Modified for Medina Soccer Association, Inc.
Law 1 – The Field of Play
Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line.
Length: Minimum 25 yards; maximum 35 yards
Width: Minimum 15 yards; maximum 25 yards
Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than (5) inches wide. The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of four (4) yards is marked around it.
Goal Area: 2 yards out from the goal line; 4 yards wide.
Penalty Area: None.
Penalty Mark: None.
Flag Posts: Conform to FIFA Laws of the Game, if equipment is available.
Corner Arc: Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game.
Goals: Goals must be placed in the center of each goal line. They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corners and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The recommended distance between the posts is six (6) feet, and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is four (4) feet. Goals for this age group may be smaller.
Safety: Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement.
Law 2 – The Ball
The ball shall be size three (3) and conform to FIFA standards.
Law 3 – The Number of Players
A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than six (6) players. In other words, you can either play 4v4, 5v5, or 6v6. We strongly recommend playing 5v5 or 6v6 if all players are present. There shall be NO goalkeepers.
Substitutions: At any stoppage of play and unlimited. If a player with a suspected head injury leaves the field of play for additional evaluation, a substitution may be made at that time.
Playing time: Each player SHALL play a fair amount of playing time. It is the coach’s responsibility to enforce this rule.
Law 4 – The Players' Equipment
Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must distinguish teams. Shin Guards are MANDATORY for both practices and games and must be covered entirely by socks. If needed, teams can be distinguished by scrimmage vests.
Safety: A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player. Jewelry may not be worn, except for a medical alert bracelet.
Law 5 – The Referee
There is no need for fully qualified referees to manage U4 games. One or both coaches should officiate / manage the game. Basic fouls and boundaries should be respected. All infringements should be briefly explained to the players.
Law 6 – The Other Match Officials
None.
Law 7 – The Duration of the Match
The match shall be divided into two (2) to four (4) periods of not more than 10 minutes each, based on the energy and motivation of the players. The length of the match may be adjusted with the consent of both coaches. There shall be a break between each period, with such breaks being not more than four (4) minutes in duration. The two or three or four periods do not have to be of equal duration. Before the match, the Home Team Coach must assign a Timekeeper to keep time and ensure the match stays within its time slot and does not encroach into the time slot of the next match. If the match will encroach into the time slot of the next match, then the final period must end early to enable the next match to begin at the scheduled time.
Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play
Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game, with the exception that the defending team is at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play
Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game.
Law 10 – The Method of Scoring
Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game. Medina Soccer Association does keep official match scores in the U4 to the U6 division. Emphasis is on good technique, player development, and fun for the children. Goals made by players from within the goal area do not count and result in either a goal kick or corner kick per modified Law 12.
Law 11 – Offside
None.
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct
Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game, with the exception that ALL fouls shall result in an indirect free kick. Slide tackles and deliberate heading are not allowed. When a player slide-tackles or deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.
If a defensive player commits a foul within the goal area, the offensive side is allowed a corner kick to be taken from the side nearest to where the infringement occurred. If an offensive player commits a foul within the goal area, the defensive side is allowed a goal kick to be taken on the side of the goal nearest to where the infringement occurred. If the side of infringement is ambiguous, a game official must make a judgment call on which side infringement is and continue play with minimal interruption.
The game official must explain ALL infringements to the offending player. No cards are shown for misconduct.
A handball infraction occurs when a player deliberately handles the ball. The “hand” includes the entire arm up to the top of the shoulder. Instinctive, self-protective reactions are not penalized at this young age. Accidental contact (such as the ball striking a hand or arm) is not an offense and should not be penalized.
Law 13 – Free Kicks
Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game, with the exception that all free kicks are indirect and all opponents are to be at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is kicked.
Law 14 – The Penalty Kick
None.
Law 15 – The Throw-In
Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game.
Law 16 – The Goal Kick.
The goal kick shall be taken from the goal area, on the same side of the goal that the ball went out of play Opposing players must drop off four (4) yards from the ball until the ball is kicked. The ball must be resting on the ground and stationary when the goal kick is taken; punting or "drop kicking" is not allowed. An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the offense if a player punts or drop-kicks the ball.
Law 17 – The Corner Kick
Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game, with the exception that opponents remain at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is kicked.