Essex County Youth Soccer Association Rules.

D.  Exceptions for U10 6v6 Games (modified from 7v7 Fall 2007)

1.  U-10 age group, Six vs. Six (6v6) small sided soccer is a non-pressure, instructional form of soccer whose purpose is to provide a FUN atmosphere and a positive playing experience for the children participating.  All participants win when Coaches, Parents, Referees and Players enjoy the game.  FIFA Laws shall apply with the following exceptions:

2.  The Field of Play

a. Minimum of 40 yards by 60 yards, not to exceed 50 yards by 75 yards.

b. Markings needed.

(1) Goal lines and Touch lines.

(2) Goal area 20 yards on the Goal line. 6 yards onto the playing field.

(3) A 14-yard line parallel to the Goal line running from touchline to touchline (not be called the penalty area). A Goalkeeper can handle the ball anywhere in this area. On a Goal kick the ball must pass this 14-yard line to be considered in play.

(4) Halfway line and Center circle (10-yard radius).

(5) Corner Flag and corner quarter circle (1-yard radius).

(6) Goal sizes 6 feet high and from 12 feet to 18 feet wide.

(7) Mid-field flag (optional).

3.  The ball that will be used will be a number 4.

4.  Seven (7) players including the Goalkeeper on the field for each team. A team will play with no less than (5) players.  If at any time the number of players drops below five, the game will be suspended.  Total number of players allowed on a team is fourteen (14).

5.  The game will have two (2) twenty-five (25) minute playing periods.

6.  Off sides will be called starting at the 14 yard line down to the goal line (in the penalty area) in a 7-v-7 game.

7.  A ball put into play from a goal kick or a kick or throw from the goalkeeper, must be touched by a player or the ground before it crosses the mid-field line.  If it does not touch the ground or a player before it crosses the line an indirect kick will be awarded at the point where it crossed the mid-field line.

8.  Direct kicks and indirect kicks will be determined by FIFA rules.

9.  No penalty kicks will be taken. All fouls committed inside the 14-yard line that would normally result in a Penalty kick will be moved outside the 14-yard line to point closest to where the foul was committed and a direct kick will be awarded.

10. The official ECYSA game summary postcard will be filled out by the referee and returned to the Referee Assignor for payment.

11. A player who takes a throw-in or a kick-off improperly will be given a second try.