U5/U6 Rules of Play

A friendly guide to ensure our youngest players have a fun, fair, and safe soccer experience.

Game Day Essentials

Your Team & Gear

Our U5/U6 teams have 8-12 players, creating a great group for learning and fun. To make sure every player is safe and ready to play, please bring the following:

  • A size 3 soccer ball for practice sessions.
  • Shin guards are required for all practices and games.
  • Soccer cleats are recommended but not required.
  • For safety, please remove all jewelry (except for medical alert items).

Our Playing Field

We create a special environment perfect for our youngest players:

  • Game Format: We play exciting 3v3 games on two small fields at the same time.
  • Field Size: Each micro-field is approximately 15 yards wide by 20 yards long.
  • Goals: We use small, club-provided goals.
  • Markings: The fields are simply marked with sidelines, end lines, and a halfway line, which also serves as the build-out line.

Game Time!

Here’s how a typical game day flows:

  • Game Length: We play four 10-minute quarters with short breaks in between to rest and rehydrate.
  • Substitutions: Players can be subbed in and out at any stoppage of play. Just have them ready at the halfway line!
  • Referees: Our amazing volunteer coaches from each team act as on-field referees, helping guide the players.
  • Playing Time: We believe everyone should play! Coaches will make every effort to ensure each child plays for at least half of the game (two full quarters).

Keeping it Fun: The Rules

At this age, the focus is on learning and having fun. These rules are designed to keep the game moving and ensure a positive experience for everyone. Coaches, please take a moment to gently explain any calls to the players involved.

No Offside or "Cherry Picking": The offside rule is not used. However, players should be encouraged to move with the play and not just stand in front of the opponent's goal.

No Goalkeepers: All players are encouraged to be field players! Coaches should not position a player to act as a permanent goalie.

Handballs: We only call intentional handballs (like picking up the ball). If a player accidentally touches the ball with their hands or is protecting their face, we let the game continue.

Free Kicks are Indirect: All free kicks are indirect, meaning a goal cannot be scored directly from the kick. The ball must touch another player (from either team) before a goal can be scored. Defenders should be at least 5 yards away from the ball.

Fouls (Pushing, Tripping, etc.): If a foul occurs, the coach-referee will stop the game, explain the rule to the player, and restart play with an indirect free kick.

Dangerous Play: Safety is our top priority. Actions like high kicks, slide tackles, or playing the ball while on the ground are not allowed. Play will be stopped for a quick explanation and restarted with an indirect free kick.

Drop Balls: If the call is uncertain, or after an injury, the coach-referee will restart play with a drop ball.

Ball Over the End Line:

  • If the defending team kicks it out, the attacking team takes a kick from the corner.
  • If the attacking team kicks it out, the defending team takes a kick from about 6 feet in front of the goal.

Sportsmanship is Key: Unsportsmanlike conduct or offensive language will result in a warning. A second offense means the player will be substituted out for a cool-down period. Repeated issues should be shared with the CUSC Recreational Coordinator.

Sideline Etiquette: To give the players plenty of space, parents and spectators from both teams should be on opposite sides of the field. Please do not stand behind the goals.