FSL 5V5
FRIENDLY SOCCER LEAGUE 5V5. LEAGUE DIRECTOR: Zoran Lomic
RULES AND REGULATIONS
10/01/2021
The California Stars Soccer Club, Friendly Soccer League 5v5 rules contained herein shall govern its members in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are consistent with the Constitution, Bylaws, General Procedures and Specific Rules of CYSA-South; and the constitution and bylaws of the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
Sportsmanship, Enjoyment and Participation
Friendly Soccer League 5v5 is a soccer league for boys and girls ages U7-U10 played in a 5v5 format which gives players the opportunity to improve their touch on the ball and speed of play. Games are played in a stress-free environment which encourages creativity and player development.
Scores and standings are not kept. The focus is on Sportsmanship, Enjoyment and Participation.
The Friendly Soccer League 5v5 conducts activities Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Each season is 8 weeks long each calendar year. The Winter League generally runs from January – March, Spring League from April – May, Summer League from August – September, and Fall League from October – December.
The FSL League slogan. “A Friendly Youth Soccer Experience”, encompasses our philosophy of providing a fun-fill and competitive environment for all teams participating in our Friendly Soccer League 5v5 games.
Teams requesting admittance into the FSL 5v5 League shall complete FSL 5v5 online team registration. By registering with the FSL 5v5 League, the entire team membership is acknowledging that it will be available to play on each and every play date with no exceptions.
The team fee required to participate in the FSL 5v5 league shall be determined by the FSL Board of Directors and published by January 1st of each year.
If a team drops/withdraws after its application is submitted to the FSL 5v5 League because the team has not become viable and is therefore incapable of participating, a full refund will be provided.
Game Format:
5v5 with a goalie (4 field players plus goalie)
Team roster size
Maximum 10 players
Game Lengths
U7 & U8 teams play three 20-minute games the same day
U9 & U10 teams play four 20-minute games the same day
Locations
Games are played at a neutral location determined by the league host
Scores and standing
“No Scores, No Standings and No Trophies” Team and player development is paramount. Coaches should create a stimulating learning environment where the atmosphere is “Friendly and Fun”. The philosophy underlying the FSL 5v5 Friendly format is to focus on the FUNdamentals and emphasize skill development and movement through games and activities that promote a feel for the ball, while teaching the basic principles of play within a fun and structured environment.
Referees
No referees. Coaches of both teams will coach and manage the game from the sideline to aid with learning and allow for a more informal, fun environment. The FSL 5v5 field marshal may assist when needed. The focus is to learn proper technique in a game setting, improve individual ball skills, participate in 5v5 format style soccer, and gain self-confidence as an individual soccer player.
Carding
All teams (players) must have CYSA cards to present to the FSL 5v5 official when requested before the start of the game.
How is FSL 5v5 competitive?
- Teams are required to list their ‘competitive level’ during registration, so that they are placed against like competition in an appropriate division.
- Players have a natural desire to compete. Coaches are encouraged to foster this competitive edge during games.
Why play in the FSL 5v5 setting?
- Coaches are more incentivized to play all their players equally and experiment with players in different positions giving them a different game day experience.
- Coaches are able to adjust tactics and observe the game without the pressure of a ‘must win’ environment.
- Players feel more comfortable taking chances and being creative without the thought of costing their team a shot at the title.
- Parents are able to focus on their player and the game being played while avoiding ‘scoreboard’ watching.
- FSL 5v5 atmosphere that encourages taking chances as a team, as a coach and as a player is most beneficial to soccer development at this early stage.
The League has obtained permission for use of school and park facilities, and each participant agrees to abide by the rules and conditions imposed by these facilities, including but not limited to prohibitions on smoking, alcohol, littering, pets (NO DOGS), cycling, rollerblading, skating and skateboarding, foul and abusive language, and any illegal activity. Participants agree to keep the facilities clean and pick up trash even if deposited by others.
- PLAYING AREA
- Dimensions of Field
Length: 35 yards
Width: 25 yards - Penalty Area
A semi-circle of 8 yards radius shall be drawn from the center of each goal line. - Goal
FSL 5v5 goals shall ideally be 6 feet high and 9 feet wide, or as close to these dimensions as available.
It is necessary to ensure that portable goals of any size are either secured or weighted to prevent them from toppling forward, as is the case with all goals on playing fields.
2.BALL SIZE
Size #4 ball
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS
- Players
The match shall be played with 4 field players and 1 goalie. - Substitutions
Substitutions are unlimited for all players, including goalkeepers and can be made at any stoppage in play. The player entering the playing area shall do so from the substitution area but not until the player leaving the playing area has passed completely over the sideline. Any of the other players may change places with the goalkeeper, provided that the change is made during a stoppage in the game.
- PLAYER EQUIPMENT
- Footwear
Soccer cleats, soccer turfs or sneakers shall be worn. - Shin Guards
The wearing of shin guards is required. Any player who fails to wear shin guards is not allowed to participate. - Accessories A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry). No necklaces, earrings, nose rings, belly rings, bracelets, or tiaras. Soft “scrunchies” in the hair are generally allowed as are soft head stockings.
- DURATION OF THE GAME
The duration of the game shall be 20 minutes.
There is no half-time break, and there is no need to switch sides during a 5v5 game.
There is a 10 minute break between each 20 minute game
- START OF PLAY
- Direction
At the beginning of a game, the choice of ends shall be decided. If in dispute, a quick coin flip will be utilized to allow choice of ends. - The Kick-off
A kick-off is a way of starting or restarting play: At the start of the match and after a goal has been scored.
- BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY
- Out of Play
The ball is considered out of play when it has crossed the goal line or the sidelines. - Kick-In
A kick-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball crosses the touchline, either on the ground or in the air.
A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-in.
All opponents must stand no less than 2 yards from the point at which the kick-in is taken.
The ball is placed just outside the touchline at the point at which it went out of play.
The ball is in play when it enters the field of play.
The kick-in is taken by a player other than the goalkeeper.
After delivering the ball, the kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.
- INFRINGEMENT
In the event of an infringement, the kick-in is taken by a player of the opposing team
- SCORING
A goal is scored when the whole of the ball crosses the goal-line between the goal posts and under the crossbar, provided it has not been thrown, carried or propelled by hand or arm by a player of the attacking side, except in the case of a goalkeeper who is within his own penalty area.
- OFFSIDE
There is no offside for 5v5. Players may place themselves in any part of the playing area outside the penalty areas.
- FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
- Inappropriate Contact
Charging and sliding tackles are forbidden and shall be penalized by the awarding of a direct free kick. - Inappropriate Play without the Ball
A player who unfairly impedes the progress of an opponent when not playing the ball shall be penalized by the awarding of an indirect free kick. - Send-Offs
A player who is sent off shall not be allowed to take any further part in the competition on that day. No substitute is allowed for a player dismissed for misconduct during the game in which the offense occurred.
- GOALKEEPER RETURNING THE BALL INTO PLAY
- Return to Play
After taking possession of the ball, the goalkeeper must immediately return the ball into play with an under-arm bowling action, or by placing the ball on the ground.
Once the goalkeeper has the ball in his hands, every opposing player must clear out of the penalty area until the goalkeeper releases the ball or places it on the ground.
- HEADING
There will be no deliberate heading.
If a player deliberately heads the ball, the restart will be an indirect free kick to the opponent.
- COACHES, PARENTS & PLAYERS
By registering your team to the FSL 5v5 league, coaches, players, and parents agree to follow all league protocols, policies, and responsibilities.
All players, coaches and parents from each team will reside on opposite sides of the field during the games.
Coaches are responsible for the actions and behaviors of themselves, their teams’ parents, and players. They will encourage safe, competitive, fair play, good sportsmanship and proper on-field and off-field conduct. Players are expected to display good sportsmanship towards opponents and coaches.
A completed roster of player and coach names with CYSA ID numbers must be listed on the FSL 5v5 online roster before each game day.
Players & teams can play up if it’s best from a competitive standpoint.
Girls teams can play in the Boys Division.
- COVID-19
FSL 5v5 will follow both CYSA and State mandated Covid-19 policies.
