1st/2nd Grade Rules (4v4)

Overview

1st/2nd Coed and 1st–3rd Girls play 4v4 at Redwood Field. Each time slot is a full game of two 25-minute halves with a 3-minute halftime, overseen by a teenage referee who keeps time.

Games start at the appointed time — teams are welcome to arrive 15 minutes early to warm up, on the side or the far end by the playground so the prior game isn’t disturbed.

Players

• 4 players per side — no goalie
• Shin guards are required — the coach provides them for 1st/2nd Grade; 3rd graders in the girls league, please bring your own. Extras may be available from the coach if you don’t have a pair, but don’t count on it
• Cleats are recommended but not required
• To limit kids sitting out, coaches may agree to play 5v5 when both sides have full teams
• Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any time

Ball In and Out of Play

• Kick-offs, free kicks, goal kicks, and corner kicks are used to start or restart play
• Kick-ins and/or dribble-ins are also acceptable — no throw-ins
• Goal kicks and corner kicks should be taken in the general vicinity of the respective goal or corner
• All free kicks are indirect — the ball must be passed to another player before a shot on goal

Restarts After a Goal

• Opposing team starts with the ball at midfield
• Opponents must be at least 10 feet away from the ball on the restart

Goal Kicks

• Opposing team should line up on their side of the field (behind the midfield line) on all goal kicks
• Coaches and referees need to enforce this on every occasion

Important Rules

• No goalies — players who stand in front of their own goal should be encouraged to move. Coaches and referees should actively enforce this.
• No offside — but players who stand in front of the opposing goal should be encouraged to move. Coaches and referees should actively enforce this.
• No penalty kicks
• No heading — the ball should not be played with the head

Positions

At this age group, players should start to understand the general principles of positions. See the Formations page for recommended 4v4 lineups.

Players should not be rigidly restricted to positions, but we want them to start learning the difference between offensive and defensive roles.

Coaches & Parents

Together, coaches and parents are expected to create and promote a fun and safe environment for the players.

• Coaches stay on the sideline, not the field — running up and down the side is fine. Referees are the ones on the field.
• No one stands behind the goal, coaches or parents — it intimidates the kids.
• Practices are optional and arranged through the league — see the league guidelines in the Coach Guide.

Issues with fields, parents, coaches, players, and/or referees must be reported to the trustees at MTLsoccer@gmail.com.