Essex County Youth Soccer Association

G4 Rule Exceptions

Below is a summary of the G4-specific rules. If there is a discrepancy between what is listed below and the operating rules, the operating rules win.

Format	7v7
Min Players	5
Time	25 minute halves
Heading	Not allowed
Ball Size	4
Free Kicks	Opposing team must be at least 8 yards from the ball. No IFK/DFK/PK to attacking team between the opponents' 14 yd line and their goal line. Take kick on the 14 nearest to the spot of the infraction. *On an IFK/DFK to defending team inside their own 14 yd line, the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves.* It no longer needs to pass completely beyond the 14 yd line before being touched. Player taking the kick may not touch the ball a second time unless another player touches the ball first.
Offside	Yes, inside attacking 14
Kick-Off	If taken improperly, player is given a 2nd try
Throw-In	*Due to COVID-19, throw-ins are not allowed this season. Instead, a kick-in is used.* As with free kicks, the opposing team must be at least 8 yards from the ball. Person taking the kick is not allowed to touch it a second time without another player touching the ball first.
Goal Kick	Defending team must be in their own half until the ball is kicked. *Ball is in play when it is kicked and moves.* If ball is kicked over the halfway line without it touching the ground or another player, IFK to the opposing team where the ball crossed the halfway line.
Keeper Release	If the GK throws, passes, punts, or drop kicks the ball over the halfway line without it touching the ground or another player, IFK to the opposing team where the ball crossed the halfway line.