RULES & GAME FORMATS
The U.S. Soccer Federation has made these recommendations for formats for the best practices for youth development:
- To promote the implementation of small-sided games as the vehicle for match play for players under the age of 12 throughout the United States.
- To promote and encourage an appropriate developmental environment for players that is based on both age and ability characteristics.
| Division | Age | Game Form | Field Size | Game Length | Ball Size | Restart Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
12 |
11v11 + Goalkeeper |
80x50 yards | 2 x 35 min. | 5 | FIFA Rules |
| 2 | 11 |
9v9 + Goalkeeper |
80x50 yards | 2 x 35 min. | 4 | FIFA Rules |
| 3 | 10 |
7v7, 8v8 + Goalkeeper |
70x50 yards | 2 x 30 min. | 4 | FIFA Rules. No Offsides. Ball must bounce on own half. |
| 4 | 9 |
6v6, 7v7 + Goalkeeper |
60x40 yards | 2 x 25 min. | 4 | FIFA Rules. No Offsides. |
| 5 | 8 |
5v5 No Goalkeeper |
45x30 yards | 2 x 20 min. | 3 |
Kick-ins, Goal Kicks, Corner Kicks, Take Center After Goal Kick. |
| 6 | 7 |
4v4 No Goalkeeper |
40x30 yards | 4 x 10 min. | 3 |
Kick-ins, Goal Kicks, Corner Kicks, Take Center After Goal Kicks. |
| 7 | 6 |
3v3 No Goalkeeper |
30x20 yards | 4 x 10 min. | 2 or 3 |
Kick-ins, Goal Kicks, Corner Kicks, After Goal Restart from Goal Kick. |
| 8 | 5 |
3v3 No Goalkeeper |
20x15 yards | 4 x 8 min. | 2 or 3 | Informal (Parents/Coaches "barricade" field). |
| 9 |
4 |
3v3 No Goalkeeper |
20x15 yards | N/A | 2 or 3 | Coaches serves ball to player in biggest space. |
| Girls | Game Form | Field Size | Game Length | Ball Size | Restart Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Older |
11v11 + Goalkeeper |
80x50 yards | 2 x 35 min. | 5 | FIFA Rules |
| Intermediate |
6v6, 7v7 + Goalkeeper |
60x40 yards | 2 x 25 min. | 4 | FIFA Rules. No Offsides. |
| Younger |
4v4 No Goalkeeper |
40x30 yards | 4 x 10 min. | 3 |
Kick-ins, Goal Kicks, Corner Kicks, Take Center After Goal Kicks. |
RULES
Substitutions:
On any stoppage such as throw-in, free kick, goal kick, kick-off, corner kick, or injury; unlimited substitutions.
Playing Time: Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. Players shall not play more than 50% of the game as goalkeeper. Players with visible blood on their uniforms or body must be substituted.
Players’ Equipment:
Conform to FIFA with the following exceptions:
- Footwear: Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes.
- Shin Guards: MANDATORY.
- Jewelry: Players are not permitted to wear any kind of jewelry (including pierced earrings) Tape over earrings is not acceptable.
Referee:
- Registered referee/new referee program.
- Parent/Coacn or Assistant.
- All rule infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending player.
Start of Play:
Conform to FIFA with the following exception: Opponent must be eight (8) yards from the center of mark while kick-off is in progress.
Off-Side:
FIFA Divisions 1, 2 and Older Girls Only.
Fouls and Misconduct:
Conform to FIFA.
Free Kick:
Conform to FIFA with the following exception:
Penalty Kick:
Conform to FIFA.
