NYSA follows the guidelines set out by USYSA, our governing body for Youth soccer in the United States.
Law 1 – The Field of Play:
Dimensions:
Length: 30 yards
Width: 20 yards
Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than (5) inches wide. The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of four (4) yards is marked around it.
Goal Area: none.
Penalty Area: none.
Flagposts: none.
Law 2 – The Ball: Size three (3).
Law 3 – The Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each consisting of three players. There are NO goalkeepers. When a team gets behind by 5 goals they may add one player to give them numbers up, if the team gets down by 8 they may add another player. Once the score gets back under the same parameters you must take the extra player(s) back off. (ex. When the score gets back to 7 to ake one extra player off, when it gets back to within 4 return to the regulation 3 players).
Substitutions: At any stoppage of play and unlimited.
Playing time: Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time.
Teams and matches may be coed.
Law 4 – The Players Equipment: NYSA reversible jersey, shin guards, matching socks and shorts for each team.
Law 5 – The Referee: There will be one official for U5/U6 games. Coaches are allowed on the field for the first half of the season.
Law 6 – The Assistant Referees: None.
Law 7 – The Duration of the Match: The match shall be divided into four (4) equal, eight (8) minute quarters (U4 will play 6 minute quarters).There shall be a two (2) minute break between quarters one and two and another two (2) minute break between quarters three and four. There shall be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes.
Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play: Kick offs should be taken at the beginning of each game, the beginning of each quarter, or after a goal is scored. The ball is placed in the center circle. The player taking the kick has one touch, and may not touch the ball again until another player on the field touches the ball.
Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play: Whole ball must cross the line.
Law 10 – The Method of Scoring: Whole ball must cross the line
Law 11 – Offside: None.
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA with the exception that all fouls shall result in a direct free kick. The referee/coach/parent must explain ALL infringements to the offending player. No cards shown for misconduct. Reminder: there are no slide tackles.
Law 13 – Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that all free kicks are direct and all opponents are at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 14 – The Penalty Kick: None.
Law 15 – The Kick-in: Kick ins are taken when the ball goes entirely over the sidelines. When a ball is played over the sidelines the opposing team is awarded a kick in from the spot the ball traveled out of play.
Law 16 – The Goal Kick: The goal kick should be taken on the goal line anywhere across the width of the field of play at the nearest point from where the ball was retrieved. Opposing players must be four (4) yards away from the ball until it is in play.
Law 17 – The Corner Kick: Corner kicks are taken when the ball crosses the defensive teams endline and was last touched by the defensive team. The corner kick will be taken from the corner on the side of the goal where the ball went entirely over the endline. The player taking the corner kick has one touch and may not touch the ball again until another player touches the ball.
**There will be no slide tackling allowed.