Small Sided Match Rules

Small Sided Soccer Match Rules at CYSA

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3v3 / 4v4 Rules
5v5 / 6v6 Rules

3v3 / 4v4 Rules – CYSA Small-Sided Soccer

FIFA Laws Apply Except Where Modified Below

Note: All rules below apply to both 3v3 and 4v4 formats. The only difference is the number of players on the field per team:

  • 3v3: 3 field players (NO goalkeeper)
  • 4v4: 4 field players (NO goalkeeper)

Team Format

  • No goalkeepers in 3v3 or 4v4
  • Minimum to start: 2 players per team
  • Recommended roster size: up to 6 players
  • Unlimited substitutions on any stoppage

Goal Box Rules

  • Box size: 12 feet wide by 8 feet deep
  • No player may touch the ball while any part of their body OR the ball is in the goal box
  • Players may run through the box but may not touch the ball inside or above it
  • Defender touches ball in box: Goal awarded
  • Attacker touches ball in box: Goal kick awarded
  • Ball stops in box: Goal kick awarded

Scoring

  • Goals may only be scored from the attacking half of the field
  • No goals may be scored directly from a kick-off

Game Duration

  • 2 x 12-minute halves
  • 2-minute halftime break
  • No timeouts
  • Game ends early if a team reaches a 12-goal lead
  • Tied games remain ties

General Rules

  • No offside in 3v3 or 4v4
  • No slide tackling
  • Five-yard rule: Defenders must stand at least 5 yards from the ball on any restart
  • Kick-ins are used instead of throw-ins
  • All restarts are indirect unless otherwise specified

Restarts & Set Pieces

  • Goal kicks: Taken from anywhere along the end line
  • Kick-offs: May go in any direction
  • Corner kicks: Indirect

Penalty Kicks

  • Awarded when a clear scoring opportunity is denied by a foul
  • Taken from the center of the halfway line
  • All other players must remain behind the halfway line
  • Not a live ball: If no goal is scored, play restarts with a goal kick

Player Ejections

  • Red-carded players must leave the game but may be replaced by another rostered teammate
  • Direct red card: Minimum 2-game suspension
  • Double yellow card: Minimum 1-game suspension

Sportsmanship

  • All players, coaches, and spectators are expected to treat referees with respect
  • Spectators may not enter the field of play at any time
  • Misconduct by spectators or coaches may lead to team disqualification

5v5 / 6v6 Rules – CYSA Small-Sided Soccer

FIFA Laws Apply Except Where Modified Below

Note: All rules below apply to both 5v5 and 6v6 formats. The only difference is the number of players on the field per team:

  • 5v5: 4 field players + 1 goalkeeper
  • 6v6: 5 field players + 1 goalkeeper

Team Format & Player Eligibility

  • Maximum roster: 10 players per team
  • Minimum to start: 3 players
  • Players may only play on one team per age group
  • Girls may play on boys’ teams; boys may not play on girls’ teams
  • Shin guards are required for all players

Match Duration

  • Games consist of two 20-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime
  • The match ends if a team reaches a 10-goal lead
  • No overtime or golden goal
  • Ties at the end of regulation remain ties

Goalkeeping & Goal Area

  • Goalkeepers may use hands only inside the penalty arc
  • No punts or drop-kicks allowed
  • The goalkeeper has 4 seconds to distribute the ball
  • Ball must exit the arc to be live
  • No physical contact with the goalkeeper inside the arc

Goal Clearance (Goal Kicks)

  • Executed by the goalkeeper from within the arc
  • May roll, pass, or dribble the ball out (no punts)
  • Ball must leave the arc to be in play
  • No goals may be scored directly from a goal clearance

Offside & Slide Tackling

  • No offside in 5v5 or 6v6
  • Slide tackling is not allowed near other players
  • Sliding to save the ball is allowed if no opponent is nearby

Fouls & Discipline

  • Physical fouls: Direct free kick
  • Other infractions: Indirect free kick
  • Penalty kicks: Taken from 7 yards; defenders must be 5 yards away
  • Yellow cards for repeated/serious offenses
  • 2 yellows = red; red-carded players must leave the game
  • Red-carded players may be replaced by a teammate

Substitutions

  • Allowed on any dead ball with referee acknowledgment
  • Excessive substitutions to delay play may be penalized

Restarts

  • Kick-ins or dribble-ins replace throw-ins
  • Players may dribble in and shoot after a full rotation of the ball
  • Kickoffs and corners are direct

Sportsmanship

  • Coaches are responsible for player and spectator behavior
  • Referee decisions are final
  • Verbal abuse or entering the field will result in disqualification