House League rules - Mini

• For the Mini division teams (i.e. boys and girls aged 6 thru 10) the game is to be divided into two periods of 25 minutes with a five-minute half time. The referee, in consultation with coaches, may reduce the length of the games due to weather conditions. Note: The Micro division, (boys and girls aged 4 to 5 years old) play two periods of 15 minutes each. This division does not use referees or formal game sheets.
  
  
• Each player must participate equally in total playing time. Team benches should be on the opposite side of the field from the parents. No parents are allowed on the players/coaching side of the field and/or to stand behind the nets or by the corner kicks. Parents must be located two yards behind the touch line to avoid player injury (i.e. hurt with a lawn chair if pushed). No coaching staff and/or parents are allowed to coach from behind the nets and/or corner kicks. Coaches must remain at the touch line to coach and in their own half of the field.
  
  
• Unlimited substitution. Substitution may be done as follows:
  – After a goal kick has been scored
  – At a goal kick
  – At the beginning of the halves
  – At a throw in
  – At the referee's discretion in the event of injury
  
  
• No exceptions are allowed to the substitution rules.
  
  
• There is no offside in Mini (or Youth) House League games.
  
  
• The normal throw-in will apply.
  
  
• Goal kicks must be taken from the six-yard area (small box). All opponent players must be outside the penalty area (bigger box) when the kick is taking place.
  
  
• The goalkeeper cannot use his hands outside the penalty box.
  
  
• The goalkeeper must wear the designated goalie sweater. In the event that one is not available, the goalkeeper should wear a colour that contrasts with the uniforms on the field.
  
  
• All free kicks are indirect (including corner kicks). A player cannot score on a free kick unless the ball is touched by a second player, regardless if the ball touches a teammate or an opponent player before the ball crosses the goal line.

Two distance rules for Mini divisions

1. Penalty shots are to be taken from an 8-yard spot (from the goal line) directly in front of the mid-point of the goal.

2. On all goal kicks, corner kicks and free kicks, the 6-yard rule applies. All opponent players must stand back at least 6 yards.

Team sizes

Age group	Ball size	Players on field
Mixed U4	3	4 vs 4
Mixed U5	3	4 vs 4
Mixed U6	3	5 vs 5 + goalkeeper
BU7	4	6 vs 6 + goalkeeper
BU8	4	6 vs 6 + goalkeeper
GU8	4	6 vs 6 + goalkeeper

In the event of a team having less than the required number of players, the opposing team must use the same number of players in the spirit of the game. Upon mutual consent, one team may "loan" players to the other team to create a more equitable situation. In Play-off games if a team has two or more players less to complete a full team, then the game will be forfeited. In the case that both teams can't complete the minimum of players required, then NO points will be awarded to either team.

• Shinpads and soccer shoes must be worn by all players. The shinpads must be worn on the inside of the socks. Team jerseys must be tucked into the shorts. Players shouldn't be wearing any jewellery, headgear or eyeglasses that aren't approved for sporting activities.
  
  
• Coaches shall be responsible for the behaviour of their team members, including parents, during practices and games. Please refer to the Zero Tolerance Policy regarding abusive or violent actions or language on the field.
  
  
• The referee has sole authority in the field. In the event there is no referee, the home coach shall referee the 1st half, and the opposing coach shall referee the 2nd half. They shall have sole authority for their halves.
  
  
• No standings will be kept. Game sheets must be completely filled out and given to the referee prior to the game. The game sheet is used primarily for the referee to be paid. Playoffs will be determined through a random draw at the end of league play.

Rain or shine please be on time!!!! Only the Referee or Authorized Club Designate can Postpone a Game due to Inclement Weather. All Games will be played, rain or shine, except in the event of thunder or lightning, where the game will be postponed or cancelled by authorized personnel. U4 and U5 Division games will be played at the coaches' discretion. All other age groups play games at the referee's discretion.

Reminder: The Referee's decisions are final. No protests are allowed. Good luck to all teams and remember...it's about having fun!!!