News and Announcements
Modified Playing Rules for Under 6
1. Opposing parent/coaches and players should shake hands after each game.
2. Do not record league standings.
3. Do not record final score.
4. Participation awards for ALL--no trophies or awards just for the best team.
5. Parent/coaches, non-playing players, parents and spectators should be located not less than three (3) yard from outside the touchline, nor should they be closer than ten (10) yards to the goal line and NEVER behind a goal.
6. NO individual should be allowed to run the length of the field except participants of the games.
7. Parent/coaches should not coach or instruct players during the game.
8. Per the City of Denton Department of Parks and Recreation no tobacco or alcoholic beverages will be consumed or allowed on the North Lakes Soccer Complex.
Law 1 - The Field
1. Markings:
a. Distinctive line not more that five (5) inches wide.
b. A halfway line shall be marked out across the field.
c. A center circle with a five (5) yard radius.
d. Four corner arcs each with a two (2) foot radius.
e. Goal area.
Law II - The Ball
1. Size three (3).
Law III - Number of Players
1. Maximum number of players on the field at any one time - Four (4) per team. There shall be no goalkeeper.
2. Maximum number of plays on the roster should not exceed. - Eight (8).
3. Substitutions:
a. Injuries.
b. See Law VII.
4. Playing time: Each player shall play a minimum of 50 percent of the total playing time.
5. Teams and games may be coed. Coed team will play in the boys division.
Law IV - Player Equipment (Conforms to USYSA)
1. Players must have matching uniform (jersey, shorts and socks)
2. Shin guards are mandatory
3. Footwear: Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes.
Law V - Referee
1. Registered Referee or (Parent/Coach in emergency)
2. Referee's decisions on points of fact connected with the game shall be final.
3. Rule infractions may be briefly explained to the offending player.
4. Only registered referees have the power to caution or send off players, coaches, or parents.
Law VI - Assistant Referee
1. None.
Law VII - Duration of Game
1. The game shall be divided in to four (4) equal ten (10) minute quarters.
2. There shall be a two (2) minute break between quarter one (1) and quarter two (2), and another two (2) minute break between quarts three (3) and four (4).
3. There shall be a half-time break of five (5) minutes between quarts two (2) and three (3).
Law VIII - The Start of the Play
1. Opponents must be outside of the center circle while the kick off is in progress.
Law IX - Ball In and Out of Play
1. The ball is in play until
a. The referee whistle stops play.
b. The whole ball crosses the goal line or touchline.
c. There is a goal scored.
Law X - Method of Scoring
1. A goal is scored when the whole ball crosses the goal line into the goal.
2. No goal can be scored from a free kick, kick-off, throw-in, or corner kick.
Law XI - Off-Side
1. There shall be no off-side.
Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct
1. All fouls will result in an indirect free kick with the opponents three (3) yards away.
2. The Referee may explain infractions to the offending player.
3. No caution or ejections shall be issued to players except by an independent neutral referee.
Law XIII - Free Kick
1. A free kick shall be classified under one heading - indirect.
2. A goal may not be scored until the ball has been played or touched by a second player of either team.
3. Opponents must be three (3) yards away.
Law XIV - Penalty Kick
1. No penalty kicks are to be taken during these games.
Law XV - Throw-in
1. The ball must go all the way over and behind the head and both feet must be on the ground.
2. No goal can be made from a throw in.
3. Opponents must be three (3) yards away.
Law XVI - Goal Kick
1. A goal kick may be taken from any point inside or on the line of the goal area.
2. Opponents must be three (3) yards away from the ball.
Law XVII - Corner Kick
1. Opponent must be three (3) yards away from the ball.
Parents of U6 and U8 players play an active part in the enjoyment their children have in youth soccer. Encouragement to try new things is step one. Now that they are out there kicking, running, laughing, falling down and all chasing the ball simultaneously they need positive reinforcement. Many parents during games and sometimes-even practices yell out to the kids what to do and when to do it. They cheer when things go right and sometimes cry out in anguish when they don't. In all they are trying to be positive and help the kids. What many adults have forgotten from when they were 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 years old is that children of those ages can focus on a limited number of tasks at one time. That may continue to be true to a lesser degree for older players too. Indeed it takes all of the attention of an U6 player to control the ball. This is because they are still developing basic balance, coordination and agility. Also in a 4 versus 4 game the odds for the player with the ball are generally 1 versus 7. So during a game the player needs to focus on the task at hand---trying to control the ball. Unfortunately they are distracted by all of the adults yelling from the touchline. Now they have to make a choice, either play the ball or listen to the parents. So the lesson is clear. If parents want to help their team play their best they need to be quiet while watching the game. Just sit back and let the children play!
