(REC SOCCER 4v4 - 5v5)

GAME RULES FOR AGE GROUPS U4-U7

(Spring Season 2025)

Games for age divisions U5-U7 are for a total 30 minutes in the 2nd half of the session. The first 30 minutes of the session is dedicated to individual practice focussing on player development

Fields

Each team will be allocated a field for play for each week. Fields are identified by colored cones.

Please note: your field may change week by week. Field colors are Red, Blue, White, Yellow, Orange and Green.

Game Length

U4 - Do not play a structured game - practice only

U5-U6 - Games will be 30 minutes straight through - Substitutions should be made frequently

U7 - 2x15 minute halves - Substitutions should be made frequently

Ball Size

U4 - Sizes 1-3

U5 - U7 - Size 3

Players on Field / Game Structure

U5 - 3V3 or 4v4 - No Goalkeepers - Coaches will be responsible for restarting play when the ball goes out of

bounds. There are No throwins, corners or goal kicks.

U6 - 4V4 - No Goalkeepers - 

Coaches are encouraged to have players restart the game with “roll ins” when

the ball goes out of play and “kick ins” when the ball goes out for a goal kick or corner. Coaches should begin to encourage spacing of players and have players begin to understand the difference between defensive and attacking play.

- Players should be encouraged to not chase the ball around the field.

U7 - 5V5 - No Goalkeepers -

 Players are encouraged to play the game without coach involvement. Players

should be guided but not penalised to take throw ins, corners and goal kicks. There are no set referees, instead Coaches will facilitate the game. Players should be guided to utilise the full playing area and begin to

recognise the need for teamwork. Whilst the field is larger with larger goals scores are not recorded.

Playing Time

Coaches are required where possible to offer equal playing time to all players. It is not expected that every player plays exactly the same amount of time each game, however it is expected that a player's time on

the field is equal to other players over a 2 game period. Every player in attendance at a game should spend a reasonable time on the field. Players should not be selected or left out due to playing ability

Uniform

Jerseys for those that purchased at registration will be at your field of play during week one..The allocated HOME team for each game shall wear Red shirts. The allocated AWAY team will wear WHITE

shirts. All players shall wear black shorts and socks. All players MUST wear shin guards.

Offside

U5-U7 – No offsides

Build Out Line

U7 Only - Coaches are asked to have their team retreat past the halfway line when the opponents are taking

a goal kick. This is to assist development and allow players to be able to control the ball without pressure when the ball is passed to them. Once the 2nd player controls the ball the defending team can enter the

opponents half of the field.

Punting

There is to be no punting in any age division -

Penalty Areas

There are no penalty areas in any age division. No player is permitted to use their hands in open play

Free Kicks

Where coaches determine an intentional foul is committed the opponent may take an unopposed indirect free

kick.(Indirect means two players must touch the ball before A) A goal is scored B) The player taking the free kick touches the ball for a second time

Heading

There is to be no intentional heading in any age division.

Coaches

Only Gotsport recognized and approved Head and Assistant coaches may enter the playing area. 

Coaches

when reasonable must wear their grey coach shirt to be easily identifiable.

Spectators

Spectators that have not completed the LTYA volunteer coach requirements are NOT allowed on the turfed area and must stay outside of the playing field

(REC SOCCER 5v5 & 7v7)

GAME RULES FOR AGE GROUPS U8-U10

(Spring Season 2025)

Game Length

Games will be 50 minutes (2 x 25 minute halves with a 5 minute half time)

During any excessively hot period, additional 1 minute water breaks will be made after 12 minutes in each half.The referee will not stop the clock.

Ball Size

• U8,U9 & U10 – Size 4 (Match balls provided by LTYA)

Players on Field

• U8 – 5V5 – 1 Goalkeeper/ 4 Outfield

• U9 & U10 – 7V7 – 1 Goalkeeper / 6 Outfield

Subs are unlimited but must be authorized by the referee.

Only Goalkeepers are permitted to use their hands during open play.

Playing Time

Coaches are required to offer equal playing time to all players. It is not expected that every player plays exactly the same amount of time each game, however it is expected that a player's time on the field is equal to

other players over a 2 game period. Every player in attendance at a game should spend a reasonable time on the field. Players should not be selected or left on the bench due to playing ability.

Uniform

The allocated HOME team for each game shall wear Red shirts. The allocated AWAY team will wear

WHITE shirts. All players shall wear black shorts and socks. All players MUST wear shin guards.

Throw Ins

• U8 – Players are encouraged to throw the ball in with two hands from above their head. They will not be penalized for an incorrect throw if they are trying to perform the action correctly.

• Players are permitted to roll the ball into play providing the ball enters the field from below knee height.

• U9 -U10 – As U8 but no option to roll the ball in.

Offside

• U8 – No offsides - Coaches are expected to play within the spirit of the game

• U9 & U10– Offside only in the final 3rd of Field – Referees discretion is final

• Coaches MUST NOT try to influence the game by calling for offside.

Build Out Line

(Coned or lined area on or towards the halfway line on each half of the field. If there are no cones or lines the build out line will become the halfway line)

U8,U9 & U10.

• When the Goalkeeper has possession of the ball either in hands or from a goal kick, the opposition

must retreat to behind the breakout line until the ball is back in play.

• The ball is back in play when the goalkeeper plays the ball and is touched by a second player on their team. The opposition can then cross the breakout line to put pressure on the opponents.

• The Goalkeeper can decide to play before the opposition retreats behind the build out line, in this case the ball is in play and available for the opponent to take possession.

• The breakout line will be identified by

colored cones at the side of the field or lines on the field.(If there are no cones or lines the halfway line becomes the breakout line

Punting

• There is to be no punting - Once the Goalkeeper has the ball in hands they can throw or roll the ball into play. Once the ball leaves the goalkeeper’s hands another player must touch the ball before the goalkeeper can use their feet to play the ball. (This removes the option of the goalkeeper dropping the ball and kicking a bouncing ball).

The goalkeeper does not need to pick the ball up when it is played to them, they can use their feet to play the ball provided they have not used their hands to control the ball.

Penalty Areas

• All players can enter the penalty areas (Goalkeepers can leave the penalty area but must only use their hands inside the penalty area)

Back Passes

• The goalkeeper must not collect the ball with their hands if the ball is deliberately played to them with the foot of a player of their own team .

• If the goalkeeper does collect the ball with their hands from a back pass a free kick to the opponents will be awarded from the point at which the ball was last played to them. (The free kick is not taken from

the point at which the goalkeeper collected the ball)

Free Kicks

• All free kicks will be indirect, the only exception to this is with the award of a penalty kick. (Indirect means

two players must touch the ball before A) A goal is scored B) The player taking the free kick touches the ball for a second time.

Heading

Deliberate heading of the ball is not allowed. A free kick will be awarded at the point of the

ball being headed.

If the offence is in the penalty area the free kick will be taken at the nearest point

outside of the penalty area.

If the header, in the referee’s opinion, solely prevents a goal being scored a penalty kick will be awarded.

A free kick will NOT be awarded if the ball accidentally hits a player on the head

Referees

Without referees we do not have any games. I and LTYA as an organisation will not tolerate

any behavior that challenges, publicly criticizes, or places pressure on referees.

Anybody choosing to act in any way that is deemed unacceptable by the referee, Referee

Director or any member of the LTYA staff will be asked to leave the playing area.

Coaches

Only Gotsport recognized and approved Head and Assistant coaches may enter the playing area.

Coaches must wear their grey coach shirt to be easily identifiable.

Coaches must only position themselves on the sideline on the their half of the field (they must encroach into the opponent's half of the Field and must NOT stand behind the goal line

Spectators

Spectators are NOT allowed on the turfed area at Bee Creek Sports Complex and must stay

outside of the fenced area.

Spectators at Field of Dreams may only watch the game from the opposite touchline to where the team coaches are positioned. Spectators must not stand behind the goal line to watch games.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vp8Jb44zJmmVd95mlTlcXmUurpHG-4IREe_Ho7tGB_o/edit?usp=sharing

Rec Soccer Calendar - Spring 2025

December 1st Registration Opens

January 27th Registration Closes

February 3rd Teams & Coaches Announced

February 5th Coaches Orientation - Online 8pm

February 6th Practice Schedules Released

February 8th Coaches Clinics - Field of Dreams U4-U7 (9:00-9:45) U8+(10:00-10:45)

February 10th-13th U8+ Practices Start

February 14th U4-U10 Schedules released

February 15th Rec Field Workday - Field of Dreams 8am

February 18th Soccer 101 for parents All ages (6:00-6:45)

February 19th Soccer 101 for parents All ages (6:00 - 6:45)

February 28th U8-U10 Season Starts

March 1st U4-U7 Season Starts

March 1st U8-U10 Double Header Week - additional Saturday games

March 8th U8-U10 - Rainout double header week

March 14th-22nd U4-U10 Spring Break - No Games - No practice

April 18th / 19th U4-U10 Easter Weekend - No Games

April 26th U4-U7 Picture Day - Sessions start 1 hour later

May 2nd / 3rd / 4th U8-U10 Tournament Weekend

May 9th U8-U10 Final Games

May 10th U4-U7 Final Session

May 16th / 17th/ 18th Rain Out Week

Game Days U8-U10

Feb 28th,

Mar 1st,7th,28th,

Apr 4th,11th,25th

May 9th

U4-U7

Mar 1st,8th,29th

Apr 5th,12,26th

May 3rd, 10th

Additional Programs 8 Sessions

Weeks Commencing

Feb 17th, 24th -

Mar 3rd, 10th, 24th, 31st

Apr 7th, 14th

Rain out week Apr 21st

U5-U6 Boys & Girls Wednesday 5-6pm - FOD

U7-U8 Boys & Girls - Monday or Tuesday 5-6pm - Bee Creek

U9--U10 Boys & Girls - Wednesday or Thursday 5-6pm - Bee Creek

Official LTYA Soccer Shirts - All Sizes (Youth & Adult) 

There is an option to purchase when you register. The order will includes a red and white jersey. If you do not purchase a uniform upon registration you can purchase one at the beginning of the season. 

Shirts will be supplied with the club Logo and a number. There is no option to place a name on the shirt. Shirts will be distributed to players prior to the start of season. (Further information will be provided nearer to season start date)

For shirt sizing click Here 

Shorts & Socks

* Players will need to wear black shorts and black socks for games in addition to the LTYA jerseys. These items ae not supplied by LTYA and will need to be purchased separately. 

ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY 

1) Shin Guards 

2)Soccer Cleats 

3) Soccer Ball - (U4-U7 SIZE 3, U8-U12 SIZE 4, U13+ SIZE 5)

4) Water Bottle

***Players can Cannot play in the Rec program if they have registered to play in the Junior Academy or Elite programs***

Teams are formed by birth year. Teams cannot be formed by grade due to US Soccer rules.

Players are allowed to play “UP” on recommendation from our staff but will never be allowed to play down in an age group. This is important to consider when registering with friends or to a team as you will need to register to the age group of the oldest player you are looking to play with.

Please include as much request information as possible such as previous coach information, requested coach and requested friends to assist in placing your player.

We do not guarantee that we will fill requests but will do our best.

When no request information is placed teams are formed based on school or zip code information when possible.

A TEAM MUST HAVE A COACH TO PLAY, SO THEY COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS

We are committed to supporting our volunteer coaches both on and off the soccer field.

Not only do Coaches have direct access to the Rec Director they will be invited to attend regular coach development sessions in addition to the mandatory coach training.

If you wished to learn more about the requirements of becoming a coach please reach out to Jason Swann, Rec Director by email. jason@ltya.org

If you’re good to go please follow the below steps.

STEP 1 - Add yourself as a Coach in your player's Sport Connect Account

Log In to your account in Sport Connect. Click the Volunteers tab on the left-hand side from the account homepage and click "view more volunteer roles." From there it should be pretty self-explanatory. However please make sure you identify the division and age you wish to coach.

STEP 2 - Register for GotSport. Once you have completed Step 1, You will need to create a Gotsport account that . To do this email jason@ltya.org You will then receive a link to register as a coach for the LTYA soccer program.

https://system.gotsport.com/forms/2089116I1

STEP 3 - Complete the three courses below in GotSport. SAVE CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION!

1) Background Check (good for 2 years)

2) SportSafe (good for 1 year, after completing the first time you only take a refresher course) - Must Save Certificate and Upload

3) CDC Heads-Up Certification (good for 1 year) 

STEP 4 - Complete PCA Workshop - CLICK HERE

SPRING 2025 AGE MATRIX (Use the chart to determine best age group for your player) 

Age Group Birth Year Age Group Birth Year 

U4 2021 

U5 2020

U6 2019

U7 2018

U8 2017

U9 2016

U10 2015

---------------------

U11 2014 

U12 2013  

U13 2012  

U14 2011  

U15 2010  

U16 2009  

U17 2008  

U18 2007 

U19 2006

**Players may not play down an age group but can play up. This is the rule set forth by CAYSA and STYSA and is required by our insurance **

Extension Program (Optional):Pre-Academy Training: ALL U5-U7 players have the option of signing up for an additional 8 sessions with a professional coach. The session will take place on a Tuesday or Thursday from 5-6pm @ FOD (At An Additional Cost of $120). Players can only register if they are part of the LTYA Spring season play. The program with a professional coach will work on all of the foundational skills in a enjoyable environment to take your player skills to the next level.

Extension Program (Optional):Technical Training ALL U8+ players have the option of signing up for an additional 8 sessions with a professional coach. The session will take place at Bee Creek Sports Complex (At An Additional Cost of $120). 

Players can only register if they are part of the LTYA Spring season play. The program with a professional coach will work on all of the foundational skills in a enjoyable environment to take your player skills to the next level.