U7 Rules of Play

A guide to help our U7 players continue their soccer journey with fun, fairness, and skill development.

Game Day Essentials

Your Team & Gear

Our U7 teams are small and focused, with 6-8 players per team. This size is perfect for ensuring everyone gets plenty of touches on the ball. To be ready for game day, please have the following:

A size 3 soccer ball. Having their own ball to bring to practice is a great way for players to build confidence.
Shin guards are required for all practices and games to keep everyone safe.
Soccer cleats are recommended but still optional.
For safety, no jewelry or watches are allowed on the field.

Our Playing Field

The field is designed to give players more space to run and play as they grow:

Game Format: We play fast-paced 4v4 games.
Field Size: The field is approximately 25 yards wide by 40 yards long.
Goals: We use 4-foot by 6-foot goals.
Markings: The field is simply marked with sidelines, end lines, and a halfway line. We keep it simple—no penalty or goal boxes at this stage.

Game & Practice Flow

Here’s what to expect for a typical week:

Practices: Teams practice twice a week before the season starts, then move to one 60-minute practice per week once games begin.
Game Length: Games consist of four 10-minute quarters with short breaks. The clock only stops for injuries.
Substitutions: Players can be subbed in at any stoppage. Just have them ready at the halfway line!
Referees: Our fantastic volunteer coaches from each team serve as on-field referees, guiding the game and the players.
Playing Time: Everyone is here to play! Coaches will ensure every child plays for at least half of the game (two full quarters).

The Spirit of the Game

As players get older, we introduce a few more concepts while keeping the focus on fun and learning. Coaches, please continue to gently explain calls to the players involved.

No Goalkeepers: All players are still field players! We encourage everyone to participate in all aspects of the game, so no one should be positioned as a permanent goalie.

Offside is Discouraged: While we don't call offside, we discourage "cherry picking." Players should be encouraged to move with the flow of the game rather than waiting by the opponent's goal.

Introducing Throw-Ins: Players will now use throw-ins to restart play when the ball goes over the sideline. Coaches are encouraged to demonstrate the proper technique. Don't worry if it's not perfect—the goal is to learn, so we'll keep the game moving!

Handballs: We only call intentional handballs. If a player accidentally touches the ball with their hands or is protecting themselves, we let the game continue.

Free Kicks are Indirect: All free kicks are indirect, meaning a goal cannot be scored directly. The ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored. Defenders should give the kicker about 8 yards of space.

Fouls & Dangerous Play: Safety remains our top priority. For any fouls (pushing, tripping) or dangerous plays (high kicks, slide tackles), the coach-referee will stop the game, explain the rule, and restart with an indirect free kick.

Drop Balls: If a call is unclear or after an injury, the game will restart with a simple drop ball.

Ball Over the End Line:

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

Sportsmanship is Everything: A positive attitude is key. Unsportsmanlike conduct will result in a warning, and a second offense will lead to a substitution for a cool-down period. Repeated issues should be brought to the attention of the CUSC Director of Coaching.

Sideline Etiquette: To give players plenty of room, parents and spectators should be on the opposite side of the field from the teams.