ALMADEN VALLEY YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE U10, & U12 MODIFIED RULES OF THE GAME

7v7 & 9v9

All games will be played using FIFA rules, with the following modifications.

1. Player’s Equipment

· All players must wear soccer attire, shin guards, cleats and a jersey in a contrasting color from the opposing team.

· For player safety, no front cleats are allowed such as baseball and football cleats.

· Players shall not wear anything which is dangerous to another player or themselves including: watches, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, baseball caps, hard casts, etc.

2. Ball Size

In accordance with FIFA rules: Size four (#4)

3. Duration of the Game

· The game is to be divided into two (2) equal halves

U10 twenty five (25) minutes each half.

U12 thirty (30) minutes each half.

· There is a half time break of five (5) minutes.

· There is no overtime.

4. Number of Players

· U10

Maximum number of players on roster is eleven (11).

Maximum on the field is Seven (7).

Minimum on the field is Five (5).

· U12

Maximum number of players on roster is thirteen (13).

Maximum on the field is Nine (9).

Minimum on the field is Seven (7).

5. Substitutions

· Unlimited substitutions with referee’s permission are allowed as follows:

· Prior to a throw-in by your team

· Prior to a goal kick by your team

· Prior to a kick-off by either team

· Prior to the resumption of play after an injury by either team

· Prior to the resumption of play after halftime

· All players present play a minimum of 50% of the game.

6. Start of Game

· The HOME team has the choice of side of field from which to view the game.

· Parents and spectators are to sit on the opposite side of the field from the coaches and players.

· The HOME team is required to provide the game score card to the referee.

· The HOME team provides a referee approved game ball.

· On the first game of the day, the HOME and VISITING teams set up the playing field.

· On the last game of the day, the HOME and VISITING teams break down the field, lock up the goals and clean up.

7. Players/Coaches/Spectator Viewing Line

· Players, coaches and spectators must be within 10 yards to the left or right of the mid line. Both the HOME and VISITING teams’ players and coaches will be on either side of the mid line, on the same side of the field. Spectators must be on the opposite side of the field from the players and coaches.

· No player, coach and/or spectator may stand behind the goal line during the game.

8. Start of Play

· The winner of a coin toss determines which goal the team will defend in the first half. The other team takes the kick off.

· Opponents must be six yards away from the center mark when kick-off is in progress.

· The kick off must go forward one ball revolution before another player may touch the ball.

9. Ball In and Out of Play

· When the sphere of the ball completely crosses the goal or touch line, the ball is out of play.

10. Method of Scoring

· A goal is scored when the complete sphere of the ball goes over the goal line between the goal posts and under the cross bar.

· The ball cannot be thrown, carried or intentionally propelled by hand or arm over the goal line.

· Goals may be scored from anywhere in the field, but cannot be scored directly from a goal-kick, throw-in, kick-off or an indirect free kick.

· When a team is ahead four or more goals, it is considered good sportsmanship to NOT run up the score. Coaches should make an obvious effort to reduce scoring.

11. Fouls and Misconducts

· Referees will award direct or indirect free kicks, per FIFA guidelines, for fouls.

· Referees will be issuing yellow cards and red cards for repeated fouls, dangerous play, or inappropriate language.

12. Goal Kicks

· When the ball is last touched by an attacking player before going completely over the goal line and a goal is not scored, play is restarted by the defending team kicking the ball from anywhere within its goal area.

· Opponents must remain outside of the penalty area (at least 6 yards away from the ball) until the ball is in play and comes completely out of the penalty area.

13. Penalty Kicks

(U12)

· A penalty kick is awarded against a team which commits an offense for which a direct free kick is awarded, inside its own penalty.

· A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick.

(U10)

· A direct free kick is awarded against a team which commits any offence inside its own penalty area. The ball is placed just outside the penalty box, closest to the location of where the ball was when the penalty occurred. Opponents must remain 6 yards away from the ball until it is played.

14. Corner Kicks

· When the ball is last touched by a defending player before going completely over the goal line and the goal is not scored, the play is restarted by the attacking player taking a kick from within the corner arc on the side of the field where the ball went over the goal line. Defenders must be six yards away from the ball when the corner kick is taken. The ball is in play when it has been kicked and moves.

15. Throw-Ins

· When the entire sphere of the ball passes completely over the touch line, play is restarted with a throw in taken by a player of the team opposite to that of the player who last touched the ball. A throw-in requires that the player taking the throw in face the field, have both feet outside the touch line, use both hands, and deliver the ball from behind and over his or her head.

· If a player fails to properly throw-in the ball, that player will be given the opportunity to retake the throw-in.

16. Off Sides

(U10)

· There is no official off sides rule, however a referee can stop play and award an indirect kick to the opponent if a player is consistently involved in the play well behind the second to last player.

(U12)

· An attacking player is off-sides only if the player is (1) in the opponents half of the field, (2) in front of the ball, (3) closer to the opponents goal line than the second last opponent and (4) is in the opinion of the referee involved in active play at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of the player’s teammates.

17. Sportsmanship

· Good sportsmanship will prevail at all times.

· Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, parents, and spectators.

· Coaches and players are encouraged to shake hands with opponents after the game.

· If any issues arise during a game, discuss the issue with the opposing coach privately. DO NOT attempt to discuss issues in front of players or parents