Game Formats
Each division plays a slightly different format. The younger the division, the more flexible. In general we defer to coaches and referees to make changes as necessary if needed.
U6
Goals: Pop-up goals, use the ones that were issued with team equipment. Each coach received 2 sets (4 goals), so both teams can provide enough goals to setup the 4 mini-games (8 goals)
Ball size: 3
Game length: 30 minute practice and then 30 minutes of game time (mini-teams switch opponents at the 15 minute mark)
Play format: U6 plays two concurrent games per pair of teams, with 4v4 players per mini-team. No goalies. Each mini-field is half of one of the small lined fields (those are U8-size fields; U6 plays across each half).
Depending on the situation, coaches can agree to modify almost any aspect of the format depending on attendance and how things are going (e.g. you can play 3v3, or 3v4 if one team is struggling). You can switch teams more frequently, or re-balance if teams are lopsided.
U8
Goals: Structured goals, the type that are put together from about 8 sections of pipe-type metal that snap together, and nets. See field setup for more info.
Ball size: 3
Game length: 20 minute halves (mini-teams switch opponents at the half)
Play format: U8 plays 2 concurrent games per pair of teams, with 5v5 players per game (1 is a goalkeeper).
Depending on the situation, coaches can agree to modify almost any aspect of the format depending on attendance and how things are going (e.g. you can play 4v4, or 5v4 if one team is struggling). You can switch teams more frequently, or re-balance if teams are lopsided.
U10
Goals: Structured goals, much larger, assembled from sections of pipe-type metal. See field setup for more info.
Ball size: 4
Game length: 25 minute halves
Play format: 7v7 (1 is a goalie) with a buildout line. If teams have more than 10 players in attendance and players want more playing time, teams can play 8v8 (or even 9v9) because the fields are much larger and there is sufficient space.
U12
Goals: Structured goals, much larger, permanently assembled and on the fields, may need to be wheeled into place.
Ball size: 4
Game length: 30 minute halves
Play format: 9v9 (1 is a goalie).
U14
Goals: Structured goals, much larger, permanently assembled and on the fields, may need to be wheeled into place.
Ball size: 5
Game length: 35 minute halves
Play format: 11v11 (1 is a goalie).
