Player Information - U7-U12
Mini-Soccer
The U6-U12 age groups play in a variety of small sided Mini games (3 a side up to 8 a side) depending on their age. U6 - U10 do not have official game results or standings in order to put more emphasis on fun and learning. The U11 and U12 age groups are considered part of the small sided grouping. They do not report scores
The U-7 and up groups play in the Central Okanagan area, West Kelowna, Kelowna, and Lake Country.
2017 Mini Rules Quick Guide
| 2017 | U7 | U8 | U9 | U10 | U11/12 |
| Players on Field | 3 plus a goalie = 4 4 v 4 | 5 plus a goalie = 6 6 v 6 | 6 plus a Goalie = 7 7 v 7 | 7 plus a goalie = 8 8 v 8 | |
| Coach Allowed on Field | Yes | No | No | ||
| Duration of Game | Teams split in two. Two games with 12 minute halves Total game time 48 minutes | 25 minute halves | 30 minute halves | ||
| Goal Area Size | 3m on each side of goal posts & 3m deep into field | 10m on each side of goal posts & 10m deep into field | Penalty Area: 11m on each side of goal posts & 11m deep into field | ||
| Offside Called | No | No | No | Yes starts at the 1/3retreat line | |
| Attackers in Goal Area | Yes, but goal cannot be scored from inside | Yes | Yes | ||
| Throw Ins | Yes 2 attempts | Yes 2 attempts | Yes 1 attempt | ||
| Kick Back to GK | Keeper can use hands | Keeper cannot use hands | Keeper cannot use hands | ||
| GK 6 Seconds | Not applied | Not Applied | Yes | ||
| Free Kicks | Indirect only - opposition must stand 5m away | Indirect only - opposition must stand 8m away | Indirect and Direct | ||
| Penalty Kicks | No | No | Yes | ||
| Goal Kicks | Opposition must stand 5m away Goal may not be scored directly from a goal kick | Opposition must stand 8m away Goal may not be scored directly from a goal kick | Opposition must stand 9m away Goal may be scored directly from a goal kick | ||
| Corner Kicks | Yes Opposition must stand 5m away Goal may not be scored directly from a corner kick | Yes - Goal may not be scored directly from a corner kick | Yes - Goal may be scored directly from a corner kick | ||
| Retreat Line | At half | At 1/3 marked by cones | At 1/3 | ||
1 Teams play two games: 2 x 12-min halves (2-min break between halves), 5-min break (switch opponents), 2 x 12-min halves (2-min break between halves).
2GK infractions (6 seconds, handling the ball twice) are generally not called until U11.
OFFICIAL UNDER 7 & UNDER 8 PLAYING RULES
Law 1 - The Field of Play:
Length: 30 (Min) 36 (Max) Meters
Width: 20 (Min) 25 (Max) Meters
Field Markings:
Distinctive lines not more than fifteen (15) centimetres wide. The field of play is divided into two
halves by a halfway line. The centre mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with
a radius of five (5) meters is marked around it.
NB: All field markings may be marked by the means of cones (woz-makers)
The Goal Area:
A goal area is defined at each end of the field as follows:
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line three (3) meters from the inside each goalpost.
These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of three (3) meters and are joined by a line
drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.
If 3 v 3 with no goalkeepers, no goal area is required.
The Penalty Area:
None
Flag posts:
None
The Corner Arc:
None
Goal Posts: Goals must be placed on the centre of each goal line and must be no larger than 2.438 x
1.524 Meters or 8 feet wide by 5 feet high. The maximum size has been established however, smaller
sized goals will be permitted; these could be in the form of portable goals, pug-goals or "witches hat
cones". Both goal however must be the same size and must be safe and secure. Flag poles and bicycle
whip sticks are unacceptable due to safety concerns.
Law 2 - The Ball:
The ball must conform to FIFA standards and must conform to the FIFA inflation specifications.
BC Soccer
Rules and Regulations Revised June 6/09 Page 41
Size three (3)
Law 3 - The Number of Players:
If the goal is 2.438 x 1.524 Meters / 8 foot wide by 5 foot high the match is played by two teams, each
consisting of four (4) players, one of which is a goalkeeper. Players will take equal turns to play in all
field positions including the goalkeeper position that must be rotated at half time. It is not necessary
that all players play in the goalkeeper position during a single game.
If the goal is smaller than 2.438 x 1.524 Meters / 8 foot wide by 5 foot high, the match is played by two
teams each consisting of not more than three (3) players. There is no goalkeeper.
Substitutions:
At any stoppage, substitutions are unlimited and must be done with the officials' permission.
Playing time:
All players SHALL play equal playing time.
Law 4 - The Players Equipment:
Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must
still distinguish teams. The goalkeeper should wear a colour that distinguishes him/her from both
teams. Shin guards are mandatory and must be worn under the socks. Jewellery is not permitted.
Law 5 - The Referee:
A Class 5 referee or nominated person may be used. The referee's role is to keep players safe and
ensure that the game is played under the "fair play" code. A Class 5 or higher official can send a team
official from the field if they fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner.
Law 6 - The Assistant Referees:
None required, the referee or nominated person decides as to which team the throw in is awarded to.
Law 7 - The Duration of the Match:
The match shall be divided into two (2) fifteen (15) minute half's. There shall be a five (5) minute break
between half's.
Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play:
Conform to FIFA, with the exception of the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least five
(5) meters from the ball until it is in play. Dropped balls are not part of Small Sided Games Program at
this age group and an indirect free kick will be awarded to the team who had possession when the
play was stopped.
Law 9 - The Ball In and Out of Play:
Conform to FIFA.
Law 10 - The Method of Scoring:
Conform to FIFA.
Law 11 - Offside:
None
Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that all fouls shall result in an indirect free kick. The referee or
nominated person must explain ALL infringements to the offending player. No cards shown for
BC Soccer
Rules and Regulations Revised June 6/09 Page 42
misconduct. An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team at the centre spot on the halfway
line if a goalkeeper punts or drop-kicks the ball in the air from his/her goal area into the opponents
goal area No cards shown for misconduct.
If a player intentionally strikes, deliberately kicks or spits at an opponent, this player must be
substituted and will not be permitted to participate further during the game. The coach should inform
the player as to why and correct these actions.
Law 13 - Free Kicks:
Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that all kicks are indirect and all opponents are at least five (5)
meters from the ball until it is in play.
Law 14 - The Penalty Kick:
None
Law 15 - The Throw-In:
Conform to FIFA.
Law 16 - The Goal Kick:
Conform to FIFA except that: it shall be taken from anywhere within the goal area. Opponents must
remain at least five (5) meters away from the ball until it is in play. Unlike FIFA a goal cannot be
scored directly from a goal kick.
Law 17 - The Corner Kick:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least five (5) meters from the ball until it
is in play. Unlike FIFA a goal cannot be scored directly from a corner kick.
Official Under 9 & Under 10 Playing Rules
Law 1 - The Field of Play
Length: 40 (Min) 55 (max) Meters
Width: 30 (Min) 36 (max) Meters
Field Markings:
Distinctive lines not more than fifteen (15) centimetres wide. The field of play is divided into two
halves by a halfway line. The centre mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with
a radius of eight (8) meters is marked around it.
NB: All field markings may be marked by the means of cones (woz-makers)
The Goal Area:
A goal area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the
goal line, ten (10) meters from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for
a distance of ten (10) meters and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area
bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.
The Penalty Area:
None
Flag posts:
None
BC Soccer
Rules and Regulations Revised June 6/09 Page 43
The Corner Arc:
None
Goals Posts:
Goals must be placed on the centre of each goal line and measure 3.657 x 1.83 Meters or 12 feet wide
and 6 feet high.
Law 2 - The Ball:
The ball must conform to FIFA standards and must conform to the FIFA inflation specifications.
Size three (3) or four (4)
Law 3 - The Number of Players:
A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than seven players, one of whom is the
goalkeeper. Players will take equal turns to play in all field positions including the goalkeeper position
that must be rotated at half time. It is not necessary that all players play in the goalkeeper position
during a single game. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than five players one of
whom is the goalkeeper.
Substitutions: At any stoppage, substitutions are unlimited and must be done with the officials'
permission.
Playing time: All players SHALL play equal playing time.
Law 4 - The Players Equipment:
Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must
still distinguish teams. The goalkeeper should wear a colour that distinguishes him/her from both
teams. Shin guards are mandatory and must be worn under the socks. Jewellery is not permitted.
Law 5 - The Referee:
A Class 5 referee or nominated person may be used. The referee's role is to keep players safe and
ensure that the game is played under the "fair play" code. A Class 5 or higher official can send a team
official from the field if they fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner.
Law 6 - The Assistant Referees:
None, the referee or nominated person decides as to which team the throw in is awarded to.
Law 7 - The Duration of the Match:
The match will be divided into two (2) equal halves of twenty five (25) minutes each. There shall be a
half-time interval of five (5) minutes.
Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA with the exception of the opponents of the
team taking the kick-off are at least eight (8) meters from the ball until it is in play. Dropped balls are
not part of Small Sided Games Program at this age group and an indirect free kick will be awarded to
the team who had possession when the play was stopped.
Law 9 - The Ball In and Out of Play:
Conform to FIFA.
Law 10 - The Method of Scoring:
Conform to FIFA.
BC Soccer
Rules and Regulations Revised June 6/09 Page 44
Law 11 - Offside:
None
Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that all fouls shall result in an indirect free kick. An indirect free
kick is awarded to the opposing team at the centre spot on the halfway line if a goalkeeper punts or
drop-kicks the ball in the air from his/her goal area into the opponents goal area. No cards shown for
misconduct. If a player intentionally strikes, deliberately kicks or spits at an opponent, this player must
be substituted and will not be permitted to participate further during the game. The coach should
inform the player as to why and correct these actions.
Law 13 - Free Kicks:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that all free kicks are indirect. All opponents are at least eight (8)
meters from the ball.
Law 14 - The Penalty Kick:
None
Law 15 - The Throw-In:
Conform to FIFA.
Law 16 - The Goal Kick:
Conform to FIFA except that: it: shall be taken from anywhere within the goal area. Opponents must
remain at least eight (8) meters away from the ball until it is in play. Unlike FIFA goal cannot be
scored directly from a goal kick.
Law 17 - The Corner Kick:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least eight (8) meters from the ball until
it is in play. Unlike FIFA a goal cannot be scored directly from a corner kick.
