7v7

Field of play

• 55X35 recommended

• Goals are 6.5 x 18

• Build-Out Line – a line between the penalty box and the half line. When a goalkeeper has the ball or is awarded a goal kick, the opponent must retreat behind this line until the ball is put in play again; drop-kicks and punts are not allowed
  

Ball

• Size 4

Game Length

• 25-minute halves; 5 minute break between the halves

Players

• 7v7 (6 field players and 1 goalkeeper)

• Game may not start or continue if there are less than 5 players on a team. If a team is short of players the coach can play with fewer than the regulation number of players. The coach can keep one player in reserve as a sub; the opposing team has to play down to the number of players available for the game, not the number of players on the field. Teams may borrow players from the opponent to play at full strength

• Players will play at least 50% of the game

• Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any stoppage

Players’ Equipment

• Jersey, black shorts, socks, shin guards and cleats or tennis shoes

• Shin guards must be completely covered by the stockings

• No jewelry of any kind.

• No casts or hard splints

Referees

• One referee = no assistant referees at U10

• Teams may be asked to provide a club linesman – a club linesman assists the referee by indicating the ball in/out of play. A club linesman does NOT call fouls or offsides.

• If no referee is available, select a responsible adult to manage the game, keep time, and player safety. Remember it’s about FUN!

Game Play

• Goals may not be scored directly from a kick off or goal kick

• Penalty kicks will be played as direct kicks from the penalty mark; the defending team will be allowed to set up a wall on the goal line

• A 2^nd opportunity to take a foul throw in will be allowed; if the player commits a foul throw twice, the opposing team will be awarded possession

Ball in and out of play

• The ball is out when it has COMPLETELY crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground or in the air

• The ball is in play at all other times

Offsides

• Offsides is only called between the build-out line and the end line

Goal Kick & Goalie Possession of the Ball

• When the goalie has possession of the ball or the team has a goal kick, the opponent must retreat behind the build-out line until the ball is played. The goalie may put the ball in play by throwing or putting the ball down to dribble or pass; drop-kicks and punts are not allowed. When the ball is back in play, players may move freely anywhere on the field again.

***THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO HEADING IN THIS AGE GROUP***

Deliberate heading is NOT allowed in YSYSL games. If a player deliberately heads a ball in a game, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate head occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.