Intramural Rules

Thank you for volunteering to coach Intramural Soccer in the Medway Youth Soccer program.  This handout is intended to educate new and returning coaches on the rules for the 7 v 7 Intramural Soccer format.

Field & Equipment Size:

Field: 60 x 40 yards, Ball: Size 4, Goals: approx 6’ x 12’

Format

Each team should have 7 players on the field at one time, consisting of 6 players and a goalie, with each coach determining their formation. Typical formations may include the 2-3-1 (2 defenders, 3 midfielders, 1 forwards) along with a goalie, 3-2-1, 2-2-2, or simple 3-3, among others. Throughout the season, all players should be encouraged to play all positions, including goalie. All players should play equally. Rotation sheets or pre-set lineups are recommended to ensure players receive equal playing time.

Duration

(2) 25 minute halves will be played, running time with a 5 minute break for halftime.

Substitutions

All children should play equally. Substitutions are allowed at the following times:

  • At the start of each half
  • On any throw-in (coaches should notify referee, who will allow the subs)
  • On any goal kick (coaches should notify referee, who will allow the subs)
  • On any goal scored

Role of the Coaches

Head Coaches should be on the same sidelines with their team during the game. Assistant Coaches should stay with the players on the sidelines that are not currently on the field. Coaches should ensure proper rotations and equal playing time. Coaches should make player substitutions during the game at the designated times

Before, during and after the game, be an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit. Coaches are responsible for the sportsmanship of their players and the conduct of the parents of players. Parents should view the game from the opposite sideline of the players.

Coaches should not address the referee during the game.

Referees

A referee is assigned to each game by the referee coordinator. If for some reason a referee does not show up at the game, coaches will then serve as referee to ensure that the game starts and ends on time.

Start and End Times

Please start and end all games on time. If players are late or missing, opposing coaches may mutually agree to play 5 v 5, or to “loan” players from one team to another. Please do not recruit Intramural players from other teams, or older or younger siblings.

It is the coaches’ responsibility to field a team by game time. If a coach chooses to delay the start of the game to wait for additional players, the referee will shorten the game time to ensure the game ends on time.

Basic Rules of the 7 v 7 Game

  • No off-sides, however coaches should ensure two-way play from all players, i.e. no “goal-hanging”
  • When the ball goes out of bounds over the touchline, it is put back in play by a throw-in from the spot it went out of bounds. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.
  • When the ball goes over the goal line, it is put back into play by either a goal kick or a corner kick. This is the decision of the referee and is based upon which team last touched the ball.
  • Goal kicks shall be taken from within three yards of the goal line. The team not in possession shall withdraw to its defensive half of the field and may not enter its offensive half of the field until the ball has left the penalty area. Should the team in possession put the ball in play before the opposing players have taken position in their defensive half, play will continue.
  • After a goal has been scored, play shall begin by a kick-off at mid-field.
  • Players can score from anywhere on the field.
  • No slide tackles are allowed.
  • No penalty kicks are allowed.
  • Players should not kick at the ball, once the goalkeeper is in possession of the ball. For safety reasons, the referee will give the goalkeeper the benefit of the doubt on possession.
  • Goalkeeper should wear a different colored shirt than any other player.
  • Goalkeeper distributions (kick or throw) and goal kicks may not cross over the mid-field line in the air. If the ball does go beyond mid-field in the air the opposing team is awarded a free kick on the mid-field line where the ball crossed over.
  • The referee will stop play if a player fouls an opponent (e.g.trips, holds, pushes, etc.) The team which has been fouled then receives a free kick from the spot of the foul. All free kicks will be indirect kicks. There are no direct kicks at this level.
  • If the referee stops play due to injury or some other interruption, play will be resumed by a dropped ball.
  • Rough play will be whistled as a foul by the referee. Coaches in this league will work together to address rough play that is reckless or uses excessive force. If a player engages in taunting or trash-talking on the field or the sidelines, the referee may eject that player or give the coach a warning. Referees will note warnings or ejections in their report back to the Referee Assignor.

Sportsmanship

All players and all coaches should shake hands at the end of the game.  Coaches and players should thank the referee at the end of the game.

Score

The referee keeps and maintains the game score.  No records, standings or stats are kept.