US Youth Soccer Modified Rules Of Play

Here are the basic rules of play for this level of play and our league. Please try to follow them as much as possible so there is uniformity among the different teams.

Division C = 7 v 7 + goalies

Division B = 5 v 5 + goalies

Division A = 4 v 4 + goalies

- all players must be on their half of the field w/ one team kicking off. Opponents must be 3 yards away. Kick off is to ensure possession and must go to a teammate, not an opponent. Opponents must wait till second touch.

- When the WHOLE of the ball goes over the WHOLE of a boundary line, it’s out of play. For the younger divisions, try and keep the ball moving, only call out of bounds when necessary so there is not a lot of stoppage.

- Pushes, tackle of an opponent to gain posession of the ball & making contact w/ the opponent before the ball (this shouldn’t be happening at all in this league because of field condition), holding of an opponent, handling of the ball deliberately, or playing in a dangerous manner will result in a free kick.

- All are indirect, which means, a goal may not be scored until the ball has been played or touched by a second player of either team.

- not used in small sided games.

- Replaces throw in (for divisions A and B only, C may throw in) When the ball goes out of bounds, a player from the opposite team than the team who licked it out, will kick it back in. Opposing players must be 3 yards away.

- If the team attempting to score the goal kicks the ball over the goal line, outside the goal posts, the opposing team puts the ball back in play with a goal kick. The kick should be taken inside the goal box and opposing players should be 5 yards away. NO DROP KICKS

-Use an indirect free kick with the opponent 3 yards away. If the team defending against a goal being scored, kicks the ball over the goal line outside the goal posts, the opposing team puts the ball back into play with a corner kick.

Source: The Official Youth Soccer Coaching Manual, presented by Snickers.