Ducks · 4U 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 4U GAME
4v4Four players from each team are on the field at a time. All four are field players; there is no goalkeeper.
Quarter8 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 4U Game

4v4 · 8 minutes quarters
  • Four players from each team are on the field at a time. All four are field players; there is no 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.

Around the Goal

The shooting arc protects the goal area
Around the Goal visual guide
  • There is a marked shooting arc in front of each goal. Players do not touch the ball inside that arc.
  • There is no goalkeeper in 4U.
  • There are no penalty kicks and no offside calls in 4U.

Fouls & Safety

Keep it safe and let the referee teach
  • Field players may not deliberately handle the ball with their hands or arms.
  • Pushing, tripping, holding, kicking or unsafe contact can result in a free kick.
  • Headers and slide tackling are not allowed.
  • Referees will explain calls, especially with younger players.

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