1st/2nd Grade

• Games will be 4v4.

• Size 3 ball.

• Coaches will act as referees.

• A running clock is used (the clock is only stopped for goals and significant delays such as a hurt player).

• Playing time is 4 ten minute quarters.

• Substitutions can be made at any stoppage.

• No goalkeeper at this age.  This is in line with most youth soccer recommendations.

• Throw-ins when the ball crosses the sidelines.  Multiple attempts are allowed, with the goal of teaching how to correctly throw in.

• Goal kicks will be awarded to the defending team when the offense is the last to touch the ball before it crosses the endline.

• Corner kicks will be awarded to the offensive team when the defense is the last to touch the ball before it crosses the endline.

• Handballs should be addressed by coaches as reminders, but play should not stop unless necessary (if a player is holding the ball, for example).

• Heading is not allowed at this age and a free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if it's intentional.

• Kick-offs take place at the beginning of each quarter and after each goal.

• For each re-start (goal kick, kick-off, corner kick, kick-in), opposing players should be 10 feet from the ball.

• Teams should switch ends at half-time.

• A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line.  Score is not kept at this age.

• After each goal, the non-scoring team starts with a kick-off at the mid-field line.

At this age, the idea is to keep playing continuously as much as possible, but also to teach throughout the games.  Let them play and have fun!