6U MATCH KNOWLEDGE
We do NOT keep score in 6u, please cheer and encourage both teams.
NO SLIDE TACKLING
NO PUNTING
NO DROP KICKING
NO HEADING
NO GOALKEEPER (players can play defense but cannot stay in the goal area as a goalkeeper)
Size 3 ball used
4 players vs. 4 players
10 minutes halves
Substitutions at "Quarters" and "Halves" encouraged (these are little kids if they need a break or water, allow it anytime)
EVERY PLAYER MUST PLAY AT LEAST 50% OF EACH GAME
3 BEFORE 4 RULE, MEANING NO PLAYER SHALL PLAY 4 QUARTERS UNTIL EVERY PLAYER HAS PLAYED AT LEAST 3 QUARTERS (again these are little kids, you cannot force a player to play, encourage them to help their team even if that means them just standing on the field, but don't make them miserable, keep it fun)
Clock stops at midpoint of half (quarter) for 1-2 minutes to allow for water breaks and substitutions
Clock stops at half for 3-5 minutes to allow for water breaks and substitutions
Teams switch sides at half
The below is taken from the AYSO 6u Coach Manual accessible in AYSOU
PLAYING THE GAME
The Start of Play
To start the first and second halves and following each goal in all age-group games, play is started or restarted with a kick-off in the
middle of the field. A coin toss is used to determine which team kicks off to start the game and the other team kicks off to start
the second half. Following a goal the team scored upon kicks off.
The Kick-off
The kick-off is taken from the center of the field with each team in their own half and the team not kicking off at least 5 yards from
the ball. Do not insist the opponent always be 5 yards from the ball, as this is just a guide to give the kicker room to kick the ball
without it immediately hitting an opponent. Remember, let them play and do not interfere for technicalities.
The Ball In and Out of Play
The ball is out of play in all age group games when it completely crosses the touchline (side line) or goal line (end line), either on
the ground or in the air. The team that didn’t touch it last gets a pass-in or dribble-in. The coach in 6U games will determine when
one of these restarts is necessary and should then interfere as little as possible in the restart. It’s their game, let them play. The
coach can work on technique later.
Method of Scoring
A goal, in all age group games, is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal. Goals should be
enthusiastically celebrated by everyone but, in 6U games, they are not recorded to determine who wins. Everyone wins in 6U
games.
Fouls and Other Stoppages
Deliberate fouling should be rare in 6U games. Kicking, tripping, handling the ball and dangerous play may occur. There should be
few, if any, additional reasons to stop play in 6U games. If a player is “not playing well with others” or if play must be stopped for
any other reason (injury, substitution, confusion, or to watch a passing train, butterfly or frog), refocus the players and begin again
with a free kick or pass-in as appropriate. Award the restart to whichever team deserves it, but do not make it a lengthy ceremony.
Exercise common sense, stand back and let them play.
Free Kicks
Play may have to be stopped occasionally to “sort things out” in 6U games. A player may pick the ball up and start running with it
or want to keep it away from the other players, or perhaps there is a pile of kids on the ground kicking at both the ball and each
other. Stop play and correct the situation then restart with a free kick for a deserving player. All free kicks in 6U games are indirect
free kicks. Opponents must be at least 5 yards from the ball or on the goal line between the goal posts during free kicks.
No Heading!
Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division players 11U (12U for programs
without single age divisions) and below in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team
if a player age 10 or younger deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match. The indirect free kick will be taken
from the place where the player touched the ball with his/her head.
Players 10 years old and younger, approved to play up in a division where is heading is allowed, are still prohibited from heading
the ball. The player, parents and coaches are responsible for ensuring the player does not head the ball in practice or in matches
consistent with the standards set by U.S. Soccer.
The Throw-in
Throw-ins are replaced with pass-ins or dribble-ins at 6U. Opponents should be 5 yards from ball.
Hand Ball
A hand ball infraction occurs when a player handles the ball. The “hand” includes the entire arm up to the top of the shoulder.
Instinctive, self-protective reactions are not penalized at this young age. Accidental contact (ball striking hand or arm with no
intent by the player) is not an offense and should not be penalized.