Palmdale Youth Soccer League

Kids Under-6 Coaching/Game Guidelines

Unlike the other soccer divisions, the Kids U6 games are unique in several ways.  Some of the differences are obvious and some not so obvious.  The unique situations will be outlined below.

1.  There is no score kept in U6 games.  The Team Parent is not required to complete a player line-up card for each game.

2.  There are no referees assigned to the U6 games.  Each coach has the responsibility of both coaching his team and refereeing the game, calling all fouls for and against each team. The Assistant Coach or Team Parent can assist as well on the other field during games.

3.  Player pass cards should be given to the opposing coach.  The opposing coach is responsible for checking in the other team. Ensure the players are not wearing any jewelry or other items that could be unsafe for themselves or the other players.

4.  The games are played in 4 equal quarters of 8 minutes each with a 2 minute break between the 1^st and 2^nd quarters and between the 3^rd and 4^th quarters.  A 5 minute half time is given between the 2^nd and 3^rd quarters.

5.  For each scheduled game, the coach will divide his team into 2 teams of between 4-6 players and equal to the number of players on the opposing team.  Any extra players are to be kept in reserve as substitutes for either of the “teams”.  Each of these teams will play the 2 opposing teams simultaneously on separate fields.  At half time, the home “teams” will switch fields so all players will play against each other.

For example, Team “A”, the home team, has 14 players and Team “B”, the visiting team, has 11.  The coach for “A” will divide his team into two teams, Team A-1 of five players and Team A-2 of six players, with the three remaining players held in reserve to substitute for either A-1 or A-2.

Because Team “B” has only 11 players, the coach for this team will divide his team into a team of 5, Team B-1, and a team of 6, Team B-2.  In this case Team “B” will have no substitutions.

At the onset of the game, Team A-1 and Team B-1 will play each other on one field, while Team A-2 and Team B-2 will play each other on the other field. 

At the beginning of the second half, Teams A-1 and A-2 will switch field.  Both Team B-1 and Team B-2 will remain on their respective fields.  This means when the 2^nd half begins, Team A-1 is now playing Team B-2 and Team A-2 is now playing Team B-1. Player adjustments are made to ensure the two teams playing have the same number of players.

Because of the separation of each team, it is imperative that each team has at least 1 assistant coach/team parent able to step in and take over the 2^nd team.  This should be someone familiar enough with the players to coach them by name and someone the players are comfortable taking instruction from.

6.  There is no offside offense in U6.

7.  There are no throw-ins.  When the ball goes out of bounds, the team awarded the ball shall bring the ball back into play by means of a kick-in instead.

8.  ALL fouls, regardless of the infraction, result in an indirect free kick.  All infractions are to be explained to the offending player.  There are no penalty kicks in this division.

9.  For kick-ins, indirect free kicks, goal kicks, corner kicks and kick-offs, the opposing players shall be at least 3 yards away from the ball.

10.  There is no Keeper in the U6 game.  This does not mean that a defensive player cannot stand near the goal.  However, if the coach chooses to use a player in this location, this player is granted NONE of the privileges normally reserved for the Keeper.  This means this player CANNOT use his/her hands to pick up the ball while it is in play.  This would be a handling penalty (hand ball) and penalized accordingly.

11.  There is no goal box on the U6 field.  There is a goal arch surrounding the mouth of the goal.  All Goal Kicks should be taken from the goal arch.  Also, any penalty occurring inside this area by the defensive team shall be taken at a point along this arch closest to the point of the foul and the defensive team can line up along the mouth of the goal.  This is an exception to Rule #9.

As you can see, since there is no official score kept, there are no standings.  Therefore, this division is 100% for the enjoyment of the players, their family and coaches.  These are guidelines only and the enjoyment of the players is the paramount goal. Coaches should work together to ensure the enjoyment and participation of the players.