6U

Game Rules

Coaching methodology: 6U is a time for freedom and EXPLORATION! Let them Play! Training should be based on fun games, adventures, storytelling, and colorful landscapes. Talk in their terms and language.
Animate! Paint vivid pictures! Demonstrate! Keep sessions moving or boredom will quickly creep in.

Matches in the 6U Divisions are not officiated. Coaches are encouraged to promote the IFAB Laws of the Game and the US Soccer Player Development Initiatives with the following exceptions:

• Each half is 10 minutes long. Field size is 30 yds long and 15 yds wide. Ball size is 3.

• The team has between 5-6 team members, and games are played 4 v 4.

• There are no goalkeepers.

• There are no throw-ins, goal kicks or corner kicks. Coaches and Parents should toss the ball back into play without advantaging a particular team.

• No slide tackling is allowed.

• Deliberate heading of the ball is not allowed.

SAFETY

Referees and Coaches are asked to work as a team in order to ensure that player safety is the #1 priority on the field. All incidents, injuries and property damage shall be reported to the regional commissioner or safety director.

The league provides jerseys, shorts, socks, goalie gloves and goalie jerseys. All players should purchase their own shoes, shin guards and ball, sized for their division. BQ Sports offers GWYSL players a 10% discount on equipment.

Equipment & Attire

• Goalkeeper’s shirt must contrast with both team jerseys.

• Shin guards are required and must be completely covered by socks.

• Cleats are not allowed, turf shoes are strongly encouraged.

• Prescription glasses, hearing aids and mouth guards are allowed. Casts or splints are prohibited.

• Hard or metal jewelry is not allowed. For new piercings, silicone “sports studs” are allowable. Taping over non-compliant jewelry is never allowable.

• Long fingernails or extensions should generally be allowed if the referee deems them safe.

• In cold weather, soft hats without brims are allowed.

• Hair control devices, and other adornments, such as beads, worn in the hair must be securely fastened to the head, and must not present an increased risk to the player, teammates, or opponents. Flat clips less than two inches in length may be used to hold the hair in place close to the head so long as their placement on the head does not present an increased risk to the player, teammates, or opponents.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Coaches, Referees, and Parents must collaborate to create a safe haven for players to experience the game of soccer and a place where they can play with freedom, confidence, and enjoyment in order to develop as players and to truly reach their potential. It's the duty of all Coaches, Referees, Players and Parents to:

• Conduct themselves in a manner becoming a member of AYSO and consistent with the AYSO Six Philosophies and the highest standards of conduct.

• Work together as a team in support of the children playing the match.

• Encourage clean competition and good sportsmanship.

• Prohibit and abstain from making negative comments and complaints about officiating.

Coach Conduct

• Coaches must ensure respect and support for Referees by Players, Parents, and all other Spectators.

• It is the duty of coaches to limit their sideline participation during matches to comments that are positive and/or encouraging, with limited supportive instruction.

• Coaches should remain along the touch line and are prohibited from the area immediately behind the goal line.

• Players should play an equal number of quarters throughout the season if not within each match. Any player arriving on time or within the first quarter shall play a minimum of 2 quarters.

Referee Conduct

• The application of the Spirit of the Game in youth soccer is far more important than a strict application of the Letter of the Law (see IFAB Laws of the Game). Soccer is a fast-paced sport that should flow with minimal interruptions. Referees have considerable flexibility when determining whether or not to stop play. Violation of the letter of the Law may be overlooked if the Referee deems it to be a trifling or doubtful offense. The Referee may also decide not to stop play when it could be more advantageous for the team that was fouled to continue play.

• Constant whistling for trifling and doubtful breaches produces bad feelings and loss of temper on the part of the players and spoils the pleasure of spectators.

• Referees are responsible for keeping the game safe, fair, and fun. Referees should support, and work with Coaches to manage the behavior of Players and Spectators.

Parent Conduct

• Parents are expected to respect Coaches, and Referees, and to model positive sporting behavior.

• Fans in AYSO (including parents) are asked to be cheerleaders, not critics or sideline coaches. Soccer is a player’s game. Players learn the game by trying new things, making mistakes, and trying again.

• Parents are prohibited from the area immediately behind the goal line.