Guidelines for GSA U7 Coed

1.      Play shall be conducted as 4 vs 4 NOT including a keeper and using a size #3 ball. Substitutions may be made at the mid-line ONLY by either team during ANY stoppage due to the ball going out of play.

2.      A match shall consist of 4/10 minutes quarters, with 2 minutes between quarters and a half time period of no less than 5 minutes and no longer than 8 minutes.

3.      The execution of a slide tackle in Rec minor is NOT permitted and shall result in an indirect free kick for the non-offending team.

4.      There are to be NO penalty kicks awarded or taken.

5.      Any & all free kicks are to be indirect. Opponents may be no closer than 5 yards.

6.      Offsides DOES NOT exist for this age level, with the sole exception being the player who for any reason stands in close proximity of the opponent’s goal rather than participating in active play.

7.      Throw-ins ARE now a part of play, however poorly executed throw-ins do not stop play as long as the ball enters the pitch. The throw is retaken if ball does not enter pitch.

8.      The pass back to the keeper rule is not in effect.

9.      Handballs MUST BE BLATENT to be called.

10.  Scores will not be kept by the referee or the coaches.

11.  Teams bench on opposite sites of the pitch

12.  Coaches, parents and supporter ARE NOT permitted on the pitch during play.

Advantage

Advantage is called when the team which appeared to have been fouled remains in possession of the ball and on the attack, thus allowing any offensive opportunity gained to continue rather than penalize said team for the action of the opponent.

Dangerous Play

A call of dangerous play is made when any player is put into a situation where the act of conducting play is consider by the referee to place any player in a position to cause injury to themselves or any other players.

Ball in & Ball out of Play

A player may be outside the marked pitch and play the ball so long as the ball remains within the marked boundaries of the pitch. The ball is not consider out of play until completely over the marked boundary of the pitch, whether on the ground or in the air.

HandBalls

The call of Handball occurs when in the opinion of the referee they view any play, including the keeper in certain instances, deliberately handle, carry, strike, or propel the ball with their hand or arm. In most instances the referee may also look to see if in their opinion the hand went to the ball or the ball went to the hand, or if an advantage was gained, before making any call.

Expectations and Development Goals

1.                  All players must play at least 50% of the match in all games, regardless of ability.

2.                  Teams should have at least 1 but no more than 3 meetings per week for practice or games.

3.                  Players should be able to control the ball towards a particular direction.

4.                  Players should be attempting to make deliberate passes.

5.                  Players should be attempting to make a throw-in correctly.

6.                  Players should be attempting turns to get away from pressure

7.                  Emphasis should be on development of individual ball control skills.

8.                  Coaches are expected to complete the OSYSA U6/U8 training module.

9.                  Coaches are encouraged to improve their knowledge of the game by playing in the adult league.