FCSA In-House Under 5, 6 Playing Rules
(based on USYSA Recommendations)
Field of Play
Length – 20-30 yards
Width – 15-25 yards
Penalty area – NONE
Goals – decided by club
Coaches may be on the field with players but limited to the sideline area.
Coaches wear FCSA coaching shirts at games.
Ball – size 3
Number of players – 3 – no goalkeeper
Substitutions – at any stoppage and unlimited.
Playing time – everyone must play 50% of every game
Game length – 4x8 minute quarters, 2 minute break between quarters, 5 minute halftime break
Offside – no
Start/Re-start – opponents must be 4 yards from the ball.
Goal kicks – taken within 2 yards of the goal line at a point closest to the point where it went out of bounds. Opposition must be at least 4 yards away.
Corner kicks – yes – opposition must be at least 4 yards away
Free kicks – no penalty kicks, no cards. All fouls result in a direct free kick from where the foul occurred.
Throw-ins – YES – re-take if a foul throw
Advantages of playing small sided games
>more time with the coach
>more time with the ball
>more activity – offense and defense
>greater success rate
USYSA recommendations
>opposing coaches, players and parents shake hands after each match
>parents, coaches and spectators should be there to enjoy and encourage the activity of the youngsters
>coaches recommended to attend U6/U8 youth module
