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This page is intended for those who know little or nothing about soccer. It is not a complete list of the rules, but it is a list of the basic rules and concepts of soccer.
The 'U' in U6, U7, U8, etc. stands for 'Under'. Please refer to our age group chart to determine program eligibility of your child. The date ranges change every August and remain the same for the fall and spring seasons.
There are different size soccer balls for the different age groups. U6 uses a size 3 soccer ball. U7 through U12 use a size 4 soccer ball and U14 and above use a size 5 soccer ball.
The soccer ball is played primarily with the feet. The inside and outside of the foot is typically used for passing or dribbling. The ball can be dribbled or shot with the 'shoe laces' part of the shoe. Players should learn to dribble and shoot with both feet. The ball can also be controlled by the knee, head (header) or chest.
For the ball to be called out of bounds, the ball must be 100% over the line. For a goal to be scored, the ball must be 100% over the goal line. If the ball is on the line, it is not 100% over, so would not be out of bounds or a goal.
To start the game, the team with the ball must kick the ball across the center line. The 1st player that kicks the ball to begin play cannot touch the ball again until another player touches the ball.
Players cannot push an opponent with their hands or elbows, but if the opponent has the ball, they can push with their shoulders. Players cannot grab, pull on the shirt of or trip an opponent. Sometimes an opponent may trip when the ball is stolen from them. As long as the player touches the ball first, it is not a trip. A player that is not controlling the ball cannot intentionally block an opponent from getting to the ball (obstruction). Slide tackles to steal the ball are allowed, provided they do not do this from behind the player with the ball. If the player doing the slide tackle misses the ball and trips the opponent, it is a penalty.