MNSL supports US Youth Soccer Small Sided Games Rules

This is a development philosophy and playing standards for players 12 and younger.

Minor variations occur based on team numbers and field size.

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MNSL U6 & U8 DIVISIONS

• U6 - Size 3 ball; U8 - Size 4 ball

• Shin guards are required

• 4 v 4, no goalies

• Four – 10 minute quarters, 5 minutes between quarters

• Throw-ins should be taught; retry's are encouraged!

• Coaches referee

• Coaches direct substitutions

• Indirect kick - yes

• No Direct or Penalty kicks

• No Offsides

• All players should rotate through all positions during the game

• Players MUST play half the game minimum

• Deliberate heading is not allowed

• Yellow/Red cards are not used however referees will instruct players

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MNSL U10 DIVISION

• Size 4 ball

• Shin guards are required

• 7 v 7 including goalie

• Two – 25 minutes halves, 5 minute halftime

• Throw-ins, repeat 1x with instruction, if necessary.  If still incorrect, other team gains possession

• Indirect kicks – yes

• No  Penalty kicks

• Offsides  - yes (with instruction)

• All Opposing players behind the build out line for goal kicks

• All players should rotate through all positions during the game

• Players MUST play half the game minimum

• Deliberate heading is not allowed ( results in an indirect free kick

• Yellow/Red cards are not used however referees will instruct players

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MNSL U12 DIVISION

• Size 4 ball

• Shin guards are required

• 9 v 9 including goalie

• Two – 30 minute halves, 5 minute halftime

• Indirect, Direct and Penalty kicks – yes

• Offsides – yes

• Yellow/Red cards enforced

• All players should rotate through all positions during the game

• Players MUST play half the game minimum

• Deliberate heading is not allowed (results in indirect free kick)

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MNSL U14 Division

• Size 5 ball

• Shin guards are required

• 11 v 11 including goalie

• Two – 35 minute halves, 5 minute halftime

• Indirect, Direct and Penalty kicks – yes

• Offsides – yes

• Yellow/Red cards enforced

• Players MUST play half the game minimum

• Heading is allowed

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MNSL U16 - U19 DIVISION

• Size 5 ball

• Shin guards are required

• 11 v 11 including goalie

• Two – 40 minute halves, 5 minute halftime

• Indirect, Direct and Penalty kicks – yes

• Offsides – yes

• Yellow/Red cards enforced

• Players MUST play half the game minimum

• Heading is allowed

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OTHER INFORMATION

• All coaches must not travel any more than 2 yards on either side of the bench.

• Players and coaches must not obstruct the sideline from the referee's view.

• Parents must view game from opposite side of the player's bench, NO standing behind the bench or siting/standing near or behind the goal.

• The FIFA Laws of the Game prohibit anything which is dangerous to a player or other players such as a cast, jewelry, including earrings and non-prescription glasses or sunglasses.

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