1st Grade Mini Soccer Rules
Updated September 2022
Philosophy: At this age level our main goal is to get each child as many touches on the ball as possible. We want each player to become comfortable handling the ball, kicking the ball, passing the ball and interacting with the ball.
Our games are structured to reduce the amount of time the ball is “out of play” and down time in the games. Soccer is a game of skill and as with any skilled game, the only way to improve is to get more touches on the ball. So think touches, touches, touches, touches.
Team Size: 4 players vs. 4players
Practices and Games: 5:30-6:30pm on Monday & Wednesday evenings. NO ADDITIONAL PRACTICES ALLOWED
Length of Game: Four 12 minute quarters - With 3 minute breaks between each quarter
Length of Field: The entire length of the field will be used with one goal placed on each end line.
Substitutions: Substitutions are allowed at any dead ball (Out of bounds or whistle). Unlimited substitutions are allowed when ball is out of play or a goal is scored.
Referee: Coaches referee the games, explaining infractions to players as they occur. Coaches will discuss any of the following issues with the players.
(a.) Playing the ball with the hand(s) - handball.
(b.) Pushing an opponent.
(c.) Holding an opponent.
(d.) Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent.
(e.) Tripping an opponent.
(f.) Out of Bounds - how and where to put the ball back into play.
Throw-in: Coach will explain the proper technique and one re-throw is allowed. After the second attempted throw-in, just allow play to continue regardless of the quality of the throw-in. We do not want long stoppages in the game.
Goal Kick: We will not use goal kicks at this age level. Please try to keep the ball in bounds or let them play as long as possible and getting them as many touches on the ball as possible. Ball will be thrown in from the sideline, not the baseline.
Offside: No Offside will be called at this age level.
Goalies: We will not use goalies at this age level. No “guarding of the goal” will be allowed at this age level. At this age we do not use a goalie because we want all kids to get as many touches on the ball as possible. A child playing goalie would only get limited touches during the game.
Uniforms: Jerseys will be purchased through Tursi. One white jersey and one green jersey will need to be purchased. Players will need to provide their own shin guards and cleats.
Score: We do not keep score at this age level, however if one team is clearly scoring more, please be respectful of the other team.
Soccer Balls: We use size 3 soccer balls at this age.
Equipment: Each coach will be provided with a first aid kit, cones, pinnies and soccer balls. Pugg goals are in the green container at the field. Please put the goals back before leaving the field.
Parent Volunteers: We strongly encourage parents to help. However any parent working on the field with children must have a background check and have SafeSport & Concussion certified trainings.
2nd Grade Mini Soccer Rules
Updated September 2022Philosophy: At this age level our main goal is to get each child as many touches on the ball as possible. We want each player to become comfortable handling the ball, kicking the ball, passing the ball and interacting with the ball.
At this age we will begin to include a few of the official ruses of the game to help the kids make a smooth transition to the 3rd grade age level. Some of the changes you will see are the use of kick off, goal kicks and corner kicks.
Soccer is a game of skill and as with any skilled game, the only way to improve is to get more touches on the ball. So think touches, touches, touches, touches.
Team Size: 4 players vs. 4players
Practices and Games: 5:30-6:30pm on Tuesday & Thursday evenings. NO ADDITIONAL PRACTICES ALLOWED
Length of Game: Two 25 minute halves with a 5 minute break between each half.
Length of Field: The entire length of the field will be used with one goal placed on each end line.
Substitutions: Substitutions are allowed at any dead ball (Out of bounds or whistle). Unlimited substitutions are allowed when ball is out of play or a goal is scored.
Referee: Coaches referee the games, explaining infractions to players as they occur. Coaches will discuss any of the following issues with the players.
(a.) Playing the ball with the hand(s) - handball.
(b.) Pushing an opponent.
(c.) Holding an opponent.
(d.) Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent.
(e.) Tripping an opponent.
(f.) Out of Bounds - how and where to put the ball back into play.
Kick-Offs: Kick-offs are used to start the game and to start the second half of the game (teams switch sides at the second half). A kick-off is taken after a goal is scored by either team.
When having a kick-off the ball must go forward one full rotation. The initial movement of the ball must be in the forward direction. The same player that kicks off the ball cannot play the ball again until it is touched by another player. The opposing team must stay outside the middle circle until the ball crosses the line.
Throw-in: Coach will explain the proper technique and one re-throw is allowed. After the second attempted throw-in, just allow play to continue regardless of the quality of the throw-in. We do not want long stoppages in the game.
Goal Kick: These will happen when the offensive team is the last to touch the ball before it crosses the end line. Goal kicks may be taken from any point on the goal box line. The opposing team must stand approximately 5 yards away from the ball.
Offside: No Offside will be called at this age level.
Goalies: We will not use goalies at this age level. No “guarding of the goal” will be allowed at this age level. At this age we do not use a goalie because we want all kids to get as many touches on the ball as possible. A child playing goalie would only get limited touches during the game.
Uniforms: Jerseys will be purchased through Tursi. One white jersey and one green jersey will need to be purchased. Players will need to provide their own shin guards and cleats.
Score: We do not keep score at this age level, however if one team is clearly scoring more, please be respectful of the other team.
Soccer Balls: We use size 3 soccer balls at this age.
Equipment: Each coach will be provided with a first aid kit, cones, pinnies and soccer balls. Pugg goals are in the green container at the field. Please put the goals back before leaving the field.
Parent Volunteers: We strongly encourage parents to help. However any parent working on the field with children must have a background check and have SafeSport & Concussion certified trainings.