U7 Rules

Law I - The Field
    A. Dimensions:
        1. The field of play shall be rectangular, its length being not more than 25 yards and the width 45 yards.
    B. Markings
        1. Distinctive lines not more than 5 inches wide
        2. A halfway line shall be marked out across the field
        3. A center circle with a 7.5 yard radius
        4. Four corner arcs with a 2 foot radius
        5. Goal area - 6 yards from each goal post and 6 yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel to the goal line
    C. Goals
        1. 5 feet high by not more than 10 feet wide

Law II - The Ball
    A. Size 3

Law III - Number of players
    A. The maximum number of players on the field at any one time is to be 4
        1. There will be no goalkeeper
        2. Teams will field an equal number of players, the minimum number is 4.
    B Substitution
        1. After an injury by either team, after the referee stops play
        2. At quarter or half time
        3. After referee stops play, for player fatigue
    C. Playing time
        1. Each player shall play a minimum of 2/3 of the total playing time per game and season
    D. Players will be rotated and play as many positions as possible

Law IV - Player's Equipment
    A. Conform with FIFA except:
        1. Footwear - tennis or soft cleated soccer shoes permitted
        2. Shin guards mandatory at practices and games
        3. Children shall not wear items that may cause injury, such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces and hard hair barrettes.

Law V - The Referee
    A. Referee's decisions on points of the game shall be final
    B. All rule infractions MUST be briefly explained to the offending player, not the coach.

Law VI - Linesmen
    A. Club linesmen - will only be allowed to help the referee by calling the ball in and out of play

Law VII - Duration of the game
    A. The game shall be divided into 4 equal periods, 10 minutes each.
    B. Period break shall be 2 minutes

Law VIII - The Start of Play
    A. Conforming to FIFA
        1. A captain from each team shall meet with the referee prior to the game. The referee will flip the coin, the visiting captain will call heads or tails. The winning captain will have choice of goal for the first and second quarters, and the opposing team shall have the kick-off for the first and third periods.
        2. A different captain should be chosen for each game.

Law IX - Ball in and out of play
    A. Conforming to FIFA

Law X - Method of scoring
    A. Conforming to FIFA

Law XI - Off-side
    A. There will be no offside

Law XII - Fouls and misconduct
    A. Conforming to FIFA, with the following exceptions:
        1. Any foul which would have resulted in a penalty kick, will be taken as an indirect kick from the goal area line at a point perpendicular to the goal line from where the infraction occurred.
    B. The referee MUST explain all infractions to the offending player.

Law XIII - Free Kicks
    A. Conforming to FIFA, with the following exceptions:
        1. The modified penalty kick as described above.

         2. All free kicks are indirect.

Law XIV - Penalty Kicks
    A. No penalty kicks are to be taken during the games. Any foul which would have resulted in a penalty kick, will be taken as an indirect kick from the goal area line at a point perpendicular to the goal line from where the infraction occurred.

Law XV - Throw-in
    A. Conforming to FIFA

Law XVI - Goal Kick
    A. Conforming to FIFA

Law XVII - Corner Kick
    A. Conforming to FIFA

Additional Rules for Under-7
1. The under-7 age group shall be determined by the WYSA Board according to the child's age and conforming to FIFA.

2. Coaches shall not leave a player unattended at the Habig complex during a practice or game.

3. Coaches shall have in their possession during practices and games all player registration forms for their teams.

4. No league standings will be recorded

5. A regular season game shall be determined over if the final score at the end of regulation time results in a tie.

6. The playing time and place for an Under-7 game shall not be changed without prior approval from the Under-7 Commissioner.

7. Opposing parent/coaches and players should shake hands after each game.

8. Parent/coaches and non-playing players and parents and spectators shall be located on opposite sides of the playing field and located not less that 2 yards outside the touch-line. No individual except the players will be allowed to run the length of the field.

9. Parents should not coach or instruct the players during game time.

10. Only positive instruction may be offered by the coach and assistant coaches during game time.

11. Only one authorized coach and assistant coach will be permitted on the player side and must remain in their respective coaches box as defined in paragraph 13.

12. Coaches will remain on their "bench half" of the field during the game. The "bench half" runs from the center line to their bench side end line.

13. Extreme unsportsmanlike conduct or failure to comply with the rules by coaches and assistants may result in suspension from succeeding games as determined by the WYSA board and the respective commissioner and referee.

14. Awards such as trophies, medals and ribbons are only to be awarded by WYSA. Other awards may be given by a coach at his/her discretion. However, any not given by WYSA must be awarded at a time and place different from WYSA presentations and outside HABIG Soccer Complex.

15. Coaches are expected to complete and return a player evaluation sheet as provided by the U7 commissioner.

16. No alcoholic beverages will be consumed or allowed near the playing area or in the Habig Soccer Complex.

17. Failure to abide by the rules established herein may lead to loss of coaching or commissioner status.

18. Anyone concerned about possible violation of policy/procedure should contact the respective WYSA commissioner.

Spring 2002