Number of Players
3rd/4th Grade: The maximum number of players on the field for one team at any one time is seven (7). One of the players must be designated as a goalie by wearing a pinnie of a different color than the rest of the team. A team may start with five (5) players without forfeiting the contest.
5th/6th Grade: The maximum number of players on the field for one team at any one time is nine (9). One of the players must be designated as a goalie by wearing a pinnie of a different color than the rest of the team. A team may start with six (6) players without forfeiting the contest.
Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper may only use their hands in their designated penalty area, but may come out of the penalty area area and play like a field player using only their feet.
3rd/4th Grade: Goalkeepers may not punt or drop-kick the ball. See build out line specifics below.
Duration of Game
3rd/4th Grade: The game will consist of two (2) 25-minute halves and a 5-minute half-time break between halves.
5th/6th Grade: The game will consist of two (2) 30-minute halves and a 5-minute half-time break between halves.
Start of the Game:
Captains shall be designated by each team and a pre-match coin flip with the referee will determine who kicks off and the side of the field the team is defending to start the game.
Field Size
3rd/4th Grade: The field will be rectangular, 210 feet by 135 feet.
5th/6th Grade: The field will be rectangular, 240 feet long by 150 feet.
Goals
3rd/4th Grade: 6.5 feet tall by 18.5 feet wide.
5th/6th Grade: 7 feet tall by 21 feet wide.
Ball Size
The game ball used shall be a No. 4 sized ball.
Offside
3rd/4th Grade: Standard IFAB Law 11 offside rules apply, except offside position is not judged until the player is past the defending team’s build-out line, shifting the offside boundary from the halfway line further into the attacking half.
5th/6th Grade: Conform to IFAB Law 11.
Throw-Ins
Conform to IFAB Law 15.
Corner Kicks
Conform to IFAB Law 17.
Goal Kicks
3rd/4th Grade: Conform to IFAB Law 16 except defending players must retreat behind build-out line.
5th/6th Grade:Conform to IFAB Law 16.
Free Kicks
Conform to IFAB Law 13.
Penalty Kicks
Conform to IFAB Law 14.
3rd/4th Grade Only Build Out Line Specifics
- The build out line is drawn on a 10U field approximately halfway between the top of the penalty area and the halfway line.
- Opponents must retreat behind the build-out line when the goalkeeper has possession of the ball in hand, on a goal kick, or on any free kick taken by the defending team within their build-out zone. For free kicks taken by the defending team less than 8 yards beyond the build-out line, the standard 8-yard distance applies instead.
- The goalkeeper may roll, throw, or pass the ball back into play when the opponents have retreated.
- The ball is in play when it leaves the goalie’s possession.
- The goalkeeper can release the ball before the opponents have retreated past the build out line, but do so at their own risk..
- The goalkeeper may not punt or drop kick the ball—if they do it is an indirect free kick at the spot of the infraction.
- After the ball is put into play, the opposing team can then cross the build out line and play can resume as normal.
- Any indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the opposing team’s penalty area is taken from the nearest point on the top of the penalty area.
Heading the Ball
- No intentional heading allowed for any divisions.
- If a player intentionally heads the ball an indirect free kick is awarded from the spot of the infraction.
Slide Tackles
Slide tackles are not allowed. If a player slide tackles, an indirect free kick is awarded from the spot of the infraction.
Footwear
Shall conform to IFAB Law 4 with the following exceptions: Footwear shall include tennis shoes or soft cleated soccer shoes.
Shin Guards
All players shall play with shin guards and they must be covered by at least one layer of a sock.
Jewelry
There shall be no jewelry worn by any participants. Taping of jewelry shall be unacceptable except for medically necessary bracelets. Children should refrain from having their ears pierced during the season. Parents should pro-actively reach out to play@davissoccer.com with questions or exception requests..
Uniform
All players must wear their official unaltered uniform jersey/shirt issued for that season.
Casts
Casts may be worn if they are safely padded, the player has a licensed physician’s approval to play with a cast, and it’s not dangerous to him/herself or anyone else as determined by the referee.
When Allowed
With the referee’s approval and on the referee’s signal, players can enter or leave the game on a dead ball or stoppage of play.
Playing Time
Each player must play at least half of the game, with entry on both halves. It is the goal of DCS that playing time is maximized for all players, not just the very skilled.
Games will be refereed by trained DCS or USSF officials. If you have a complaint or notice an obvious deficiency in the referee’s knowledge or understanding of the rules of soccer, please contact us at play@davissoccer.com. Do not speak with the referee. Referee abuse will not be tolerated.
