2023
Messalonskee Youth Soccer Official (3/4 & 5/6 Grade) Playing Recommendations
Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line.
Length: minimum 45 yards maximum 60 yards
Width: minimum 30 yards maximum 45 yards
Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than (5) inches wide. The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of eight (8) yards is marked around it.
The Goal Area: A goal area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line three (3) yards from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of three (3) yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.
The Penalty Area: A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, eight (8) yards from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of eight (8) yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area.
Size four (4).
(3/4) A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not less than four (4) players and not more than seven (7) players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. (Seven (7) players recommended.)
(5/6) A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not less than five (5) players and not more than nine (9) players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. (Nine (9) players recommended.)
Substitutions: At any stoppage of play and unlimited.
Playing time: Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time.
Shinguards, knee-high socks, soccer cleats and mouth guard are required. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams. Goalkeepers must wear a jersey of contrasting color to the team shirt.
A parent, coach or referee in training may be used.
All players can run the entire field unless one team is down by 4 goals then the leading team must leave at least 3 defensive players and a goalie on their half of the field at all times.
The match shall be divided into two (2) equal, thirty (30) minute halves with a ten (10) minute halftime break. Teams will switch sides at halftime. No time will be added to the game.
Conform to FIFA, with the exception of the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.
The ball is out of play when: It has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground or in the air or when play has been stopped by the referee. Ball is in play at all other times.
A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line. Goals cannot be scored from behind the mid field line.
(3/4)The offside rule is not strictly enforced however deliberate or obvious off side infractions will be called.
(5/6) The offside rule is enforced.
Conform to FIFA with the exception that all fouls shall result in an indirect free kick. The referee/coach/parent must explain ALL infringements to the offending player. No cards shown for misconduct. Slide tackles or sliding of any kind is not allowed, except by keepers making saves. No HEADING the ball is allowed.
Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that all kicks are indirect and all opponents are at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.
None.
A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball crosses the touch line, either on the ground or in the air.
At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:
All opponents must stand no less than 2 yards from the point at which the throw-in is taken.
After delivering the ball, the thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.
An improperly performed throw-in can be retaken once.
Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents must remain outside the goal area and at least eight (10) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.
