The Under-5 Jamboree program will be divided
into two back-to-back sessions on each Saturday. Session 1 will emphasize
fun & simple games to learn some basic skills of soccer.
This will include
the players and their parents, the team's coach and "Master
Coach" to direct the games. Session 2 will be a short game
between two different teams. The rules below are for the
actual games.
Dimensions:
Maximum 30 yards long and 15 yards wide (30 yds x 15 yds)
Markings:
Distinctive lines not required. Field can be marked using
10 flat pro-cones and four regular cones.
Goals: Maximum
4 feet high and 6 feet wide (4' x 6')
B. THE BALL
Size three
(3)
C. NUMBER
OF PLAYERS
Maximum number of players PER TEAM on the field at
any time: three (3)
Maximum
number of players PER TEAM on roster: SIX (6)
No Goalkeepers TIP: Players should be reminded NOT to stand in
the goal. They should be encouarged to run back and try to kick
the ball away when defending their goal, and to move forward
with their team to when they are trying to score.
Substitutions:
Between breaks, or if a player is hurt or does not want to play
anymore
Playing time:
Minimum of 50% of the total playing time for each player
and 75% when possible. No one should play four quarters until everyone
has
played three.
No co-ed
teams.
D. PLAYERS
EQUIPMENT
Shinguards: MANDATORY
Footwear:
Soccer shoes or tennis shoes
Each player will be given their own jersey, shorts, and socks
E. REFEREE:
It is recommended that both u5 coaches act as the referees ("game monitors") during the game with one coaching monitoring one side of the field and the other coach monitoring the other side of the field.
The referee
can be also be a:
a certified
referee
a certified youth referee
NOTE: Any person acting as a referee must be a registered AYSO volunteer,and have taken
the Safe Haven course.
Referees should
emphasize:
safety
fun
fairness
Referees should briefly explain any infringements
to the player(s) and help players with direction. In the Under-5 age group, the referees can help
the players understand the rules of the game if needed, but the primary focus is to keep the players safe and the game flowing. This allows the players to learn from the game.
F. DURATION
OF GAME
Four 5 minute quarters with quarter breaks, if necessary for substitutions or water break
Two minutes between quarters
One 5 minute half time
There will be no practice during the week for the Under-5 division.
G. THE START OF PLAY
The game should
be started with an indirect free kick ("kickoff") in the middle of the field.
The coaches
should determine which team starts the game and the opposing
team should start the second half.
The referee
will ensure that opponents are at least five (5) yards from
the spot of the free kick.
H. BALL IN
AND OUT OF PLAY
The Under-5 division varies from the upper divisions in
this respect, and does not have throw-ins, goal-kicks or corner-kicks.
When the whole
ball passes over the touch line or the goal-line, by any player,
either on the ground or in the air, it should be quickly given
back to the referee for a dropped ball.
For Parents/Spectators:
A person on the sideline who retrieves a ball that has gone "out of bounds" shall quickly throw the ball back to the closest referee, who will make a quick restart with a dropped ball.
For Coaches/Referees: Ball out over the sidelines: Once you receive the ball from a parent, quickly restart the with a dropped ball away from the pack and near the middle of the field. If neccessary, to keep the game fair for all players, a dropped ball should be dropped (or rolled) closest to a player who rarely receives the ball. Make all attempt to keep the game fair for ALL Players. Ball out over the goal-line: First, try to corral the players back towards the center of the field. Then, play the ball towards the center of the field in an open area away from the goal. Also try to drop (roll) the ball to a player who rarely receives the ball. Do not attempt any quick counterattack the opposite way.
Note: The reason for doing this is twofold: to keep the game flowing quickly so the players can develop the necessary foot skills for soccer, and also to allow the coach/referee to make sure that ALL players get a chance to get the ball.
I. METHOD
OF SCOREKEEPING
Scores are not kept.
If a goal is scored, players should be brought back to their half, and the ball shall be placed at the center spot. The game shall continue with a free kick from the team that was scored upon. The referee
will ensure that opponents are at least five (5) yards from
the spot of the kick.
J. FOULS & MISCONDUCT
Indirect free
kick for all fouls, with the opponents five yards away
There is no offside in the Under-5 division
Referee should
briefly explain infractions
If necessary, the referee should stop the game when any player
has fallen on or near the ball and is in danger of being kicked.
The quick restart will be a dropped ball.
Remind players that goaltending is discouraged.
M. PENALTY KICKS
There are no penalty kicks in the Under-5 division
J. OFFSIDE
There is no offside in the Under-5 division
AYSO REGION 88 RECOMMENDATIONS
Parents of both teams should split up to both sides of
the field so the ball can be easily put back into play.
Both coaches should work together, not as opponents, to keep
the game flowing freely and to help teach the children (and parents)
the basics of the game
Spectators are not allowed on the field during game play.
Spectators are not allowed behind either goal or within three (3) yards outside the touchline
Helping the players feel comfortable with the ball, through dribbling,
should
be the priority.
Region standings
are not recorded
Game scores
are not recorded
Parents, coaches,
and players from both teams exchange handshakes before and/or
after each game
All players
receive participation awards
Parents and
coaches should encourage players,
but not coach or instruct during game time
