Rhinos · 11U PARENT GUIDE

Rules & How to Play

The basics parents need to understand what is happening on the field without reading the full coach rule book.

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SOCCER IN THE COUNTRY RULES ASSISTANT

Have a rules question?

Ask it in plain English. The answer starts with our league rules and explains soccer terms simply.

YOUR 11U GAME
8v8Eight players from each team are on the field at a time: seven field players plus one goalkeeper.
Quarter12 minutes
Playing time3 of 4 minimum
Quick versionParents do not need to memorize every rule. The referee teaches the game on the field. These sections explain the basics you will see from the sideline.
Soccer field basics diagram

Your 11U Game

8v8 · 12 minutes quarters
  • Eight players from each team are on the field at a time: seven field players plus one goalkeeper.
  • Every game has four quarters.
  • Every available player plays at least 3 of 4 quarters in that game.
  • Normal substitutions happen between quarters.
  • Mid-quarter substitutions are for injury, illness, safety, restroom needs or another legitimate child need—not strategy.

How Play Starts

Kickoff from the center
How Play Starts visual guide
  • A kickoff starts the game. After a goal, the team that was scored on takes the next kickoff from the center spot.
  • Both teams begin on their own half. The other team stays outside the center circle until the ball is touched.
  • The ball may be kicked in any direction. The player taking the kickoff cannot touch it again until someone else touches it.
  • A goal cannot be scored directly from the kickoff.

When the Ball Goes Out

Throw-in · goal kick · corner kick
When the Ball Goes Out visual guide
  • The whole ball must cross the line before it is out of play.
  • Out over a sideline: the other team gets a throw-in.
  • Out over the goal line after the attacking team touched it last: goal kick.
  • Out over the goal line after the defending team touched it last: corner kick.

Goalkeeper

Hands only in the penalty area
Goalkeeper visual guide
  • The goalkeeper may use their hands inside the goal/penalty area.
  • The goalkeeper should release the ball within 6 seconds after gaining possession.
  • The goalkeeper may not pick up a deliberate kick or throw-in from a teammate; those balls must be played with the feet.

Fouls, Goalkeeper & Penalties

The main calls you will see in 11U
  • Offside is NOT called in this league, including 11U. Coaches can focus on the ball, spacing and effort rather than teaching an offside trap.
  • Pushing, tripping, holding, kicking, unsafe tackling and deliberate handball can result in free kicks.
  • A direct-kick foul inside the penalty area can result in a penalty kick.
  • The goalkeeper may use hands only inside the penalty area. Outside that area, the goalkeeper plays like any other field player.
  • Headers and slide tackling are not allowed.

Game Day

Arrive ready, then let the kids play
  • Players should arrive 15–20 minutes before kickoff.
  • Game uniform: league jersey, league socks, black shorts or leggings, shin guards and soccer cleats or athletic shoes.
  • Shin guards are required for games.
  • Players and coaches are on one sideline; spectators are on the opposite sideline.
  • After the game: handshake, combined prayer, then clear the field for the next teams.

Practice

One official 60-minute practice each week
  • Bring the player’s personal soccer ball, water and appropriate shoes.
  • Shin guards are strongly encouraged at practice.
  • One optional extra practice is allowed only when an open field and time slot exists.
  • If practice is canceled, the coach notifies the team and league leadership. A makeup requires an open slot.

Parents, Sidelines & Officials

Parents encourage · Coaches coach · Referees referee
  • Encourage players from the spectator sideline. Please do not continually coach across the field.
  • Respect officials, opposing teams and other families. Arguing or yelling at officials is not acceptable.
  • For normal concerns about playing time, positions or coaching decisions, use a 24-hour cooling-off period after games.
  • Safety, abuse, threats or urgent concerns should be raised immediately and do not wait 24 hours.

Weather, Safety & Communication

Safety first · Use the official Team GroupMe
  • League leadership makes Saturday delay, suspension, resumption and cancellation decisions.
  • Lightning means field activity stops. Wait for official league instructions before returning.
  • Rain by itself does not automatically cancel games.
  • Use GroupMe for practice reminders, absences, weather changes and normal team questions.
  • Tell the coach as soon as possible if your child will miss a game.
Soccer in the Country · Church in the Country · Woodville, Texas · 2026