U6 Information and Guidelines

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for Parents and Coaches

 

General

·        The intown U6 division is co-ed

·        There have been approx. 12 to 14 teams

Player Equipment

·        Soccer shoes/cleats, shorts, socks

·        Team shirt (provided by league)

·        Shin pads (required)

·        #3 Soccer ball (required for practices)

·        Water bottle (recommended)

·        Mouth piece (optional)

Schedules

The Spring Season usually begins in late April.   The Fall Season usually begins in early September (right after Labor Day). 

Once your child is assigned to a team, your child's coach will telephone you.  Game schedules are given to the coaches for distribution to the team.

Game/Practice Format

The majority of games are held on Saturdays, with an occasional mid-week game in the early evening.  Each game begins with a 25-minute practice, followed by a 10-minute snack break, and then a 25-minute scrimmage with the other team. 

Fields

U6 games are played at the following fields:

Spring -- down behind Town Annex

Fall -- Memorial Field (behind Town Library)

Snack Sign-Up

Parents are asked to take turns bringing snacks (snack and drink) to each game.  Your coach will have a sign-up sheet.  Some healthy snacks that players have enjoyed include fruit (oranges, grapes, watermelon, strawberries, fruit cups, etc.), raisins, granola bars, variety of juices, gatorade, etc

 Please remember

·        FUN is No. 1 !!  Laugh and keep a sense of humor.

·        Score is not kept for U6 games.  There are no team standings or playoffs.

·        Praise and cheer teammates and opponents for participation, regardless of skill.

Rule/Guidelines

·        Number of players

·        Games 1 - 4: four players per team on the field at one time. No goalie.

·        Games 5 - 9: Add goalie.  Four players plus goalie.

·        Coaches/Referees

·        Coaches act as referees for the game.  But only ONE coach per team on the field during games.

·        At least one coach/ref should have and use a whistle.

·        Coaches must not act a goalie during games and must not stop other team from scoring.

·        Play Restart

·        Attempt to keep ball within reasonable bounds of play.

·        If ball goes out of bounds, use goal kicks or throw-ins (not corner kicks) to restart. Throw-ins may be phased in as season progresses.

·        Allow players to restart the play -- coaches should avoid tossing ball back into play themselves.

Player Rotation and Substitution

·        Effort should be made to only make substitution of players when play has stopped.

·        Rotate players to ensure equal playing time and rest -- regardless of gender or ability.

Good Sportsma nship

·        Team players to line up to shake hands with opposing team at the end of each game.

·        No tolerance for pushing or other inappropriate behavior among players during games.

Penalties

·        None.  No infractions will be called to penalize a team.

·        Play may be stopped for unsportsman-like conduct—pushing, etc.—to remind players of rules and proper behavior.

Injuries

·        Upon injury to any player, all players must be instructed to immediately sit down on the field.  This will ensure that the injured player may be attended to without ‘chaos’ on the field.

·        First aid kits are supplied by the league.