The PLAYBOOK is tailored exclusively to MLS GO as a free tool for coaches of all skill levels to step onto the field and guide a team and player to a successful season. The training sessions have been built with the objective of developing technical, tactical, physical, and mental skills for children. Through MLS GO and the content within the PLAYBOOK, kids will have fun, build self-confidence, and develop a love for the game.
Major League Soccer is dedicated to supporting participating communities and providing an environment in which our staff, players, coaches, officials, partners, and fans are treated with dignity and respect. MLS GO is an anti-racist, non-discriminatory program that supports diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the game
MLS GO has a no cut policy. Every player that tries out will have a roster spot. Team selection is at the discretion of the League Operator; however, League Operators should prioritize ensuring healthy and balanced competition (i.e., preventing “stacked” teams). Keeping in mind the following:
Upon registration, players will have the opportunity to list “teammate(s) and/or coach requests.” League operators shall make best efforts to accommodate "teammate(s) and/or coach requests,” while also communicating to parents that "teammate requests” are not guaranteed to result in participants being assigned to the same team.
Once team selection is complete, there will be no changes to rosters. Movement of teammates between teams must be approved by the league operator.
Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any stoppage of the game.
Concussion Initiative
Heading of the ball is banned for all players 11 years old and younger.
Consistent with U.S. Concussion Initiative, if a player is suspected to have a head injury the referee (coaches and parents in 3v3 and 4v4 game format) is instructed to stop play to allow for treatment/evaluation as needed.
If the player leaves the field of play for additional evaluation, a substitution can be made in that moment.
The player with the suspected head injury may not return to the game unless a Health Care Professional (HCP) or Certified Athletic Trainer (CAT) has cleared the player. If a player heads the ball in a game, whether deliberately or accidentally, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense
Build-Out Line
The purpose of the build-out line is to allow players more time and space with the ball at their feet near their own goal (to build out of the back in a less pressured setting). MLS GO recommends a build-out line be used for 3v3, 4v4, and 7v7 game formats. 12 Ages 4-6 (3v3 Game Format) and Ages 7-8 (4v4 Game Format):
The build-out line should be 5-7 yards from the goal line.
Prior to a goal kick, the opposing team must move behind the build-out line.
Once the opposing team is behind the build-out line, play can restart.
After the ball is put into play, the opposing team can cross the build-out line and play resumes as normal
If a player from the opposing team crosses the build-out line before the ball is put into play, the goal kick is retaken
Prior to a goal kick or once the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands, the opposing team must move behind the build-out line until the ball is put into play.
If a player from the opposing team crosses the build-out line before the goalkeeper puts the ball into play and interferes with play, an indirect free kick is given to the goalkeeper’s team
Ages 4-6 (3v3 Game Format):
Kick-offs, free kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks are used to start or restart play.
Kick-ins and/or dribble-ins are recommended as restarts when the ball has gone out over the sidelines.
If used, all free kicks are indirect.
Opponents should be 10 feet away from the ball on all restarts.
No penalty kicks.
No offside
Ages 7-8 (4v4 Game Format):
Kick-offs, free kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks are used to start or restart play.
Kick-ins and/or dribble-ins are recommended as restarts when the ball has gone out over the sidelines.
If field markings are absent, goal kicks and corner kicks should be taken in the general vicinity of the respective goal or corner.
If used, all free kicks are indirect.
Opponents should be 10 feet away from the ball on all restarts.
No penalty kicks.
No offsides
Ages 9-12 (7v7 Game Format):
Game may not start or continue if there are less than 5 players on a team.
No punts or drop kicks are allowed by the goalkeeper.
All other laws of the game should be followed.
Ages 13-14 (9v9 Game Format)
Game may not start or continue if there are less than 6 players on a team.
All other laws of the game should be followed.
Sideline Requirements
MLS GO recommends no more than two (2) to three (3) coaches are allowed on the bench. Coaches shall not enter the field of play unless requested by the referee. During games, teams will sit on the same sidelines opposite from parents and bystanders. The bench area is reserved for Players and Coaches only. Any person in the bench area during an MLS GO game must be registered as a coach/volunteer and be in compliance with the documentation requirements under the MLS GO Handbook. At least one (1) person age eighteen (18) or older must be on the bench at all times
Respect of Officials i. Referee’s Decisions: No Protests may be made about the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play; such decisions are final. j
Pre-game Rules- A minimum of fifteen (15) minutes of warm-up time should be allowed on the playing field. If less than fifteen (15) minutes is permitted, there should be adequate warmup space outside of the playing field.
Post-game Rules- Coaches are expected to create and promote good sportsmanship. At the conclusion of each match, players and coaches will shake hands and thank the referee.