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Micro Soccer Rules

Coaches, players, and all spectators are expected to have fun and help each other to foster a supportive and enjoyable environment for all players on both teams. We are all part of Micro Soccer and must work together to help encourage a positive experience for the players.

The Basics

  • Each team plays with four players without a goalkeeper. A player cannot be permanently positioned in front of their own goal - thus playing a de facto goalkeeper.
  • Each game consists of 10 minutes quarters seperated with 2 min breaks. There is no stoppage of the clock.
  • All players need shin guards with socks pulled over them. Jewelry is not allowed.
  • The ball must be a size #3 for the 4 and 5-year-olds. The ball must be a size #4 for the 6 and 7-year-olds.
  • The field is 30 x 20 yards and has two small goals on opposite goal lines.
  • The two teams competing will sit on the same sideline, and spectators will be seated on the opposite side. All non-players are asked to remain at least 2 feet back from the sidelines.
  • Substitutions should be made to ensure that everybody gets equal playing time.
  • While every goal is celebrated, NO SCORE IS KEPT.
  • At the end of the game, both teams will line up and shake hands and congratulate each other.

Play Modifications

  • There is no offside rule for this age group.
  • On a goal kick, all players for the opposing team need to be on their side of the field before the kick is taken.
  • When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be restarted by a kick-in. The ball shall be placed on the line where the ball exited the field. Kick-ins are considered an indirect free kick.
  • All free kicks are indirect and the opponents must stand at least 4 yards away.
  • There is no heading the ball or slide tackling in Micro Soccer.

Refereeing the Game

  • The opposing coaches take turns refereeing the game.
  • Overly aggressive play shall result in a foul. Coaches may use their discretion to keep the game safe and fun for everyone. 
  • No cards are shown for misconduct.

Modifications as they apply to the Laws of the Game:

Law        Modification
Law 1  The field size is 30 x 20 yards. There are no penalty areas, goal areas, or corner arcs. The center circle radius measures 6 yards. Goals measure 6 feet wide by 4 feet tall. 
Law 2  The ball is size #3 for the 4 & 5-year-olds and size #4 for the 6 & 7-year-olds. 
Law 3  Each team fields 4 players. There are no goalkeepers. A player cannot be permanently positioned in front of their own goal – thus playing a de facto goalkeeper. Unlimited substitutions are allowed. 
Law 5  A coach will referee the first half; the opposing coach will referee the second half. 
Law 6  There are no assistant referees or other officials. 
Law 7  The match has 10-minute quarters separated by 2 minute breaks. There is no allowance for time lost except for perhaps an extraordinary situation. 
Law 9  The ball is still in play if it touches the referee. 
Law 10  The score is not kept in Micro Soccer. 
Law 11  There is no offside rule. 
Law 12  Slide tackling is a foul. Intentional and unintentional heading of the ball is a foul. All free kicks are indirect kicks. Yellow and red cards are not awarded. 
Law 13  The opponents must stand at least 4 yards from the spot of the free kick. 
Law 14  There are no penalty kicks. 
Law 15  In place of throw-ins, the ball is placed on or near the touchline where the ball exited the field and kicked into play. The opponents must stand at least 4 yards from the spot of the kick-in. 
Law 16  Goal kicks are taken within 4 yards of the goal. Opponents must stand on their half of the field during a goal kick. 
Law 17  In place of corner kicks, the ball is placed on or near the goal line where the ball exited the field and kicked into play. If the ball exited the field within 4 yards of the goal, the ball is moved to a spot on the goal line 4 yards from the goal. The opponents must stand at least 4 yards from the spot of the kick-in.