5U Guidelines (Short-sided games)

The Under-5 Jamboree program will be divided into two back-to-back sessions on each Saturday.  Session 1 will emphasize fun & simple games to learn some basic skills of soccer. This will include the  players and their parents, the team's coach to direct the games. Session 2 will be  a short game between two different teams. The rules below are for the actual games.  

Field: Dimensions: Maximum 30 yards long and 15 yards wide (30 yds x 15 yds)  - Markings: Distinctive lines not required. Field can be marked using 10 flat pro-cones and four  regular cones.  

Goals: Maximum 4 feet high and 6 feet wide (4' x 6')  

Ball: Size three (3)

Number of Players   

• Maximum number of players PER TEAM on the field at any time: three (3)  - Maximum number of players PER TEAM on roster: five (5)  

• No Goalkeepers  

• Substitutions: Between breaks, or if a player is hurt or does not want to play anymore  - Playing time: Minimum of 50% of the total playing time for each player and 75% when possible.  No one should play four quarters until everyone has played three.  

• No co-ed teams.  

Equipment  

• Shin guards: MANDATORY  

• Footwear: Soccer shoes or tennis shoes  

• Each player will be given their own jersey, shorts, and socks  

Referee

It is recommended that both u5 coaches act as the referees ("game monitors") during the game  with one coaching monitoring one side of the field and the other coach monitoring the other side of  the field.  

The referee can be also be a certified referee or a certified youth referee  

NOTE: Any person acting as a referee must be a registered AYSO volunteer, and have taken the  Safe Haven course.  

Referees should emphasize safety, fun and fairness  

Referees should briefly explain any infringements to the player(s) and help players with direction. In  the Under-5 age group, the referees can help the players understand the rules of the game if  needed, but the primary focus is to keep the players safe and the game flowing. This allows the  players to learn from the game. 

Game Duration

• Four 5 minute quarters with quarter breaks, if necessary for substitutions or water break  - Two minutes between quarters  

• One 5 minute half time  

• There will be no practice during the week for the Under-5 division.  

Start of Play  

• The game should be started with an indirect free kick ("kickoff") in the middle of the field.  - The coaches should determine which team starts the game and the opposing team should start  the second half.  

• The referee will ensure that opponents are at least five (5) yards from the spot of the free kick.  

Ball in and out of play  

• The Under-5 division varies from the upper divisions in this respect.  

• There are NO throw-ins, NO goal-kicks, and NO corner-kicks.  

• When the whole ball passes over the touch line or the goal-line, by any player, either on the  ground or in the air, it should be quickly given back to the referee for a dropped ball. For  Parents/Spectators:  

• A person on the sideline who retrieves a ball that has gone "out of bounds" shall quickly throw  the ball back to the closest referee, who will make a quick restart with a dropped ball.  

For Coaches/Referees:  

• Ball out over the sidelines: Once you receive the ball from a parent, quickly restart the with a  dropped ball away from the pack and near the middle of the field. If neccessary, to keep the  game fair for all players, a dropped ball should be dropped (or rolled) closest to a player who  rarely receives the ball. Make all attempt to keep the game fair for ALL Players.  

• Ball out over the goal-line: First, try to corral the players back towards the center of the field.  Then, play the ball towards the center of the field in an open area away from the goal. Also try to  drop (roll) the ball to a player who rarely receives the ball. Do not attempt any quick  counterattack the opposite way.  

The reason for doing this is twofold: A) To keep the game flowing quickly so the players can develop  the necessary foot skills for soccer, and B) To allow the coach/referee to make sure that ALL players get a chance to get the ball.  

Scorekeeping 

• Scores are not kept.  

• If a goal is scored, players should be brought back to their half, and the ball shall be placed at  the center spot. The game shall continue with a free kick from the team that was scored upon.  The referee will ensure that opponents are at least five (5) yards from the spot of the kick.  

Fouls and Misconduct  

• Indirect free kick for all fouls, with the opponents five yards away  

• There is no offside in the Under-5 division  

• Referee should briefly explain infractions  

• If necessary, the referee should stop the game when any player has fallen on or near the ball  and is in danger of being kicked. The quick restart will be a dropped ball.  

• Remind players that goaltending is discouraged.  

Penalty Kicks: There are no penalty kicks in the Under-5 division 

Offside: There is no offside in the Under-5 division  

AYSO REGION 88 RECOMMENDATIONS  

• Parents of both teams should split up to both sides of the field so the ball can be easily put back  into play.  

• Both coaches should work together, not as opponents, to keep the game flowing freely and to  help teach the children (and parents) the basics of the game  

• Spectators are not allowed on the field during game play.  

• Spectators are not allowed behind either goal or within three (3) yards outside the touchline  - Helping the players feel comfortable with the ball, through dribbling, should be the priority.  - Region standings are not recorded  

• Game scores are not recorded  

• Parents, coaches, and players from both teams exchange handshakes before and/or after each  game  

• All players receive participation awards  

• Parents and coaches should encourage players, but not coach or instruct during game time