Rules of the game - and PTSA Grasshopper Program Summary
The official rules are in black type and web author comments are in blue type.
Micro Soccer and its organization Micro Soccer is used to distinguish the game beyond that of small-sided games mini-soccer and mod-soccer. MicroSoccer uses the fundamental team unit - three – as the basis for learning and for having fun.
The Rules of Micro Soccer
1. The field is approximately 30 yards x 20 yards although the size can be adjusted over a period of time by trial and error. The dimensions should vary according to the age and abilities of the players. If it is not possible to line the fields, use existing field markings, cones and/or frisbees.
2. If the field is not lined, marker cones are placed on the sidelines, six yards out from goal lines. These mark an imaginary line forming the goalkeeping zone. The goalkeeper can handle the ball inside this zone, but may play (and should be encouraged to do so) beyond the line in a conventional manner, using feet and body but not the hands.
3. Goals are set up using cornet flags (preferably free-standing ones), nine feet apart. An ideal method is to use poles or comer flags inserted in large cones.
4. Goals can be scored from anywhere but the ball must pass below the imaginary line across the top of goals.
5. The coach referees, or appoints his assistant or a parent.
6. Time-outs are called every two or three minutes, when substitutions are made.
7. Each team has a goalkeeper, but the goalkeepers are changed at each time-out on a rotating basis so that "equal time" is established for the goalkeeping function.
8. If there are six players on a team (three on, three off), line changes can be made periodically so the same three players do not always play together.
9. When the ball goes out of play, the game is re-started by one of the following ways:
a) Over the sidelines, with a throw-in (or kick-in, if the coach so desires).
b) Over the goal line, with a goal kick if attacking team last touched the ball; or comer kick if defending team last played ball (goal kick is taken from anywhere in the goalkeeper handing zone; corner from where goal line and sideline meet).
c) After a goal is scored, re-start the game with a goal kick. Alternatively, with the youngest players, mark a center spot, and re-start with a kick-off from the center.
Note: Goals cannot be scored directly from a goal kick, a throw-in, a kick off or a free kick. There are no penalty kicks in Micro Soccer.
10. If a foul throw is committed, the coach explains the correct method and lets the offender re-take the throw. Discretionary power is then given to the referee if another foul throw is committed but, most times, it won't be called.
11. Because of the small field size and the end-to-end nature of the game, the ball may go out of play frequently. Coaches should encourage parents to participate as ball parents to help the flow and the enjoyment of the game. Any players on the sidelines should be encouraged to help get the ball back in play quickly. On gymnasia, artificial turf, all-weather and other hard surfaces the ball will run more quickly. If possible, compensate by widening the playing area or by reducing the air pressure of the ball.
12. Practice sessions (and games) are no longer than 35 to 40 minutes. Because of this, parents are encouraged to stay for both practices and games and to participate in practice sessions.
13. All infringements - tripping handling, etc. - are punished by an indirect free kick, i.e. ball must be passed first before a shot can be taken. There are no penalties (players of this age are completely honest and do not commit deliberate fouls; and the 'indirect' free kick encourages passing and co-operation).
14. All opposing players must be at least five yards from the ball on free kicks, comer kicks and goal kicks.
Please Note: A more comprehensive and formalized Micro Soccer Rule Book for Tournament and Match Play is available from the publishers.
System for substitutions and rotation
A substitution or rotation system will depend on the number of players available: With 3 players - There are no substitutes, unless necessary per the coaches discretion. Increase the number of time-outs and reduce playing time of game. Remember about "equal time" for goalkeepers. Because the game's intensity is, for young players, impossible to sustain for a long period, a two-minute system is most effective. The ideal "practice" number.
Grasshopper Soccer Program
Summary Information for Coaches
The following "black type" is the official information page given out by the Peters Township Soccer Association. The "blue type" is comentary by the web page author.
(Complete rules, Coaches Guide and other information is on the web site www.ptsoccer.net)
1) Goal of Program:
a) Fun with Soccer b) Learn basics (Throw-in – passing – dribbling – shooting)
2) Duration: 8 weeks (note: no game is scheduled Easter Weekend)
3) Practices: 1 practice each week, 50-min. max, 2 teams can practice on each field. Practice times:
a) 4:30 - 5:30 b) 5:30 - 6:30 c) 6:30 - 7:30
4) Fields: All on the old Grasshopper Field (OGF) at the top of the hill in Peterswoods Park. There are three fields.
5) Game Format
a) Micro Soccer rules are in the handbook Coaching 6, 7, & 8 Year Olds – pg. 12 – 13. PTSA modifications are listed below.)
b) Two forwards, one defender / goalkeeper forming a triangle.
6) Game Times
a) One per week (Saturday)
b) Duration: Four 10 min. quarters
c) 2-min. break between quarters
d) 5-min. Half-time break
e) All games must be completed within an hour.
7) Playing time: Each child must play at least half the game. Rotate players so they play all positions.
8) Substitutions (subs.):
a) Group subs. at a scheduled time-out at five min. so that all players off the field come on for the next five-min.
9) Individual substitutions only if necessary. As follows:
a) Prior to a throw-in, in your favor
b) Prior to a goal kick by either team
c) After a goal by either team
d) After an injury by either team
10) During the game, the coaches are on the field to run the game and help their players. A whistle is handy to start and stop play.
11) Injuries: Tend to children immediately - Safety first. If a player is injured, stop play until he/she is helped off the field.
12) No score is kept, and there are no team standings.
13) Sportsmanship: Opposing coaches and players line-up and shake hands at the end of each game.
14) Field Preparation: The coaches of the 9:00 a.m. games are responsible for painting the lines on the field. Check the fields Friday night, they may have been lined by others. If not, the paint is in the box at the field the lock combination is 0771.
15) Parents and spectators watch from the opposite side of the field from the teams. Parents are not allowed to watch or help from behind the goals. Remind parents to cheer pass-it or shoot-it not kick-it.
16) Refreshments: Have parents take turns bringing drinks for after the game and orange wedges for half time.
17) Coaches equipment: Every coach receives an equipment bag with a first aid kit, soccer game ball, player cards and practice cones. The cards are medical release forms, have these for all practices, games and soccer activities. All of these need to be returned at the end of the season except the ball (which is yours to keep). For equipment questions call Jeff Brooks (724) 942-4287, Director of Equipment or John Yadlosky 724-941-9031, Grasshopper Commissioner. Coaching 6, 7, & 8 Year Olds manual and a video tape are available from the Peters Township Library.
18) Soccer Hotline: ???????. FOR COACHES ONLY to determine if fields are open or closed during inclement weather. NOTE: the coaches, Fields Commissioner or the Grasshopper Commissioner can call the game/close the fields. Play safe!
19) Trophies: All players will receive a trophy at the end of the spring season, make sure the commissioner has your correct roster.
20) End of season rating of players: A, B or C based upon coach’s judgement. Use A high and C low.
21) Picture Day: Fall Only
22) Remember to fill out and return your Volunteer Disclosure Statement
24) Problems, contact: John Yadlosky Grasshopper Commissioner – 724-941-9031 or Dave Rotoloni, President – 724-941- 1829.
PLAYER EQUIPMENT
1) MANDATORY:
a) Shin guards for practices and games
b) No Jewelry (watches, necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc.)
c) Player Registration Card
2) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:
a) Soccer ball, size 3 or 4. Every player needs to bring one to practice.
b) Water bottle for practice and games.
3) UNIFORMS:
Game uniform required.
i) Shorts (red preferred)
ii) Red / White reversible jersey
iii) Red or White soccer socks (must completely cover the shin guard)
iv) Soccer shoes (no metal cleats) or sneakers
(Soccer uniforms for the PT in House program can be purchased at Century Sports or Victory Sports.)
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