Guidelines
The following guidelines are in accordance with US Soccer's Player Development Initiatives which were introduced in 2016 and are required by August 2017. These guidelines allow us to focus on player development through small-sided games which encourage all players to have meaningful roles on the field. Expected results include increased skills with the ball, improved decision making, increased awareness, and a better understanding of the game of soccer.
| Field & Ball |
Dimensions: 70-80 yards long by 45-55 yards wide (maximum)
Markings: The field of play must be rectangular and marked with the lines shown on the diagram below.
Goals: Recommended 6.5 feet high x 18.5 feet wide. (Maximum 7 feet high x 21 feet wide).
Ball size: 4
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| Players |
Numbers: Nine per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper. 12 maximum on roster. Game may not start or continue if there are fewer than 6 players on a team.
Substitutions: Between quarters, at halftime and for injuries.
Regional Rule Playing time: Minimum of two quarters per game and no player should sit out twice until every player has sat out once.
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| Player's Equipment |
Footwear: Soccer shoes are recommended (or similar type athletic shoes). The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.
Shinguards: Mandatory for both practices and games, and must be covered entirely by socks.
Jerseys: Rolled or tied up sleeves are permitted, provided that the referee approves it is done in a safe manner.
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| Duration of Game |
Four 15-minute quarters
Halftime break of 5-10 minutes
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| Referee |
The referee must be a certified regional referee or above.
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| No Heading! |
Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division players 11U (12U and below for programs without single age divisions) and below in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player age 10 or younger, deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match (taken from the place where the player touched the ball with his/her head).
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| The Laws of the Game Apply |
Unless otherwise noted above, the Laws of the Game apply.
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Field Diagram
