(More) General Pointers — 5u/6u/7u
- Please refer to the specific Division Guidelines for detailed info found under the appropriate age “Division Guidelines” tab
- This isn’t really “soccer.” It’s a big play date with a ball and two nets. These are kids just running around having a fun time with a ball; no goalkeepers.
- You’re there just to help them have as much fun as humanly possible, not to “officiate” (well, kind of).
- Know what time you should get your game started, and what time you should be finished, so you’re off the field in time for the next team’s time slot. Keep an eye on the time so you can fit in the two equal halves and their 5’ halftime break. Work with the Coaches while they are warming up and drilling with the players, so this happens smoothly/punctually.
- No “game cards” are required at these ages (Team Managers rejoice!); coaches need to make sure kids are playing at least half of the game. We don’t keep track of scores, subs, etc. No muss, no fuss; just a hilarious sesh with the kids.
- There are no stoppages for “substitutions,” the coach will do these “on the fly.”
- We want them to get as much playing time as possible—avoid long delays, help get the game restarted when the ball goes out of play.
- The players (and maybe the coaches and parents) will need lots of help and verbal cues.
- You will do a lot of the work for the players—retrieving the ball, helping with restarts, setting up for the kick-off after a goal is scored, etc. Restarts include “kick-ins” (instead of ‘throw-ins’ at this age), goal kicks and corner kicks.
- Calling “fouls” isn’t often a thing, just verbally remind them what to do (“kick the ball,” “play nice,” etc.) and what not to do (“don’t use your hands,” “no pushing,” etc.).
- You don’t have to stop play and award free kicks, really, unless you simply must. Try to keep play going as much as possible. They learn more by playing more.
- There will be plenty of “drop ball” restarts in the cases where you do need to stop, and restart, play for a “neutral reason” (injuries, dandelion/butterfly alert).
- HAVE FUN
Specific Pointers — 5u/6u/7u
- Field Set-up — remind the coaches and parents (both teams) of the first game of the day to set up the field (goals, nets, flags). Equipment is in the storage shed.
- Field Break-down–remind the coaches and parents (both teams) of the last game of the day to get the field taken down the field and return equipment to the shed (goals, nets, flags).
- Combos/Codes for storage sheds–will be available from the Field and Safety Director at: fieldsafety@ayso20.org or your Team Manager (?)
- Field of Play and Players–It’s a small grassy rectangle, with a goal at either end, a halfway line, a flag at each corner, and flags at the halfway line.
- Never play with uneven sides. If someone is sitting out, ensure they are out for less than 2 minutes.
- 5U: 3 v 3, no goalkeeper; everyone plays during the last 2 minutes
- 6U: 3 v 3 or 4 v 4, no goalkeeper; everyone plays during the last 2 minutes
- 7U: 5 v 5, no goalkeeper
- Duration — plan accordingly with Coach for timely drills/warm-ups and start the game on time.
- 5U play 2 x 10′ halves, 5′ halftime; final 2 minutes everyone plays!!!
- 6U play 2 x 12′ halves, 5′ halftime; final 2 minutes everyone plays!!!
- 7U play 2 x 15′ halves, 5′ halftime
- Substitutions — made on the fly by the coach (don’t need referee’s permission). Do not have players sitting out for more than two minutes at a time–coaches job.
- Injuries — Stop play with whistle. Tend to the player and call coach in if needed. Restart with a “drop ball” without giving any player or team an advantage.
- Fouls — focus on instructing, rather than officiating. Remind players not to use their hands, push, kick, etc. In case of persistent issues, involve the coach to help manage the players.
- Free Kicks — All free kicks are “direct.” Ensure opponents are 5 yards away for 5U/6U and 8 yards away for 7U.
- Goal Kicks — Taken from the goal line (or the outside of the “big box” if we have them) by a defending team member. Ensure opponents are 5 yards away for 5U/6U and 8 yards away for 7U.
- Corner Kicks — Taken from a corner by an attacking team member. Ensure opponents are 5 yards away for 5U/6U and 8 yards away for 7U.
- Kick-Ins — Replace “throw-ins.” Place the ball on the touchline (outside edge of field of play) and have the player kick it into play. Opponents should be at least 2 yards away from the ball. The player can pass to themselves (double-touch) and continue to dribble after kick in has been taken at this age.
- Other Rules: No offside, double-touch, or penalty kick offences. No headers; play on unless there is a risk of injury.
- Scores: we don’t keep track of score. Everyone wins!!!