Chatham NC Soccer League


U4 Rules: 3 versus 3 The U4 players' needs are different from older players. The focus is on fun and participation. "Games" at this level of play are not to be viewed as competitive but more as opportunities to play in a group setting. Most children at this age do not play with other children, they play independently at the same time and we incorrectly call it "playing together". The concepts of playing cooperatively and sharing are still foreign or developing. In order to meet these players' needs we do not have traditional games with one ball. We add more balls to the playing field to allow all of the players to have as many touches on the ball as possible. We begin with every player having a ball on the field during the "games". As the season progresses we reduce the number of balls to encourage some 1 v. 1 play but never use fewer than one ball for every two players. Games using one ball are introduced at the U6 age level.
I.	The Field
1.		Dimensions: No more than 30 yards long, no less than 20 yards long; No more than 20 yards wide, no less than 15 yards wide. US Youth Soccer Optimal recommendation: 25 yards length by 20 yards width.
2.		Markings: Distinctive lines not more than five (5) inches wide) to mark: a halfway line across the width of the field; a center circle with a three (3) yard radius, four (4) corner arcs each with a two (2) foot radius, Three (3) yard radius goal area, No goal tending.
3.		Goals: Small goals roughly 4 x 6 feet.
4.		Technical Area: An area in the middle between the two fields reserved for coaches and players only.
II.	The Ball:
1.		Size three (3).
2.		We begin the season playing games with each player having a ball. Six (6) balls if there are six (6) players on the field. In the middle of the season we begin reducing the number of balls to encourage some 1 v. 1 play using no less than three (3) balls on each field or one (1) ball for every two (2) players Games using one (1) ball per field are introduced at the U6 age level.
III.	Number of Players:
1.		Maximum number of players per team on each field at a time is three (3). No goalkeeper. Two games are played simultaneously. 2 v. 2 or 1 v. 1 games are good.
2.		Maximum number of players on the roster should not exceed ten (10).
3.		Substitutions: Allowed anytime the ball is out of play, with the permission of the referee or game official.
4.		Playing Time: Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of total playing time.
5.		Teams may be co-ed.
IV.	Players Equipment:
1.		Conform to FIFA laws with the following exceptions:
A.			Footwear may include tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes.
V.	Referee:
1.		Associate referee
2.		Parent/Coach or assistant, one (1) per team on the field with the players.
3.		All rule infractions should be briefly explained to the offending player.
VI.	Linesman:
1.		Parents are encouraged to direct wayward players back onto the field. At this level of play the lines are meaningless to the players and play which goes outside the lines does not have to be stopped. Parents may just direct the players in the right direction and allow play to continue.
VII.	Duration of the game:
1.		Four (4) equal six (6) minute quarters.
2.		Two (2) minute break between quarters one and two and another two (2) minute break between quarters three and four.
3.		Halftime break of five (5) minutes.
VIII.	Start of Play:
1.		Conform to FIFA with following exceptions:
A.			Opponent must be three (3) yards from center mark while kick-off is in progress.
IX.	Ball In and Out of Play:
1.		Play continues outside the lines. Parents are encouraged to direct players in the right direction.
X.	Method of Scoring:
1.		Conform to FIFA.
XI.	Offside:
1.		There shall be No offside called during these games.
XII.	Fouls and Misconduct:
1.		Conform to FIFA with following exceptions:
A.			No cautions or ejections issued except by an independent referee.
XIII.	Free Kicks:
1.		Conform to FIFA with following exceptions:
A.			All kicks are INDIRECT.
B.			Opponents must be three (3) yards away before kick is allowed.
XIV.	Penalty Kicks:
1.		No penalty kicks are to be taken during these games. There are no goal keepers.
XV.	Throw-In.
1.		Conform to FIFA with following exceptions:
A.			A second and third throw must be allowed if the player commits a foul on the initial attempt. The referee or game official shall explain the proper method before allowing the player to throw-in again. A different player may be allowed to take the throw-in if necessary.
B.			Players may throw the ball in to themselves.
XVI.	Goal Kick:
1.		No goal kicks needed at this level of play.
XVII.	Corner Kick:
1.		No goal kicks needed at this level of play.