3rd-6th Grade Rules (7v7)

Overview

3rd/4th Coed and 5th/6th Coed both play 7v7 with a goalie on the larger fields at Liberty and O’Connor Park.

5th/6th can play 9v9 when both sides have enough players and enough subs to sustain it; otherwise it’s 7v7.

Each time slot is a full game of two 25-minute halves with a 3-minute halftime. A teenage referee (sometimes two) oversees the game and keeps time.

Games start at the appointed time — teams are welcome to arrive 15 minutes early to warm up.

A larger or smaller number of players can be used if agreed upon by both coaches and the referee. The referee has the deciding vote.

Players

• Shin guards are required — ask your coach if you need a pair
• Cleats are recommended but not required
• Goalie gloves are provided by the league
• Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any stoppage

Ball In and Out of Play

• Kick-offs, free kicks, goal kicks, and corner kicks are used to start or restart play
• Throw-ins are used when the ball goes out over the sideline
  • In the first two weeks of the season, incorrect throw-ins are repeatable — coaches and referees should provide guidance
• Goal kicks and corner kicks should be taken in the general vicinity of the respective goal or corner if field lines are not apparent

Restarts

• Opponents must be at least 10 feet away from the ball on all restarts (except goal kicks)
• On goal kicks, the opposing team must return to their side of the field (behind the midfield line) — coaches and referees need to enforce this on every occasion

Heading and Offside

These two rules are where 3rd/4th and 5th/6th differ:

Coaches and referees need to enforce the 3rd/4th no-heading rule on every occasion.

Important Rules

• Penalty kicks if warranted

Scores and Standings

• The referee tracks the score, confirms the final result with each coach, and reports it to MTLsoccer@gmail.com by Sunday evening
• Scores and standings are kept in TeamSnap for these divisions
• With enough teams, 3rd/4th plays semi-finals and finals at the end of the season

After the Game

• Teams and coaches should shake hands with the other players, coaches, and referees after the game

Field Safety

• Fields are lined by the town; dimensions may vary slightly from the recommended 55-65 x 35-45 yards
• Corner flags are not required
• Goals must be anchored by sand bags (provided by the town)
• Referees and coaches are responsible for ensuring a safe playing field before kick-off

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.

Inappropriate conduct on or off the field will be addressed by MTL Trustees and board members. Issues must be reported to MTLsoccer@gmail.com.