Rule Modifications for Recreational Play
GCSA provides recreational soccer to learn the fundamentals of the sport and for enjoyment of the game.
1. All children should be allowed to play any position they are interested in.
2. The emphasis at the Under 4 age level is enjoyment of the game.
3. The emphasis at the Under 6 age level is to teach the fundamentals of ball handling (dribbling, passing, throw ins, shooting) and the basics of the game.
4. The emphasis at the Under 8 age level is to teach the fundamentals of ball handling (dribbling, passing, shooting, adding trapping, corner kicks, and goalkeeping) and the basics of the game.
5. The emphasis at the Under 10 age level is to teach and refine the fundamentals of ball handling and basics of the game. This age group will begin to learn the fundamentals of TEAM play, tactics, and strategies. More competitive style play is encouraged at this age level. Team play and good sportsmanship are stressed.
6. The emphasis at the Under 12 age level and Under 14 age level is to begin to refine soccer skills and abide by all the rules of soccer. Training and conditioning are part of the program at these ages. Competitive style play should be expected at these age levels. Team play and good sportsmanship are stressed.
See attached sheets for specific rule modifications for each age level.
Graves County Soccer Association
U4 (Kinder Soccer) Age Level
Children shall be 2 or 3 years old on the January 1st preceding the playing season.
Games and activities will be directed by one “Field Coach” during games. No referees will be used.
No practices will be necessary and are optional for U4 Tykes Soccer.
The FIFA rules of soccer will apply with the following allowances:
The field is 50 feet wide x 70 feet long.*
No Goal area shall be marked.
No Center circle shall be marked.
Goals are 4 feet high and 9 feet wide.
The games will be played with a size 3 ball.
When games are played, game modifications will be at the discretion of the “Field Coach” within the guidelines below.
The game will consist quarters no longer than 8 minutes with breaks between quarters at the half. Games will end at the end of "regulation" play. No overtimes or shoot outs shall be played.
We will man the field with 3 players. A parent may accompany their child on field during play.
All players will play approximately one half of each half. Free substitution is allowed.
• Kick-offs at the start of each quarter or after a goal is scored do not require an indirect touch to count.
• No Goalkeepers
• Out-of-bounds at all sides will be taken as a free kick at the end of the sideline. All free kicks will be indirect free kicks.
• No penalty kicks. These will also be played as indirect free kicks from the point play was stopped.
• No offsides.
• No slide tackles.
*Minimum size 15 x 20 yards
Graves County Soccer Association
U- 6 Age Level
Children shall be 4 or 5 years old on the January 1st preceding the playing season.
Games will be officiated by one referee.
The FIFA rules of soccer will apply with the following allowances:
The field is 30 yards wide x 50 yards long.*
No goal area shall be marked.
Center circle shall be marked.
Goals are 6 feet high and 12 feet wide.
The games will be played with a size 3 ball.
The game consists of 4 – 8 minute quarters with 2 minutes between quarters and 5 minutes at the half. Games will end at the end of “regulation” play. No overtimes shall be played.
We will man the field with 4 players. Roster limit is a maximum 8. Parents are advised not to accompany their children on the field.
All players will play approximately one half of each half. Free substitution is allowed.
• Kick-offs at the start of each quarter or after a goal is scored, do not require an indirect touch to count. The ball must touch another player before the kicker can contact it again.
• No Goalkeepers; Coaches will be encouraged to arrange players on the field so they can work together as a unit playing offense and defense.
• Out-of-bounds at the sides will be taken as throw-ins where the ball went out.
• Out-of-bounds at the ends will be taken as a corner kick at the end of the sideline.
• All free kicks will be indirect free kicks.
• There will be no penalty kicks. These will also be played as indirect free kicks from the point play was stopped.
• No offsides; however, coaches abusing this allowance will be considered in violation of “Unsporting Conduct.”
• No sliding tackles
Coaches may coach on the field.
* Minimum size 20 x 40 yards
Graves County Soccer Association
U-8 Age Level
Children shall be 6 or 7 years old on the January 1st preceding the playing season.
Games will be officiated by one referee.
The FIFA rules of soccer will apply with the following allowances:
The field is 30 yards wide x 50 yards long.*
Goal areas shall be marked at appropriate dimensions for the field size.
Center circle shall be marked at approximately 7 yards.
Goals are 6 feet high and 12 feet wide.
The games will be played with a size 3 ball.
The game consists of 4 – 10 minute quarters with 2 minutes between quarters and 5 minutes at the half. Games will end at the end of “regulation” play. No overtimes or shall be played.
We will man the field with 5 players. Roster limit is a maximum 10. Parents are not allowed to accompany their children on the field.
All players will play approximately one half of each half. Substitution is allowed during any stoppage of play.
• Kick-offs at the start of each quarter or after a goal is scored, do not require an indirect touch to count. The ball must touch another player before the kicker can contact it again.
• Goalkeepers will be used.
• All free kicks will be indirect free kicks.
• Out-of-bounds at the sides will be taken as throw-ins where the ball went out.
• Out-of-bounds at the ends will be taken as a corner kick at the end of the sideline for the offensive team or as a goal kick for the defending team.
• There will be no penalty kicks. These will also be played as indirect free kicks from the point play was stopped.
• No offsides; coaches abusing this allowance will be considered in violation of “Unsporting Conduct.”
• No slide tackles.
Coaches may coach from the sideline and are restricted to an area within 10 yards on either side of the center line. No coaches on the field. No coaching from the goal lines (ends of the field) or the opposite sideline.
* Minimum size 20 yards wide x 40 yards long.
Graves County Soccer Association
U10 Age Level
Children shall be 8 or 9 years old as of the January 1st preceding the playing season.
Typically games will be officiated by two or three referees.
The FIFA rules of soccer will apply with the following allowances:
The field is 50 yards wide x 70 yards long
Field shall be marked according to KYSA Guidelines.
The goals are 7 feet high and 18 feet wide.
The games will be played with a size 4 ball.
The game consists of 2 - 25 minute halves with 5 minutes at the half. Games will end at the end of "regulation" play. No overtimes or shoot-outs shall be played.
We will man the field with 7 players. Roster limit is a maximum 14.
All players will play approximately 50% of the game. Substitution will be:
1. Prior to a throw-in in its favor,
2. Prior to a goal kick by either team,
3. After a goal by either team,
4. After an injury, by either team, when the referee stops play,
5. At half-time, or between periods.
• Kick-offs at the start of each quarter or after a goal is scored, do not require an indirect touch to count. The ball must touch another player before the kicker can contact it again.
• Goalkeepers will be used.
• Free kicks will be indirect and direct free kicks.
• Out-of-bounds at the sides will be taken as throw-ins where the ball went out.
• Out-of-bounds at the ends will be taken as a corner kick at the end of the sideline for the offensive team or as a goal kick for the defending team.
• There will be penalty kicks. These will be played as direct kicks.
• Offsides in effect, back passing rule applied
• No slide tackles.
Coaches may coach from the sideline and are restricted to an area within 10 yards on either side of the center line. No coaches on the field. No coaching from the goal lines (ends of the field) or the opposite sideline.
Graves County Soccer Association
U12 Age Level – Short Sided Play
Children shall be 10 or 11 years old on the January 1st preceding the playing season.
Games will be officiated by two or three referees.
The FIFA rules of soccer will apply with the following allowances:
The field is 40 yards wide x 80 yards long
Field shall be marked according to KYSA Guidelines.
The goals are 7 feet high and 21 feet wide.
The games will be played with a size 4 ball.
The game consists of 2 - 30 minute halves with 10 minutes at the half. Games will end at the end of "regulation" play. No overtimes or shoot-outs shall be played.
We will man the field with 9 players. Roster limit is a maximum 15.
All players will play approximately 50% of the game. Substitution will be:
1. Prior to a throw-in in its favor
2. Prior to a goal kick by either team
3. After a goal by either team
4. After an injury, by either team, when the referee stops play
5. At half-time, or between periods
• Kick-offs at the start of each quarter or after a goal is scored, do not require an indirect touch to count. The ball must touch another player before the kicker can contact it again.
• Goalkeepers will be used.
• Free kicks will be indirect and direct free kicks.
• Out-of-bounds at the sides will be taken as throw-ins where the ball went out.
• Out-of-bounds at the ends will be taken as a corner kick at the end of the sideline for the offensive team or as a goal kick for the defending team.
• There will be penalty kicks. These will be played as direct kicks.
• Offsides in effect, back passing rule applied
• No slide tackles.
Coaches may coach from the sideline and are restricted to an area within 10 yards on either side of the center line. No coaches on the field. No coaching from the goal lines (ends of the field) or the opposite sideline.
Graves County Soccer Association
U12 Age Level – Full Sided Play
Children shall be 10 or 11 years old on the January 1st preceding the playing season.
Games will be officiated by two or three referees.
The FIFA rules of soccer will apply with the following allowances:
The field is 70 yards wide x 100 yards long
Field shall be marked according to KYSA Guidelines.
The goals are 8 feet high and 24 feet wide.
The games will be played with a size 4 ball.
The game consists of 2 - 30 minute halves with 10 minutes at the half. Games will end at the end of "regulation" play. No overtimes or shoot-outs shall be played.
We will man the field with 11 players. Roster limit is a maximum 18.
All players will play approximately 50% of the game. Substitution will be:
1. Prior to a throw-in in its favor
2. Prior to a goal kick by either team
3. After a goal by either team
4. After an injury, by either team, when the referee stops play
5. At half-time, or between periods
• Kick-offs at the start of each quarter or after a goal is scored, do not require an indirect touch to count. The ball must touch another player before the kicker can contact it again.
• Goalkeepers will be used.
• Free kicks will be indirect and direct free kicks.
• Out-of-bounds at the sides will be taken as throw-ins where the ball went out.
• Out-of-bounds at the ends will be taken as a corner kick at the end of the sideline for the offensive team or as a goal kick for the defending team.
• There will be penalty kicks. These will be played as direct kicks.
• Offsides in effect, back passing rule applied
• No slide tackles.
Coaches may coach from the sideline and are restricted to an area within 10 yards on either side of the center line. No coaches on the field. No coaching from the goal lines (ends of the field) or the opposite sideline.
Graves County Soccer Association
U12/13 Age Level – Short Sided Play
Children shall be 10,11, or 12 years old on the January 1st preceding the playing season.
Games will be officiated by two or three referees.
The FIFA rules of soccer will apply with the following allowances:
The field is 40 yards wide x 80 yards long
Field shall be marked according to KYSA Guidelines.
The goals are 7 feet high and 21 feet wide.
The games will be played with a size 4 ball.
The game consists of 2 - 30 minute halves with 10 minutes at the half. Games will end at the end of "regulation" play. No overtimes or shoot-outs shall be played.
We will man the field with 9 players. Roster limit is a maximum 15.
All players will play approximately 50% of the game. Substitution will be:
1. Prior to a throw-in in its favor
2. Prior to a goal kick by either team
3. After a goal by either team
4. After an injury, by either team, when the referee stops play
5. At half-time, or between periods
• Kick-offs at the start of each quarter or after a goal is scored, do not require an indirect touch to count. The ball must touch another player before the kicker can contact it again.
• Goalkeepers will be used.
• Free kicks will be indirect and direct free kicks.
• Out-of-bounds at the sides will be taken as throw-ins where the ball went out.
• Out-of-bounds at the ends will be taken as a corner kick at the end of the sideline for the offensive team or as a goal kick for the defending team.
• There will be penalty kicks. These will be played as direct kicks.
• Offsides in effect, back passing rule applied
• No slide tackles.
Coaches may coach from the sideline and are restricted to an area within 10 yards on either side of the center line. No coaches on the field. No coaching from the goal lines (ends of the field) or the opposite sideline.
Graves County Soccer Association
U14 Age Level
Children shall be 12 or 13 years old on the January 1st preceding the playing season.
Games will be officiated by two or three referees.
The FIFA rules of soccer will apply with the following allowances:
The field is 70 yards wide x 110 yards long
Field shall be marked according to KYSA Guidelines.
The goals are 8 feet high and 24 feet wide.
The games will be played with a size 5 ball.
The game consists of 2 - 35 minute halves with 10 minutes at the half. Games will end at the end of "regulation" play. No overtimes or shoot-outs shall be played.
We will man the field with 11 players. Roster limit is a maximum 18.
All players will play approximately 50% of the game. Substitution will be:
1. Prior to a throw-in in its favor
2. Prior to a goal kick by either team
3. After a goal by either team
4. After an injury, by either team, when the referee stops play
5. At half-time, or between periods
• Kick-offs at the start of each quarter or after a goal is scored, do not require an indirect touch to count. The ball must touch another player before the kicker can contact it again.
• Goalkeepers will be used.
• Free kicks will be indirect and direct free kicks.
• Out-of-bounds at the sides will be taken as throw-ins where the ball went out.
• Out-of-bounds at the ends will be taken as a corner kick at the end of the sideline for the offensive team or as a goal kick for the defending team.
• There will be penalty kicks. These will be played as direct kicks.
• Offsides in effect, back passing rule applied
• No slide tackles.
Coaches may coach from the sideline and are restricted to an area within 10 yards on either side of the center line. No coaches on the field. No coaching from the goal lines (ends of the field) or the opposite sideline.
Graves County Soccer Association
U16 Age Level
Children shall be 14 or 15 years old on the January1st preceding the playing season.
Games will be officiated by two or three referees.
The FIFA rules of soccer will apply with the following allowances:
The field is 70 yards wide x 110 yards long
Field shall be marked according to KYSA Guidelines.
The goals are 8 feet high and 24 feet wide.
The games will be played with a size 5 ball.
The game consists of 2 - 40 minute halves with 10 minutes at the half. Games will end at the end of "regulation" play. No overtimes or kick-offs shall be played.
We will man the field with 11 players. Roster limit is a maximum 18.
All players will play approximately 50% of the game. Substitution will be:
1. Prior to a throw-in in its favor
2. Prior to a goal kick by either team
3. After a goal by either team
4. After an injury, by either team, when the referee stops play
5. At half-time, or between periods
• Kick-offs at the start of each quarter or after a goal is scored, do not require an indirect touch to count. The ball must touch another player before the kicker can contact it again.
• Goalkeepers will be used.
• Free kicks will be indirect and direct free kicks.
• Out-of-bounds at the sides will be taken as throw-ins where the ball went out.
• Out-of-bounds at the ends will be taken as a corner kick at the end of the sideline for the offensive team or as a goal kick for the defending team.
• There will be penalty kicks. These will be played as direct kicks.
• Offsides in effect, back passing rule applied
• No slide tackles.
Coaches may coach from the sideline and are restricted to an area within 10 yards on either side of the center line. No coaches on the field. No coaching from the goal lines (ends of the field) or the opposite sideline.
Graves County Soccer Association
U18 Age Level
Players shall be 16-17 years old on the January 1st preceding the playing season.
Games will be officiated by two or three referees.
The FIFA rules of soccer will apply with the following allowances:
The field is 70 yards x 110 yards with all the markings of an official size field.1
The goals shall be 8 feet tall by 8 yards (24 ft.) wide.
The games will be played with a size 5 ball.
The games will consist of two 40 minute halves with 10 minutes between halves. Games will end at the end of "regulation" play. No overtimes or kick-offs shall be played.
We will man the field with 11 players. Roster limit is a maximum 18.
All players will play 50% of the game. Substitution will be:
1. Prior to a throw-in in its favor
2. Prior to a goal kick by either team
3. After a goal by either team
4. After an injury, by either team, when the referee stops play
5. At half-time, or between periods.
• Kick-offs at the start of each quarter or after a goal is scored, do not require an indirect touch to count. The ball must touch another player before the kicker can contact it again.
• Goalkeepers will be used.
• Free kicks will be indirect and direct free kicks.
• Out-of-bounds at the sides will be taken as throw-ins where the ball went out.
• Out-of-bounds at the ends will be taken as a corner kick at the end of the sideline for the offensive team or as a goal kick for the defending team.
• There will be penalty kicks. These will be played as direct kicks.
• Offsides in effect, back passing rule applied
• No slide tackles.
Coaches may coach from the sideline and are restricted to an area within 10 yards on either side of the center line. No coaches on the field. No coaching from the goal lines (ends of the field) or the opposite sideline.