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Equipment:  

• Players MUST always wear shin guards.
• Use of cleats is strongly encouraged but not mandatory. 
• Goalie MUST wear different uniform shirt.

Coaching Guidelines:

Players should understand the follow by the end of the season:

• Difference between a shot and a pass
  • Which part of foot you use for each
• Throw-in – proper spin, foot positioning and arm movement
• Positions
• Field markings and what they are use for (end-line, side-line, mid-field, goalie box/18yd line, kickoff circle)
• How to trap a ball
• Corner & Goal Kicks - where and who takes them.

Please reference previous divisions guidelines: Division 7

Ball Size:

Ball size used is #4.

Length of Game:

A game consists of 12 minute quarters with 2 minute quarter breaks, and 5 minute half time break.  Referees keep the time.

Number of Players:

Each team has 8 players on the field, with a minimum number of 5 needed to play.

Kick-offs:

At the start of each game there will be a coin toss between teams to determine who will kick-off. The winner picks the direction of play (way to attack) for each team and the loser gets ball possession. During the second half, both teams will just switch to the opposite direction of play from the first half. Kick-offs occur at the beginning of each quarter, half and following the score of a goal. At the kick-off the ball only needs to roll forward. Also, with other "kicks" the ball just needs to move (however kicker still may not touch the ball twice)

Substitutions:

After the first quarter, there will be a mandatory full substitution of all players who did not start the game and they will remain in the game for the remainder of the first half. For the second half there will be liberal substitution.  A team may only sub on their own throw-in, any goal kick, and after the score of a goal, but MUST get the referees permission.  Additionally, if an injury occurs, a substitution is allowed to be made for the injured player (the other team may sub 1 player as well). A substitution may also be made, for the offender, after the yellow card has been shown. 

Throw-ins:

Proper method of throws is to use two hands on the sides of the ball with both feet placed firmly on the ground at all times. Follow through on the throw and do not twist the ball or lift either foot off the ground. An incorrect throw should be corrected and retaken.

Corner kicks:

Taken from the corner of the box, even with the goal post whenever the ball totally crosses over the end line and is last touched by a defensive player. Opponents must be back 5 yards.

Goal kicks:

Taken from the front line of the penalty box inside the large goal area whenever the ball goes over the end line and is last touched by a offensive player. All players other than the defense must leave the goal area and can not enter the box until the ball is kicked out of the area and crosses the line fully. Coaches should remind their players of this rule frequently so they will learn to comply with it.
    NOTE:  A goal kick may always be taken by means of a punt. (Division 6 ONLY)

Offsides:

Will not be enforced at this level of play.  However, if in the judgment of the referee, a coach is deliberately placing a player in the offside position to gain an advantage, then offside will be called when the condition for calling offside is met.

Handball:

Handball will be called.  This only applies to purposeful contact or touch in order to redirect the ball.  Results in a direct free kick.

Penalty Kick:

No penalty kicks are taken at this level of play.