Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The
length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line.
Length: minimum 45 yards maximum 60 yards
Width: minimum 35 yards maximum 45 yards
Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than five (5) inches wide. The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of eight (8) yards is marked around it.
The Penalty Area: A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, fourteen (14) yards from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of fourteen (14) yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area. Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made ten (10) yards from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them. An arc of a circle with a radius of eight (8) yards from each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area.
Goals: Goals must be placed on the center of each goal
line. They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flag posts
and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The maximum distance between
the posts is eighteen (18) feet and the maximum distance from the lower edge of
the crossbar to the ground is six (6) feet.
Safety: Goals must be anchored securely to the ground.
Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement.
Law 2 – The
Ball: Size four (4).
Law 3 – The
Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than
six players, one of whom is the goalkeeper.
Substitutions: At start of period, injury, before goal
kick, after score, or before own throw-in.
Playing time: Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50%
of the total playing time. Teams and matches may be coed.
Law 4 - The
Players’ Equipment: Soccer cleats (NO TOE CLEAT), must wear shin guards at all times. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on
weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams.
Law 5 - The
Referee: Registered referee, especially Grade 9 or parent/coach or assistant
coach. All rule infringements shall be briefly explained to the offending
player.
Law 6 - The
Assistant Referees: Not required. May use club linesmen if desired.
Law 7 - The
Duration of the Match: Conform to FIFA with the exception of the match being
divided into two (2) equal halves of twenty (20) minutes each. There shall
be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes.
Law 8 - The
Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA with the exception of the opponents
of the team taking the kick-off are at least eight (8) yards from the ball
until it is in play.
Law 9 - The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.
Law 10 - The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA.
Law 11 - Offside: Conform to FIFA
Law 12 - Fouls
and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA.
Law 13 - Free
Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exception that all opponents are at least eight
(8) yards from the ball.
Law 14 - The Penalty Kick: Conform to FIFA.
Law 15 - The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA.
Law
16 - The Goal Kick: Conform to FIFA.
Law 17 - The
Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least
eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.
ADDENDUM
MODIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
GAME FOR U10
Law 1
The Field of Play: dimensions are smaller to accommodate the six-versus-six
game and are appropriate for the movement capabilities of eight- and
nine-year-old children. These adjusted dimensions provide more practical space
allowing players to be successful.
Field Markings: the penalty area is marked, but is
smaller than the adult field size penalty
area. The center circle is two yards smaller in radius
than the adult size field marking. All other markings are per FIFA.
Goals: the goal, 6 x 18 feet.
Law 2 The
Ball: must be a size four. The smaller ball is lighter and more easily kicked,
received, dribbled and passed.
Law 3 The
Number of Players: the six-a-side game now includes the goalkeeper. The smaller
number of field players will provide the opportunity for the children to
further develop their physical and technical abilities. These are valuable
traits for all soccer players to develop. With fewer players on the field each
child has an increased number of contacts with the ball and has more actual playing
time. Additionally the players will be required to make more decisions and
experience repeating game situations more frequently. The work rate and
involvement of players will be more consistent. While learning both offense and
defense, players will become well rounded and will understand more readily the
roles and importance of teammates. The need for the players to make the mental
and physical transition from offense to defense and vice-versa will be enhanced
in this playing environment.
Law 5
The Referee: per FIFA. Clubs are urged to use this age group as a field
training opportunity for Grade 9 Recreational Referees. All rule infringements
shall be briefly explained to the offending player.
Law 6
The Assistant Referees: use club linesmen. Implement here the
referee-in-training program. Law 7 The Duration of the Match: per FIFA
with the exception of the halves being 25 minutes each.
Law 8 The
Start and Restart of Play: per FIFA. The distance the defending players must be
away from the ball until it is kicked is the same as the radius of the center
circle.
Law 10
Goal Scored: shall conform to FIFA and the sections concerning Winning Team and
Competition Rules shall conform to US Youth Soccer guidelines.
Law 13 Free Kicks: per FIFA. The
distance the defending players must be away from the ball until it is kicked is
the same as the radius of the center circle.
Law 14 The Penalty Kick: conform to FIFA
with the exceptions that the penalty mark is ten yards from the center of the
goal line and that players other than the kicker and defending goalkeeper are
at least eight yards from the penalty mark. The distance of eight yards
conforms to the radius of the center circle. The distance of ten yards from the
center of the goalmouth for the penalty mark fits within the reduced dimensions
of the penalty area and is a reasonable distance for the kick.
Law 17 The Corner Kick: per FIFA. The distance
the defending players must be away
from the ball until it is kicked
is the same as the radius of the center circle.
·
Roster Size:
Under the single field method the recommended minimum roster size is nine
players and the maximum roster size is eleven players. Under the dual field
method the recommended minimum roster size is fourteen players and the maximum
roster size is sixteen players. This range of roster sizes allows for a club to
use either the single field or dual field setup.
·
Split-Field
Model: See appendix for options.
·
Playing Time: A
minimum of at least 50% playing time is required.
·
No score or
standings should be kept.
ADVANTAGES OF PLAYING SMALL SIDED GAMES
·
More
time with the coach
·
Energetic
workouts due to playing both offense and defense
·
More efficient
use of field space
·
Matches can be
played simultaneously across a full size field
·
Children are
physically more efficient in smaller space
·
Children are
actively involved for a longer period of time
·
It takes less
time to score a goal or advance to goal
·
Greater success
rate for the player
US Youth Soccer Recommendations
·
Opposing coaches, players and parents should shake hands after each
match.
·
Parent/coaches,
non-participating players and spectators should be there to enjoy and encourage
the activity of the youngsters.
·
Spectator and team benches should be on opposite sides of the field.
·
No alcoholic
beverages or tobacco products will be consumed or allowed near the playing
area.
·
No slide tackles
to be allowed in this age group.
·
Coaches of U10
teams should attend the U10/U12 Youth Module coaching course and the Grade 9
referee course