1. The field is approximately 30 x 20 yards, although the size can be adjusted over a period of time by trial and error.
The dimensions should vary according to player age and abilities. It is not possible to line the fields, use existing field markings, cones and/or Frisbees.
2. If the field is not lined, marker cones are placed on the sidelines, six yards out from goal lines. These mark an imaginary line forming the goalkeeping zone. The goalkeeper can handle the ball inside this zone, but may play
(and should be encouraged to do so) beyond the line in a conventional manner, using feet and body but not the hands.
3. Goals are set up using corner flags (preferably freestanding ones), nine feet apart. An ideal method is to use
poles or corner flags inserted in large cones.
4. Goals can be scored from anywhere but the ball must pass below the imaginary line across the goal tops.
5. The coach referees, or appoints his assistant or a parent.
6. Time-outs are called every two or three minutes, when substitutions are made.
7. Each team has a goalkeeper, but the goalkeepers are changed at each time-out on a rotating basis so that
equal time is established for the goalkeeping function.
8. If there are six players on a team (three on, three off), lines changes can be made periodically so the same
three players do not always play together.
9. When the ball goes out of play, the game is re-started by one of the following ways:
a. Over the sidelines, with a throw-in (or kick-in, if the coach so desires).
b. Over the goal line, with a goal kick if attacking team last touched the ball; or corner kick if defending team last played ball (goal kick is taken from anywhere in the goalkeeper handling zone; corner from where goal line and sideline meet).
c. After a goal is scored, re-start the game with a goal kick. Alternatively, with the youngest players, mark a center spot, and re-start with a kick-off from the center.
Note: Goals cannot be scored directly from a goal kick, a throw-in, a kick off or a free kick. There are no penalty kicks in Micro Soccer®.
10. If a foul throw is committed, a coach explains the correct method and lets the offender re-take the throw. Discretionary power is then given to the referee if another foul throw is committed but, most times, it won't be called.
11. Because of the small field size and the end-to-end nature of the game, the ball may go out to play frequently.
Coaches should encourage parents to participate as ball parents to help the flow and the enjoyment of the game. Any players on the sidelines should be encouraged to help get the ball back in play quickly. On gymnasia, artificial turf, all weather and other hard surfaces the ball will run more quickly. If possible, compensate by widening the playing area or by reducing the air pressure of the ball.
12. Practice sessions (and games) are no longer than 35 to 40 minutes. Because of this, parents are encouraged to stay for both practices and games and to participate in practice sessions.
13. All infringements - tripping, handling, etc. - are punished by an indirect free kick (i.e., ball must be passed before a shot can be taken). There are no penalties (players of this age are completely honest and do not commit deliberate fouls; and the "indirect" free kick encourages passing and co-operation).
14. All opposing players must be at least five yards from the ball on free kicks, corner kicks and goal kicks.
Courtesy of Tony Waiters, World of Soccer. |
