2nd-3rd grade games will be now (4)12 min quarters. No halftime
New ESSL Rules (Fall 2018)
1. Second Grade and Third Grade games will be played on fields with either 6×12 or 6×18 goals. Currently, most community fields have 6×12 goals. However, the new national standards allow either 6×12 or 6×18 goals.
2. Second Grade and Third Grade games will be played 7v7 (instead of 6v6). Each team will have 7 players on the field, including a goalkeeper. If one team has a small roster compared to the other, than the coaches should consider having the larger team loan players to the smaller team so that the game is fair and enjoyable for all of the participants. If both teams have small rosters, the coaches should consider playing with a smaller format, such as 6v6.
3. Fourth Grade games and up will be played 9v9 (instead of 8v8). Each team will have 9 players on the field, including a goalkeeper. If one team has a small roster compared to the other, than the coaches should consider having the larger team loan players to the smaller team so that the game is fair and enjoyable for all of the participants. If both teams have small rosters, the coaches should consider playing with a smaller format, such as 8v8.
Reminders about recent rules changes (past several years)
1. All divisions: Heading the ball is not allowed. A purposeful header shall result in an indirect free kick awarded to the opponent at the spot of the infraction. 2. Second Grade and Third Grade divisions: On a goal kick, the opposing team must drop back behind the mid-field line until the goal kick is taken. At that point, the opposing team may pursue the ball.
Heading the ball is not allowed. A purposeful header shall result in an indirect free kick awarded to the opponent at the spot of the infraction.