Depending on the age, field size, and level of competition, the rules for youth soccer can vary. It is important to understand what children can and can't do at each stage to keep them safe and competitive.
Recreation rules are dependent upon the age group. Specific rules are listed below.
Numbers on the field by age group and heading policies are governed by the US Youth Soccer Rules of the Game.
1. Field and Equipment
a. Boundary Line: 15 x 25 yards
b. Goal Area: 3 x 3 yards in front of each goal
c. Ball Size: Size 3
2. Game Format
a. The game will be played with two 20-minute halves with a 5-minute half-time.
b. Teams will change sides after half-time. The game shall be terminated on-time, regardless of the time remaining to accommodate the next game time.
c. Each team will play with 3 players on the field. Goalkeepers are not used.
d. Parents and other spectators can only view the game from the same sideline as their team. Parents should not be behind the goal line or on the opposing team’s side. Home team selects the side.
3. Player Equipment
a. Shin guards are mandatory for all players and are to be worn inside the socks.
b. Footwear can be athletic shoes or soft-cleated shoes. Shoes with a toe cleat (e.g. football and baseball cleats) cannot be worn.
c. Non-soccer equipment such as watches and jewelry must be removed prior to entering a game.
d. Players with hard casts are permitted to play, provided their cast has been securely encased in bubble wrap or similar padding.
4. Referees
There are no assigned referees for this age. Coaches should facilitate and maintain the game on the field of play.
5. 3v3 Game Rules
a. Start/Restarts
i. Each half is started, as well as restarts after a goal is scored, by kicking the ball placed in the center of the field on the halfway line. Players of the opposing team must be at least 3 yards away when the kick is taken. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction. After kicking, the ball must touch another player before the kicker can play the ball again.
ii. When the ball goes wholly across any boundary, whether on the ground or in the air, the ball is awarded to the team opposite of the player who last touched the ball and is kicked in. The player who kicks the ball in may not touch the ball again until another player has touched it.
1. When a ball goes out over the sideline, the ball is placed on the line where the ball went out and is kicked in.
2. When a ball goes out over the goal line by the attacking team, the ball is placed 4 feet in front of the goal and is kicked in. When a goal kick is being taken, the opposing team must retreat to the midfield line. As soon as the ball is kicked, the opposing team may pressure the ball.
3. When a ball goes out over the goal line by the defending team the ball is placed in the corner where the goal line meets the sideline and is kicked in. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction.
iii. When play is stopped for a non-foul (e.g. injury) then the ball is restarted with a drop ball near the spot where the ball was when play was stopped. The ball is to be dropped to the team that had possession before the play was stopped. Opposing team members should be at least 4 yards away when the ball is dropped. The ball is in play when it has touched the ground.
b. Goal Scoring
i. Goals can be scored from anywhere on the field, but the entire ball must pass below the cross-bar and between the goal posts for a goal.
ii. A goal can be scored directly from the kickoff and other direct kicks (e.g., corner kicks, direct free kicks).
iii. A goal cannot be scored directly from an indirect free kick or a kick-in from the sideline. The ball must touch another player on the field of either team before going into the goal to count.
c. Free Kick Infringements
i. All infringements result in Indirect Free Kicks awarded to the opposing team—
1. The following are punished by the awarding of a free kick: tripping, pushing, punching, handling the ball, holding or kicking an opponent. Handling the ball means that a player picks-up, holds, stops or propels the ball with his/her hands or arms (not necessarily any time it hits a player’s hand/arm).
2. Dangerous play such as slide tackling, heading the ball, or impeding the progress of an opponent (obstruction), or any other offense for which play is stopped, will result in a free kick.
ii. The kick is awarded to the opposing team and is taken from the spot where the foul occurred. If the foul occurred INSIDE the goal area, then the ball is placed on the 4 yard line nearest to the spot of the foul.
iii. Players of the opposing team must be a minimum of 3 yards away from the ball when a free kick is taken.
iv. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction. The ball must touch another player before the kicker can play the ball again.
d. Building Out – When a goal kick is being taken, the opposing team must retreat to the midfield line. As soon as the ball is kicked, the opposing team may pressure the ball.
e. Offsides – The offside rule is not enforced at this age.
f. Goaltending—There is no rule on goaltending; however, it is highly discouraged and Copper Mountain Rec Soccer strongly recommends the coaches get the goal tenders to come out and play.
g. Substitutions
i. Substitutions are unlimited and can be accomplished on the fly as well as when the ball is out of play.
ii. The player being substituted for must come off the field before the substitute may enter the field.
iii. There is no stoppage time for substitutions. Play is continuous.
h. Additional Players
i. If a team is behind by 4 goals, a coach can add one additional field player. The additional player will be taken off the field if his/her team scores. An additional player can be added when 6 goals behind, and again at 8. If the losing team does not have additional players, then the winning team should consider taking a player off the field.
1. Field and Equipment
a. Boundary Line: 35 x 45 yards
b. Goal Area: 4 x 5 yards in front of each goal
c. Ball Size: Size 3
d. Build Out Lines (Optional): Blue lines painted halfway between the penalty area and the midfield line
2. Game Format
a. The game will be played with two 20-minute halves with a 5-minute half-time.
b. Teams will change sides after half-time. The game shall be terminated on time, regardless of the time remaining, to accommodate the next game time.
c. Each team will play with 4 players on the field. Goalkeepers are not used.
d. Parents and other spectators can only view the game from the same sideline as their team. Parents should not be behind the goal line or on the opposing team’s side. The home team selects the side.
3. Player Equipment
a. Shin guards are mandatory for all players and are to be worn inside the socks.
b. Footwear can be athletic shoes or soft-cleated shoes. Shoes with a toe cleat (e.g. football and baseball cleats) cannot be worn.
c. Non-soccer equipment, such as watches and jewelr,y must be removed before entering a game.
d. Players with hard casts are permitted to play, provided their cast has been securely encased in bubble wrap or similar padding.
4. Referees
There are no assigned referees for this age. Coaches should facilitate and maintain the game from the sideline.
5. 4v4 Game Rules
a. Start/Restarts
i. Each half is started, as well as restarts after a goal is scored, by kicking the ball placed in the center of the field on the half line. Players of the opposing team must be at least 3 yards away when the kick is taken. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction. After kicking, the ball must touch another player before the kicker can play the ball again.
ii. When the ball goes wholly across any boundary, whether on the ground or in the air, the ball is awarded to the team opposite of the player who last touched the ball and is kicked in. The player who kicks the ball in may not touch the ball again until another player has touched it.
1. When a ball goes out over the sideline the ball is placed on the line where the ball went out and is kicked in.
2. When a ball goes out over the goal line by the attacking team the ball is placed 4 feet in front of the goal and is kicked in. When a goal kick is being taken, the opposing team must retreat to the midfield line. As soon as the ball is kicked, the opposing team may pressure the ball.
3. When a ball goes out over the goal line by the defending team the ball is placed in the corner where the goal line meets the sideline and is kicked in. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction.
iii. When play is stopped for a non-foul (e.g. injury) then the ball is restarted with a drop ball near the spot where the ball was when play was stopped. The ball is to be dropped to the team that had possession before the play was stopped. Opposing team members should be at least 4 yards away when the ball is dropped. The ball is in play when it has touched the ground.
b. Goal Scoring
i. Goals can be scored from anywhere on the field, but the entire ball must pass below the cross-bar and between the goal posts for a goal.
ii. A goal can be scored directly from the kickoff and other direct kicks (e.g. corner kicks, direct free kicks).
iii. A goal cannot be scored directly from an indirect free kick or kick-in from the sideline. The ball must touch another player on the field of either team before going into the goal to count.
c. Free Kick Infringements
i. All infringements result in Indirect Free Kicks awarded to the opposing team—
1. The following are punished by the awarding of a free kick: tripping, pushing, punching, handling the ball, holding or kicking an opponent. Handling the ball means that a player picks-up, holds, stops or propels the ball with his/her hands or arms (not necessarily any time it hits a player’s hand/arm).
2. Dangerous play such as slide tackling, heading the ball, or impeding the progress of an opponent (obstruction), or any other offense for which play is stopped, will result in a free kick.
ii. The kick is awarded to the opposing team and is taken from the spot where the foul occurred. If the foul occurred INSIDE the goal area, then the ball is placed on the 4 yard line nearest to the spot of the foul.
iii. Players of the opposing team must be a minimum of 3 yards away from the ball when a free kick is taken.
iv. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction. The ball must touch another player before the kicker can play the ball again.
d. Building Out – When a goal kick is being taken, the opposing team must retreat to the midfield line. As soon as the ball is kicked, the opposing team may pressure the ball.
e. Offsides – The offside rule is not enforced at this age.
f. Goaltending—There is no rule on goaltending, however, it is highly discouraged and Copper Mountain Rec Soccer strongly recommends the coaches get the goal tenders to come out and play.
g. Substitutions
i. Substitutions are unlimited and can be accomplished on the fly as well as when the ball is out of play.
ii. The player being substituted for must come off the field before the substitute may enter the field.
iii. There is no stoppage time for substitutions. Play is continuous.
h. Additional Players
i. If a team is behind by 4 goals, a coach can add one additional field player. The additional player will be taken off the field if his/her team scores. An additional player can be added when 6 goals behind, and again at 8. If the losing team does not have additional players, then the winning team should consider taking a player off the field.
1. Field and Equipment
a. Boundary Line: 45 x 55 yards
b. Goal Area: 5 x 16 yards in front of each goal
c. Penalty Area: 14 x 30 yards
d. Center Circle: 8-yard circumference at the center of the field
e. Ball Size: Size 4
f. Build Out Lines (Optional): Blue lines painted halfway between the penalty area and midfield line
2. Game Format
a. The game will be played with two 25-minute halves with a 5-minute half-time.
b. Teams will change sides after half-time. The game shall be terminated on-time, regardless of the time remaining to accommodate the next game time.
c. Each team will play with 7 players on the field, one of whom must be a goalkeeper.
d. Parents and other spectators can only view the game from the same sideline as their team. Parents should not be behind the goal line or on the opposing team’s side. Home team selects the side.
3. Player Equipment
a. Shin guards are mandatory for all players and are to be worn inside the socks.
b. Footwear can be athletic shoes or soft-cleated shoes. Shoes with a toe cleat (e.g. football and baseball cleats) cannot be worn.
c. Non-soccer equipment such as watches and jewelry must be removed prior entering a game.
d. Players with hard casts are permitted to play, provided their cast has been securely encased in bubble wrap or similar padding.
4. Referees
a. There are assigned, non-certified referees for this age.
b. Detailed referee rules can be found in FIFA Laws of the Game – Law 5.
c. Decisions of the referee—Decisions will be made to the best of the referee’s ability according to the Laws of the Game and the ‘spirit of the game’ and will be based on the opinion of the referee who has the discretion to take appropriate action within the framework of the Laws of the Game. The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final.
5. 7v7 Game Rules
a. Start/Restarts
i. Each half is started, as well as restarts after a goal is scored, by kicking the ball placed in the center of the field within the center circle. Players of the opposing team must be outside the center circle (8 yards away) when the kick is taken. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction. After kicking, the ball must touch another player before the kicker can play the ball again.
ii. When the ball goes wholly across any boundary, whether on the ground or in the air, the ball is awarded to the team opposite of the player who last touched the ball.
1. When a ball goes out over the sideline the ball is thrown in near the place on the line where the ball went out. After throwing, the ball must touch another player before the thrower can play the ball again. Upon delivering the ball, the thrower must adhere to these restrictions:
a. Face the field of play.
b. Have part of each foot on the ground on or behind the sideline.
c. Hold the ball with both hands.
d. Deliver the ball from behind and over the head.
2. When a ball goes out over the goal line by the attacking team the ball is placed anywhere in the goal area and is kicked in. When a goal kick is being taken, the opposing team must retreat to the build out line. As soon as the ball leaves the penalty area, the opposing team may cross the build out line and pressure the ball. If the opposing team leaves the build out line before the ball leaves the penalty area, then the kick is retaken.
3. When a ball goes out over the goal line by the defending team the ball is placed in the corner where the goal line meets the sideline and is kicked in. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction. After kicking, the ball must touch another player before the kicker can play the ball again.
iii. When play is stopped by the referee for a non-foul (e.g. injury) then the ball is restarted with a drop ball near the spot where the ball was when play was stopped. The ball is to be dropped to the team that had possession before the play was stopped. Opposing team members should be at least 4 yards away when the ball is dropped. The ball is in play when it has touched the ground.
b. Goal Scoring
i. Goals can be scored from anywhere on the field, but the entire ball must pass below the cross-bar and between the goal posts for a goal.
ii. A goal can be scored directly from the kickoff and other direct kicks (e.g. corner kicks, direct free kicks).
iii. A goal cannot be scored directly from an indirect free kick or throw-in. The ball must touch another player on the field of either team before going into the goal to count.
c. Free Kick Infringements
i. Direct Free Kicks
1. The following are punished by the awarding of a direct free kick: tripping, pushing, punching, handling the ball, holding or kicking an opponent. Handling the ball means that a player picks-up, holds, stops or propels the ball with his/her hands or arms (not necessarily any time it hits a player’s hand/arm).
2. The kick is awarded to the opposite team and is taken from the spot where the foul occurred.
3. Players of the opposing team must be a minimum of 8 yards away from the ball when a direct free kick is taken.
4. If a wall of 3 or more defenders is formed, the attacking players are not allowed to be within 1 yard of the wall.
ii. Penalty Kicks
1. If a direct free kick foul occurred inside the penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded, and the ball is placed 10 yards from the goal line.
2. All players except the goalkeeper and the player taking the penalty kick must be outside the penalty area and the penalty arc.
3. The goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot on the goal line until the ball has been kicked.
4. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves forward.
5. The kicker cannot touch the ball again until it has touched another player on the field from either team.
iii. Indirect Free Kicks
1. Indirect free kicks are awarded for playing in a dangerous manner (e.g., slide tackling), heading the ball, preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his/her hands, impeding the progress of an opponent (obstruction), or commits any other offense for which play is stopped.
2. The kick is awarded to the opposite team and is taken from the spot where the foul occurred.
3. Players of the opposing team must be a minimum of 8 yards away from the ball when a free kick is taken.
4. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction.
d. Building Out
i. When a goal kick is being taken, the opposing team must retreat to the build-out line. As soon as the ball leaves the penalty area, the opposing team may cross the build-out line and pressure the ball. If the opposing team leaves the build-out line before the ball leaves the penalty area, then the kick is retaken.
ii. When a goalkeeper gains possession of the ball, the opposing team must retreat to the build-out line. As soon as the ball leaves the goalkeeper’s hands, the opposing team may pressure the ball. There are no drop kicks. The goalkeeper must distribute the ball with their hands by rolling the ball or placing it on the ground and kicking it.
iii. On fields where build-out lines are not present, the midfield line is used as the build-out line.
e. Offside
i. A player is in an offside position if he/she is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent (the goalkeeper is usually the last opponent).
ii. A player is not in an offside position in the following instances:
1. Player is in their own half of the field of play.
2. Player is between the build-out line and midfield line of the opponent’s half.
3. Player is even with the second-to-last opponent.
4. Player is behind the ball.
iii. A player judged to be in an offside position by the referee is only penalized if he/she plays the ball, or at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his teammates, he/she is involved in active play by doing any of the following:
1. Interfering with play.
2. Interfering with an opponent.
3. Gaining an advantage by being in that position.
iv. If an offside call is made, the defending team will take a kick from where the player was determined offside.
v. Calls are made at the discretion of the referee. Close calls will not be made.
f. Goalkeeper Rules
i. A goalkeeper may handle the ball only inside his/her own penalty area.
ii. An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his/her own penalty area commits any of the following offenses:
1. Handles the ball after he/she has released it from his/her possession and before it has touched another player.
2. Handles the ball after it has been deliberately kicked to him/her by a team-mate.
3. Handles the ball after he/she has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate.
iii. The goalkeeper is considered to be in possession of the ball when his/her hands are touching the ball. Kicking or attempting to kick a ball when it is in the possession of a goalkeeper is considered dangerous play and is penalized with an indirect free kick.
g. Substitutions
i. Substitutions are unlimited and can be accomplished on the fly as well as when the ball is out of play.
ii. The player being substituted for must come off the field before the substitute may enter the field.
iii. There is no stoppage time for substitutions. Play is continuous.
h. Additional Players
i. If a team is behind by 4 goals, a coach can add one additional field player. The additional player will be taken off the field if his/her team scores. An additional player can be added when 6 goals behind, and again at 8. If the losing team does not have additional players, then the winning team should consider taking a player off the field.
1. Field and Equipment
a. Boundary Line: 47 x 75 yards
b. Goal Area: 5 x 16 yards in front of each goal
c. Penalty Area: 16 x 40 yards
d. Center Circle: 8-yard circumference at the center of the field
e. Ball Size: Size 4
2. Game Format
a. The game will be played with two 25-minute halves with a 5-minute half-time.
b. Teams will change sides after half-time. The game shall be terminated on time, regardless of the time remaining, to accommodate the next game time.
c. Each team will play with 9 players on the field, one of whom must be a goalkeeper.
d. Parents and other spectators can only view the game from the same sideline as their team. Parents should not be behind the goal line or on the opposing team’s side. The home team selects the side.
3. Player Equipment
a. Shin guards are mandatory for all players and are to be worn inside the socks.
b. Footwear can be athletic shoes or soft-cleated shoes. Shoes with a toe cleat (e.g., football and baseball cleats) cannot be worn.
c. Non-soccer equipment, such as watches and jewelry, must be removed before entering a game.
d. Players with hard casts are permitted to play, provided their cast has been securely encased in bubble wrap or similar padding.
4. Referees
a. There are assigned, non-certified referees for this age.
b. Detailed referee rules can be found in FIFA Laws of the Game – Law 5.
c. Decisions of the referee – Decisions will be made to the best of the referee’s ability according to the Laws of the Game and the ‘spirit of the game’ and will be based on the opinion of the referee who has the discretion to take appropriate action within the framework of the Laws of the Game. The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final.
5. 9v9 Game Rules
a. Start/Restarts
i. Each half is started, as well as restarted after a goal is scored, by kicking the ball placed in the center of the field within the center circle. Players of the opposing team must be outside the center circle (8 yards away) when the kick is taken. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction. After kicking, the ball must touch another player before the kicker can play the ball again.
ii. When the ball goes wholly across any boundary, whether on the ground or in the air, the ball is awarded to the team opposite of the player who last touched the ball.
1. When a ball goes out over the sideline the ball is thrown in near the place on the line where the ball went out. After throwing, the ball must touch another player before the thrower can play the ball again. Upon delivering the ball, the thrower must adhere to these restrictions:
a. Face the field of play.
b. Have part of each foot on the ground on or behind the sideline.
c. Hold the ball with both hands.
d. Deliver the ball from behind and over the head.
2. When a ball goes out over the goal line by the attacking team the ball is placed anywhere in the goal area and is kicked in. When a goal kick is being taken, the opposing team must remain outside the penalty area. As soon as a player on the possessing team receives a pass inside the penalty box, or the ball leaves the penalty area, the opposing team may enter the penalty area and pressure the ball; If the opposing team enters the penalty area before either of these happen, then the kick is retaken.
3. When a ball goes out over the goal line by the defending team the ball is placed in the corner where the goal line meets the sideline and is kicked in by the attacking team. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction. After kicking, the ball must touch another player before the kicker can play the ball again.
iii. When play is stopped by the referee for a non-foul (e.g. injury) then the ball is restarted with a drop ball near the spot where the ball was when play was stopped. The ball is to be dropped to the team that had possession before play was stopped. Opposing team members should be at least 4 yards away when the ball is dropped. The ball is in play when it has touched the ground.
b. Goal Scoring
i. Goals can be scored from anywhere on the field, but the entire ball must pass below the cross-bar and between the goal posts for a goal.
ii. A goal can be scored directly from the kickoff and other direct kicks (e.g. corner kicks, direct free kicks).
iii. A goal cannot be scored directly from an indirect free kick or throw-in. The ball must touch another player on the field of either team before going into the goal to count.
c. Free Kick Infringements
i. Direct Free Kicks
1. The following are punished by the awarding of a direct free kick: tripping, pushing, punching, handling the ball, holding or kicking an opponent. Handling the ball means that a player picks-up, holds, stops or propels the ball with his/her hands or arms (not necessarily any time it hits a player’s hand/arm).
2. The kick is awarded to the opposite team and is taken from the spot where the foul occurred.
3. Players of the opposing team must be a minimum of 8 yards away from the ball when a direct free kick is taken.
4. If a wall of 3 or more defenders is formed, the attacking players are not allowed to be within 1 yard of the wall.
ii. Penalty Kicks
1. If a direct free kick foul occurred inside the penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded and the ball is placed 10 yards from the goal line.
2. All players except the goalkeeper and the player taking the penalty kick must be outside the penalty area and the penalty arc.
3. The goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot on the goal line until the ball has been kicked.
4. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves forward.
5. The kicker cannot touch the ball again until it has touched another player on the field from either team.
iii. Indirect Free Kicks
1. Indirect free kicks are awarded for playing in a dangerous manner (e.g. slide tackling), heading the ball (not allowed), preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his/her hands, impeding the progress of an opponent (obstruction), or commits any other offense for which play is stopped.
2. The kick is awarded to the opposite team and is taken from the spot where the foul occurred.
3. Players of the opposing team must be a minimum of 8 yards away from the ball when a free kick is taken.
4. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction.
d. Offside
i. A player is in an offside position if he/she is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second to last opponent (goalkeeper is usually the last opponent).
ii. A player is not in an offside position in the following instances:
1. He/she is in his own half of the field of play.
2. He/she is even with the second to last opponent.
3. He/she is even with the last two opponents.
iii. A player judged to be in an offside position by the referee is only penalized if he/she plays the ball, or at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his/her teammates, he/she is involved in active play by doing any of the following:
1. Interfering with play.
2. Interfering with an opponent.
3. Gaining an advantage by being in that position.
4. Calls are made at the discretion of the referee. Close calls will not be made.
e. Goalkeeper Rules
i. A goalkeeper may handle the ball only inside his/her own penalty area.
ii. An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his/her own penalty area commits any of the following offenses:
1. Handles the ball after he/she has released it from his/her possession and before it has touched another player.
2. Handles the ball after it has been deliberately kicked to him/her by a team-mate.
3. Handles the ball after he/she has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate.
iii. The goalkeeper is considered to be in possession of the ball when his/her hands are touching the ball. Kicking or attempting to kick a ball when it is in the possession of a goalkeeper is considered dangerous play and is penalized with an indirect free kick.
f. Substitutions
i. Substitutions are unlimited and can be accomplished on the fly as well as when the ball is out of play.
ii. The player being substituted for must come off the field before the substitute may enter the field.
iii. There is no stoppage time for substitutions. Play is continuous.
g. Additional Players
i. If a team is behind by 4 goals, a coach can add one additional field player. The additional player will be taken off the field if his/her team scores. An additional player can be added when 6 goals behind, and again at 8. If the losing team does not have additional players, then the winning team should consider taking a player off the field.
1. Field and Equipment
a. Boundary Line: 60-70 x 90-110 yards
b. Goal Area: 6 x 20 yards in front of each goal
c. Penalty Area: 18 x 44 yards
d. Center Circle: 10-yard circumference at the center of the field
e. Ball Size: Size 5
2. Game Format
a. The game will be played with two 30-minute halves with a 5-minute half-time.
b. Teams will change sides after half-time. The game shall be terminated on-time, regardless of the time remaining to accommodate the next game time.
c. Each team will play with 11 players on the field, one of whom must be a goalkeeper. Middle school all-girl teams will play 9v9 in Fall 2020.
d. Parents and other spectators can only view the game from the same sideline as their team. Parents should not be behind the goal line or on the opposing team’s side. Home team selects the side.
3. Player Equipment
a. Shin guards are mandatory for all players and are to be worn inside the socks.
b. Footwear can be athletic shoes or soft-cleated shoes. Shoes with a toe cleat (e.g., football and baseball cleats) cannot be worn.
c. Non-soccer equipment, such as watches and jewelry, must be removed before entering a game.
d. Players with hard casts are permitted to play, provided their cast has been securely encased in bubble wrap or similar padding.
4. Referees
a. There are assigned, non-certified referees for this age.
b. Detailed referee rules can be found in FIFA Laws of the Game – Law 5.
c. Decisions of the referee – Decisions will be made to the best of the referee’s ability according to the Laws of the Game and the ‘spirit of the game’ and will be based on the opinion of the referee who has the discretion to take appropriate action within the framework of the Laws of the Game. The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final.
5. 11v11 Game Rules
a. Start/Restarts
i. Each half is started, as well as restarts after a goal is scored, by kicking the ball placed in the center of the field within the center circle. Players of the opposing team must be outside the center circle (10 yards away) when the kick is taken. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction. After kicking, the ball must touch another player before the kicker can play the ball again.
ii. When the ball goes wholly across any boundary, whether on the ground or in the air, the ball is awarded to the team opposite of the player who last touched the ball.
1. When a ball goes out over the sideline the ball is thrown in near the place on the line where the ball went out. After throwing, the ball must touch another player before the thrower can play the ball again. Upon delivering the ball, the thrower must adhere to these restrictions:
a. Face the field of play.
b. Have part of each foot on the ground on or behind the sideline.
c. Hold the ball with both hands.
d. Deliver the ball from behind and over the head.
2. When a ball goes out over the goal line by the attacking team the ball is placed anywhere in the goal area and is kicked in. The ball is in play once it has been kicked and clearly moves. The offensive team can play the ball before it leaves the penalty area. Opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.
3. When a ball goes out over the goal line by the defending team the ball is placed in the corner where the goal line meets the sideline and is kicked in. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction. After kicking, the ball must touch another player before the kicker can play the ball again.
iii. When play is stopped by the referee for a non-foul (e.g. injury) then the ball is restarted with a drop ball near the spot where the ball was when play was stopped. The ball is to be dropped to the team that had possession before play was stopped. Opposing team members should be at least 4 yards away when the ball is dropped. The ball is in play when it has touched the ground.
b. Goal Scoring
i. Goals can be scored from anywhere on the field, but the entire ball must pass below the cross-bar and between the goal posts for a goal.
ii. A goal can be scored directly from the kickoff and other direct kicks (e.g. corner kicks, direct free kicks).
iii. A goal cannot be scored directly from an indirect free kick or throw-in. The ball must touch another player on the field of either team before going into the goal to count.
c. Free Kick Infringements
i. Direct Free Kicks
1. The following are punished by the awarding of a direct free kick: tripping, pushing, punching, handling the ball, holding or kicking an opponent. Handling the ball means that a player picks-up, holds, stops or propels the ball with his/her hands or arms (not necessarily any time it hits a player’s hand/arm).
2. The kick is awarded to the opposite team and is taken from the spot where the foul occurred.
3. Players of the opposing team must be a minimum of 10 yards away from the ball when a direct free kick is taken.
4. If a wall of 3 or more defenders is formed, the attacking players are not to be allowed within 1 yard of the wall.
ii. Penalty Kicks
1. If a direct free kick foul occurred inside the penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded and the ball is placed 12 yards from the goal line.
2. All players except the goalkeeper and the player taking the penalty kick must be outside the penalty area and the penalty arc.
3. The goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot on the goal line until the ball has been kicked.
4. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves forward.
5. The kicker cannot touch the ball again until it has touched another player on the field from either team.
iii. Indirect Free Kicks
1. Indirect free kicks are awarded for playing in a dangerous manner (e.g., slide tackling), preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his/her hands, impeding the progress of an opponent (obstruction), or commits any other offense for which play is stopped.
2. The kick is awarded to the opposite team and is taken from the spot where the foul occurred.
3. Players of the opposing team must be a minimum of 10 yards away from the ball when a free kick is taken.
4. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction.
d. Offside
i. A player is in an offside position if he/she is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent (the goalkeeper is usually the last opponent).
ii. A player is not in an offside position in the following instances:
1. He/she is in his own half of the field of play.
2. He/she is even with the second to last opponent.
3. He/she is even with the last two opponents.
iii. A player judged to be in an offside position by the referee is only penalized if he/she plays the ball, or at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his teammates, he/she is involved in active play by doing any of the following:
1. Interfering with play.
2. Interfering with an opponent.
3. Gaining an advantage by being in that position.
iv. Calls are made at the discretion of the referee. Close calls will not be made.
e. Goalkeeper Rules
i. A goalkeeper may handle the ball only inside his/her own penalty area.
ii. An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his/her own penalty area, commits any of the following offenses:
1. Handles the ball after he/she has released it from his/her possession and before it has touched another player.
2. Handles the ball after it has been deliberately kicked to him/her by a team-mate.
3. Handles the ball after he/she has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate.
iii. The goalkeeper is considered to be in possession of the ball when his/her hands are touching the ball. Kicking or attempting to kick a ball when it is in the possession of a goalkeeper is considered dangerous play and is penalized with an indirect free kick.
f. Substitutions
i. Substitutions are unlimited and can be accomplished on the fly as well as when the ball is out of play.
ii. The player being substituted for must come off the field before the substitute may enter the field.
iii. There is no stoppage time for substitutions. Play is continuous.
g. Additional Players
i. If a team is behind by 4 goals, a coach can add one additional field player. The additional player will be taken off the field if his/her team scores. An additional player can be added when 6 goals behind, and again at 8. If the losing team does not have additional players, then the winning team should consider taking a player off the field.
1. Field and Equipment
a. Boundary Line: 40-45 x 50-60 yards
b. Penalty Area: 14 x 30 yards
c. Penalty Spot: 10 yards from the goal line and central to the goal
d. Center Circle: 8-yard circumference at the center of the field
e. Ball Size: Size 5
2. Game Format
a. The game will be played with two 25-minute halves with a 5-minute half-time.
b. Teams will change sides after half-time. The game shall be terminated on time, regardless of the time remaining to accommodate the next game time.
c. Each team will play with 6 players on the field, one of whom must be a goalkeeper.
d. Parents and other spectators can only view the game from the same sideline as their team. Parents should not be behind the goal line or on the opposing team’s side. The home team selects the side.
3. Player Equipment
a. Shin guards are mandatory for all players and are to be worn inside the socks.
b. Footwear can be athletic shoes or soft-cleated shoes. Shoes with a toe cleat (e.g., football and baseball cleats) cannot be worn.
c. Non-soccer equipment such as watches and jewelry must be removed priorto entering a game.
d. Players with hard casts are permitted to play, provided their cast has been securely encased in bubble wrap or similar padding.
4. Referees
There are no assigned referees for this age. Officiating is done by coaches from the sideline. However, a parent from each team may be asked to officiate one half of the game if the coaches would prefer it.
5. 6v6 Game Rules
a. Start/Restarts
i. Each half is started, as well as restarts after a goal is scored, by kicking the ball placed in the center of the field within the center circle. Players of the opposing team must be outside the center circle (8 yards away) when the kick is taken. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction. After kicking, the ball must touch another player before the kicker can play the ball again.
ii. When the ball goes wholly across any boundary, whether on the ground or in the air, the ball is awarded to the team opposite of the player who last touched the ball.
1. When a ball goes out over the sideline, the ball is thrown in near the place on the line where the ball went out. After throwing the ball must touch another player before the thrower can play the ball again. Upon delivering the ball, the thrower must adhere to these restrictions:
a. Face the field of play
b. Have part of each foot on the ground on or behind the sideline
c. Hold the ball with both hands
d. Deliver the ball from behind and over the head
2. When a ball goes out over the goal line by the attacking team, the ball is placed anywhere in the goal area and is kicked in. The ball is in play once it has been kicked and clearly moves. Opposing players must be outside of the penalty area until the ball has been kicked. The goal kick must touch another player or the field before passing the midfield line. Clearances that pass the midfield line without touching a player or the field should be retaken.
3. When a ball goes out over the goal line by the defending team, the ball is placed in the corner where the goal line meets the sideline and is kicked in. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction. After kicking, the ball must touch another player before the kicker can play the ball again.
iii. When play is stopped for a non-foul (e.g., injury), then the ball is restarted with a drop ball near the spot where the ball was when play was stopped. The ball is to be dropped to the team that had possession before play was stopped. Opposing team members should be at least 4 yards away when the ball is dropped. The ball is in play when it has touched the ground.
b. Goal Scoring
i. Goals can be scored from anywhere on the field, but the entire ball must pass below the cross-bar and between the goal posts for a goal.
ii. A goal can be scored directly from the kickoff and other direct kicks (e.g., corner kicks, direct free kicks).
iii. A goal cannot be scored directly from an indirect free kick or throw-in. The ball must touch another player on the field of either team before going into the goal to count.
c. Free Kick Infringements—Coaches must call fouls
i. Direct Free Kicks
1. The following are punished by the awarding of a direct free kick: tripping, pushing, punching, handling the ball, holding, or kicking an opponent. Handling the ball means that a player picks up, holds, stops or propels the ball with his/her hands or arms (not necessarily any time it hits a player’s hand/arm).
2. The kick is awarded to the opposite team and is taken from the spot where the foul occurred.
3. Players of the opposing team must be a minimum of 8 yards away from the ball when a direct free kick is taken.
4. If a wall of 3 or more defenders is formed, the attacking players are not to be allowed within 1 yard of the wall.
ii. Penalty Kicks
1. If a direct free kick foul occurred inside the penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded, and the ball is placed 10 yards from the goal line.
2. All players except the goalkeeper and the player taking the penalty kick must be outside the penalty area and the penalty arc.
3. The goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot on the goal line until the ball has been kicked.
4. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves forward.
5. The kicker cannot touch the ball again until it has touched another player on the field from either team.
iii. Indirect Free Kicks
1. Indirect free kicks are awarded for playing in a dangerous manner (e.g., slide tackling), preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his/her hands, impeding the progress of an opponent (obstruction), or commits any other offense for which play is stopped.
2. The kick is awarded to the opposite team and is taken from the spot where the foul occurred.
3. Players of the opposing team must be a minimum of 8 yards away from the ball when a free kick is taken.
4. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves in any direction.
d. Offside
i. A player is in an offside position if he/she is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent (the goalkeeper is usually the last opponent).
ii. A player is not in an offside position in the following instances:
1. He/she is in his own half of the field of play.
2. He/she is even with the second-to-last opponent.
3. He/she is even with the last two opponents.
iii. A player judged to be in an offside position is only penalized if he/she plays the ball, or at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his teammates, he/she is involved in active play by doing any of the following:
1. Interfering with play.
2. Interfering with an opponent.
3. Gaining an advantage by being in that position.
iv. Calls are made at the discretion of the coaches. Close calls should not be made. Gaining an advantage by being offside by more than a step or two should result in a stoppage of play and awarding an indirect free kick to the opposing team.
e. Goalkeeper Rules
i. A goalkeeper may handle the ball only inside his/her own penalty area.
ii. An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his/her own penalty area commits any of the following offenses:
1. Handles the ball after he/she has released it from his/her possession and before it has touched another player.
2. Handles the ball after it has been deliberately kicked to him/her by a team-mate.
3. Handles the ball after he/she has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate.
iii. The goalkeeper is considered to be in possession of the ball when his/her hands are touching the ball. Kicking or attempting to kick a ball when it is in the possession of a goalkeeper is considered dangerous play and is penalized with an indirect free kick.
iv. Drop kicks or punts are allowed as long as the ball makes contact with a player or the ground prior to crossing the midfield line.
f. Substitutions
i. Substitutions are unlimited and can be accomplished on the fly as well as when the ball is out of play.
ii. The player being substituted for must come off the field before the substitute may enter the field.
iii. There is no stoppage time for substitutions. Play is continuous.
g. Additional Players
i. If a team is behind by 4 goals, a coach can add one additional field player. The additional player will be taken off the field if his/her team scores. An additional player can be added when 6 goals behind, and again at 8. If the losing team does not have additional players, then the winning team should consider taking a player off the field.
