Youth League Rules

  • 4v4 including GK
  • Two-20 minute halves
  • 2 minute half time
  • Roster limit is 8 players
  • Build out line (9U/10U only)
    • Applies on a goal clearance(goal kick) or when the GK collects the ball with their hands in the flow of play
    • The opposing team must retreat behind the midline (build out line)
    • The GK may roll, throw or drop the ball on the ground for a pass
    • The ball may not be thrown over the midline in the air
    • Once the defending team has retreated behind the build out line the GK’s 5 seconds begins
    • The defending team may cross the build out line once the receiving player has touched the ball
      • If the ball comes to a complete stop before the receiving player touches the ball, the defending team may cross the build out line
  • The GK may roll, throw or dribble the ball out from the back 
  • Substitutions are unlimited and can occur “on the fly”
    • Players must exit the field directly in front of their bench
    • The substituting player can enter the field once the player leaving the field is in front of their bench near the sideline
  • The ball out of play
    • Sideline restarts are kick-ins and are indirect
    • Corner kicks are direct
    •  A goal clearance (goal kick) starts in the GK’s hands and they may roll, throw or drop the ball for a pass. No punting.
      • A punted ball results in a direct free kick for the opposing team from the penalty arc
  • Goal keeper rules                
    • Back passes to the GK are unlimited
    • GK may only possess the ball for 5 seconds before releasing it while in the penalty arc
      • This is both for a goal clearance(goal kick) and in the flow of play
  • All free kicks are direct with two exceptions
    • Intentionally handled back pass to the GK
    • GK possesses the ball for longer than 5 seconds within the penalty arc
  • There is no offsides
  • Goal differential substitutions
    • If the winning team has a 5 goal advantage, the opposing team may add an additional player to the field and play 5v4
    • If the goal differential increases to 7, the opposing team may add a second player to the field and play 6v4