U.S. YOUTH SOCCER
3V3 OFFICIAL LAWS
WITH CSYSA MODIFICATIONS
UNDER 5/6

LAW I - THE FIELD

A. Dimensions: The field of play shall be rectangular, its length being not more than 30 yards nor less than 20 yards

B. Markings:

C. Goals: The size of hockey goals or 4x6.

LAW II - THE BALL:

Size three (3)

A. The ball should be spherical.

B. The outer casing should be leather or an approved synthetic.

C. No dangerous materials should be used in the construction of the ball.

LAW III - NUMBER OF PLAYERS:

A. Maximum number of players on the field at any one time: three (3).

B. Maximum number of players on the roster should not exceed: six (6).

C. Substitutions:

LAW IV - PLAYERS EQUIPMENT:

The basic equipment of a player consists of the following:

A. A jersey or shirt (same color for all players on a team).

B. Shorts - Jerseys/Shirts must be tucked in.

C. Stockings – must completely cover the shinguards, should be the same color for all of team.

D. Shinguards – MANDATORY for protective reasons.

E. Footwear – tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes.

LAW V - REFEREE:

A. Associate referee.

B. Parent/coach or assistant.

C. All rule infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending player.

D. No cautions or ejections shall be issued to players except by an independent neutral referee.

LAW VI - LINESMAN:

None.

LAW VII - DURATION OF THE GAME:

A. The game shall be divided into four (4) equal eight (8) minute quarters.

B. There shall be a two (2) minute break between quarter one (1) and quarter two (2), and another two

minute break between quarters three (3) and four (4).

C. There shall be a half-time break of five (5) minutes between quarters two (2) and three (3).

U.S. Youth Soccer recommends that Parent/Coaches substitute between quarters

to ensure that all players present play a minimum of 50% of the game.

LAW VIII - START OF PLAY:

A. At the start of the game, choice of field ends and kick-off is determined by the flip of a coin.

B. Opponent must be three (3) yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

C. Ball must be passed (touched) to another player (no dribbling on kick-off).

LAW IX - BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY:

The ball is out of play during the following circumstances:

A. When it has gone completely over the boundary line (on ground or air-born).

B. When the game has been halted by an official.

LAW X - METHOD OF SCORING:

A. A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line.

B. The ball must cross the goal line between the goal posts and under the crossbar.

LAW XI - OFF-SIDE:

There shall be no off-side.

LAW XII - FOULS AND MISCONDUCT:

A. All fouls shall result in an indirect free kick.

B. Opponents must be three (3) yards away before kick is allowed.

C. Any player who commits one of the following offences shall be penalized by the opposing team being awarded an indirect free kick.

1. Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent.

2. Trips an opponent.

3. Jumps at an opponent.

4. Charges an opponent

5. Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent

6. Pushes an opponent.

7. Tackles an opponent, but touches opponent before the ball.

8. Holds an opponent.

9. Spits at an opponent.

10. Handles the ball deliberately.

11. Plays in a dangerous manner.

12. Impedes the progress of an opponet.

D. The coach/parent must explain ALL infractions to the offending player before restarting play.

LAW XIII - FREE KICKS:

A. All free kicks are INDIRECT.

B. A goal cannot be scored unless ball has been played or touched by a player other than the kicker before

passing through the goal.

C. Opponents must be three (3) yards away before kick is allowed.

LAW XIV - PENALTY KICK:

A. No penalty kicks are to be taken during these games.

B. Play is restarted with an indirect free kick.

LAW XV - KICK-IN:

Kick-in is considered as an indirect free kick with the opponent five (5) yards away from the ball.

LAW XVI - GOAL KICK:

A. A goal kick is taken by a member of the defending team when the ball crosses the goal line outside of

the goal when last touched by a member of the attacking team..

B. The kick is taken from the edge of the goal area or from the goal line.

C. Opponents must be at least three (3) yards from the ball.

LAW XVII - CORNER KICK:

A. The attacking team is awarded a kick-in when the ball passes completely over the goal line outside the

goal area after last being played by a member of the defending team.

B. Opponents must be three (3) yards away from the ball.

Additional US Youth Soccer Recommendations

• Opposing parents/coaches and players should shake hands after each game.
• Do not record league standings.
• Do not record final score.
• Parent/coaches are on field acting as referees.
• Participation awards for ALL – No trophies or awards just for the best team.
• No alcoholic beverages will be consumed or allowed near the playing field.