Mini-Kindi Rules and Procedures

Kindergarten through 2nd Grade

The NCSC Mini-Kindi program is designed for players in Kindergarten through 2nd grade, emphasizing development and enjoyment over strict competition. The program follows modified standards aligned with USSF recommendations for U6 through U8 players, utilizing small-sided games to maximize player engagement.

Rules

Format: The standard format is 4v4 with no goalkeepers.  For kindi games, coaches are on the field managing the flow of play.

Duration: Games consist of four 10-minute quarters with 2-5 minute breaks between them.

Equipment:

  • Matches are played with a Size 3 ball. 
  • Players must wear shin guards. 
  • No jewelry, watches, or necklaces allwed, for safety.

Prohibitions: There are no offside offenses and no slide tackling allowed.

Restarts:

  • Kindi: Play is restarted by coaches; there are no throw ins, goal kicks, corner kicks, or free kicks.
  • Mini: (1st/2nd Grade): Players utilize throw-ins, corner kicks, and goal kicks. During goal kicks, opposing players must retreat behind the halfway line until the ball is in play. 
  • Throw-ins: players are instructed by the referee on how to take proper throw-ins and are allowed two retries.

Free Kicks: All free kicks are indirect, and penalty kicks are not awarded.

Procedures

The program follows a consistent schedule and set of logistical procedures for families and coaches:

Schedule: All sessions begin at 5:30 PM. Kindergarten teams meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays (games on Thursdays), while 1st and 2nd graders meet on Mondays and Wednesdays (games on Wednesdays).

Locations: Practices and games take place at the same location which varies from season to season, utilizing fields such as Bilquist Elementary, Ann-Toni Schreiber Park, or View Acres Elementary.

Uniforms: Kindergarteners are encouraged to wear team shirts or pinnies. 1st and 2nd graders wear NCSC jerseys; the home team wears green, and the away team wears white.

Setup: Coaches are responsible for setting up goals and managing their own equipment, including ball bags. Fields are painted with a center circle and small goal boxes.

Porta-potties: The club provides porta-potties on site.  Coaches must ensure Port-a-Potties are locked at the end of practice.  The lock code can be obtained from a club admin.

Game Managers, aka, Referees

For the Mini program, "referees" will be assigned to games.  Because they are not USSF certified referees, they are technically known as "Game Managers" since their primary purpose is to manage the game, assist the coaches in keeping players safe, and teach and enforce the rules.  They will receive training before the season and mentoring during the season.  They will be instructed to work with coaches to keep the games safe and fair.