7 V 7 OFFICIAL RULES

U9/U10

Ball Size: Size four (4)
Field Size: 60 yds. X 40 yds.
Goal Size: 6' high x 18' wide

Coaches:
  1. There shall be no more than two (2) coaches on the sidelines of a game, per team.

Players:

1. Number of Players: The maximum number of players on the field per team at any one time is seven (7). The game is played with one goalkeeper and six field players per team.

2. Substitutions: With the permission of the referee, substitutions may be made:

1. By the team in possession of the ball, prior to a throw-in.  If the team in possession makes a substitution, the opposing team may also make a substitution.
2. By either team prior to a goal kick
3. By either team, after a goal is scored (prior to the kick-off)
4. By either team when the referee has stopped play after an injury
5. By the team of a player who has been cautioned by the referee
6. Playing Time:  Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time regardless of skill level, as long as the child arrives prepared to play in the proper uniform, is not under disciplinary suspension and is not physically handicapped due to illness or injury.

The Referee:

1. A G.Y.S.A. referee will oversee all games. Two linesmen may assist the referee, but their presence is not guaranteed.
2. All rule infractions should be briefly explained to the offending player.

Duration of the Game:

1. For U9, the game shall be divided into four (4) twelve (12)-minute quarters.
2. For U10, the game shall be divided into four (4) fifteen (15)-minutes quarters.
3. There shall be a two (2)-minute break between quarters one and two, and between quarters three and four.
4. There shall be a half-time break of five (5) minutes.

The Start of Play:

1. Play is started by kick-off at the center of the field. Players of the defending team shall stand on their side of the field, no closer to the ball than the perimeter of the center circle.  This circle shall be 16 yards in diameter.
2. Teams shall rotate kick-offs for the beginning of each quarter.

Ball In and Out of Play:

1. Any ball crossing the touch-line will result in a throw-in for the opposing team.
2. Any ball crossing the goal-line will result in a goal kick for the defending team or a corner kick for the attacking team.  All players for the defending team shall move back to the edge of the center circle of the team taking the goal kick, to allow for teams to play out of the back.

3. A goal-kick is not required to leave the penalty area before a teammate touches the ball, meaning once the ball is touched/passed (in-play) for the kick, it is immediately considered in play. Prior to the goal kick being taken, the defending team must move back to the edge of the center circle of the team taking the goal kick, to allow for teams to play out of the back.  The defending team must hold that line until the ball is in play, and can only attack the ball after the ball is in-play.

Free Kicks:

1. The referee will indicate whether the free kick is a direct (arm pointed at attacking goal) or indirect (arm pointed straight up) free kick.
2. No penalty kicks shall be awarded as a result of fouls occurring in the penalty area, that would otherwise be a direct free kick.
3. All fouls awarded inside the penalty box will result with an indirect free kick awarded. (no direct kicks inside the penalty box will be awarded in these age groups) Indirect kicks shall be taken by the attacking team within the defending team's penalty box at the spot of the foul unless the foul is committed inside the goal box, in this scenario the ball will be placed on the line of the goal box nearest where the foul occurred.
4. Opponents must be ten (10) yards away from all free kicks unless kick is being taken less than 10 yards from goal.

Offside Rule:

The offside rule will be in effect for this age group. However, it will be called at the referee's discretion, for plays in which off-sides is blatant. It is not the intent to stop plays in which an attacking player who participates in the play is technically in an offside position, to a relatively small degree. As the offside rule is subject to the referee's discretion and the referee may not have assistant linesmen at the field, criticism directed to the referee is dissent and will not be tolerated. Please recognize this is the most controversial and disagreed upon rule in the game of soccer at all levels of play. Remember to demonstrate sportsmanship at all times.

Heading the Ball:
Heading the ball is not permitted in this age group.

Misc. Rules:

• G.Y.S.A. encourages healthy and positive sports competition and puts a priority on the developmental process and the quality of play instead of the game outcome. It is not our desire to instill the "killer instinct" in the player, but rather to foster physical fitness, knowledge of the sport, agility, quick thinking and aggressive offensive and defensive play. Dangerous play and/or abusive language to coaches, players, or referees will not be tolerated.

• Parents/coaches and spectators should be there to enjoy the game, foster a positive sporting environment and to encourage the activity of all the youngsters participating in the game.  Please leave the “coaching” to the coaches. 

• All coaches are required to stay within their designated coaching area.  The coaching area will be a 10 yard box painted orange from the edge of the center circle toward the goal line. 

• Parents, spectators and coaches should not keep score – leave that to the players.  Seek always to build character through soccer by focusing on the long-term developmental process over the short-term result of a game.