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. Sharing players so all players get more game time is preferred.
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 - home team wears blue, the away team wears gray
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 10U
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 ensure player safety. Remember it’s about FUN!
Referee Abuse:
Referee disrespect is NEVER tolerated and can result in disciplinary action against any player, coach, or spectator
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 2nd 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.