US Youth Soccer recommended modifications to the FIFA Laws of the Game.
Law 1 – The Field of Play
Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line.
Length: minimum 100 yards to maximum 130 yards
Width: minimum 50 yards to maximum 100 yards
Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than five (5) inches wide. The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of ten (10) yards is marked around it.
The Goal Area: Conform to FIFA.
The Penalty Area: A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, ten (10) yards from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of ten (10) yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area. Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made twelve (12) yards from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them. An arc of a circle with a radius of ten (10) yards from each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area.
Flag posts: Conform to FIFA.
The Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA.
Goals: Goals must be placed on the center of each goal line. They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flag posts and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The maximum distance between the posts is eighteen (18) feet and the maximum distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is eight (8) feet.
Safety: Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement.
Law 2 – The Ball: Size five (5).
Law 3 – The Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than eleven (11) players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A minimum number of seven (7) players per side for a league game is necessary to prevent a forfeit. However teams do not need to be equal.
Substitutions: At any stoppage and unlimited. Playing time: Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. Teams and matches may be coed.
Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams.
Law 5 – The Referee: Registered referee, especially Grade 9.If a referee is not assigned to your game (with the consent of both coaches) a coach, assistant coach, or parent shall referee the game. All rule infringements may be briefly explained to the offending player as needed.
Law 6 –The Assistant Referees: Required. May use club linesmen/women as needed.
Law 7 – The Duration of the Match: Conform to FIFA with the exception of the match being divided into two (2) equal halves with a half-time interval of ten (10) minutes:
Under-19: Two 45' halves
Under-18: Two 45' halves
Under-17: Two 45' halves
Under-16: Two 40' halves
Under-15: Two 40' halves
Under-14: Two 35' halves
Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA with the exception of the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least ten (10) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.
Law 10 – The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA.
Law 11 – Offside: Yes
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA.
Law 13 – Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exception that all opponents are at least ten (10) yards from the ball.
Law 14 – The Penalty Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that the penalty mark is made twelve (12) yards from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them.
Law 15 – The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA.
Law 16 – The Goal Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that it is taken from the top of the goal area and opponents remain at outside the penalty area until the ball clears.
Law 17 – The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least ten (10) yards from the ball until it is in play.
COMMON SENSE
A. Coaches are encouraged to shake hands with the opposing team before and after the game.
B. Players are encouraged to line-up and congratulate (high ¬five) the opposing team at the end of the game.
C. This game is for the children, let them learn, but most of all let them have fun.
D. Coaches are encouraged NOT to coach from the sidelines. Weekly practices are for coaching. Games are for having FUN.
E. Coaches are encouraged to keep play as equal as possible, moving players around to keep play equal and even.
F. Coaches are encouraged to keep goals to a minimum, to prevent run-away scores. Switching player positions, especially scoring players, remove stronger players and substitute with weaker players can prevent this.
IF IT’S FUN, LET IT RUN!!!
LET THE GAME BECOME THE TEACHER!!!