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As you move from age group to age group with your team, the field sizes change, goal sizes changes, number of players on the fields change, more advanced rules get added.


For each age group we have what are called “rule modifications,” which are changes to the Laws of the game, for each age group, as they are defined by FIFA.


At U6 and U8 our players have not developed to a point where we should be expecting them to track their relationship to their opponent, how many opponents are between themselves and the goal, and determine whether they are level with them or have drifted into an offside position and should not become active in the play. For those reasons, we modify the rules so that we have guidelines that allow all players to have rules that they can understand and operate within.


We remove these “rule modifications” as we progress in age, until we reach U13 where we play by the full laws of the game as defined by FIFA.

  • Refs are not used in APSC U6 matches. Instead, coaches will be on the field encouraging players and acting as referee’s helping to teach our players the game.
  • A size #3 ball is used
  • Players: 3v3
  • Goal Size: 4’x6′
  • Match Length: Matches will consist of four 10 minute quarters. Players will be given a 1-minute break between quarters and a 5-minute break at halftime.
  • On goal kicks, the other team should be directed to give space to the opposing team
  • Substitutions: As needed, coach calls players on and off the field (similar to indoor soccer)
  • NO SCORE WILL BE KEPT. Time will be kept by Home coach and will signal the beginning and end of playing periods.
  • There are no corner kicks
  • Handballs must be fully intentional (i.e. a player picks the ball up off the ground)
  • There are no goalies. Do your best to get players to attack the ball on defense and not stand in front of the goal.
  • The game begins with the visiting team kicking off directly outside of their own goal. The defensive team will start directly in front of their own goal on the opposite end of the field. All halves and quarters will begin this way. This will also be the restart when a goal is scored, or if the ball is kicked across the goal line and goes out of bounds. The visiting team will kick off this way to begin the game and the 3rd quarter and the home team will begin this way at halftime and the 4th quarter.
  • No throw-ins. When a team kicks the ball out on either sideline, the other team takes possession. The parent volunteer or a coach will tell the team who receives possession that it is their ball and ask nicely for the other team to back up a little bit with the idea that you give ample room for the offensive team to begin play. The offensive team begins play by passing the ball


    • There needs to be a center ref if at all possible. Coaches should have whistles and will be allowed on the field to act as referees if no ref is available. If a team only has one coach, the team with an assistant should fill in as the ref. The coach acting as a ref should do their best to refrain from coaching while being the ref.
    • A size #3 ball is used
    • Players: 4v4
    • Goal size: 4’x6′
    • Match Length: Two 20-minute halves with a 5-minute half time
    • Coaches are no longer allowed on the field
    • Corner kicks are added
    • No heading is allowed. If a player heads the ball a free kick is given to the opponent.
    • There are still no goalies. Players should be reminded to attack the ball and not stand in front of their goal. Players should, in general, remain outside of the half circle in front of the goal unless actively marking or defending an opponent.
  • The coach is responsible for the conduct of his/her sideline. Each coach is encouraged to talk to the parents and explain that cheering good play by both teams is encouraged. Yelling and/or giving direction to the players or the referees is unacceptable.


  • In both victory and defeat, coaches will act with grace, dignity, and composure. He/she teaches the players to do the same. A coach should never enter the field of play, question a referee or belittle the players. Each coach and player is encouraged to thank the opposing team and the referee after each game.


  • Soccer is the players’ game. The philosophy of the coach should be to teach at practice and to step back and let the players play during the games. The soccer coach does not micromanage his/her players during the game.


  • The coach should teach the players fair play and good sportsmanship. If a player is being disrespectful, the coach will remove him/her from the game.

  • A size #4 ball is used
  • Players: 7v7
  • Match Length: Two 25-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime
  • Goal Size: 6’x18′
  • There is no heading allowed. If a player heads the ball a free kick is awarded to the opponent.

Rule Modifications:

  • Offside is enacted at the build out line.
  • During goal kicks the opponent should be behind the build out line. When the goalie has possession of the ball the opponent should be directed behind the build out line.

The Learning Rule:
On a throw-in, if a player makes an error the ref should point out the proper way and have the player redo the throw-in. Same rule applied with a kickoff. If a player kicking off is the first to touch the ball again after it has been put into play, the player should be reminded of the proper procedure and allowed to redo the kickoff. As well with any corner, free kick, goal kick, etc. the players should be instructed and allowed to redo. 



  • A size #4 ball is used
  • Players: 9v9
  • Match Length: Two 30 minute halves with a 5 minute halftime
  • Goal Size: 7’x21′
  • Players are not allowed to head the ball. If a player heads the ball the opponent shall be awarded a free kick.

NETS, FLAGS, AND GOALS

Home teams are responsible for setting up nets and taking them down as indicated on the Team Sideline schedule with an arrow pointing up (set up) or an arrow pointing down (take down) next to their team names. The last home team is responsible to return the nets after taking them down and returned to the host house.

Nets and Flags should must be set up at least 30 minutes before the scheduled game time.


U6: On Friday afternoon, U6 home team coaches will pick up 1 bag of PUGG goals (each bag consisting of 2 goals) and 4 corner flags. All equipment must be returned Friday night after the game. Coaches will use their own discs to line field. Cones may be used in place of flags if coaches prefer or if not enough flags are available.

U8: On Saturday mornings, U8 home team coaches playing the first game at 9:00 AM will pick up 2 4’x6′ goal bags (each bag consisting of 1 goal and net. Also be sure to get 4 corner flags from pile of flags. The U8 home team with the last game on the U8 field is responsible to return all equipment Saturday afternoon.

U10 - U12: On Saturday mornings, home team coaches playing the first game at 9:00 AM will pick up the marked net bag and marked Fold-a-Goal flag bag for the field they are playing on. The home team with the last game on the field is responsible to return all equipment Saturday afternoon.

PRE-SEASON FORMS

USEFUL DOCUMENTS

INJURY REPORT

COACHING & GAME RESOURCES

CAL NORTH TEAM MANUAL

ONLINE TRAINING 

US Soccer 4v4 Course

US Soccer 7v7 Course

US Soccer 9v9 Course

US Soccer 11v11 Course

IN-PERSON TRAINING 

Upcoming US Soccer 4v4 Courses

Upcoming US Soccer 7v7 Courses

Upcoming US Soccer 9v9 Courses

Upcoming US Soccer 11v11 Courses

Here are some valuable resources offering guidance on essential skills to focus on and develop for each age group, along with sample practice sessions. If you need further assistance, please contact our Coaching Coordinators. (Files are in PDF and can be downloaded)