1. Play in conducted as 4 vs. 4 using a size #3 ball. Players should be encouraged to play both offense and defense. There are no goalkeepers; therefore, players should not be parked in front of a goal. The referee will encourage the players to move up the field.
2. A match consists of four quarters, with each quarter being 8 minutes in length. Take two-to-three minute quarter breaks and a five minute halftime break. This should give players plenty of time to rest. Games are scheduled one hour apart. Therefore, you have one hour to complete the game.
3. The execution of a slide tackle in Rec. minor is NOT permitted and shall result in an indirect free kick for the non-offending team.
4. We use referees. They will  monitor the game, keep time, and enforce the division rules. Coaches may not be on the pitch.
5. Kids at this age do not intentionally foul. Their motor coordination is not fully developed so they will run into each other and will trip and fall. If a child deliberately runs into other children, coaches should instruct him/her not to do so, give them a couple of chances and if it continues, that player would sit out for a minute or two.
6. We do not enforce handling (handball) rules. At this age kids are afraid of getting hit and use their hands to protect themselves. If a player picks the ball up, the referee will quickly restart the game  with an indirect free kick. Example, blue player picks up the ball while in play, the referee will blow the whistle, and have nearest yellow player take the kick quickly to get the ball back in play.
7. Offside does not exist at this age level.
8. There is no heading allowed, a headed ball will result in the play being stopped amd the ball placed on the ground and the player to resume play with the feet.
9. We are doing KICK-INS from the place the ball went out, along the touch line and  if it goes out at the end line it moves to the corner for a KICK-IN.
10. There are  goal kicks. The ball will be placed on the arc, the defending team will be moved back to the half-line. 
11. There are no other penalties to govern play other than safe and fair play. If a player falls down and is in danger of being hurt, the referee should stop the game immediately. Players should be coached to get up quickly after falling down.
12. We do not record scores; however, coaches are encouraged to make the games a competitive and evenly matched as possible. This may require adjusting the players on the team after the first quarter. Sometimes it is actually best to have a player switch shirts and play for the other team. This can help if one team is short of players and also if one team is much stronger than the other.
13. Teams are to bench between the fields. Parents and supporters are REQUIRED to remain on the opposite side of the pitch.

• GSA soccer is supposed to be FUN for players, coaches, and parents. If you finish a practice or a game and everyone wants to come back next time, you are doing a great job as coach.
• All players should play at least fifty percent (50%) of the match in all games, regardless of ability.
• Teams should have at least one (1), but more than three (3) meetings per week for practices or games. Most of the time, one game and one practice per week are the ideal schedule.
• Emphasis should be on development of individual ball control skills and confidence with the ball. The commissioner will send out a set of games to play during practice time, to help the team have fun while learning some soccer fundamentals.
• Players should be able to control the ball toward a particular direction. Encourage players to touch the ball with the inside or top of of the foot rather than the toe.
• Coaches are encouraged to complete the USYSA Grassroots course, or the United Soccer Coaches 4v4 course.

Pursuant to US Soccer Federation guidelines and the Ohio South Youth Soccer Association bylaws, GSA enforces the following rules regarding heading:

• No intentional headers will be allowed in U-10 and lower age divisions' games
• No coach in a U-10 or lower age division shall be permitted to instruct players on how to perform a header
• U-12 teams are allowed no more than 30 minutes per week to instruct on how to head the ball

References:

• US Soccer Player Safety Campaign FAQs
• Ohio South Youth Soccer Association Bylaws (see section 20.0, Player Safety)