Age Group                              U 6                  Birthdays        8/1/01 to 7/31/02

 Number of players on team:    12-14

 Number players on field:        4 - 2 games of 4v4 will be played on adjacent, 20 x30 yard fields. 

Coaches can and should move players between fields when   substituting.

 Ball Size:                               3

 Equipment:                            Shin guards are required.  Players with braces must wear wax or

                                               mouth guards.  Soccer shoes are optional.  No jewelry or watches.

 Field Size                              Width 20 yards, Length 30 yards.  

 Goal size:                              Goal is 5 x 10 feet with no goal box.

 Field Markings:                      Regulation with no goal box.

 Duration of Game:                 10 minute quarters with 2 minute breaks between the quarters and 5 minutes at half time.

 Referees:                              One coach from each team will referee/coach on the field.  Coaches will explain calls/rules to the players.

 Playing time:                        Every child must play a minimum of 2 quarters except in the case of injury, illness.  Equal playing time is the goal.

 Practice:                               One practice per week during the season is encouraged.  At this age, practices should last 45 to 50 minutes.  Attendance is encouraged, but not mandatory.

 Substitution:                        Allowed at each quarter, at half, on kick-off, on injury (the injured player must be replaced) and on either team’s throw-ins or goal kicks.  Substitutions are to be from midfield.  A sideline coach should have the player ready to play.

 Concept:                             At this age, OYAA continues to focus on ball skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting and trapping. The deliberate use of hands is not allowed.  The concepts of passing, goal kicks, corner kicks and indirect/direct kicks are introduced.  Playing within the rules is a focus, and team play is to be encouraged.  Goal kicks are to be taken from a spot 6 feet in front of the goal.  All defending players should be in their own half until the ball has been played.  Players are to rotate and positions should not be stressed.

 Coaching goals:                   Coaches are to instruct players in the rules of the game.  Any yelling must be constructive and should be kept to a minimum.  By the end of the season players should know: that a kick off or indirect free kick should be passed to another player. A ball must completely cross the sideline or goal line before it is out of play; that a ball out of bounds over the goal line is put back in play with a corner kick by the offensive team, and a goal kick by the defensive team.  Players should be conscious of the need to pass and use their teammates.

(Turn Over for U 6/7 Rules)