Division Specifics: U6 (Kindergarten)

Player Equipment

• Size 3 ball.
• Uniform: team jersey, black shorts and team socks.  Long-sleeved shirts, fleeces or sweatpants can be added, but must be worn UNDER the uniform, not over it, or players can't tell whose on their team. 
• Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.  
• Shinguards covered by socks are mandatory. Shinguards may NOT be worn over socks.
• No jewelry may be worn for practices or games (this includes earrings), unless they are required religious or medical items. The official at the game must determine the safety of these items.
  

The Players

Boys and girls play on separate teams. There will be four per team on field and no goalkeepers. Substitutions are between periods, at halftime, and for injuries. Only AYSO players are allowed on the field, with the exception of one of the coaches who will manage the game. Playing time is a minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three

The Officials

There is no need for fully qualified referees to manage U6 games. One or both (one at a time) of the coaches should “officiate”. The games are intended to be an opportunity for players to experience the fun of playing. The barest of minimum rules are needed and should be applied with a generous amount of flexibility. Let the players have the freedom to play with minimum interruption.

Game Play

• 30 minutes of practice immediately prior to 30 minute game.
• Two 10-minute halves with a break at halftime.
• A coin toss is performed before the game. The winner decides which goal it will attack, and the other team kicks off.
• Teams switch sides at half-time and the team that didn’t kick off to start the game kicks off the second half.
• Stop for a brief substitution break when there's a stoppage (goal scored, ball goes out of play) roughly midway through each half. Afterward, resume the game where it was left off.

Kick-off

All players, except the player taking the kick-off, must be in their own half of the field. The opponents must be 5 yards from the center mark, i.e. outside the center circle. Enforcement is not essential -- it's simply to ensure the kicker has room to kick the ball without immediately hitting another player. Remember, let them play and do not interfere for technicalities.

Ball In and Out of Play

• The ball is out of play when it completely crosses the touch line (side line) or goal line (end line) either on the ground or in the air.
• As part of the US Soccer/AYSO Player Development Initiative, kick-in's or dribble-in's have replaced throw-in's. Goals may NOT be scored directly from a kick-in/dribble-in. It must first be touched by a team-mate
• In U6 games, the coaches will determine when the ball is out of play and should guide the restart, interfering as little as possible. It’s the player’s game, let them play and work on technique later.

Fouls and Misconduct

The coaches will assess INDIRECT free kicks for all fouls, with the opponents 5 yards away from the ball.

Scoring

A goal is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal. Goals should be enthusiastically celebrated by everyone. Goals are not recorded, nor should there be any emphasis on a team "winning" or "losing"