3 V3 SOCCER RULES The YMCA mission is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA will use rules outlined by (Soccer Centers 3 v3 Tournament Rules) and can be modified by the YMCA. The following is a general outline of those rules. Both teams must recite the YMCA Player s Pledge and Parents Pledge before the game begins. All teams must wear YMCA issued shirts. Rules are subject to change with at least a weeks notice. PLAYER SAFETY: All players must remove jewelry. Stud Earrings are allowed. Hair must be pulled back and out of the face. OBJECT OF THE GAME: The object of the game is to move the ball toward the opponent s goal and kick it through that goal using only 3 players. START OF THE GAME: Each player must have on the appropriate uniform such as jersey, shorts, and socks. Also every player must have on shin guards placed underneath the socks; cleats are not mandatory to play soccer. The choice of ends and the kick-off shall be decided by the toss of a coin. The team winning the toss shall have the choice of either end of the field or the kick-off. No coaches or parents are to be permitted behind the goals during the game. Also no parents are to be permitted to sit on the player s side of the field. GAME LENGTH: The goal of the YMCA is that all children have equal playing time. All players must play a minimum of 50% of the game. If the player is sick or injured, the referee must be notified before the start of the game. If the player ends up being sick or injured he can be substituted out at the time the player got sick or injured. 7U-13U - 20 Minute Games. Substitutions can be made on the fly. I.e. Hockey Substitutions 3 v 3 (6 players max per team) FIELD DIMENSIONS: The playing field is about 55 by 95 feet for ages U12 and higher. U11 and younger age groups play on a smaller field. The goals are approximately four feet high and 6 feet wide.
GENERAL RULES: KICK-INS: The ball shall be kicked into play from the sideline, rather than thrown in. The ball is considered in play when the ball is touched and changes position. This is an indirect kick, and a goal cannot be scored from this kick. SCORING: A ball that is kicked between, but not over the goal posts at the opponent s goal line is scored as one (1) point. The ball must be completely over the entire goal line to be considered a goal. Note: the ball does not have to touch the net to be considered a goal. PLAYER PRIVILEGES: All players may play the ball with their feet, head, knees, chest, body, or shoulders. They may not touch the ball with upper arms, forearms, or hands. There are no goalies in 3v3 Soccer. HEADING: Heading is not allowed in YMCA 3v3 Soccer. SIDE TACKLING: Not allowed. DIRECT & INDIRECT KICKS: All dead-ball kicks (kick-ins, kick-offs, free kicks) are indirect with the exception of corner kicks, hand balls and penalty kicks. Indirect kicks must only change position before the ball will be considered in play. If a free kick is awarded within five yards of the opposing goal box, the ball will be moved back to five yards from the box. It is the referee s discretion where the ball will be placed. GOAL KICKS: May be taken from any point of the end line. All Goal Kicks are indirect kicks. PENALTY KICKS: Shall be awarded if, in the referee s opinion, a scoring opportunity was nullified by an infraction (the infraction does not automatically result in a red card). Penalty kicks are DIRECT kicks taken from the center of the mid-line with all players (on both teams) behind the mid-line. Penalty kicks are dead ball infractions. If a goal is not scored, the defense obtains possession with a goal kick. TEN YARD RULE: In all dead-ball situations, defending players must stand at least ten yards away from the ball. If the defensive player s goal is closer than five yards, the ball shall be played five yards from the goal box in line with the direction of play prior to the penalty.
The Goal Box: The goal box is approximately six feet wide by six foot long located directly in front of the goal. 1. The goals are four feet high by six feet wide. 2. There is no ball contact allowed within the goal box, however, all players may pass through the goal box as long as they do not touch the ball while in the box. 3. If the ball comes to a rest in the goal box, or on the goal box line, a goal kick is awarded regardless of who touched the ball last. 4. Any part of the ball or player s body on the line or inside the plane of the box is considered in the goal box and an extension of such. 5. If a defensive player touches the ball after it has entered the goal box, the plane of the goal box, or an extension of the goal box (such as any part of the ball or player s body on the line or inside the plane of the box), a goal will be awarded to the offensive team. 6. If an offensive player touches the ball after it has entered the goal box, the plane of the goal box, or an extension of the goal box (such as any part of the ball or player s body on the line or inside the plane of the box), a goal kick will be awarded to the defensive team, and a goal will not be counted if scored. 7. The plane of the goal box extends upward infinitely. 8. The referee s judgment call and ruling on the field will not be overturned. Fouls with a penalty of a Direct Free Kick and Penalty Kick: 1. Handling the ball (except for the goalie). Cannot touch with upper arm, forearm, or hand. Fouls that may warrant an ejection from a game. 1. Tripping or pushing an opponent. 2. Intentionally charging an opponent dangerously or violently. 3. Intentionally holding an opponent. 4. Intentionally using the knee on an opponent. 5. Unsportsman like conduct. 6. Slide tackling. Indirect Free Kick - an indirect free kick is awarded to the team fouled by a member of the opposing team after certain fouls listed below. The indirect free kick cannot score a goal until another player other than the kicker has touched the ball. Whether the foul occurred inside or outside the penalty area, the indirect free kick is awarded to the opponents at the point of the foul.
The fouls warranting an Indirect Free Kick are: 1. Charging any player when he does not have the ball. 2. Playing or attempting to play a ball held by the goalie, or interfering with the goalie as he attempts to clear the ball. 3. If the kicker or thrower plays the ball before a second player touches it on a throw-in, free kick, corner kick, or penalty kick. 4. If the ball is not kicked forward on a penalty kick. 5. If a player stands closer than ten (10) yards at the time of an indirect or direct free kick. 6. Obstruction other than holding. 7. Illegal Headers. Cautions: A player may be cautioned and shown the yellow card if, in the opinion of the referee, a player has acted carelessly, recklessly, or with excessive force, or playing in a dangerous manner. Not all fouls warrant a caution. A player may be cautioned and shown the red card(sent off the field) if, in the opinion of the referee, a player continues to infringe on the laws of the game, is receiving their second caution, or are acting in a careless, reckless, or inappropriate way, and may be using excessive force, or playing in a dangerous manner. 1. Parents, Coaches, and Spectators may also be cautioned and sent off the field. In this case the person ejected must leave the premises in order for the game play to resume. Referees: 1. The referee shall be the sole judge on the field of play. 2. The referee has the power to ask coaches, parents, players, and spectators to leave the field of play or the facilities in order to maintain a good atmosphere, and control of the game. 3. If a coach, player, or spectator, is ejected from a game that person(s) is automatically ejected from the next game, and will be reviewed by the Sports Director and Executive Director. Should another incident occur within this of time period the coach, spectator, or player may be ejected from the league permanently. 4. The referee has the power to stop, suspend or terminate the game by reason of the elements of interference. Alcoholic beverages and Tobacco products are not allowed at any youth soccer games and/or practices. Field Care all teams are expected to clean up after themselves. Your team must keep your field s area picked up.
Players Wearing Cast: In order to protect the safety of all players in the soccer program, any participant wearing a cast or metal brace will prohibit them from participating in YMCA games or practices. Exceptions will be granted with approval from the Executive Director and documented approval from a Doctor.