Soccer is the world's most popular sport — and one of the simplest to understand. Two teams, one ball, two goals. Here's the quick version before you watch the video below.

Teams

Halves

Players / Side*

Score More Goals

The Objective

*Youth soccer uses fewer players per side at younger ages — see the CYSA Rules Chart for your specific age group.

The goal of the game: Each team tries to kick the ball into the opposing team's net to score a goal. The team with the most goals at the end wins. Tied games end in a draw in recreational soccer — no overtime needed.

How it starts: A coin flip decides who kicks off first. Play begins with a kickoff at center field. After a goal is scored, the team that was scored on restarts with another kickoff.

⏱️ Game Time

Games are split into two halves with a short break. Halftime and period lengths vary by age — younger kids play shorter halves. See your CYSA rules sheet for your specific division's timing.

🥅 Scoring a Goal

A goal counts when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar. It can be kicked or headed in — but not thrown or punched in by a field player.

🔄 Restarts

When the ball goes out of bounds or a foul is called, play restarts with a throw-in, goal kick, corner kick, or free kick. Each restart has specific rules — covered in detail on the Rules page.

🔁 Substitutions

In recreational youth soccer, unlimited substitutions are allowed. Subs happen during stoppages in play. The referee must acknowledge the sub before the new player enters the field.

📹 How to Play Soccer for Beginners — the whole game explained in just 2 minutes

📄 US Soccer Players — Beginner's Guide 📄 How to Play Soccer + Glossary 🎥 Soccer for Kids: Basic Rules (Video)

📋

What's Allowed & What's Not

Soccer has just 17 official Laws of the Game — and most are common sense. Here's what every coach and parent needs to know on game day.

✅ Allowed

Kicking, trapping, and heading the ball (heading is age-restricted — see below)
Shoulder-to-shoulder challenges when both players go for the ball
Sliding to block or clear the ball (slide tackling is age-restricted)
Using any body part except hands/arms to play the ball
The goalkeeper using hands inside their own penalty area
Positive encouragement from coaches and parents on the sideline
Respectfully asking the referee a question during a stoppage

🚫 Not Allowed

Handling the ball with hands or arms (handball foul)
Kicking, tripping, pushing, or jumping at an opponent
Holding or pulling a player's jersey or body
Dangerous play — high kicks near another player's head
Heading the ball (banned U12 & under per USSF & CYSA)
Slide tackling (not permitted for U10 and under)
Entering the field without referee permission
Arguing with or yelling at the referee — ever

🟡 Yellow Card: A formal warning for unsporting behavior, repeated fouling, or arguing with the referee. Two yellows in one game = automatic red card and ejection.

🔴 Red Card: Immediate ejection from the match. Used for serious fouls or violent conduct. At younger age groups, referees use teaching moments rather than cards — the focus is learning, not punishment.

📄 Youth Soccer Foul Rules Explained 📄 Basic Rules for Kids & Parents 📄 Referee Signals Guide

🌟

Goals of Rec Soccer

Recreational soccer at Kalama is not about winning trophies. It's about something much bigger. Here's what we're really here to build in every player.

Fun First

Every child should leave practice and games with a smile. If they want to come back next season, we've done our job.

Love of the Game

Introduce kids to soccer in a positive environment so they build a lifelong connection with the sport.

Basic Skills

Dribbling, passing, shooting, and defending — age-appropriate skills that build confidence with the ball over time.

Teamwork

Learning to work together, communicate, and support teammates — skills that go far beyond the soccer field.

Sportsmanship

Win graciously, lose respectfully, and treat opponents and officials with dignity at all times.

Physical Activity

Soccer builds endurance, coordination, and healthy habits. It's a full-body workout disguised as fun.

A note for our volunteer coaches: You don't need to know every rule or tactic to be a great recreational coach. Your most important job is creating a safe, encouraging environment where every kid feels valued. The skills and rules will come — for you and for them. Thank you for showing up!

👥

Roles on the Field

A soccer game involves a whole community of people — and everyone has a role to play. Here's who does what on game day.

🧢

Coach

Organizes practices, communicates positions and lineups, and guides player development. Coaches stand in a technical area on the sideline and may address players during stoppages.

⚽

Players

The athletes on the field. Each team fields a set number based on age group. Players follow their coach's direction and respect the referee's calls at all times.

🧤

Goalkeeper

The only player allowed to use their hands — but only inside their own penalty area. Wears a different colored jersey so the referee can identify them easily.

🟨

Referee

The authority on the field — their decisions are final. At younger ages they prioritize teaching over strict enforcement. Never argue with the referee; you're modeling behavior for the kids.

🚩

Asst. Referee

Runs the sideline with a flag to signal out-of-bounds, throw-in direction, and offside calls. Their signals help the center referee make accurate decisions.

📣

Parents / Fans

Cheer positively for ALL players on both teams. Avoid sideline coaching — let the coach coach. Your energy and attitude sets the tone for every child on that field.

🌟 The Golden Rule of Sideline Behavior: Cheer for effort, not just results. "Great hustle!", "Nice try!", and "Way to go!" go a long way with young players. Negative comments — even when meant helpfully — can discourage kids quickly. Keep it loud, keep it positive, and let them play!

📹 Lisa Willis (WNBA) on why youth sports need to be about more than just the game — Healthy Sports Parents podcast

📄 Referee Signals Explained 📄 Fouls & Misconduct Guide