Chapter 4 : 7v7 FORMAT
3.4.01 : Modified Rules for 7v7 Play in Grade 3/4 Division [Updated Aug2016]
3.4.01(a) THE FIELD OF PLAY
The Field of Play for 7v7 matches in the Grade 3/4 Division shall have dimensions of approximately 60 yards long (Touch Line) by approximately 50 yards wide (Goal Line).
The Field of Play shall have the following markings :
1) Halfway Line with a Center Mark at its midpoint
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2) Center Circle with a radius of approximately 8 yards from the Center Mark
3) Penalty Area marked by a Penalty Line extending from one Touch Line to the other, approximately 12 yards
from and parallel to the Goal Line. No Goal Area is required.
4) Penalty Mark drawn approximately 9 yards from the midpoint between the goalposts.
3.4.01(b) GOALS
The Goals for 7v7 matches in the Grade 3/4 Division shall have dimensions of approximately 6 feet tall by approximately 4 yards wide, where available. Goals must be firmly secured to the ground.
3.4.01(c) THE BALL
The Ball for 7v7 matches in the Grade 3/4 Division shall be Size #4.
3.4.01(d) NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Each Team must field no fewer than FIVE (5) and no more than SEVEN (7) Players in order for a 7v7 match in the Grade 3/4 Division to begin or continue. One Player on each Team must be a Goalkeeper.
A Team is permitted to willingly and intentionally play shorthanded with fewer than SEVEN (7) but no fewer than FIVE(5) Players, one of whom must be a Goalkeeper.
The maximum roster size for the Grade3/4 Division is 11 Players.
3.4.01(e) DURATION OF PLAY
All 7v7 matches in the Grade 3/4 Division shall consist of two 30 minute halves, with a half-time interval of 5 minutes.
3.4.01(f) 8-YARD RULE
Opposing Players shall be at least 8 yards from the ball on the kickoff, corner kicks, direct kicks, and indirect free kicks, rather than 10 yards as normally required for 11v11 play.
3.4.01(g) PENALTY KICK
A Penalty Kick shall be taken from a stationary ball placed at the Penalty Mark within the Penalty Area. All Players except the Goalkeeper and Kicker must be outside the Penalty Area until the ball is kicked.
3.4.01(h) GOALKEEPER DISTRIBUTION
After a Goalkeeper takes possession and distributes the ball (e.g., by throw, punt, dropkick, etc.), the ball must next touch a Player or the Field prior to entering the Penalty Area of the opposing Team, or there is a loss of the ball and play restarts with an indirect free kick at the Halfway Line.
3.4.01(i) GOAL KICK
The Goal Kick shall be taken from anywhere in the Penalty Area, up to and including the Penalty Line. The ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the Penalty Area.
Opposing Players must stand no closer than the Halfway Line until the Goal Kick is taken, or the Goal Kick is re- taken.
After the Goal Kick is put in play, the ball must next touch a Player or the Field prior to entering the Penalty Area of the opposing Team, or there is a loss of the ball and play restarts with an indirect free kick at the Halfway Line.
3.4.01(j) INDIRECT KICKS
Indirect kicks by the offensive Team due to a foul by the defense within the Penalty Area shall be taken from the point on the Penalty Line nearest the spot of the infraction.
3.4.01(k) DROP BALLS
A drop ball due to an event within the Penalty Area shall be taken from the point on the Penalty Line nearest the spot of the infraction.
3.4.01(l) OFFSIDE LAW
The Offside Law shall be enforced only for 7v7 matches in the Rec1 Flight of the Grade 3/4 Division. The Offside Law shall not apply in any other matches in the Grade 3/4 Division.
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3.4.01(m) NO HEADING [Updated Mar2016]
NVYSL prohibits heading by Players in in the Grade 3/4 Division. Coaches must not instruct, encourage, or permit Players in the Grade 3/4 Division to head the ball during any practice, match, or other soccer activity. Referees shall penalize any Player who deliberately heads or attempts to head the ball by awarding an indirect free kick for the opposing team from the spot of the infraction. If the heading infraction is committed by a defending Player inside the Penalty Area, the indirect free kick shall be taken from the point on the Penalty Line nearest the spot of the infraction. An apparent goal scored as a result of deliberate heading shall be disallowed.