U5 Division
Rules and Regulations
Revised 8/09
I. Age Limit
a. U5 is the Under Five division of WASA. Eligible players must be four (4) years old before August 1 of the current soccer year and may not be six (6) years old before August 1 of the current soccer year. Soccer year runs from August 1 (fall) to July 31 (spring). Players must be four (4) years old by December 31 to be eligible to play soccer in the spring.
II. Playing Field
a. The playing field is 25 yards x 20 yards. One U6 field (25 yards x 40 yards) is divided in half lengthwise in order for two U5 games to play at the same time. Line marking will be done by WASA.
b. Playing field will include two (2) “PUG” mini-goals.
III. Ball Size
a. Size 3 – Home team is responsible for providing an acceptable game ball.
IV. Number of Players
a. All teams will be formed by the U5 Commissioner.
b. Maximum number of players on the team roster shall not exceed six (6) to allow sufficient playing time for each player.
c. Maximum number of players on the field of play shall be three (3) per team (3v3 format). This division will not use goalkeepers.
d. A minimum of three (3) players on each team is required to start a game. If you are unable to field enough players to start the game, converse with the opposing coach to create a fair alternative to provide a fun-filled, playing environment for all players. For example: move a few players from the fully staffed team to the shorthanded team or play 2v2 if necessary.
e. ALL COACHES SHOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO AVOID RUNNING UP THE SCORE ON THE OPPOSING TEAM. Please use your discretion to create a fun and fair playing environment for ALL players at ALL times. In the circumstance that a game reaches a four (4) goal differential, the losing team should have the ability to field an extra player (or players if necessary) in order to maintain a fair playing environment.
V. Substitutions
a. Substitutions are acceptable in U5 whenever necessary. Coaches should always attempt to avoid players getting overtired.
b. Substitutions are best suited during stoppage in play. For example: after a goal is scored, at halftime, for an injured player, etc.
VI. Rotations
Coaches should substitute so that all players have the opportunity to play all positions AND they play for at least 50% of the game. Although the U5 format does not promote positional play (3v3), coaches should always encourage players to expand their sense of field presence. For example: some players will feel more natural on the defensive (or offensive) side of the ball – these players should be encouraged to learn both sides of the game.
VII. Player’s Equipment
a. Uniform: Team jersey purchased through WASA and stockings / shorts provided by the player. During foul weather, knit caps, sweatshirts, sweatpants and the like may be worn under the uniform jersey and shorts. Hooded sweatshirts must have the hood tucked inside the jersey or worn on the head. Players should remove all jewelry. This includes necklaces and earrings of any kind.
b. Footwear: Tennis shoes, turf shoes or soft-cleat soccer shoes are permitted. There may be no exposed metal parts on the shoe.
c. Shin Guards: Shin guards are mandatory! Any commercially available type is acceptable. All types must be worn inside the socks.
VIII. Game Duration
a. U5 game day format will consist of the following:
i. Forty (40) minute Academy Style training session (practice stations).
ii. Two (2) ten (10) minute halves for game play
iii. The halftime break shall be approximately five (5) minutes.
b. Opposing coaches should communicate prior to game time in order to establish an acceptable format (with the above used as a guideline) in the case that there has been some delay in starting play.
c. Game scores are NOT kept at the U5 level. Everyone wins every week!
d. U5 does NOT have a practice schedule outside of the weekly (Saturday) sixty (60) minute format described above.
e. In the event of foul weather, the commissioner is responsible for deciding whether the games will be played. In the event of cancellation, the commissioner will contact each coach as much in advance of game time as possible. Coaches are responsible for relaying the message to each player/parent.
IX. Rules of Play
a. The WASA U5 division will, in most cases, be the player’s first experience with the organized game of soccer. Every effort should be made to offer a fun-filled learning environment for these players.
b. Start of Play
i. Conform to the laws of the game. The ball is not in play until it travels the length of its own circumference.
c. Ball In and Out of Play
i. Conform to the laws of the game. The ball is out when it has fully crossed the goal or touchline.
d. Method of Scoring
i. Conform to the laws of the game. The ball must fully cross the “goal line” of the “PUG” mini goal.
e. Fouls and Misconduct
i. Players are to be coached to play a clean game of soccer using only their feet to maneuver the ball in play. If a player portrays excessive aggression on the field of play, the coach(s) should take a brief moment to explain all infractions to the offending player. A “free” kick should be awarded to the violated team following such an infraction.
REMEMBER – at this instructional level coaches should use discretion in calling fouls and MUST always assure the player(s) understands the reason for the infraction.
ii. Opposing coaches should feel comfortable to communicate to one another freely on the field of play in the event a player(s) is suspected of overly aggressive play.
iii. NO SLIDE TACKLES! This should not be an issue at this level; however slide tackles are an unacceptable method of play in the U5 division.
f. Throw-ins
i. Conform to the laws of the game. Throw-ins are to be used at the U5 level. Coaches should alternate players for throw in opportunities to assure all players have equal opportunity to learn this aspect of the game.
ii. Throw-ins are to be used in place of corner kicks to restart play when the ball crosses the end line off of the defending team.
g. Goal Kicks
i. Conform to the laws of the game. Goal kicks are to be used at the U5 level. Coaches should alternate players for goal kick opportunities to assure all players have equal opportunity to learn this aspect of the game.
X. Coaches
a. Coaches designated as home team are responsible for providing an acceptable game ball.
b. Coaches are responsible for instructing their players in the rules of the game and for ensuring that the players abide by those rules. Since removal of players for excessive flagrant fouls is permitted, coaches must take appropriate action when a player is viewed as creating a potentially harmful environment for other players. Appropriate action includes instructing the player of proper action or removing the player from the game.
c. One coach per team is allowed on the field for instructional purposes during the game
d. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of parents of their players.
e. Complaints, protests or questions from parents and/or other spectators during the course of the game should be immediately escalated by the coach to the U5 commissioner for further review and/or follow-up
f. Coaches that require assistance with the understanding of the game of soccer, suitable practice schedules (drills), rule clarification, assistance with overly aggressive players/spectators and/or other soccer related matters should always feel free to contact the U5 commissioner for assistance.
XI. Spectators
a. Spectators must remain at least four feet from the touchlines.
b. Spectators with questions, complaints or protests should first attempt to alleviate the issue with the field coach(s). If additional explanation or follow-up is required, the spectator may contact the U5 commissioner directly. Spectators must ALWAYS refrain from vulgar language, contact with coaches and players, excessive behavior, etc. Failure to comply with this rule may result in violating spectators being ejected from the part and/or termination of the game.
Any questions or concerns regarding these rules and regulations should be directed to the In-house Director.