Player Development Initiatives Aug 2016

9 Vs. 9 Game Players

Law 1 –Field of Play

•70-80 yards (length)

•45-55 yards (width)

•Goals should be no larger than 7feet (height) x 21 feet (width)

•A 6.5 feet (height) x 18.5 feet (width) goal is recommended based on the age and ability of the players

•Diagram contains recommended field markings and dimensions  

Law 2 –Ball

•Size 4

Law 3 –Number of Players

•9v9 (8 field players and 1 goalkeeper)

•Game may not start or continue if there are less than 6 players on a team

•Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any stoppage 

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 –Referee

•Minimum certification as a U.S. Soccer Grade 9 Referee

Law 6 –Other Match Officials

•Used at the discretion of the competition authority  

Law 7 –Duration of the Match

•2 halves

•30 minutes halves

•10 minute halftime

•No added time

Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least eight (8) 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: Conform to FIFA.

Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA  with the exception of deliberate heading in U11 games

Law 13 – Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents are at least eight (8) yards from the ball.

Law 14 – The Penalty Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that the penalty mark is at ten (10) yards and that players other than the kicker and defending goalkeeper are at least eight (8) yards from the penalty mark.

Law 15 – The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA.

Law 16 – The Goal Kick: Conform to FIFA.

Law 17 – The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least eight (8) yards away from the ball until it is in play.