Sporting Rec. League
Game Rules
Spring & Fall Seasons
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Pre-K
Game Format: 3v3
1. Ball Size: Size 3 ball
2. Goal: The goal is 4’ x 6’
3. Field Size: 30 x 20 yards
4. Length of Game: 4 x 6-minute quarters with 2-minute breaks between quarters.
5. Number of players: Each team will have three players on the field. There is no goalkeeper at this age group. The maximum roster size is 7 players.
6. Substitution: During any stoppage of play after receiving the coach’s permission. Team does not have to be in possession of the ball.
7. Game starts and re-starts from the center circle may be played forward or backwards.
8. Free Kicks: All free kicks are indirect. Defensive players must be at least 3 yards from the ball.
9. Indirect Kicks: An indirect kick requires the ball to rotate at least a 1/2 turn. If a player taps the top of the ball, it will not be considered a proper indirect kick and should be taken again. The nearest defensive player must be a minimum of 3 yards from the ball.
10. Penalty Kicks: There will be no penalty kicks. All fouls in the box result in an indirect free kick.
11. Corner Kicks: will be taken at the corner of the endline and sideline on the appropriate side of the field. The ball can be either kicked or dribbled into the field.
12. Kick-ins: A kick-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole ball passes over the touchline, on the ground or in the air. Opponent must be 3 yards from the ball to allow the player to pass into the field.
*There are no throw-ins for the Pre-K Division
13. Goal Kicks: The ball is kicked back into play from the endline by a player on the defending team. Opponent must be in their defensive half.
14. Offside: Offside is not enforced.
15. Player equipment: Teams must wear the league-issued jersey with black shorts and black socks. Every player must wear shin guards completely covered by the socks, and soccer cleats or tennis shoes. For the safety of the players, no necklaces, bracelets or earrings will be allowed. Players will be allowed to cover their earrings with a band-aid.
16. No Slide Tackling. Results in an indirect kick from the spot of the violation. Please encourage players to stay on their feet when trying to win the ball.
17. No Heading is allowed. Results in an indirect kick from spot of violation.
18. Reschedules: Teams are not permitted to reschedule games without the approval/consent of the league. The league director will work to accommodate reschedule requests, but due to field availability, requests may not be accommodated.
19. Competitive Rule: If at any time during the game a team achieves a 5-goal margin, the opposing team can be permitted at the coaches’ discretion to add an additional player. They will also be eligible to add an additional player if that team achieves an 8- goal margin. Once the margin is reduced below the 5 and 8 goal increment, all additional players should leave the field. For example:
• Score Differential +4 - Extra Player Allowed: 0
• Score Differential +5 - Extra Player Allowed: 1
• Score Differential +8 - Extra Player Allowed: 2
20. Referees: No referee will be provided. The Head Coaches for both teams will each act as referees, keeping time and calling fouls/out of bounds.
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Kindergarten
Game Format: 3v3
1. Ball Size: Size 3 ball
2. Goal: The goal is 4’ x 6’
3. Field Size: 30 x 20 yards
4. Length of Game: 4 x 8-minute quarters with 2-minute breaks between quarters.
5. Number of players: Each team will have three players on the field. There is no goalkeeper at this age group. The maximum roster size is 7 players.
6. Substitution: During any stoppage of play after receiving the coach’s permission. Team does not have to be in possession of the ball.
7. Game starts and re-starts from the center circle may be played forward or backwards.
8. Free Kicks: All free kicks are indirect. Defensive players must be at least 3 yards from the ball.
9. Indirect Kicks: An indirect kick requires the ball to rotate at least a 1/2 turn. If a player taps the top of the ball, it will not be considered a proper indirect kick and should be taken again. The nearest defensive player must be a minimum of 3 yards from the ball.
10. Penalty Kicks: There will be no penalty kicks. All fouls in the box result in an indirect free kick.
11. Corner Kicks: will be taken at the corner of the endline and sideline on the appropriate side of the field. The ball can be either kicked or dribbled into the field.
12. Kick-ins: A kick-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole ball passes over the touchline, on the ground or in the air.
*There are no throw-ins for the Kindergarten Division
13. Goal Kicks: The ball is kicked back into play from the endline by a player on the defending team. Opponent must be in their defensive half.
14. Offside: Offside is not enforced.
15. Player equipment: Teams must wear the league-issued jersey with black shorts and black socks. Every player must wear shin guards completely covered by the socks, and soccer cleats or tennis shoes. For the safety of the players, no necklaces, bracelets or earrings will be allowed. Players will be allowed to cover their earrings with a band-aid.
16. No Slide Tackling. Results in an indirect kick from the spot of the violation. Please encourage players to stay on their feet when trying to win the ball.
17. No Heading is allowed. Results in an indirect kick from spot of violation.
18. Reschedules: Teams are not permitted to reschedule games without the approval/consent of the league. The league director will work to accommodate reschedule requests, but due to field availability, requests may not be accommodated.
19. Competitive Rule: If at any time during the game a team achieves a 5-goal margin, the opposing team can be permitted at the coaches’ discretion to add an additional player. They will also be eligible to add an additional player if that team achieves an 8- goal margin. Once the margin is reduced below the 5 and 8 goal increment, all additional players should leave the field. For example:
• Score Differential +4 - Extra Player Allowed: 0
• Score Differential +5 - Extra Player Allowed: 1
• Score Differential +8 - Extra Player Allowed: 2
20. Referees: No referee will be provided. The Head Coaches for both teams will each act as referees, keeping time and calling fouls/out of bounds.
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1st Grade
Game Format: 4v4
1. Ball Size: Size 3/4 ball (coaches' discretion)
2. Goal: The goal is 4’x 6’
3. Field Size: 40 x 25 yards
4. Length of Game: 2 x 18-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime.
5. Number of players: Each team will have four players on the field. There is no goalkeeper at this age group. The maximum roster size is 9 players.
6. Substitution: During any stoppage of play after receiving coach’s permission. Team does not have to be in possession of the ball.
7. Game starts and re-starts from the center circle may be played forward or backwards.
8. Free Kicks: All free kicks are indirect. Defensive players must be at least 5 yards from the ball.
9. Indirect Kicks: An indirect kick requires the ball to rotate at least a 1/2 turn. If a player taps the top of the ball, it will not be considered a proper indirect kick and should be taken again. The nearest defensive player must be a minimum of 5 yards from the ball.
10. Penalty Kicks: There will be no penalty kicks. All fouls in the box result in an indirect free kick.
11. Corner Kicks: will be taken at the corner of the endline and sideline on the appropriate side of the field.
12. Throw-ins: A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole ball passes over the touchline, on the ground or in the air. If an improper throw-in is made, the coach should instruct the player and allow the player to try again. A player cannot score a goal from a throw-in unless another player on the field touches it.
13. Goal Kicks: Goal kicks can be taken at any point within the goal box. Opposing players must be in their own half of field until ball is in play.
14. Goal Box: Goal box (3x5) will be marked, and no player is allowed to stand inside the box. If the ball stops inside the goal box, it will be a goal kick. If a defender touches the ball in the goal box, a goal is awarded to the offensive team. If an attacking player touches the ball in the goal box, and scores, the goal will be disallowed.
15. Offside: Offside is not enforced.
16. Player equipment: Teams must wear the league-issued jersey with black shorts and black socks. Every player must wear shin guards completely covered by the socks, and soccer cleats or tennis shoes. For the safety of the players, no necklaces, bracelets, or earrings will be allowed. Players will be allowed to cover their earrings with a band-aid.
17. No Slide Tackling. Results in an indirect kick from the spot of the violation. Please encourage players to stay on their feet when trying to win the ball.
18. No Heading is allowed. Results in an indirect kick from spot of violation.
19. Reschedules: Teams are not permitted to reschedule games without the approval/consent of the league. The league director will work to accommodate reschedule requests, but due to field availability, requests may not be accommodated.
20. Competitive Rule: If at any time during the game a team achieves a 5-goal margin, the opposing team can be permitted at the coaches’ discretion to add an additional player. They will also be eligible to add an additional player if that team achieves an 8- goal margin. Once the margin is reduced below the 5 and 8 goal increment, all additional players should leave the field. For example:
• Score Differential +4 - Extra Player Allowed: 0
• Score Differential +5 - Extra Player Allowed: 1
• Score Differential +8 - Extra Player Allowed: 2
21. Referees: No referee will be provided. The Head Coaches for both teams will each act as referees, keeping time and calling fouls/out of bounds.
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2nd Grade
Game Format: 5v5
1. Ball size: Size 4 ball
2. Goal: The goal is 6.5’ x 12’
3. Field Size: 50 x 35 yards
4. Length of Game: 2 x 20 – minute halves with 5-minute halftime.
5. Number of Players: Each team will have five players (including goalkeeper) on the field. The maximum roster size is 11 players.
6. Substitution: During any stoppage of play after receiving referee permission. Team does not have to be in possession of the ball.
7. Game starts and re-starts from the center of midfield may be played forward or backwards.
8. Free Kicks: All free kicks are indirect. Defensive players must be at least 5 yards from the ball.
9. Indirect Kicks: An indirect kick requires the ball to rotate at least a 1/2 turn. If a player taps the top of the ball, it will not be considered a proper indirect kick and should be taken again. The nearest defensive player must be a minimum of 5 yards from the ball.
10. Penalty Kicks: There will be no penalty kicks. All fouls in the box result in an indirect free kick.
11. Corner Kicks: will be taken at the corner of the endline and sideline on the appropriate side of the field.
12. Throw-ins: A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole ball passes over the touchline, on the ground or in the air. If an improper throw-in is made, the referee should instruct the player and allow the player to try again. A player cannot score a goal from a throw-in unless another player on the field touches it.
13. Goal Kicks: Goal kicks can be taken at any point within the goal box. Opposing players must be in their own half of the field until the ball is in play.
14. Punting: No punting will be allowed. Goalkeepers may throw the ball or place the ball at their feet to play out. If a goalkeeper punts, the play will be whistled and given a second chance.
15. Goal Box: There will be a 8 x 20 yard goal box. Goalkeepers may only use their hands in the goal box, once outside the area, the goalkeeper becomes a field player.
16. Offside: Offside is not enforced.
17. Player equipment: Teams must wear the league-issued jersey with black shorts and black socks. Every player must wear shin guards completely covered by the socks, and soccer cleats or tennis shoes. For the safety of the players, no necklaces, bracelets, or earrings will be allowed. Players will be allowed to cover their earrings with a band-aid.
18. Goalkeeper Jersey: The goalkeeper position should be experienced by all players with each player having the opportunity to play as a goalkeeper. Goalkeepers must wear a contrasting jersey (scrimmage vests are fine).
19. No Slide Tackling: Results in an indirect kick from the spot of the violation. Please encourage players to stay on their feet when trying to win the ball.
20. No Heading is allowed. Results in an indirect kick from spot of violation.
21. Reschedules: Teams are not permitted to reschedule games without the approval/consent of the league. The league director will work to accommodate reschedule requests, but due to field availability, requests may not be accommodated.
22. Competitive Rule: If at any time during the game a team achieves a 5-goal margin, the opposing team can be permitted at the coaches’ discretion to add an additional player. They will also be eligible to add an additional player if that team achieves an 8- goal margin. Once the margin is reduced below the 5 and 8 goal increment, all additional players should leave the field. For example:
• Score Differential +4 - Extra Player Allowed: 0
• Score Differential +5 - Extra Player Allowed: 1
• Score Differential +8 - Extra Player Allowed: 2
23. Referees: There will be one (1) referee provided for each game.
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3rd/4th Grade
Game Format: 7v7
- Ball size: Size 4 ball
- Goal: The goal is 6.5’ x 12’
- Field Size: 50 x 60 yards
- Length of Game: 2 x 25–minute halves with a 5-minute halftime.
- Number of Players: Each team will have seven players (including the goalkeeper) on the field. The maximum roster size is 14 players.
- Substitution: During any stoppage of play after receiving referee permission. The team does not have to be in possession of the ball.
- The game starts and restarts from the center of midfield and may be played forward or backward.
- Free Kicks: All free kicks are indirect. Defensive players must be at least 8 yards from the ball.
- Indirect Kicks: An indirect kick requires the ball to rotate at least a 1/2 turn. If a player taps the top of the ball, it will not be considered a proper indirect kick and should be taken again. The nearest defensive player must be a minimum of 8 yards from the ball.
- Direct Kicks: Direct free kicks are awarded to the opposing team when a player commits a physical foul or handball.
- Penalty Kicks: A penalty kick is awarded if a player commits a direct free kick offense inside their penalty area or off the field as part of play as outlined in Laws 12 and 13. A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick.
- Corner Kicks: will be taken at the corner of the endline and sideline on the appropriate side of the field.
- Throw-ins: A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole ball passes over the touchline, on the ground, or in the air. If an improper throw-in is made, the referee should instruct the player and allow the player to try again. A player can only score a goal from a throw-in if another player on the field touches it.
- Goal Kicks: Goal kicks can be taken at any point within the goal box. Opposing players must be in their own half of the field until the ball is in play.
- Punting: Punting is allowed for 3rd/4th Grade teams only. The keeper is allowed to either throw the ball short, or punt the ball long. Keepers must make sure there are no players in front of them before they punt. They can ask the referee for space (5 yards) or move into new space within the 18-yard box. Opposing players do not need to back up to the midfield line for keeper punts/throws. No headers are allowed.
- Goal Box: There will be an 8 x 20-yard goal box. Goalkeepers may only use their hands in the goal box, once outside the area, the goalkeeper becomes a field player.
- Offside: Offside is not enforced.
- Player equipment: Teams must wear league-issued jerseys with black shorts and black socks. Every player must wear shin guards completely covered by socks, and soccer cleats or tennis shoes. For the safety of the players, no necklaces, bracelets, or earrings will be allowed. Players will be allowed to cover their earrings with a band-aid.
- Goalkeeper Jersey: The goalkeeper position should be experienced by all players with each player having the opportunity to play as a goalkeeper. Goalkeepers must wear a contrasting jersey (scrimmage vests are fine).
- No Slide Tackling: Results in an indirect kick from the spot of the violation. Please encourage players to stay on their feet when trying to win the ball.
- No Heading is allowed. Results in an indirect kick from the spot of violation.
- Reschedules: Teams are not permitted to reschedule games without the approval/consent of the league. The league director will work to accommodate reschedule requests, but due to field availability, requests may not be accommodated.
- Referees: There will be one (1) referee provided for each game.
- Competitive Rule: If at any time during the game, a team achieves a 5-goal margin, the opposing team can be permitted at the coaches’ discretion to add an additional player. They will also be eligible to add an additional player if that team achieves an 8-goal margin. Once the margin is reduced below the 5 and 8-goal increment, all additional players should leave the field. For example:
- Score Differential +4 - Extra Player Allowed: 0
- Score Differential +5 - Extra Player Allowed: 1
- Score Differential +8 - Extra Player Allowed: 2
Winter Sessions
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Pre-K & Kindergarten
1. Game Format: 3v3
2. Ball Size: Size 3 ball
3. Goal: The goal is 4’ x 6’
4. Length of Game: 4 x 7-minute quarters with 2-minute breaks between quarters.
5. Referee: Each team’s coach is permitted on the field and will act as referees. One coach calls fouls, the other keeps time.
6. Number of players: Each team will have three players on the field. There is no goalkeeper at this age group.
7. Substitution: During any stoppage of play after receiving the coach’s permission. Team does not have to be in possession of the ball.
8. Game starts and re-starts from the center circle may be played forward or backwards.
9. Free Kicks: All free kicks are indirect. Defensive players must be at least 3 yards from the ball.
10. Indirect Kicks: An indirect kick requires the ball to rotate at least a 1/2 turn. If a player taps the top of the ball, it will not be considered a proper indirect kick and should be taken again. The nearest defensive player must be a minimum of 3 yards from the ball.
11. Penalty Kicks: There will be no penalty kicks. All fouls in the box result in an indirect free kick.
12. Corner Kicks: There will be no Corner Kicks. Any time the ball touches the back net, it will result in a Goal Kick.
13. Kick-ins or Dribble Ins: Any time the ball touches the net will result in a kick-in or dribble in for the team that didn’t touch the ball last. Opponent must be 3 yards from the ball to allow the player to kick or dribble the ball into play.
14. Goal Kicks: The ball is kicked back into play from the endline by a player on the defending team. Opponent must be in their defensive half.
15. Pass Back: Goalkeepers are not allowed allowed to pick up any intentional pass back from their teammates with their hands. Players can pass the ball back to their keeper's feet to retain possession.
16. Offside: Offside is not enforced.
17. Player equipment: Every player must wear shin guards completely covered by the socks, and soccer cleats or tennis shoes. For the safety of the players, no necklaces, bracelets, or earrings will be allowed. Players will be allowed to cover their earrings with a band-aid.
18. No Slide Tackling: Results in an indirect kick from the spot of the violation. Please encourage players to stay on their feet when trying to win the ball.
19. No Heading is allowed. Results in an indirect kick from spot of violation.
20. Reschedules: Teams are not permitted to reschedule games without the approval/consent of the league. The league director will work to accommodate reschedule requests, but due to field availability, requests may not be accommodated.
21. Competitive Rule: Score is never officially kept in the Sporting Rec League. However, if at any time during the game there is a team who is clearly in command of the game – at the mutual agreement of both coaches, the team who is “losing” is permitted to add one extra player on the field.
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1st, 2nd & 3rd Grade
1. Game Format: 4v4 (3 field players + 1 goalkeeper)
2. Goal: The goal is 10’ x 6.5’
3. Length of Game: 4 x 10 – minute quarters. 2-minute break between each quarter.
4. Number of Players: Each team will have four players (including goalkeeper) on the field. The maximum roster size is 11 players.
5. Referee: Only 2nd and 3rd grade leagues will have referees.
6. Substitution: During any stoppage of play after receiving referee (or both coach’s) permission. Team does not have to be in possession of the ball.
7. Game starts and re-starts from the center of midfield may be played forward or backwards.
8. Free Kicks: All free kicks are indirect. Defensive players must be at least 5 yards from the ball.
9. Indirect Kicks: An indirect kick requires the ball to rotate at least a 1/2 turn. If a player taps the top of the ball, it will not be considered a proper indirect kick and should be taken again. The nearest defensive player must be a minimum of 5 yards from the ball.
10. Penalty Kicks: There will be no penalty kicks. All fouls in the box result in an indirect free kick.
11. Corner Kicks: There will be no Corner Kicks. Any time the ball touches the back net, it will result in a Goal Kick.
12. Kick-ins: If the ball hits the net, a kick in will be awarded to the opposing team. Players must be 3 yards away from the ball to allow the kick in.
13. Goal Kicks: Goal kicks can be taken at any point within the goal box. Opposing players must be in their own half of the field until the ball is in play.
14. Pass Back: Goalkeepers are not allowed allowed to pick up any intentional pass back from their teammates with their hands. Players can pass the ball back to their keeper's feet to retain possession.
15. Punting: No punting will be allowed. Goalkeepers may throw the ball or place the ball at their feet to play out. If a goalkeeper punts, the play will be whistled and given a second chance. The opposing team should retreat behind the midfield line once the ball is in the keeper’s hands.
16. Goal Box: There will be a 8 x 20 yard goal box. Goalkeepers may only use their hands in the goal box, once outside the area, the goalkeeper becomes a field player.
17. Offside: Offside is not enforced.
18. Player equipment: Every player must wear shin guards completely covered by the socks, and soccer cleats or tennis shoes. For the safety of the players, no necklaces, bracelets, or earrings will be allowed. Players will be allowed to cover their earrings with a band-aid.
19. Goalkeeper Jersey: The goalkeeper position should be experienced by all players with each player having the opportunity to play as a goalkeeper. Goalkeepers must wear a contrasting jersey (pennies/bibs are fine).
20. No Slide Tackling: Results in an indirect kick from the spot of the violation. Please encourage players to stay on their feet when trying to win the ball.
21. No Heading is allowed. Results in an indirect kick from spot of violation.
22. Reschedules: Teams are not permitted to reschedule games without the approval/consent of the league. The league director will work to accommodate reschedule requests, but due to field availability, requests may not be accommodated.
23. Competitive Rule: Score is never officially kept in the Sporting Rec League. However, if at any time during the game there is a team who is clearly in command of the game – at the mutual agreement of both coaches, the team who is “losing” is permitted to add one extra player on the field.