ARS RULES | Arlington Rec Soccer

ARS LEAGUE RULES

Summary of Age Groups

U5 COED

3 v 3 Coed (NO Goalies)
Size 3 Ball
Four 8 minute quarters with 3 minute breaks
No Referee. Coaches manage the game and keep time.

U6 COED

4 v 4 Coed (NO Goalies)
Size 3 Ball
Four 8 minute quarters with 3 minute breaks
No Referee. Coaches manage the game and keep time.

U8 BOYS & GIRLS

4 v 4 Gender Specific (NO Goalies)
Size 3 Ball
Four 10 minute quarters with 3 minute breaks
Introducing throw-ins (may still use kick-ins if preferred)
Official Referee. The Referee manages the game and keeps time.

U10 BOYS & GIRLS

7 vs 7 Gender Specific (6 field Players plus a Goalkeeper)
Size 4 Ball
25 minute halves with 5 minute half time
Introducing off sides and penalty kicks
Official Referee. The Referee manages the game and keeps time.

U12 BOYS & GIRLS

7 vs 7 Gender Specific (6 field Players plus a Goalkeeper)
Size 4 Ball
25 minute halves with 5 minute half time
Introducing heading the ball
Official Referee. The Referee manages the game and keeps time.

U15 BOYS & GIRLS

7 vs 7 Gender Specific (6 field players plus a goalkeeper)
Size 5 Ball
26 minute halves with 5 minute half time
Official Referee. The Referee manages the game and keeps time.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

Game rules are implemented according to FIFA Rules of Play. ARS maintains a zero tolerance with regard to any negative behavior or speech toward the referee. This will be enforced, and may result in removal of the offending parties from the field or suspension of the game. Questions and additional clarification for game rules may be sought from the coach, referee, or field marshal prior to, or following the completion of the game. The small-sided soccer concept is designed with the players in mind. Kids should have fun, while learning the skills involved in handling the ball, and learning teamwork. The focus is not on game results, but game experience. For this reason, scores are not kept and zero tolerance is enforced. Parents, fans, players, coaches and referees are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship at all times.

U5 COED RULES OF THE GAME
The ARS U5 program introduces the game of soccer to children, ages 3 1⁄2 to 4 years old, their parents and coaches. Arlington provides basic soccer instruction in a family oriented atmosphere. Teams participate in one practice during the week and a 1 organized game. Game days are intended to be a low pressure scrimmage type environment with a strong emphasis on participation and fun. The U5 program offers in-house league play during Fall and Spring seasons. Each league season consists of a 5-7 game schedule with the goal of playing at least five games. Games due to inclement weather may not be rescheduled depending upon field availability.

There will be four 8-minute quarters with a continuous running clock and breaks of 3 minutes.
Substitutions should take place approximately every 4 minutes or as needed. Substitutions are allowed at any time of the game.
No Offsides
No Slide Tackling
No heading
No Goalkeepers
No Referee. Coaches Manage the Game. Both coaches may be on the field directing and refereeing.
Teams DO NOT switch sides at halftime.
Anytime the ball goes out of bounds, the ball will be placed at the spot it went out of bounds. The new team in possession can either kick or dribble the ball back in to restart play. No throw-ins. The opposing team must be at least 10 feet from the ball before it is played.
Free kicks are awarded for any intentional foul or obvious/intentional handball. The ball is placed at the spot of the foul. The opposing team must be at least 10 feet from the ball before it is played. Free kicks can be kicked or dribbled to restart.
All Free Kicks are indirect. This means players cannot score directly from a restart. Another player must touch the ball before it can be scored.
Goal kicks can be taken from anywhere on the goal line. They can restart with a dribble or a pass.
No Corner Kicks - Goal Kicks only
No scores or standings are kept.

All players should take an active part in gameplay. Each player will be allowed a minimum of 50% playing time each game or as they are willing to participate. Substitutions can be made at any time during the game. One coach from each team will be allowed on the field working together to help the kids and manage the game.

START OF PLAY

Play starts from the center mark of the field. Every player must be in his/her own half of the field and the opposing team must be at least 10 feet from the ball before it is played. The ball is “in play” when it has been touched. It can be kicked or dribbled to begin play. After a goal has been scored, the game is re-started by a player from the non-scoring team in the same way as above. Any infringement of kick-off rules will result in a re-play of the kick-off and an explanation to the offending player.

BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

The ball is out of play: When the entire ball has crossed the line, whether on the ground or in the air.

METHODS OF SCORING

A goal is scored: When the entire ball crosses the goal line, between the goal posts, and under the crossbar.

OFFSIDE

There will be no offside calls during the game.

FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

At this age group, these include Intentional use of the hands to gain an advantage – whether handling the ball or shoving another player out of the way. Intentional tripping: Remember that unintentional tripping may occur when young children play a game using their feet to control the ball. Coaches will help teach the kids safe play and good sportsmanship. If a player continues to intentionally push, shove, trip, or foul other players, the coach will remove them from the game and ask the parent to assist.

FREE KICKS

All kicks (kick-offs, goal kicks, restarts) are indirect, meaning a goal cannot be scored directly from the kick. Another player must touch the ball after the ball is played. The opposing team must be at least 10 feet from the ball before it is played.

PENALTY KICKS

No penalty kicks at this age.

GOAL KICKS

When the attacking team plays the ball over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, the defending team is awarded a goal kick. Goal kicks can be taken anywhere along the goal line. The opposing team must be at least 10 feet from the ball before it is played.

U6 COED RULES OF THE GAME
The ARS U6 program introduces the game of soccer to children, ages 4 to 5 years old, their parents and coaches. Arlington provides basic soccer instruction in a family oriented atmosphere. The U6 program is COED and introduces switching sides at half time and corner kicks. Teams participate in one practice during the week and one organized game. Game days are intended to be a low pressure scrimmage type environment with a strong emphasis on participation and fun. The U6 program offers in-house league play during Fall and Spring seasons. Each league season consists of a 8-9 game schedule with the goal of playing at least seven games. Games due to inclement weather may not be rescheduled depending upon field availability.

There will be four 8-minute quarters with a continuous running clock and breaks of 3 minutes.
Substitutions should take place approximately every 4 minutes or as needed. Substitutions are allowed at any time of the game.
No Offsides
No Slide Tackling
No heading
No Goalkeepers - all players should participate in play. No players should be standing in the goal.
No Referee. Coaches Manage the Game. Both coaches may be on the field directing and refereeing.
Teams DO SWITCH sides at halftime.
Anytime the ball goes out of bounds, the ball will be placed at the spot it went out of bounds. The new team in possession can either kick or dribble the ball back in to restart play. No throw-ins. The opposing team must be at least 10 feet from the ball before it is played.
Free kicks are awarded for any intentional foul or obvious/intentional handball. The ball is placed at the spot of the foul. The opposing team must be at least 10 feet from the ball before it is played. Free kicks can be kicked or dribbled to restart.
All Free Kicks are indirect. This means players cannot score directly from a restart. Another player must touch the ball before it can be scored.
Goal kicks can be taken from anywhere on the goal line. They can restart with a dribble or a pass.
Corner kicks must be taken from the corner of the field of the side the ball went out of bounds. They can restart with a dribble or a pass.
No scores or standings are kept.

START OF PLAY

BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

The ball is out of play: When the entire ball has crossed the line, whether on the ground or in the air.

METHODS OF SCORING

A goal is scored: When the entire ball crosses the goal line, between the goal posts, and under the crossbar.

OFFSIDE

There will be no offside calls during the game.

FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

FREE KICKS

PENALTY KICKS

No penalty kicks at this age.

GOAL KICKS

U8 BOYS & GIRLS RULES OF THE GAME

The ARS U8 program is a gender specific program that continues to build upon the basics of soccer in a positive environment. The intent is to focus on the five areas of dribbling, shooting, passing, receiving and juggling. This age group introduces throw-ins and procedure as well as having an official referee to manage games. The U8 program offers in-house league play during Fall and Spring seasons. Each league season consists of an 8-9 game schedule spanning 3 months with the goal of playing at least seven games. Games due to inclement weather may not be rescheduled depending upon field availability.

There will be four 10-minute quarters with a continuous running clock and breaks of 3 minutes.
Substitutions should take place approximately every 5 minutes or as needed. Substitutions are allowed at any stoppage of play no matter who has the ball.
No Offsides
No Slide Tackling
No heading
No Goalkeepers - all players should participate in play. No players should be standing in the goal.
Teams switch sides at half.
Official Referee. The referee will manage the game and keep time.
Throw-ins. Throw-ins will be taken to restart the game when the ball goes out over a sideline. The opposing team must be at least 10 feet from the ball before it is played.
Free kicks are awarded for any intentional foul or obvious handball. The ball is placed at the spot of the foul. The opposing team must be at least 10 feet from the ball before it is played. Free kicks must be kicked to restart, no dribbling.
All Free Kicks are indirect. This means players cannot score directly from a restart. The ball must be touched by another player first.
Goal kicks can be taken from anywhere on the goal line. Goal kicks must be kicked to restart, no dribbling.
Corner kicks must be taken from the corner of the field of the side the ball went out of bounds. Corner kicks must be kicked to restart, no dribbling.
No scores or standings are kept.

All players should take an active part in gameplay. Each player will be allowed a minimum of 50% playing time each game. Substitutions can be made at any stoppage time during the game. All Coaches must remain on sideline and not impede play.

START OF PLAY

BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

The ball is out of play: When the entire ball has crossed the line, whether on the ground or in the air.

KICK-INS/THROW-INS

A kick-in throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball passes over the sideline, on the ground, or in the air. A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-in/throw-in:

If the ball enters the opponent’s goal – a goal kick is awarded
If the ball enters the thrower’s goal – a corner kick is awarded

Procedure (If you choose to use a throw-in vs kick-in)

At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower must:

stand facing the field of play
Have part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline
Throw the ball with both hands from behind and over the head from the point where it left the field of play

METHODS OF SCORING

A goal is scored: When the entire ball crosses the goal line, between the goal posts, and under the crossbar.

OFFSIDE

There will be no offside calls during the game.

FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

FREE KICKS

All kicks (kick-offs, goal kicks, restarts) are indirect, meaning a goal cannot be scored directly from the kick. Another player must touch the ball after it is played before a goal can be scored. The opposing team must be at least 10 feet from the ball before it is played.

CORNER KICKS

Corner kicks. If the ball is last touched by the defending team and goes over the goal line, NOT IN THE GOAL, play restarts with a corner kick for the opposing team attacking the goal.

PENALTY KICKS

No penalty kicks at this age.

GOAL KICKS

U10 BOYS & GIRLS RULES OF THE GAME

The ARS U10 Girls and Boys Program is a gender specific program that continues to build upon the basics of soccer. The intent is to focus on the five areas of dribbling, shooting, passing, receiving and juggling. Building sportsmanship in a positive environment is a focus. This age group moves up to a 7v7 format with a goalkeeper on a larger field. Players are introduced to penalty kicks and the concept of offside. Coaches also begin to develop the position of goalkeeper and defensive positions. The ARS U10 Program partners with TSA Lakeland to offer a fuller league with more teams and competition in Fall and Spring Seasons. The majority of games will be "Home" games in Arlington but there will be 2-3 "Away" games in Lakeland. Each league season consists of an 8-9 game schedule spanning three months with the goal of playing at least seven games. Games due to inclement weather may not be rescheduled depending upon field availability.

There will be two 25-minute halves with a continuous running clock and a 5-minute halftime break.
7v7 Format (6 field players and 1 goalkeeper)
Substitutions should take place approximately every 10-12 minutes or as needed. Substitutions are allowed at any stoppage of play no matter who has the ball.
Teams switch sides at half.
There is Offsides. With only 1 official, they will do their best to make the correct call but will not be able to see every instance. Be supportive and understanding of the official.
There are Penalty Kicks
No Heading
Throw-ins. Throw-ins will be taken to restart the game when the ball goes out over a sideline.
Goal kicks can be taken from anywhere inside the goal box.
Corner kicks must be taken from the corner of the field of the side the ball went out of bounds.
No build-out line.
No scores or standings are kept.

START OF PLAY

Play starts from the center mark of the field. Every player must be in his/her own half of the field and the opposing team must be outside the center circle before it is played. The ball is “in play” when it has been touched. Kickoffs can not start with a dribble. The kicker cannot touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player. After a goal has been scored, the game is re-started by a player from the non-scoring team in the same way as above. Any infringement of kick-off rules will result in a re-play of the kick-off and an explanation to the offending player.

BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

The ball is out of play: When the entire ball has crossed the line, whether on the ground or in the air.

THROW-INS

A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball passes over the sideline, on the ground, or in the air. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in:

If the ball enters the opponent’s goal – a goal kick is awarded
If the ball enters the thrower’s goal – a corner kick is awarded

Procedure

At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower must:

stand facing the field of play
Have part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline
Throw the ball with both hands from behind and over the head from the point where it left the field of play

METHODS OF SCORING

A goal is scored: When the entire ball crosses the goal line, between the goal posts, and under the crossbar.

OFFSIDE

Offsides will be called when obvious. At this age, there is only 1 referee, and we do not use assistant referees to help with offside calls. Please be supportive. The offside rule is simple: a player is in an offside position if they are closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent. An offside offense only occurs if that player becomes actively involved in the play by touching the ball, interfering with an opponent, or gaining an advantage from that position.

FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

The referee will call fouls and may ask for help to manage misconduct. Coaches should teach the kids safe play and good sportsmanship during these games. If a player continues to intentionally push, shove, trip, or foul other players, that player may be removed from the game, cautioned, with the possibility of not returning.

FREE KICKS

All kicks (kick-offs, goal kicks, corner kicks, restarts) are indirect, meaning a goal cannot be scored directly from the kick. Another player must touch the ball after it is played before a goal can be scored. The opposing team must be at least 12 feet from the ball before it is played. *** In the Lakeland League all kicks are Direct (meaning that a goal can be scored by that kick). When playing in Lakeland you will follow this Direct kick rule. When in Arlington we follow the indirect kick rule.

CORNER KICKS

Corner kicks. If the ball is last touched by the defending team and goes over the goal line, NOT IN THE GOAL, play restarts with a corner kick for the opposing team attacking the goal.

PENALTY KICKS

Penalty kicks. Penalty kicks may be awarded if there is a foul or handball in the penalty box. All penalty kicks are taken from the spot, 8 yards from the goal line. The kicker cannot touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player. The goalkeeper can move back and forth across the goal line before the ball is kicked, but cannot have 2 feet forward across the line before the ball is played.

GOAL KICK

When the attacking team plays the ball over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, the defending team is awarded a goal kick. Goal kicks can be taken from anywhere inside the goal box. The opposing team must be outside the penalty box before it is played. The ball is in play once touched.

U12 BOYS & GIRLS RULES OF THE GAME

The ARS U12 Girls and Boys Program is a gender specific program that continues to build upon the basics of soccer. The intent is to focus on the five areas of dribbling, shooting, passing, receiving and juggling. Building sportsmanship in a positive environment continues to be a focus. Players are introduced to heading the ball. Coaches are to continue teaching off-sides and to further develop the position of goalkeeper. The U12 Boys and Girls Program partners with TSA Lakeland to offer a fuller league with more teams and competition in Fall and Spring Seasons. The majority of games will be "Home" games in Arlington but there will be 2-3 "Away" games in Lakeland. Each league season consists of an 8-9 game schedule spanning three months with the goal of playing at least seven games. Games due to inclement weather may not be rescheduled depending upon field availability.

There will be two 25-minute halves with a continuous running clock and a 5-minute halftime break.
7v7 Format (6 field players and 1 goalkeeper)
Substitutions should take place approximately every 10-12 minutes or as needed. Substitutions are allowed at any stoppage of play no matter who has the ball.
Teams switch sides at half.
There is Offsides. With only 1 official, they will do their best to make the correct call but will not be able to see every instance. Be supportive and understanding of the official.
There are Penalty Kicks
Heading is Allowed
Throw-ins. Throw-ins will be taken to restart the game when the ball goes out over a sideline.
Goal kicks can be taken from anywhere inside the goal box.
Corner kicks must be taken from the corner of the field of the side the ball went out of bounds.
No build-out line.
No scores or standings are kept.

START OF PLAY

BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

The ball is out of play: When the entire ball has crossed the line, whether on the ground or in the air.

THROW-INS

If the ball enters the opponent’s goal – a goal kick is awarded
If the ball enters the thrower’s goal – a corner kick is awarded

Procedure

At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower must:

stand facing the field of play
Have part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline
Throw the ball with both hands from behind and over the head from the point where it left the field of play

METHODS OF SCORING

A goal is scored: When the entire ball crosses the goal line, between the goal posts, and under the crossbar.

OFFSIDE

FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

FREE KICKS

CORNER KICKS

Corner kicks. If the ball is last touched by the defending team and goes over the goal line, NOT IN THE GOAL, play restarts with a corner kick for the opposing team attacking the goal.

PENALTY KICKS

Penalty kicks. Penalty kicks may be awarded if there is a foul or handball in the penalty box. All penalty kicks are taken from the spot, 8 yards from the goal line. The kicker cannot touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player. The goalkeeper can move back and forth across the goal line before the ball is kicked, but can not have 2 feet forward across the line before the ball is played.

GOAL KICK

U15 BOYS & GIRLS RULES OF THE GAME

The ARS U15 Girls and Boys Program is a gender specific program that continues to build upon the basics of soccer. The intent is to continue to focus on the five areas of dribbling, shooting, passing, receiving and juggling. Building sportsmanship in a positive environment continues to be a focus. Coaches are to continue teaching off-sides and to further develop the position of goalkeeper. The U15 Boys and Girls Program partners with TSA Lakeland and Bartlett (BYSA) to offer a fuller league with more teams and competition in Fall and Spring Seasons. The majority of games will be "Away" games in Bartlett and Lakeland but there will be 1-2 "Home" games in Arlington. Each league season consists of an 8-10 game schedule spanning three months with the goal of playing at least seven games. Games due to inclement weather may not be rescheduled depending upon field availability.

There will be two 26-minute halves with a continuous running clock and a 5-minute halftime break.
7v7 Format (6 field players and 1 goalkeeper)
Substitutions should take place approximately every 10-12 minutes or as needed. Substitutions are allowed at any stoppage of play no matter who has the ball.
Teams switch sides at half.
There is Offsides. With only 1 official, they will do their best to make the correct call but will not be able to see every instance. Be supportive and understanding of the official.
There are Penalty Kicks
Heading is Allowed
Throw-ins. Throw-ins will be taken to restart the game when the ball goes out over a sideline.
Goal kicks can be taken from anywhere inside the goal box.
Corner kicks must be taken from the corner of the field of the side the ball went out of bounds.
No build-out line.
No scores or standings are kept.

START OF PLAY

BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

The ball is out of play: When the entire ball has crossed the line, whether on the ground or in the air.

THROW-INS

If the ball enters the opponent’s goal – a goal kick is awarded
If the ball enters the thrower’s goal – a corner kick is awarded

Procedure

At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower must:

stand facing the field of play
Have part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline
Throw the ball with both hands from behind and over the head from the point where it left the field of play

METHODS OF SCORING

A goal is scored: When the entire ball crosses the goal line, between the goal posts, and under the crossbar.

OFFSIDE

FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

FREE KICKS

CORNER KICKS

Corner kicks. If the ball is last touched by the defending team and goes over the goal line, NOT IN THE GOAL, play restarts with a corner kick for the opposing team attacking the goal.

PENALTY KICKS

Penalty kicks. Penalty kicks may be awarded if there is a foul or handball in the penalty box. All penalty kicks are taken from the spot, 8 yards from the goal line. The kicker cannot touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player. The goalkeeper can move back and forth across the goal line before the ball is kicked, but can not have 2 feet forward across the line before the ball is played.

GOAL KICK

U5COED

U6COED

U10

U12

U15