North Utah County Soccer
Challenger U4–U7 Game Rules and Guidelines
Recreation soccer guidance for coaches and parents, including game rules, field sizes, weather procedures, sportsmanship, and schedule assistance.
Quick Reference
4 v 4
Four players from each team on the field.
Size 3 Ball
Used for all U4–U7 games.
No Goalies
Players may play back but may not camp in front of the goal.
Primary goal
Emphasize fun, participation, skill development, friendships, and good sportsmanship rather than winning.
Game Rules and Guidelines
Players and Equipment
- Games are played 4 v 4, unless coaches agree to adjust during a blowout.
- Each player should play at least half of every game.
- There are no goalies. A player may play back but may not camp in front of the goal.
- Use a size 3 ball.
- Players must wear shin guards.
- No toe cleats are allowed.
- No earrings.
- Casts must be wrapped.
Heading
Please do not train U4–U7 players to head the ball. Heading should be left for older age groups.
Throw-ins and Kick-ins
- Either throw-ins or kick-ins may be used this year.
- NUCS is transitioning toward throw-ins.
- Do not repeatedly stop play over imperfect throw-in technique. This is the age to begin learning.
Coaching Position
Do not coach from behind or beside the goal.
Coaches and parents should remain along the long sidelines, not at the narrow ends of the field.
Offside
- Offside is not called at these age groups. Offside begins at U9.
- Coaches should still teach the spirit of the rule. Players should not wait beside the opposing goal for a long pass.
Goal Kicks
When the attacking team kicks the ball over the end line and misses the goal, the goal kick is taken from the top of the painted arc in front of the goal.
Fouls and Free Kicks
- A free kick may be awarded after a flagrant handball, push, or trip.
- The ball is placed at the location of the infraction.
- There are no penalty kicks.
- All free kicks are indirect. A goal does not count unless another player from either team touches the ball before it enters the goal.
Field Sizes and Game Lengths
| Age Group | Approximate Field Size | Game Length |
|---|---|---|
| U4 | 15 × 30 yards | 8-minute quarters, 2-minute quarter breaks, 5-minute halftime |
| U5 | 15 × 30 yards | 8-minute quarters, 2-minute quarter breaks, 5-minute halftime |
| U6 | 20 × 30 yards | 8-minute quarters, 2-minute quarter breaks, 5-minute halftime |
| U7 | 20 × 30 yards | 10-minute quarters, 2-minute quarter breaks, 5-minute halftime |
Notes for Coaches and Parents
- Keep comments positive and encouraging.
- Coaches referee the games and remain on the field to keep play moving and indicate out-of-bounds calls.
- Coach-referees may call infractions on players from either team, and should do so kindly.
- Avoid constant sideline instruction during play. Let the players play.
- Parents and coaches should model good sportsmanship.
- Negative feedback should be handled between coaches, not through trash talk or confrontation.
- Coaches who disagree about game management should discuss it civilly at halftime.
- Keep some distance between the two coaching staffs. When one sideline area is crowded, use the opposite sideline.
Goals not set up?
Text the venue name and, ideally, the field number from your schedule to
801-830-0220.
In Case of Bad Weather
- Games may be played in rain, snow, cold, and wind.
- Do not cancel too early. Weather in the area can change quickly.
- Games should not continue when conditions are dangerous, including lightning or hail.
- If both coaches agree conditions are unsuitable, the teams may stay home.
- Rescheduling is optional and is neither required nor encouraged.
- NUCS does not schedule makeup fields for these age groups.
- A makeup game may be held during one team's normal practice time and location.
Need goals for a makeup game?
Contact [email protected].
Blowouts = Bad Karma
Challenger Soccer is primarily recreational. Because teams vary in strength, coaches should proactively balance games that become one-sided.
Examples of a blowout
A score of 3–0 in the first five minutes or 5–0 by halftime should trigger adjustments.
Ways to Even the Game
- Move a player who scores into a defensive role.
- Require a certain number of passes before taking a shot.
- Move a player who has never scored to forward and help teammates set that player up.
- Require players to shoot with their non-dominant foot.
- Trade players between teams using pinney jerseys to make the game more balanced and enjoyable.
To request pinney jerseys, email [email protected].
How to Contact the Opposing Coach
Only coaches listed on the team roster can access the opposing team's coach information.
- Log in to your UYSA Affinity account at uysa.affinitysoccer.com. This is not the same page used for soccer registration.
- Use the same username and password used during registration.
- Click the Teams tab beneath your family information.
- Click Tournament & Schedule Apps.
- Click Schedules/Game Scoring on the far right.
- Scroll to the game containing the opponent you need to contact.
- Click the opposing team's name to display its coaches and administrators.
Still need help?
Contact [email protected].
How to Find Your Game Field
Please complete these steps before your first game.
- Open your online schedule.
- Find the venue name in the Venue column.
- Click the venue name to open the venue information page. It may open in a new browser tab.
- Use the Google Map link beside View Map when you need directions.
- If the venue lists only one field, use the only painted field at the location.
- If the venue has multiple fields, return to the schedule and note the four-digit number in the Field column.
- Go to www.nucsonline.com.
- Under the Parents menu, select Field Maps.
- Select the venue to view an aerial photograph showing the field location.