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 five (6) players without forfeiting the contest.
Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper may only use their hands in the designated goal box, but they may come out of the goal box area and play like a field player using only their feet. Upon returning to the goal box, they may use their hands once again.
3rd/4th Grade: Goalkeepers may not punt 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/6h Grade: The game will consist of two (2) 30-minute halves and a 5-minute half-time break between halves.
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 offside rules apply, except offside position is judged using the build-out line instead of the halfway line, shifting the offside boundary further into the attacking half.
5th/6th Grade: Conform to IFAB rule.
Throw-Ins
Conform to IFAB rule.
Corner Kicks
Conform to IFAB rule.
Goal Kicks
3rd/4th Grade: Confirm to IFAB rule except defending players must retreat behind build out line.
5th/6th Grade:Conform to IFAB rule.
Free Kicks
Conform to IFAB rule except all kicks shall be indirect. A goal may not be scored until the ball has been played or touched by a second player of either team. No kicks shall be taken by the attacking team within the defending team’s approximate goal box. Opponents must be six (6) yards off the ball.
Penalty Kicks
No penalty kicks are to be taken. Use indirect kick as above.
3rd/4th Grade Only Build Out Line Specifics
- Opponents must retreat behind the build out line when the goalkeeper has possession of the ball in their hands or for goal kicks.
- 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 does not have to wait until they retreat—they can recognize an opportunity to play the ball quickly.
- 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.
Heading the Ball
- No intentional heading allowed for any divisions.
- The penalty for intentionally heading the ball is an indirect free kick from the spot of the infraction, unless the infraction happened inside the goal area.
- If the infraction happens inside the goal area, the restart is an indirect free kick from a spot on the goal area line parallel with the end line that is closest to where the infraction took place.
Slide Tackles
Slide tackles are not allowed.
Footwear
Shall conform to IFAB rule 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 major 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 aofficials. As a general rule, our officials in the younger grades are just getting started and need your support and cooperation. If you have a complaint or notice an obvious deficiency in the official knowledge or understanding of the rules of soccer, please contact us at play@davissoccer.com. Please don’t repeatedly confront the official.
