• Coaches are asked to referee the U5 & U6 games.
• It’s important at these ages that coaches understand that many of the players are new to the game and need their guidance as an introduction to the laws of the game. Some key points to consider in managing these games are:
  • Fields will be lined by cones and are approx. 25 yds x 40 yds.
  • Pop-up goals are used. The goals and field lining cones are supplied by CFC.
  • Games are played with 5 outfield players per team on the field at any time.
  • Duration of games is 2 x 20 minute halves with a five minute half-time.
  • No switching ends after half-time as it’s less confusing for this age group to focus on going one way per game.
  • There are no goalkeepers for the U5 & U6 groups. All active players are outfield players. Any player may prevent the ball from entering the net, but they may not use their hands. Please keep your players from parking themselves in front of the net “acting” as goalkeepers.
  • There is no designated goal area.
  • Goal kicks must be taken from any point on the goal (end) line.
  • Retreat Rule: Opposing players must be positioned on their side of center field when a goal kick by the opposing team is taken. This helps eliminate the opposing team crowding the kicker and lets the ball get back into play without being kicked directly back at the goal.
  • Substitutions may be made at a stoppage in play and must be Ok’d by the ref. Substitutions are unlimited.
  • There are no offsides.
  • The home team (listed first on the schedule) shall provide the game ball.
  • Shin pads and soccer boots are mandatory equipment.
  • A penalty shall be awarded if a defending player denies a goal scoring opportunity by committing an unlawful tackle or deliberately handling the ball within the goal area. All other infractions will result in an indirect free kick.
  • Coaches are allowed on the field to help position their players with the goal of coaching mainly on the sidelines towards the end of the season. One coach on the field per team only. Coaches may like to have a parent helper to manage their sideline and substitute players while they focus on the game.
  • Please ensure that players understand that plays stops when the ball goes over the sideline or end goal line. Do not let play continue when the ball is out of play. It’s not safe for players to be entering other games in progress on adjacent fields and it’s important they understand what the filed of play is. To get the ball back in play proper throw-ins should be used on sidelines and goal kicks on the goal lines.

1. The maximum number of players on the field at any one time is 6 (including the GK).
2. The games are divided into 2 x 25 minute halves.  There will be a five-minute break between halves.
3. Each player MUST participate a minimum of 50% of total playing time each game.
4. Unlimited substitutions, but only during stoppage in play and upon the signal of the referee.
5. There is no offside.
6. No throw-in Changed to KICK-ins, with re-kicks if the first one is done improperly.
7. The goalkeeper may pick up and handle the ball within the 5-yard goal area.  The ball is to be considered “frozen” if the referee indicates the ball is in the possession or near to possession of the goalkeeper.
8. Goal kicks to be taken from any point within the 5-yard goal area.  All opposing players to move back to center until the ball is touched or crosses centre.
9. Area behind the goalposts to be kept clear of spectators.  Parents and coaches must not stand in or around goal area at anytime, as this can be intimidating to the goalkeeper and all players.
10. All free kicks are indirect, even if the foul occurs in the goal area. The ball is moved out to the top of the goal area for the kick to be taken.
11. The referee shall explain infractions to the offending players.
12. Coaches, managers, and team parents shall not criticize game officials at any time and should encourage the same attitude amongst all players and supporters.
13. The home team will supply the game ball. BOTH teams are responsible for putting the portable goals and removal of goals after the last game.  Please keep the fields clean.
14. Players are encouraged NOT TO HANDLE the ball, but instead to move it to the Restart spot with their feet.
15. All players must wear shin guards.  Soccer boots are highly recommended.
16. Except for the above modifications, all other rules of the game apply.

1. The maximum number of players on the field at any one time is 7 (including the GK).
2. The games are divided into 2 x 25 minute halves.  There will be a five-minute break between halves.
3. Each player MUST participate a minimum of 50% of total playing time each game.
4. Unlimited substitutions, but only during stoppage in play and upon the signal of the referee.
5. There is no offsides.
6. No throw-in Changed to KICK-ins, with re-kicks if the first one is done improperly.
7. The goalkeeper may pick up and handle the ball within the 10-yard goal area.  The ball is to be considered “frozen” if the referee indicates the ball is in the possession of the goalkeeper.

6.Goal kicks to be taken from any point within the 10-yard goal area.  All opposing players must move back to the Retreat Line until the ball is touched or crosses the Retreat Line.

7. Area behind the goalposts to be kept clear of spectators.  Parents and coaches must not stand in or around goal area at anytime, as this can be intimidating to the goalkeeper and all players.
8. All free kicks are indirect, even if the foul occurs in the goal area. The ball is moved out to the top of the goal area for the kick to be taken.

1. The referee shall explain infractions to the offending players.
2. Coaches, managers, and team parents shall not criticize game officials at any time and should encourage the same attitude amongst all players and supporters.
3. The home team will supply the game ball.  BOTH teams are responsible for putting the portable goals and removal of goals after the last game.  Please keep the fields clean.
4. All players must wear shin guards.  Soccer boots are highly recommended.
5. Except for the above modifications, all other rules of the game apply.
6. Players are encouraged NOT TO HANDLE the ball, but instead to move it to the Restart spot with their feet.

1. The maximum number of players on the field at any one time is 7 (including the GK).
2. The games are divided into 2 x 30 halves.  There will be a five-minute break between halves.
3. Each player should participate a minimum of 60% of total playing time each game.
4. Unlimited substitutions, but only during stoppage in play and upon the signal of the referee.
5. There is no offside.  (Please educate your team on the offside rule throughout the season as this will become a big part of the game in U-11).
6. No throw-in Changed to KICK-ins, with one re-kick if the first one is done improperly.
7. The goalkeeper may pick up and handle the ball within the 12-yard goal area.  The ball is to be considered “frozen” if the referee indicates the ball is in the possession of the goalkeeper.

8. Goal kicks to be taken from the 12-yard box. All opposing players must move back to the Retreat Line until the ball is touched or crosses the Retreat Line.
9. All free kicks are indirect, even if the foul occurs in the goal area. The ball is moved out to the top of the goal area for the kick to be taken.

1. Area behind the goalposts to be kept clear of spectators.  Parents and coaches must not stand in or around goal area at anytime, as this can be intimidating to the goalkeeper and all players.
2. All free kicks are indirect, even if the foul occurs in the goal area.
3. The referee shall explain infractions to the offending players.
4. Coaches, managers, and team parents shall not criticize game officials at any time and should encourage the same attitude amongst all players and supporters.
5. The home team will supply the game ball.  Please keep the fields clean.
6. Players are encouraged NOT TO HANDLE the ball, but instead to move it to the Restart spot with their feet.
7. All players must wear shin guards.  Soccer boots are highly recommended
8. Except for the above modifications, all other rules of the game apply.

U11 & U12 are an intermediate step between mini-ball and full-field soccer. Teams play 8v8 with 7 outfield players and one goalkeeper. Games consist of two 30 minute halves and are played on a “super 8” sized field measuring approximately 42m x 60m.

Offsides are introduced at U11 with an offside line marked roughly halfway between the center circle and penalty area. Attacking players can only be offside in the area between the offside line and the goal line (Attacking third of the field). These age groups also use the “retreat rule” which states that all attacking players must be behind the offside line during goal kicks and can only cross that line once the ball is either touched by the team taking the goal kick within the safe area or the ball crosses the line. It’s a simple rule designed to keep attacking teams from lining up on the edge of the penalty area. For more detailed rules on the U11 & U12 age groups please click here to download a copy of BC Soccer’s Small Sided Referee Rules.

U13 to U18 games follow rules set out by IFAB and FIFA. All referees assigned games at this level have all passed the full field course as outlined by Soccer Canada. To download the FIFA Laws of the Game 2017/2018 click here.

Length of Games

U-18 – 2 x 45 minute halves

U-17 – 2 x 45 minute halves

U-16 – 2 x 40 minute halves

U-15 – 2 x 40 minute halves

U-14 – 2 x 35 minute halves

U-13 – 2 x 35 minute halves