups in that (1) no score is kept, (2) coaches are on the field with the players during the game encouraging the players and teaching them basic soccer, (3) the playing field is small (usually 20 yards wide by 30 yards long), (4) there is no restarts of play and (5) there is no goalkeeper.

Perhaps most importantly, New Ball is run by the coaches on each team without a referee. As such the coaches will collaborate to enforce the rules of the game and to keep play moving. The following rules are applicable to this age group:

Length of Match: The game consists for 4 quarters from 6-8 minutes, depending on what the coaches agree to beforehand and based upon what the kids can handle. On warm days, 4 quarters of 6 minutes are likely best. If teams have a lot of players, longer quarters may be advised to ensure kids get adequate playing time. At the beginning of the game one coach should be designated as keeping time.

Substitutions: Unless otherwise agreed to by the coaches, there should be 3 players on the field per team. Players may be substituted on the fly (that is at any time), though in practice it is often easier to take a quick break in play to make substitutions (typically after a ball has gone out of bounds). But if there is a child who needs a substitution immediately, there is no reason they cannot do so.

Restarts and Out of Bounds: The biggest feature of New Ball is the manner of restart when the ball goes out of play. When the ball goes out of play, coaches will throw a new ball onto the field declaring "New Ball." It is advisable to note the color of the ball when playing a New Ball, i.e. "New Ball, Red Ball", in order to key the children into know which ball is now in play. Coaches are encouraged to put the new ball into play in a manner that will encourage players who maybe are not as actively involved in the match to be able to touch the ball. Similarly, if the majority of the game has been near one team's goal, it is advisable to throw the new ball near the other goal. Because the ball is going out of bounds all over the field spectators are encouraged to surround the field and retrieve balls for the coaches when they go out of play.

Kickoffs: Kickoffs generally occur at the beginning of a quarter. There is no need to have kick offs after every goal since the act of lining the teams up is time consuming and takes away from playing time. Accordingly, after a goal is score, play a new ball as if the ball has gone out of bounds. Also, cheer loudly for the goal of course!

Injuries and Fouls: There are no fouls per se in this format, but if a player is being too rough, the coach should address the matter and have the player take a break, explaining to the player the need to refrain from pushing or other improper contact. Coaches should discuss concerns among each other and address these issues maturely. If a player is hurt, play should be stopped immediately to address the issue and likely substitute the player.

These rules and principles should yield the following benefits to players:

1. More touches on the ball which means faster skill development and increased enjoyment of the game.
2. More playing time with the ball actively in play
3. A faster game, which will  produce more goals and more excitement, while at the same time de-emphasizing the importance of scoring and emphasizing play and fun.
4. Allowing non-assertive players to be more involved by rolling the new ball to those players

Referees shall apply the Laws of the Game subject to the following special exceptions set forth by competition type and level:

U7 and U8 Rec

U10 Rec