STARTING PLAY:

The team is divided into two teams designating Team 1 and Team 2. The Coach takes Team 1 to Field A and the Assistant Coach takes Team 2 to Field B. They will be playing two games simultaneously. The coaches for each team run the games. One coach for each team on each field is preferred.

PLAYERS:

Players are responsible for providing their own equipment. All players must have shin guards with socks that completely cover them. This is a safety rule and required at all levels. They cannot play or practice without them. Each player will need soccer shoes (not baseball cleats) or turf shoes, a soccer ball (#3) as well as a water bottle for all practices and games. Also highly recommended is a small gear bag. After the game or practice, just put all your players' equipment in he bag. This will save the parents an enormous amount of time looking for their player's gear.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Substitutions are made on the run. The coach can substitute at any time. The coach does not need to wait for a "dead ball". Make sure all players get equal playing time. The game is the best teacher. Keep your coaching to a minimum; just observe and enjoy!

RESTARTING THE GAME:

1. The game starts with a kick off in the center of the field. Opponents are to be 5 yards away. The ball must be played forward (preferably to a teammate).
2. When the ball goes out of play over the sideline - restart with a throw-in. Encourage quick setup. If the player does not throw the ball in properly, allow them to retake the throw-in one more time, after you instruct them on a proper throw-in. If another bad throw-in, the ball is thrown in by the other team.
3. When the ball goes out of play over the goal line by the attacking team - restart with a goal kick. Place the ball in the endline (anywhere). Opposing players from the opposite team must be 5 yards away from the ball.
4. When the ball goes out of play over the goal line by the defending team - restart with a corner kick to the side that the ball exited the field. All players from the opposite team must be 5 yards from the ball.
5. After a goal is scored - restart with a kick-off.

Restart with a drop ball if:

1. The referee did not see who last touched the ball.
2. The game is stopped because of injury.
3. The ball must hit the ground before it can be kicked by either player. If it is touched before hitting the ground it is a redo of the drop ball.

GAME DURATION:

The game consists of two 20-minute halves with a 5-minute half-time break.

SWITCHING FIELDS AT HALF-TIME:

After the half-time break, the Home Team, as designated on the schedule, stays on the same field. The Visiting Team switches fields. The coaches may switch fields if they wish to observe their other players. Home Team and Visiting Teams are designated on the schedule.

GOALS:

There are no goalies in 3V3 soccer. Discourage your players from standing in front of the goal when your team is attacking. Involve everyone to play, and goals can be scored from anywhere on the field. Goals cannot be scored directly from a goal kick, throw-in, for Free Kick. A second player must touch the ball before the goal can be scored. Coaches and parents are asked not to keep score. Winning and losing are secondary to good sportsmanship and having fun. All Fouls and Infractions will be taken with an Indirect Free Kick. There is no offsides in 3V3 soccer.

TAKING DOWN THE FIELD:

Before taking down the field, check with the team playing next. Perhaps you can leave the field set up and swap field equipment. This makes field setup much easier.

EQUIPMENT:

1. The ball size is #3.
2. The coaches are provided with cones, practice balls, a game ball and a first aid kit. All equipment must be turned in at the end of the season to the Equipment Manager (usually gathered after the last game at the field).

FREE KICKS:

All Free Kicks (goal kicks, throw-ins, corner kicks, major fouls, etc.) are Indirect Free kicks which means that another player must touch the ball before a goal can be scored. All opposing players should be five yards from the ball on all free kicks. There are no penalty kicks in the 3V3 program.

PARENTS:

The parents should show support for the coaches at all times. Do no criticize the coach in front of the players. It will take away from the teaching that the coach may give in the future. Parents should be at all practices and games to offer support and encouragement. The players do not need large amounts of instruction and criticism. Let the children play and come off the field with big smiles.

SPORTSMANSHIP:

Coaches, parents, and players should exercise good conduct on and off the field. It is important to give compliments to all players.

After each game, each coach lines up the team to shake hands with the opposite team. Emphasize friendship and fair play in your game, rather than win-at-all-cost. The work that the coach and parents do on this now will pay off in the future. Fair play and clean competition must be taught to players at this age when they are susceptible to it.