NSA Recreation Rules

Grades 5 - 8

Grades 3 - 4

Grades 1 - 2

Grades PreK - K

Division I

Grades 5 - 8

  • Teams should arrive prior to the scheduled start time and be ready to play.
  • Games will be officiated like a regular full-sided match.
  • Games are 9 v 9 including the goalie depending on roster size.
  • Games will be two 30-minute halves.
  • Ball size: 5
  • Offsides will be called.
  • Substitutions allowed on any stoppage of play at the discretion of the referee. Please wait for the referee’s signal before sending subs onto the field.
  • No parents on the field. They must watch from the opposite side of the field than the teams.
  • No coaching from behind the goals. Players and coaches not in the game should be along the sidelines near midfield.
  • Keep scores respectful.
  • Have fun!

Division II

Grades 3 - 4

  • NO HEADING THE SOCCER BALL IN GAMES OR PRACTICES! Headers will result in an indirect kick for the opposing team.
  • Teams should arrive prior to the scheduled start time and be ready to play.
  • Games are 9 v 9 including the goalie depending on roster size.
  • Games will be two 25-minute halves.
  • Games will be officiated like a regular small-sided match.
  • Ball size: 4
  • Field size: 35 yards x 55 yards
  • Offsides will be called. The offside line will be the build-out line, not midfield.
  • Goalies are not allowed to punt the ball.
  • Substitutions allowed on any stoppage of play. No subs on the fly.
  • Build Out Line: The build out line is intended to help the defensive team. It is approximately halfway between the end of the penalty box and midfield. When the goalie has the ball in his/her hand, the opposing team must retreat behind the build out line. Once the goalie puts the ball in play it is live and the opposing team may cross the build out line. When the defensive team has a goal kick. The same applies when the defensive team has a goal kick, the opposing team must retreat behind the build out line. Once the ball is kicked and leaves the penalty area, it is live and the opposing team may cross the line. The team in possession of the ball does not have to be behind the build out line.
  • No parents on the field. They must watch from the opposite side of the field than the teams.
  • No coaching from behind the goals. Players and coaches not in the game should be along the sidelines near midfield.
  • Keep scores respectful.
  • Have fun!

Division III

Grades 1 - 2

  • NO HEADING THE SOCCER BALL IN GAMES OR PRACTICES!
  • Teams should arrive prior to the scheduled start time and be ready to play.
  • Games are 7 v 7 or 9 v 9 including the goalie depending on roster size.
  • Games will be two 20-minute halves.
  • Ball size: 4
  • Field size: 35 yards x 55 yards
  • No offsides
  • Goalies are not allowed to punt the ball.
  • Substitutions allowed on any stoppage of play. No subs on the fly.
  • Goal kicks must leave the penalty area before being touched by a player on either team.
  • Build Out Line: The build out line is intended to help the defensive team. It is approximately halfway between the end of the penalty box and midfield. When the goalie has the ball in his/her hand, the opposing team must retreat behind the build out line. Once the goalie puts the ball in play it is live and the opposing team may cross the build out line. When the defensive team has a goal kick. The same applies when the defensive team has a goal kick, the opposing team must retreat behind the build out line. Once the ball is kicked and leaves the penalty area, it is live and the opposing team may cross the line. The team in possession of the ball does not have to be behind the build out line.
  • Coaches are allowed on the field to assist the refs if necessary to ensure that his/her team follows the rules of play.
  • No parents on the field.
  • No coaching from behind the goals. Players and coaches not in the game should be along the sidelines near midfield.
  • In the event of a foul throw, players will be allowed to throw the ball in again. Referees and/or coaches should instruct players on a proper throw in.
  • Please do not run up the scores.
  • Have fun!

Division IV

Grades PreK- K

  • NO HEADING THE SOCCER BALL IN GAMES OR PRACTICES!
  • Teams should arrive prior to the scheduled start time and be ready to play.
  • Games will be two 15 minute halves. At the coaches’ discretion, games may be reduced to two 10 minute halves.
  • 5 v 5 on the field
  • No goalies
  • Ball size: 3
  • Field size: 15 yards x 25 yards
  • Substitutions on any stoppage of play.
  • Coaches will officiate the games.
  • No parents on the field unless there is an injury requiring parental attention.
  • Keep scores close if possible.