For U5 to U8, the following is a summary of micro soccer rules; it is intended as a micro soccer primer for parents. Referees and coaches should refer to official rules and guidelines available from coordinators.For U10 and U12 rules of play, please click here.
For U10 Rules of Play, click here.
For U12 Rules of Play, click here.
MICRO SOCCER (3V3 AND 4V4)
The following details the rules for micro soccer with HESC revisions to FIFA’s Laws of the Game as modified by USSF and HYSA:
Game and Equipment Basics
Equipment: Team jersey and shorts, protective shin guards that are completely covered by the socks, and cleats (molded bottom; no replaceable cleats or metal cleats). Shirttails should be tucked in. No jewelry, watches, loose medallions, earrings (even if covered by tape), casts or exposed metal braces are allowed.
Game: Four quarters of the following lengths: U5-U6, 10 minutes, U7, 12 minutes, and U8, 12 ½ minutes. The referee keeps a running clock during quarters except for injuries or time wasting. The referee’s time is the official time. The referee has significant discretion in time keeping, estimation of the official time may (will) be inexact. Break between quarters is 2-3 minutes; halftime of 4-7 minutes, depending upon weather. Referees should referee from the sidelines instead of the middle of the field as they can often interfere with the play with their mere presence.
Time, Player Management and Playing Time
Timeouts: There are no timeouts except for injuries or field problems, at the referee’s discretion.
Playing Time: Each player in the recreational program will play a minimum of 50% and no more than 75% of an entire game so long as there are substitute players available who have played less than 75% percent. Failure to comply with the seventy-five percent (75%) rule shall be grounds for disciplinary action against the coach, but shall not be grounds for protesting the outcome of a match.
Player Management: In U5-U6, coaches are allowed on or around all parts of the field within reason to facilitate orderly and meaningful play; however, coaches are NOT allowed on the field during play stoppages, for example, to “set their defense” by physically positioning players prior to a free kick (e.g., “forming a wall”). Also, coaches are not to interfere with play physically nor engage in verbal exchanges with the other team. No coaches or parents are allowed on goal lines.
Substitutions: Players can be substituted at any play stoppage, but only with the referee’s permission. No substitutions while the ball is in play.
Starts and Restarts; Ball in Play
Kick-off: Taken from the mid-line to start each half and restart after a goal (“Start your watch!”). No goal may be scored on a kickoff. At the time of the kick, all players must be on their respective sides of the field, and all defensive players must be outside the center circle. The ball must move forward to be in play and must be touched by another player on either side prior to scoring a goal. The kicker must not touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player or has gone out of bounds.
Restarts: Method and location depends upon the reason the ball went out of play. Micro soccer does not use the throw-in for any restart. Player restarting cannot play the ball to his/herself. There must be a second touch by someone else. Ball is in play once it is legally played in any direction from a restart.
Out-of-bounds: The ball must be completely out of bounds (in the air or on the ground) to be out. Location of the ball matters; location of player’s feet generally doesn’t matter. On the line is IN. Out-of-bounds restarts with a kick-in by the opposing team. Place the ball on or within 1’ behind the touchline where ball went out, and restart with an Indirect Free Kick (e.g. no direct kick into the goal that results in a score—the ball must touch another player first).
Goal Kick: If out on the offense, the defense restarts with goal kick from anywhere on or 1’ behind the goal line, which includes the Penalty Area. If out on the defense, the offense restarts with a corner kick.
Foul: All fouls are restarted with an Indirect Free Kick (described above); free kick to opposing team from spot of foul. Any player may take a free kick. Coaches designate the kicker on this and all free kicks; not the referee.
Dropped Balls: Referees should not use the dropped-ball to settle simultaneous contact or other close calls. All other situations (injury, dog or small child on field, etc.) use dropped-ball.
Scoring
No scores or standings are kept in micro soccer.
A goal is made when the ball is legally played by an offensive player from his/her attacking side of the mid-line into the opposing goal. To score a goal, the ball must be completely over the goal line (as with balls out-of-bounds), and cannot result from a handball, or other attacking player foul.
An “own goal” (inadvertent goal by defense) only counts if scored while the ball is in play.
Penalty kicks are the only direct free kicks from which a goal may result.
No goal can be scored on a kickoff.
No goal can be scored if the last offensive touch is in the Hot Lava.
No goal may be scored directly from kick-ins and free kicks from fouls.
Restart on disallowed goal: The defensive team is awarded a goal kick or free kick depending upon situation (e.g. foul usually results in free kick; otherwise a goal kick).
Other restarts: The ball must touch another player (either side) before scoring a goal.
Penalty Area and Penalty Kicks
Penalty Area (Hot Lava Zone): There is a semi-circular Penalty Area or Hot Lava Zone at each goal; the line outlining the Lava is considered part of the Lava. Players may cross through the Lava and play the ball only after the ball enters the Lava. Players may not stand in the penalty area waiting for the ball to be passed to them. Any player that is standing in the area and not playing a ball that has entered the area will be directed by the referee to exit the area.
Penalty Kick: A penalty kick is taken from the penalty mark. All other players are to be behind this mark and at least 8’ away from the ball when kicked. There is no follow-up play after an unsuccessful penalty kick; a goal kick is awarded to the defense.
Violations of the Spirit of the Rules of Micro Soccer: Goalkeeping and Offsides
Goalkeepers: NO GOALKEEPERS ARE ALLOWED. ”De facto” goalkeepers, players consistently parked in front of the Penalty Area, defeat the purposes of micro soccer, which are to afford each player maximum touches and encourage wide-open play.
Snowbirding: There are technically no offsides calls in micro soccer. ”Snow bird” goals are scored by players who constantly remain behind all defenders in their offensive end of the field.
“Habitual offenders” and their coaches are warned against such positioning. Goals scored by those who gain an advantage from their position and lack of involvement in active play can be disallowed. Such player positioning’s are a violation of the spirit of micro soccer rules.
Other Rules, Policies, and Recommendations
All parties (players, parents, and coaches) are reminded that sportsmanship is of the utmost importance to create a FUN and POSITIVE game day experience. Players should demonstrate sportsmanship at all times toward teammates, opponents, referees, and parents of opposing players.
On the sidelines: Parents should encourage without instructing. Comments like “Kick it!” “Shoot!” or “Boot it!” may be contrary to the coach’s instructions to the players and can be confusing to the players, especially at the younger ages. Avoid negative or sarcastic comments to other players, referees, opposing players or parents of the opposing team. Negative comments are hurtful and are not in the spirit of the game.
Parents should watch the game exclusively from the sideline opposite their team’s sideline and should not enter onto the field without the referee’s permission. In the event of injury, the referee will signal the team manager if attention to the player is required. The manager will then signal parents as necessary.
The coach should be the only adult communicating with the referee. The referee in micro soccer is often just a parent volunteer or an older Club player. They are there so that the game can take place in a safe and orderly manner.
