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UDSC Rec Soccer Rules (2026)
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K, 1st Grade2nd+3rd Grade4th+5th GradeMiddle SchoolHigh School
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Ball Size#3#4#4#5#5
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Shin guardsMandatoryMandatoryMandatoryMandatoryMandatory
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JewelryMust Remove - No exceptionsMust Remove - No exceptionsMust Remove - No exceptionsMust Remove - No exceptionsMust Remove - No exceptions
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Field Size (minimum in yards)30 x 2047 x 3075 x 47112 x 75 112 x 75
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Number of Players4v4 or 5v57v79v911v1111v11
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No GK6 + GK8 + GK10 + GK10 + GK
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Minimum to startN/AN/AEven sided teams to start and play - Other team can borrow players from other teams in the same league (regular season only)Even sided teams to start and play - Other team can borrow players from other teams in the same league (regular season only)Even sided teams to start and play - Other team can borrow players from other teams in the same league (regular season only)
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Coin tossNoYes, winning team may choose kick-off or side of fieldYes, winning team may choose kick-off or side of fieldYes, winning team may choose kick-off or side of fieldYes, winning team may choose kick-off or side of field
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Substitutes / Playing TimeFree SubsFree SubsFree SubsFree SubsFree Subs
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Each player should play 50% of the time each game (if player does not, player starts next game)Each player should play 50% of the time each game (if player does not, player starts next game)Each player should play 50% of the time each game (if player does not, player starts next game)Each player must try to play an equal number of minutes (sub at each 12-15 min mark)Each player must try to play an equal number of minutes (sub at each 12-15 min mark)
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Entering player comes from the team benchEntering player should be at half-line. Exiting player should leave field at nearest point.Entering player should be at half-line. Exiting player should leave field at nearest point.Entering player should be at half-line. Exiting player should leave field at nearest point.Entering player should be at half-line. Exiting player should leave field at nearest point.
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Players may be substituted at any throw-in at the center line.A player may be substituted at any stoppage of play with the permission of the referee. (No restrictions on substitution)A player may be substituted at any stoppage of play with the permission of the referee. (No restrictions on substitution)A player may be substituted at any stoppage of play with the permission of the referee. (No restrictions on substitution)A player may be substituted at any stoppage of play with the permission of the referee. (No restrictions on substitution)
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Players may be substituted at any goal kick.
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Players may be substituted on a corner kick or free kick.
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RefereeNone - Coach instruction on field1 Unlicensed Ref1 Licensed Ref2 Licensed Refs2 Licensed Refs
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2 Parent Linespersons to only raise flag when ball goes out in the direction of possession2 Parent Linespersons to only raise flag when ball goes out in the direction of possessionPIAA StandardUp to 2 Refs for Boys and Girls
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Length of GameQuartersQuartersHalvesHalvesHalves
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8 minute quarters (K)
10 minute quarters (1st Grade)		12 minute quarters25 minute halves30 minute halves35 minute halves
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3 minutes between quarters3 minutes between quarters10 minute halftime10 minute halftime10 minute halftime
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OffsideNo OffsideFIFA LawsFIFA LawsFIFA LawsFIFA Laws
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GoalkeeperNo GoalkeeperUnlimited Steps/TimeFIFA Laws (6 seconds)FIFA Laws (6 seconds)FIFA Laws (6 seconds)
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Goalkeeper PuntingN/ANoYesYesYes
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Intentional Heading PermittedNo - Indirect KickNo - Indirect KickNo - Indirect KickYesYes
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Buildout LineNoYes

The ball is in play once the kick is taken; it can be played before leaving the penalty area.		NoNoNo
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Intentional Kick Back & GK Picks UpN/AFIFA LawsFIFA LawsFIFA LawsFIFA Laws
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Yellow CardNoNoYes, including coaches Player immediately leaves the field and is replaced with a sub.Player immediately leaves the field and is replaced with a sub.
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Player sits out and calms down before returning to play.Player sits out and calms down before returning to play.
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2 Yellow cards in one game = a Red card.2 Yellow cards in one game = a Red card.
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Yellow cards are cumulative game to game.
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Coaches can receive a yellow card and must calm down to remain on sidelineCoaches can receive a yellow card and must calm down to remain on sideline
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Red Card ( 2 Yellow)NoNoNoPlayer receiving a Red card must immediately leave the game.Player receiving a Red card must immediately leave the game.
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The Red carded player can NOT be replaced with another player (the team plays down a player)The Red carded player can NOT be replaced with another player (the team plays down a player)
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Coaches can receive a red card and must leave the sideline Coaches can receive a red card and must leave the sideline
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Free KicksAll IndirectAll IndirectFIFA LawsFIFA LawsFIFA Laws
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Penalty KicksNo Penalty KicksNo Penalty KicksFIFA LawsFIFA LawsFIFA Laws
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Throw-ins (as soon as ball crosses the touchline, it is in play. If play lifts foot after ball enters play, NOT a foul throwInstruction until players gets it close to correctFIFA LawsFIFA LawsFIFA LawsFIFA Laws
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Both feet down and ball over head - Can NOT be offside on a throw-inBoth feet down and ball over head - Can NOT be offside on a throw-inBoth feet down and ball over head - Can NOT be offside on a throw-inBoth feet down and ball over head - Can NOT be offside on a throw-in
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Instruction on first violation and re-throwLose throw on violationLose throw on violationLose throw on violation
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Goal Line CoachingNoNoNoNoNo
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Goal Line SpectatingNoNoNoNoNo
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Team BenchesOpposite SidelinesSame SidelinesSame SidelinesSame SidelinesSame Sidelines
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SpectatorsWith TeamOpposite SidelinesOpposite SidelinesOpposite SidelinesOpposite Sidelines
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StandingsNoNoReported to coordinator - not for public viewing
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Score KeptNoNo
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Playoffs/TournamentNoNoYesYesYes
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Rec SelectNoNoYesYesYes
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Updated: July 17, 2026