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Soccer Rules 2024-25

 

Ball Sizes       Size 3 – Junior K through 2nd Grade

                        Size 4 – 3rd through 6th Grade

 

         

Players           Junior K – 4 v 4  - with NO Goalie 

                        Senior K – 5 v 5 – with Goalie

                        1st & 2nd Grade – 6 v 6 – with Goalie

                        3rd & 4th Grade – 7 v 7 – with Goalie (6 v 6 is optional)

                        5th & 6th Grade – 7 v 7 – with Goalie (6 v 6 is optional)

 

Game              Junior K – two (18) minute Halves

                        Senior K – two (18) minute Halves

                        1st & 2nd Grade – two (20) minute Halves

                        3rd & 4th Grade – two (22) minute Halves

                        5th & 6th Grade – two (22) minute Halves

                        **HALFTIME: maximum of (4) minutes

 

The Start of Play

  • Begin with a Coaches Meeting and prayer at midfield with all players

  • Rock/Paper/Scissors will determine the start of the play (first possession)

  • The team that wins gets the first kickoff

  • The kickoff will then alternate at the start of the 2nd Half

  • Teams are encouraged but are not required to switch goals after halftime

 

Ball In and Out of Play

  • Throw-ins are used to restart play when the ball wholly passes over the sidelines 

  • Corner kicks/Goal kicks for when the ball wholly passes over the goal line (not a goal)

 

The Score

  • No league standings will be kept

  • League emphasizes fun, fellowship, and instruction Fouls and Misconduct

  • All free kicks will be indirect, with opponents at least 5 yards away 

  • The referee should briefly explain all infractions

  • NO OFFSIDES rule for Jr. Kindergarten / Sr. Kindergarten / 1st Grade / 2nd Grade 

  • Offsides rule is enforced for 3rd through 6th Grade Divisions

  • Goal Kicks are taken from the top of the small box.

  • Goalies are protected in the small box (Jr.K - 2nd Grade) and big box (3-6th Grade)

  • FOR SAFETY and to prevent injuries: NO SLIDE TACKLES OR HEADERS! 

  • Punts are allowed for 2024-25
     

Definition of Kicks:

  • INDIRECT KICKS must touch another player first before they count as a goal 

  • The first touch of an Indirect Kick used as a shot directly into the goal do not count

  • A free kick is awarded to the defending team 

  • The kicker can’t touch the ball until it is touched or played on by another player 

  • If the ball rebounds off the goal, the Kicker must wait until another player touches it

  • A player fouled (inside the penalty area) will be awarded a Penalty Kick (PK), which is a direct kick on goal against the Goalie, and all other players will start behind the kicker and PK spot

 

Teams

  • The suggested number on each roster is 10, max per team is 12

  • Every player must play at least 50% of the game if they are physically able

  • There is “NO GAME DAY PENALTY” to enforce, please report to the league

  • Minimum players to begin the game: 4 (Jr.K), 5 (Sr.K), and 6 (1st Grade and up) 

  • ESCRA strongly suggests playing the game even with borrowed players

 

Substitutions

  • Unlimited Substitutions, at the midfield line

  • Before goal kicks by either team OR between quarters

  • After a goal is scored by either team and during an injury time-out

  • Before a throw-in, if substitute(s) are at Center Line before throw-in

  • If a player is not injured but needs to come out of the game because of fatigue, cramps, or is not feeling well, the coach may substitute at any time during the game at mid-field

  • The player coming out of the game must be off of the field before the substitute player may enter the playing field

 

Head Coach

  • Identified as the speaking representative at the pre-game Coaches Meeting

  • Responsible for behavior issues related to coaches, players, and fans

  • Fans who argue or yell at Officials will be asked to leave the playing area

  • Junior K / Senior K: ONE (1) Coach allowed on the field and should not interfere

  • Coaches are responsible for seeing that the bench area is cleaned after each game

 

Field Dimensions: Junior Kindergarten through 2nd Grade

  • Width 30 yards (max)    Length:  50 yards (max)

  • Halfway Line                  Max 25 yards                  

  • Center Circle:                Radius: 6 yards

  • Corner arcs:                  Radius: 1 yard

  • Goal Box                       Depth: 6 yards            Width: 12 Yards

  • Goals                            Height:  6 feet             Width:  8-12 feet

 

Field Dimensions: 3rd through 6th Grade

  • Width: 40 yards (max)   Length: 70 yards (max)

  • Halfway Line.                 Max 35 yards

  • Center Circle:                Radius: 10 yards

  • Corner arcs:                  Radius: 1 yard

  • Goal Box:                      Depth: 6 yards            Width: 10 Yards

  • Penalty Area                 Depth: 15 yards          Width: 24 Yards

  • Goals                            Height:  6 feet             Width: 12-18 feet

 

Equipment

  • Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes

  • Shin guards are MANDATORY for practices and games

  • Matching shirts/jerseys are required and must have the Church name on them

 

Game Officials

  • The League will assign one referee for all games

  • The League may assign two referees for 3rd-6th grade games

  • Game focus: instruction, fun, fairness, and safety

  • If a referee(s) does not show up for a game, coaches should officiate together 

  • In this case, PLEASE inform the Site Director and YOUR organization’s Director

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Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide and promote recreation between churches in the Shelby County area in a Christ-honoring environment.

 

Purpose

  • Provide athletic competition for all ages

  • Promote an environment that will assure a spirit of fair play and sportsmanship

  • Promote participation in team sports

  • Encourage fellowship that honors Jesus Christ

 

Player Exemptions (based on age/grade)

  • In special circumstances, an exemption may be granted for a player to play in an age group for which he/she is too old

  • The Recreation Director must make all exemption requests.  Fill out the Exemption Form at www.EscraSports.org  

  • Churches will be notified concerning the status of the exemption

  • All approved exemptions can be revoked if the exemption is deemed not appropriate

 

Team Rosters

  • Rosters must be kept by each Organization’s sports director/coordinator

  • Girls may play on a boys’ team, but boys may not play on a girls’ team

  • Rosters (Excel form) must be emailed to EscraSports@gmail.com

 

Playing on More Than One Team

Players are not allowed to play on more than one team within the same sports season.  Anyone playing for his/her school, playing on a competitive team, or playing in another league/association within the same sports season may not play in the ESCRA league.

 

 Revised: August 14, 2024

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