Game Basics

Soccer is generally played using the rules established by FIFA, with some modifications geared towards our recreation program. Here are some basic rules regarding the game and the possible variations you might find as a spectator:

Player Positions at a Glance

Games on a regulation-sized full field. Grades 7 to 9 play with 11 players per team on the field. However, small-sided field games consist of 7, 8 or 9 players per team on the field. Your child's league rules can be explained to you by your child's coach or the league director. The names of positions and the number of players playing a particular position can vary. However, in broad terms, there are offensive and defensive positions. The four main positions in soccer (with variations on the names) are: forwards ("strikers" and "wings") midfielders ("halfbacks"), defenders ("fullbacks," "sweeper," "stopper") and goalkeeper. The goalie is the only player allowed to use the hands for such things as blocking shots and initiating the offense from within the goal area.

Field Markings

Regardless of the size of the field, specific areas are designated for certain game activities or situations (e.g., goal area, penalty area, center circle). The ball is out of bounds only when it has completely crossed the touchline or endline, in the air or on the ground. If it is on the line it is still in play. Players may run out of bounds to play the ball; it is where the ball is, not the player, that counts.

Scoring

A goal is scored only if the ball goes all the way over the line into the goal. A ball on the line is not a goal; if the keeper stops the ball before it goes over the line, even if he/she is standing over the line in the goal, it is not a goal.