9U GUIDELINES

Game Detail:

• Players = 7 vs. 7 (14 players on the field with goal keepers)
• Ball Size = 4
• Game Time = Two 25 minute halves. Half time break of 5-10 minutes. Substitutions will occur at approximately halfway through the half (11-13 minutes) and at the half time break - clock never stops. Players may get a sip of water at the quarter substitutions but should not leave the field like at the half time break.
• Start/End Time = Games must start and end on time. Arrive early enough to setup your field if required.
  

Playing Time:

All players must play 3 "Quarters" before anyone play's 4 "Quarters", referees do not enforce this, just report if an issue.

Emphasis: “Development over Winning” = dribbling, kicking, throw-ins, ball control, passing, top of the thigh ball control, juggling, front block tackling and goal keeping.

Soccer Objectives: Score, Keep Possession, Advance the Ball. Prevent Scoring, Regain Possession and Delay Opponents.

Coaches/Spectators:

• No coaches or spectators on the field. If an injury occurs, let the referees handle it unless they call out the head coach.
• Coaches are to remain in the technical area (if it is not painted in, use the center circle as a guide) and all parents and spectators will stay between the top of the two penalty lines. No one is allowed to be behind the goal lines - it is a distraction to the players.

Throw-Ins:

• Players are allowed one re-do on throw-ins, if it is incorrect again, the ball is turned over to the other team.

Free Kicks and Penalty Kicks:

• All free kicks are direct free kicks follow FIFA Laws of the Game.
• There are penalty kicks.

Goal Kicks:

• Goal kicks are to be taken from anywhere in the goal area and must travel outside the penalty area before the ball can be touched by either team. If they are touched before they completely cross the line, replay the kick. The team taking the goal kick can have as many of their players in the penalty box as they want when taking a goal kick; they just can’t touch it until it crosses outside of the penalty box.

Keeper Ball Handling:

• The keeper can pick the ball up anywhere inside the penalty area. They cannot leave the penalty area and kick the ball. If they leave the area, a handing foul has occurred and a direct kick will be awarded.
• GOALKEEPER PUNTS
•   1. For 9U to 12U, the goalkeeper shall not punt the ball.
• 2. An indirect kick will be awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the offense if a goalkeeper for 9U to 12U deliberately punts the ball during a match.
• 3. An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the opposing team’s goal area must be taken on the goal area line at the point nearest to where the goalkeeper punted the ball.

BUILD-OUT LINE (9U AND 10U)
1. The build-out line shall be placed across the field equidistant between the top of the penalty area and the halfway line.
2. The opposing team must move behind the build-out line for a goal kick or when the goalkeeper has possession. At any time, the goalkeeper may pass, throw or roll the ball to a teammate who is behind the build-out line.
3. The goalkeeper or the player taking the goal kick does not have to wait for the opposing players to move behind the build-out line. The play from the goalkeeper or from the goal kick must be played to a teammate behind the build-out line. After the ball is put into play, the opposing team can then cross the build-out line and play may resume as normal. The first touch is from the goal kick or the pass from the goalkeeper.

HEADING THE BALL
1. Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division players 11U (12U and below for programs without single age divisions) and below in both practices and matches.
 2. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player age 10 or younger, deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match.
a. The indirect free kick is to be taken from the place where the player touched the ball with his/her head.
b. An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the opposing team’s goal area, must be taken on the goal area line at the point nearest to where the player touched the ball with his/her head.