News: Youth Soccer Rules - 2025
| Date Published |
Author |
| 8/1/2025 12:00:00 AM |
Jim Ross |
2025 Youth Soccer Rules 2025
Ages 6-12, Grades 1st - 6th
TEAM SIZE & FORMAT
- Grades 1 & 2: 5 v 5 no goalie
- Grades 3 & 4 7 v 7 including goalie
- Grades 5 & 6 9 v 9 including goalie
GAME LENGTH
- Grades 1 & 2: 4 quarters, 10 minutes each, 5 minute halftime
- Grades 3 & 4 2 halves, 25 minutes each, 5 minute halftime
- Grades 5 & 6 2 halves, 30 minutes each, 5 minute halftime
FIELD & EQUIPMENT
| Age Group |
Field Size (yds) |
Ball Size |
Goal Size (feet) |
| 1st and 2nd |
25-35 x 15-25 |
3 |
4 x 6 |
| 3rd and 4th |
55-65 x 35-45 |
4 |
6.5 x 18.5 |
| 5th and 6th |
70-80 x 45-55 |
4 |
6.5 x 18.5 |
KEY RULES
- Offsides: Not enforced but taught at the 3/4 level. Enforced at 5/6 level.
- Heading: Not allowed at any level. Deliberate heading results in indirect free kick.
- Build-out Line: Used at 3/4 and ? to promote safe play during goalie distribution of ball.
- Substitutions: Unlimited - with referee approval, at stoppages and at halftime.
- Throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks: Used to restart play when the ball goes out of bounds.
- Slide Tackles: Not allowed at any level.
- Jewelry: Not allowed.
- Shin Guards and Proper Footwear: Required during practice and game play.
INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS
- Emphasize fun, skill development and sportsmanship.
- Referees are encouraged to instruct rather than penalize harshly.
- Scores and standings are not recorded.