U6 Information

U6 Players’ Equipment:

Ball Size 3

AYSO Player Shirt: Players must have a uniform jersey with AYSO logo.

Shorts: Soccer shorts or Athletic shorts. Shorts should not have pockets, rivets, or anything that could cause injury.

Socks: Must be large enough to cover shingaurds.

Footwear: Soccer shoes, tennis shoes or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.

Shinguards: MANDATORY for both practices and games, and must be covered entirely by socks.

Jewelry, Earrings and Studs: Jewelry including earrings of any kind, whether or not worn in any body piercing (visual to the referee) must be removed before a player is to be allowed to participate in a match. The same is true of any stud which is used in a body piercing when the jewelry is not being worn.

Casts: Players shall not be allowed to practice or participate in any game with any type of cast or splint.

Other Information about the U6 game:

Field

• Dimensions: 30 yards long, 15 yards wide (max).
• Markings: Distinctive lines can be used but are not required. Field can be marked using 20 flat pro-cones to mark all four sides.
• Goals: Maximum four feet high and six feet wide OR four tall cones, two each set six feet apart.

Players

• Number: Three per team on field; no goalkeepers.
• Substitutions: Between periods, at halftime and for injuries.
• Playing time: Minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three.
• Teams: Separate girls and boys teams should be promoted at all levels of play. Only players should be allowed on the field, with the exception of a coach from each team who will manage the games.

Duration of Game

Four 5-minute periods. Halftime break of 5-10 minutes.

Start of Play

• The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field.
• The coaches determine which team starts the game with a coin flip and the opposing team starts the second half.
• Coaches will ensure that opponents are at least five yards from the spot of the kick.

Ball In & Out of Play

To be determined by coaches.

Method of Scoring: See U-6 Coaching Manual.

Fouls & Misconduct

To be assessed by coaches.

Direct free kicks for all fouls, with the opponents five yards away from the ball.

Official

There is no need for fully qualified referees to manage U-6 games. One or both of the coaches should “officiate”. The games are intended to be an opportunity for the very youngest of our players to experience the fun of playing. The barest of minimum rules are needed and should be applied with a generous amount of flexibility. Let the players have the freedom to play with minimum interruption.