Common MOD Rules (for U5/6, U7/U8, U9/U10, and U11/12)
· Equal Playing Time: All players should play the same amount of minutes in each and every game.
· Play in All Positions: Players are to participate in play at both ends of the field during a game - meaning in both offensive and defensive "positions"
No player should be in the same position throughout the season, i.e. U9/10 teams do not have one or two goalies. All children should play in all areas of the field!
· Stop Play for Injuries
· Switch Sides at Halftime
· No Slide Tackling: Players should be taught to dribble, pass, defend, and shoot while staying on their feet. This is a safety issue!
· Score Does Not Matter: There will be no emphasis on the score nor will there be any play-offs or standings kept.
· Every Player Gets a Trophy
· Shin Guards are Mandatory: Shin guards must be worn under the player’s socks.
· No Jewelry: Jewelry, watches, large hair accessories, etc. may be NOT worn by any player during a game. This includes earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc. Again, this is a safety issue!
· Player Supervision: Players will be supervised on the sidelines in an orderly fashion while waiting for their time to enter the game. Suggestions include a box made out of cones, small chairs in a line, etc.
· Good Sportsmanship: All players and coaches will line up and shake hands upon the completion of the game.
· Parents Sit Opposite of Players: Parents should be behind touchline opposite the players. The coach, his/ her assistant coach, and if necessary, a team manager are the only adults who sit with the players on their side of the field. This helps all the players to focus on the game and for the older age groups, helps the Youth Referee to control the sidelines.
Additional U5/6 Rules
· Games are played 3v3 with a size 3 ball and no goalkeepers for two 20 minute halves with a five minute halftime.
· Kick-ins are used in place of throw-ins.
· Substitutions are allowed whenever the ball is out of play.
· Opposing players must be 3 yards back from the ball on indirect kicks.
· Free kicks (including goal and corner kicks) are always indirect - the ball must be touched by a second player before scoring.
· There will be no penalty kicks.
· Each team will provide a coach or assistant to referee one half of the game.
· A head coach from each team is allowed on the field during the game to guide players.
Additional U7/8 Rules
· Games are played 4v4 with a size 3 ball and no goalkeepers for two 20 minute halves with a five minute halftime.
· Throw-ins are taken from the touchline. If done incorrectly, the Youth Referee will award possession of the ball to the opposing team.
· Substitutions are only permitted prior to your team’s throw-in, either team’s goal kick, after a goal by either team, at halftime, or on any injury when the Youth Referee stops play.
· Opposing players must be 5 yards back from the ball on indirect kicks.
· Free kicks (including goal and corner kicks) are indirect only - the ball must be touched by a second player before a goal can be scored.
· There will be no penalty kicks.
· No coaches are permitted on the field.
· EOSC will provide a Youth Referee for all games who will check-in all players and control the game.
· No player will act as a "sweeper" - one who always stands near the top of the goal circle and basically behaves as a goalkeeper and whose main purpose is to prevent goals from being scored. The Youth Referee will motion to the player to move up closer to the midfield line; if violation persists, the Youth Referee can award a free kick to the opposing team.
Additional U9/10 Rules
· Games are played 6v6 including the goalkeeper with a size 4 ball for two 25 minute halves with a five minute halftime.
· Throw-ins are taken from the touchline. If done incorrectly, the Youth Referee will award possession of the ball to the opposing team.
· Substitutions are only permitted prior to your team’s throw-in, either team’s goal kick, after a goal by either team, at halftime, or on any injury when the Youth Referee stops play.
· Opposing players must be 8 yards back from the ball on indirect kicks.
· There will be direct kicks and penalty kicks as called by the Youth Referee.
· Corner kicks and goal kicks are direct
· Law 11 - ’Offside’ will be enforced.
· No coaches are permitted on the field.
· EOSC will provide a Youth Referee for all games who will check-in all players and control the game.
Additional U11/U12 Rules
· Games are played 8v8 (including goalkeeper) with a size 4 ball for two 30 minute halves with a 5 minute halftime.
· Throw-ins are taken from the touchline. If done incorrectly, possession will be awarded to the opposing team.
· Substitutions are only permitted prior to your team’s throw-in, either team’s goal kick, after a goal by either team, at halftime, or on any injury when play is stopped.
· Opposing players must be 10 yards back from the ball on free kicks.
· Corner kicks and goal kicks are direct.
· Law 11 - ’Offside’ will be enforced.
· Coaches are not permitted on the field of play.
· EOSC will provide a USSF Center Referee and two EOSC youth referee linesmen for games who will check-in players and conduct the game.
