LCGSA SOCCER - RECREATION DIVISION - Modified U-13 & Older Soccer Laws
** Referees are encouraged to explain the infractions to the players.
*** The players, coaches, and spectators may not challenge the referee’s ruling.
**** Technical Area: Coaches must stay in their technical area.
***** Spectators and teams must be on opposite sides of the field.
Law 1: The Field of Play ~ Field Size (100-110yds x 50-55yds). The goal size does not exceed 8ft x 24ft. All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 2: The Ball ~ A size 5 ball is used. All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 3: The Players ~ Matches are played 11 v 11 (see Note below), including the goalkeeper. Each player plays a least half of the game unless for disciplinary purposes or injury. The referee and opposing coach must be notified if any player doesn’t play half of the game. There are unlimited free substitutions on a teams’ possession for throw-in, any goal kick, or at half-time. If a player is substituted because of injury, the opposing coach may also substitute. The coach must inform the referee before they re-substitute the injured player. ALL PLAYERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PLAY GOALKEEPER. FIFA rules apply.
Law 4: The Players’ Equipment ~ FIFA rules apply. (No earrings period.)
Law 5: The Referee ~ Coaches are required to officiate their own games when the referee is not present. Coaches, as referees must not be biased toward either team during the match. All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 6: The Other Match Officials ~ Club Linesman are required to officiate their own games when the assistant referee is not present. Club linesmen, as assistant referees must not be biased toward either team during the match. All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 7: The Duration of the Match ~ There will be two 35-minute halves and a 5-minute halftime break. There will be no extra time. All other FIFA rules apply.
Laws 8 & 9: The Start and Restart of Play & The Ball In and Out of Play ~ All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 10: Determining the Outcome of a Match ~ All FIFA rules apply.
Law 11: Offside ~ Offside will be called but must be obvious for the referee crew to see. All FIFA rules apply.
Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct ~ All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 13: Free Kicks ~ All FIFA rules apply.
Laws 14 & 15: The Penalty Kick & The Throw-In ~ All FIFA rules apply.
Law 16: The Goal Kick ~ All FIFA rules apply.
Law 17: The Corner Kick ~ All other FIFA rules apply.
Special Considerations and Modifications to the Laws
Players at the start of play: Teams are encouraged to show sportsmanship should a team have limited players. So if a team only has 10 players to start the match, the opposing team should also play at 10 players. If additional players show up and are able to play, both teams may go to full 11 v 11 with the referee’s permission.
Seasonal challenges where the recreation program has limited team sizes, the matches may be moved to a U12 field and played using a modified format of 7 v 7, 8 v 8, or 9 v 9. The changes, if any, will be addressed at the pre-season coaches meeting.