Number of Players
6 v. 6 (fewer if necessary) 4th, 5th, & 6th Graders
5 v. 5 (more if necessary) for 2nd and 3rd Graders
Equipment
-Shin guards are mandatory and must be worn inside socks: refs must enforce this rule with no exceptions!
-Soccer shoes (with or without cleats) Note: metal or screw-in cleats are not permitted.
-Reversible red and white jersey, shorts, and team socks
Structure
-Each team divides into two squads of approximately equal size and ability
-Each squad plays four 12 minute periods (two periods against each opposing squad).
-Free and unlimited substitutions are permitted (preferably at dead ball situations: coaches, please use your discretion).
-3 minute transition time between periods
Coaching
-The objective of this soccer program is to have players grow to love the game of soccer.
-Games are the time for GENTLE guidance.
-Practices are the time and place for technical and tactical direction.
-Coaching at games should be MINIMAL, including substitutions, encouraging passing, making space, and playing positions.
PLAYING RULES FOR SYSA CHALLENGE GAMES
The Referee
-Most games will have a USSF registered referee. The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final. The referee may choose to explain calls to the players so that they can learn the rules of the game. However, this must be done in a way that does not delay the restart or otherwise interfere with the game.
Ball In and Out of Play
-The entire ball must be completely over the touch or goal line to be out of play
Offside
-Offside does not apply in Challenge games.
Free Kicks
-All free kicks are indirect (exception: OGSO, see below) and opponents must be at least 4 yards from the ball. Indirect Free Kicks (IFKs) in the “goal/penalty area” for the defending team shall be taken in the same way as goal kicks (see below).
Start of Play
-There will be no coin toss. The referee shall determine which team will have the kick-off to start the game. At the beginning of the 12 min. period the opposing team shall kick off. The kick-off can be played backwards from the center spot to ensure possession. Players must remain in their own half of the field until the ball is kicked.
Corner Kicks
-Corner kicks are taken in the usual manner. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.
Goal Kicks
-The goalkeeper shall restart play “in possession.” Possession is defined as holding the ball in his/her hands. The ball can be kicked, dribbled or thrown into play, but cannot be punted or thrown over the half way line directly in the air (penalty: IFK for the opposing team from half way line). Once the ball is placed on the ground, it becomes live and may be played by any player.
Goals
-Following a goal, the game shall be restarted with a kick-off from the center of the field by the team that was scored upon.
Throw-ins
-Throw-ins are to be taken as required by FIFA law 15: at the moment of delivering the ball the player shall face the field of play, have part of each foot on the touch line or on the ground behind the touch line, use both hands, and deliver the ball from behind and over his/her head. There shall be no penalty for improper throw-ins. In particularly severe cases the referee may choose to let the player re-take the throw.
Misconduct
-A player who blatantly (tries to) injure(s) an opponent or who continually breaks the rules should be removed from the game. The player may be allowed to re-enter the game after a cooling-off period at the discretion of the referee. No yellow or red cards shall be shown to any player or coach. The player removed may be substituted.
Penalty Kicks
-None
Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunities (OGSO)
-When an attacking player is fouled during an obvious goal scoring opportunity (OGSO), or a defender illegally stops the ball from entering the goal, the game is restarted with a direct free kick at an open goal taken from the half way line. All players, except the defending goalkeeper, should stand behind the ball, while the defending goalkeeper should stand beside the goal. If a goal is made, the game is restarted with a kick off. If the attempt is missed or falls short, the ball becomes dead and the defending goalkeeper starts the game in possession from inside the goal area.
Pass Back Rule
-The “pass back rule” is not in effect. The goalkeeper is allowed to pick up the ball when last played by a teammate. When the ball is played to the goalkeeper and not picked up, the goalkeeper is considered a field player and can kick the ball directly over the half way line in the air.
Sliding and Slide Tackling
-No slide tackling is allowed, but players can legally slide to play the ball if, in the opinion of the referee, there is no danger of injury to an opponent.
FOULS
-The Laws of the Game specify ten penal fouls, which ordinarily lead to the awarding of a Direct Free Kick. The SYSA Challenge modifications allow only Indirect Free Kicks (exception: OGSO).
1. Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent
2. Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent
3. Jumping at an opponent
4. Charging an opponent (except shoulder to shoulder with the ball being within playing distance)
5. Striking or attempting to strike an opponent
6. Pushing an opponent
7. Making contact with an opponent before touching the ball while tackling him/her to gain possession of the ball
8. Holding an opponent
9. Spitting at an opponent
10. Handling the ball deliberately (except for the GK in his/her own penalty area)
* Law 12 further specifies lesser offenses that result in Indirect Free Kicks. No modification for SYSA.
1. Playing in a dangerous manner
2. Impeding the progress of an opponent (unless the ball is within playing distance). This used to be referred to as “obstruction.”
3. Preventing the GK from releasing the ball from his hands
-The restrictions on the GK specified in Law 12 do not apply in SYSA Challenge play. Specifically, the referee should not punish a GK for holding the ball longer than six seconds, but rather encourage him/her to release the ball successfully.
PARENTS
-Cheer positive encouragement
-Leave the coaching to the coaches – don’t confuse your child with your instructions.
-See the Parent Code of Conduct and
also check out the parents link on the left for more detailed information.