Festival Rules

The Soccermania Mini Festival is a Soccer Nova Scotia sanctioned event. All games are 2 x 20 minute halves, with a 5 minute half-time. The following rules will be observed:

1. Unlimited substitutions are allowed at the referee's discretion.
2. All players will have their jerseys tucked in.
3. There are NO off-sides in Mini Soccer.
4. All free kicks are indirect.
5. There is NO slide tackling.
6. Coaches, players, and supporters shall not criticize game official or athletes on either team. Any and all complaints should be directed to the Field Marshall and/or the Head Referee. NOTE: This is a zero tolerance rule. Offenders will be asked to leave the fields.
7. All dressed players will be given equal playing time. This is a Festival not a Tournament – the goal is to foster a love of the game and promote good sportsmanship.
8. Most importantly: HAVE FUN!!!!!!!

Age Specific Rules – U4, U6, and U8

1. Teams are 5-A-Side for U4 and U6, and 6-A-Side for U8.
2. Only one coach for each side is allowed on the field of play to instruct players.
3. No coaches are allowed behind the goal or within the 6 yard crease.
4. When a throw-in is awarded, the ball can be kicked or thrown back in, informally.
5. There is a 6 yard crease, in which no goals can be scored and the keeper can handle the ball.
6. All goals must be below chest height.
7. Keepers can put the ball in play by either kick, drop kick, or throw.

Age Specific Rules – U10

1. Teams are 8-A-Side.
2. 8-A-Side rules apply for thrown-ins (ball behind neck and both feet on the ground), corners, and keeper ball handling.
3. Two chances on throw-ins, then ball changes hands.
4. Penalty area rules apply to the keepers. The 6 yard box is a semi-circle, but balls will be kicked from that line.
5. Penalty kicks will be awarded for defensive handballs and fouls in the penalty area. Penalty kicks are the only direct kicks.