INTENT:        4v4 with no goal keepers.  The objective is maximum touches on the ball for every player to build confidence and enjoy the game!
 

FIELD:         The field should be approximately 30 yards long by 20 yards wide.  A centerline will be marked across the field with a 3 yard radius center circle. There shall be four corner arcs each with a 2 ft. radius.  There shall be a 4 ft. x 6 ft goal at either end.  There shall be a 4 yd long goal-kick line marked 2 yards out from each goal.  No goal area.  
 

BALL:           U6 players shall play with size 3 ball. 
 

# OF PLAYERS:12 players is the maximum number per roster. Rosters shall be co-ed.  4 players from each team on the field at one time.  No Goalkeepers.  No coaches on field of play.  All players shall play a minimum of two full quarters.  Each player shall sit out one quarter when four or more players are present on a squad.   
 

DUAL FIELD METHOD:  Teams will play two concurrent 4v4 games on parallel fields.  Substitutions from within squad whenever the ball is out of play or at quarters.  Each squad shall have an adult A squad leader@ responsible to assure assigned substitution occurs at quarter.  This adult shall support the coach on the opposite side of the field.  It is recommended that he coach assign a buddy system for substitution so the players know who they are replacing when the squad leader tells them it is time to play.  At the half, the squads from the visiting team shall switch fields.  No scores are kept.  All games end in a tie. 
 

EQUIPMENT: Shin guards are mandatory (socks must fully cover shin guards).  No jewelry, necklaces, earrings, etc.
 

THE REFEREE: A game Official may be a field marshal, game coordinator, or parent/coach.  The primary job of the official is to keep the playing environment fun, safe, and focused on the children.  Duties are the same as a Referee.  Keep time, enforce the rules, stop and restart play.  When play is stopped for a foul, an explanation should be given to the player and coach as to why the call was made.  Keep explanation positive and educational in tone.
 

DURATION OF THE GAME:  Game shall be divided into four 8 minute quarters.  There shall be 2 minute break between quarters one and two and another between quarters three and four.  There shall be a 5 minute break at halftime.  Squads from the visiting team shall switch fields during the halftime break. 
 

START OF PLAY:  Opponent must be 3 yards from center mark at kickoff (outside the circle). The player may not kick the ball twice in a row.  It must be touched by another player first.  A goal may NOT be scored from a  kickoff in this age group. 
 

BALL ALL OUT OF PLAY: Entire ball must be completely across touchline or goal line or the Official has blown the whistle to stop play. 
 

SCORING:     Entire ball must pass completely across goal line and between goal posts and under crossbar.  No official scores are kept in this age group.  
 

OFF-SIDES:   No Off-sides in a small-sided game. 
 

FOULS AND MISCONDUCT:  No handling of the ball is permitted (called a A hand ball@when the player uses any part of their body from their shoulder to their finger tips to intentionally touch the ball)  No pushing (especially with elbows)  No tripping, no kicking no jumping, no charging and no holding. 
 

FREE KICKS: All free kicks are indirect (another player must touch the ball before a goal may be scored).  Opponents must be 3 yards away.
 

PENALTY KICKS:  There are no penalty kicks in a small sided game.
 

THROW INS:  Shall be replaced by a kick-in.  Awarded when the entire ball completely crosses the touch line.  Is considered an Indirect Free Kick for scoring (another player must touch the ball before a goal may be scored).  Opponent must be 3 yards away. 
 

GOAL KICK:  It will be taken from the goal kick line.  Opponents must be 6 yards away. 
 

CORNER KICK:  Considered an Indirect Free kick for scoring (another player must touch the ball before a goal may be scored).  Opponent must be 3 yards away.  
 

GREENHAVEN SUGGESTED LEAGUE RULES: 

The primary job of the coach is to instill a love of the game in ALL players.  To make the game experience fun for ALL participants including coaches, player and parents.  Other duties include: Monitor playing time of each player to assure equal time on field.  Encourage ALL players on the field.  Show respect and support for field officials.  Shake hands with opposing coach and players after the game.  The primary responsibility of the parent is to encourage and support ALL the players.  Non-playing participants and spectators are there to enjoy and encourage the activity of the youngsters.  Coaches and field official are volunteers.  Respect their efforts and support them in their primary job.