REC RULES, GAME FORMATS AND RESOURCES

DC Soccer Club’s Recreational Soccer program is designed to provide an age-appropriate, positive environment where players can learn, develop, and enjoy the game.


This page provides important information for Rec players, families, coaches, and volunteers, including age-group game formats and rules, roster and field guidelines, codes of conduct, and player safety and reporting resources.



Our game formats and rules are adapted by age and stage of development, using guidance from U.S. Soccer and US Youth Soccer. Modifications to areas such as team size, game length, referees, throw-ins, offsides, and other rules are intended to support player development while creating an enjoyable and appropriate game experience for every age group.

AGE GROUP FORMAT

Age Game Format Team Size Team Max Practices (mins per week) Game Length (mins x periods) Ball Size Referee Throw Ins Offside
Pre-K Plus 4 v 4 6 to 8 8 30 on gamedays 5 x 4 3 Coaches No; Continuous play No
Kinder 4 v 4 6 to 8 8 15 on gamedays 8 x 4 3 Coaches No; Continuous play No
1st 4 v 4 6 to 8 8 Encouraged 12 x 4 3 Coaches No; Continuous play No
2nd 5 v 5 8 to 10 10 Encouraged 12 x 4 3 Some, plus Coaches Liberal throw ins No
3rd 7 v 7 11 to 14 14 60 25 x 2 4 Yes Yes, 2 tries allowed Only if obvious
4th 7 v 7 11 to 14 14 60 25 x 2 4 Yes Yes, 2 tries allowed Yes, regular rules
5th 9 v 9 13 to 16 16 60 25 x 2 4 Yes Yes, regular rules Yes, regular rules
6th 9 v 9 16 to 18 18 60 30 x 2 * (if field time allows) 4 Yes Yes, regular rules Yes, regular rules
7th 9 v9 16 to 18 18 60 30 x 2 * (if field time allows) 5 Yes Yes, regular rules Yes, regular rules
8th 9 v 9 18 18+ 60 30 x 2 * (if field time allows) 5 Yes Yes, regular rules Yes, regular rules
HS (9-12) 11 v 11 22 22+ 60 35 x 2 5 Yes Yes, regular rules Yes, regular rules

NOTE: Heading is permitted starting in the sixth grade.