Hondo Youth Soccer Association

HYSA FALL 2024 - Under 7

GENERAL RULES OF PLAY

 

EXCEPTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO FIFA LAWS

Please refer to https://www.theifab.com/home for Laws of the Game

(IFAB also has an app that can be downloaded to your phone)

 

 

These Guidelines have been adopted by HYSA from the US Youth Soccer Rules and are subject to change upon League Board Majority vote, any changes made will not be made during the current season of play. Any and all changes will be in compliance with FIFA and US Youth Soccer Rules.

 

 

Size of Team: Minimum number of players is 4, Maximum number of players is 8 per team.

 

Number of Players: Each Under 7 (U7) team during a game shall play no more than four (4) players on the field at a time.

Coaches must play each registered player who is present one half of the game (50%) unless unable to do so due to player’s illness or injury or for disciplinary reasons. In the event that a player is present but will not be playing, the coach must inform the opposing coach as to the reason that the player will not participate. 

 

Forfeits for too few players: Provided that at least two (2) players from each team are present at game time, there shall be no forfeit. Coaches shall accommodate the situation to insure that all players get as much playing time as possible. If either team has fewer than two (2) players present, the game shall be abandoned, but no winner shall be declared nor forfeit awarded.

 

Coaches on Field: One coach per team is allowed on the field. 

 

Ball: Size #3 

Goals: Goals shall be approximately 4 feet tall by 6 feet wide. 

Fields: The field shall be rectangular with the length in all cases exceeding the width. 

Size: 75 feet wide by 105 feet long

Center Circle: 3 foot in radius 

Penalty Area/Goal Box: 8 feet wide by 6 feet long

 

Length of Games: The game shall be divided into four 6 minute quarters. There shall be a 2 minute break between quarters one and two and another 2 minute break between quarters three and four. There shall be a half-time break of 5 minutes between quarters two and three. At the discretion of and with the agreement of both coaches, game time can be adjusted from 5 minutes per quarter to 7 minutes per quarter. This may be done for any reason, but if one coach asks for accommodation due to a lack of players or other similar concerns it is strongly recommended that the opposing coach agree.  

 

 

Referees (Referees will not be assigned to 6U games): Coaches will act as referee in the 5U/6U division. Coaches will help players to follow the rules. All coaches should "officiate", with sideline coaches assisting in calling possession on the sidelines when possible. The games are intended to be an opportunity for our players to experience the fun of playing. The barest of minimum rules are needed and should be applied with a generous amount of flexibility. Let the players have the freedom to play with minimum interruption. If there is an infraction of the FIFA throw-in or indirect kick rules, the player throwing or kicking the ball shall receive one additional throw-in or kick after a correcting instruction from the referee/coach. If the player violates the FIFA rule on his/her second attempt then the opposing team shall be awarded a throw-in or indirect kick.

 

Substitutions: Player substitutions can be made at any time during the game. 

 

Goalkeeper: There will be no goalkeeper. In this division the coaches should encourage all players to be out in the field. If a player will not leave the goal area they should be encouraged to stay 5-6 feet in front of the goal rather than on the goal line.

No player in 6U can use their hands at any time during play.

 

Penalties for fouls: There shall be no penalty shots. Continued rough play should be controlled by removing the offending player from play and discussion of appropriate technique. If a coach is allowing continued rough play on their team please address this issue with an HYSA board member.

 

All fouls will be penalized with indirect kicks.

 

From the point of taking an indirect kick, goal kick or corner kick, opponents shall not be any closer than three (3) yards.

 

Offside: There shall be no off-sides. 

 

“Throw”-ins: The ball will be returned to play by an indirect kick taken from the touchline where the ball exited the field of play. A goal may not be scored directly from an indirect kick for either team. If the player taking the throw-in (kick) touches the ball again before it has touched another player a throw-in (kick) is awarded to the opposing team (subject to one re-try as noted above).

 

Goal Kicks: A ball exiting the goal line having last been touched by the attacking team will be returned to play by a goal kick by the defending team. Also, a ball contacted in the goal box as described above will be returned to play with a goal kick. A goal kick should be taken from the goal line next to the goal (within 3-5 feet of the goal) rather than from the goal box. Opposing players must retreat beyond midfield when a goal kick is being taken. The kick may be taken before the opposing players retreat to midfield, or the kicker may wait until they do so.

 

Kick-offs: Kickoffs can go forward or backwards. A goal may not be scored directly from a kick-off for either team.

 

If the player taking the kick-off touches the ball again before it has touched another player an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team (subject to one re-try as noted above).

 

Headers: Deliberate heading will not be allowed

 

If a player deliberately heads the ball, the opposing team will be awarded an indirect free kick.

Equipment: (please make sure all equipment is away from side sideline)

Soccer cleats are not required for the 6U division. The alternative to soccer cleats should be regular tennis or athletic shoes. Specifically, baseball or football cleats are not permitted in soccer.

 

All players will wear shin guards which are commercially produced and specifically designed to provide protection to the shins. Shin guards must be worn properly: under socks, not on top.

 

No player will be allowed to play with a hard cast (padded or otherwise), nor will any player be allowed to play with any brace (knee or otherwise) that contains exposed metal or hard plastics, unless it is wrapped with a minimum of ½ inch high-density foam wrapping or the manufacturer’s recommended protective coating.

 

Players may wear sliding, bike, cyclist or tight fitting pants which do not protrude below the top of the knee and are the same color as the shorts (MUST BE WORN UNDER SHORTS). Spanx, or volleyball type shorts are not permitted without shorts being worn on top of them. This does not prohibit players from wearing loose fitting, long-legged sweat pants or tights. 

 

Bandanas of any style may not be worn during any game. Players may not wear a bandanna either on their heads, legs or arms. Exceptions may be made at the local level for medical reasons.

 

All players and coaches should wear the league provided jersey shirt. Any team wearing something other than the league provided jersey will be subject to a forfeit. Any extenuating circumstances should be discussed with an HYSA board member.

 

Awards: Standings will not be maintained, and no trophies or awards will be given except for participation and/or sportsmanship. 

** All HYSA teams are responsible for keeping the team area clean following the completion of the game, this includes removing all trash, canopies, and chairs. 

 

 

** Games may be cancelled due to inclement weather, Coaches will be contacted and notification will be posted on the website. Coaches will be required to notify individual teams. Make up games may be scheduled during weekdays to accommodate all teams. 

If you have any questions or concerns in regards to the rules, please contact an HYSA board member.