Rules & Modifications

Kick-off in the middle of the field to start each half and after each goal. Coin toss determines who kicks off first. Team scored upon kicks off after a goal.

Do not insist the opponent always be 5 yards from the ball — this is just a guide. Let them play and do not interfere for technicalities.

Ball is out when it completely crosses the touchline or goal line. The team that didn't touch it last gets a kick-in. The coach determines when a restart is necessary and should then interfere as little as possible. It's their game — let them play.

A goal is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line. Goals should be enthusiastically celebrated — but in 6U games they are not recorded. Everyone wins in 6U games.

Deliberate fouling should be rare. If play must be stopped — for injury, substitution, confusion, or to watch a passing train, butterfly, or frog — refocus the players and restart with a free kick. Exercise common sense, stand back and let them play.

All free kicks in 6U games are indirect. Opponents must be at least 5 yards from the ball or on the goal line between the posts.

Throw-ins are replaced with kick-ins or dribble-ins at 6U. Opponents must be at least ten feet from the ball.

A goal kick is awarded to the defending team when the attacking team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line without scoring a goal. The goal kick may be taken from any point inside the goal area. The opposing team must be at least ten feet away from the ball when the goal kick is taken.

A corner kick is awarded to the attacking team when the defending team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line without scoring a goal. The opposing team must be at least ten feet from the ball when the corner kick is taken.

The “hand” includes the entire arm up to the top of the shoulder. Instinctive, self-protective reactions are not penalized. Accidental contact is not an offense.

Heading is banned for all 6U players in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately heads the ball.

Approximately midway through each half, at halftime, and for injuries. All players, unless injured, are required to play at least half of every game.

All free kicks in 8U games are indirect. Opponents must be at least 5 yards from the ball. No offside in 8U games.

Throw-ins: Standard throw-ins used at 8U. Opponents 5 yards from ball.

Goal kick: Awarded to defending team when attacking team last touches ball before it crosses the goal line without scoring. Taken from general vicinity of goal. Opponents at least 5 yards away.

Corner kick: Awarded to attacking team when defending team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line without scoring. Opponents at least 5 yards away.

The “hand” includes the entire arm up to the top of the shoulder. Instinctive, self-protective reactions are not penalized. Accidental contact is not an offense.

Heading is banned for all 8U players in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately heads the ball.

The build-out line is a unique feature of 10U that encourages strategic play and gives teams time to build from the back.

Where it is: A line across the field equidistant between the top of the penalty area and the halfway line — one on each half of the field.

When it applies: During goal kicks and when the goalkeeper has possession of the ball.

The rule: Opposing players must move behind the build-out line when a goal kick is being taken or when the goalkeeper has the ball. However — the kicker does not have to wait for opponents to retreat before playing the ball. Play can begin immediately.

Goalkeeper release: The goalkeeper can release the ball to either side of the build-out line without waiting for opponents to clear.

Offside: The build-out line also serves as the offside line in the opponent's half of the field.

Heading is banned for all 10U players in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately heads the ball.

Goalkeepers may not punt, drop-kick, or volley the ball at 10U. The ball must be played from the ground. Violation results in an indirect free kick for the opposing team.

Slide tackling is not permitted at 10U. A player who slide tackles concedes a direct free kick. Standing tackles are safer and equally effective at this age — emphasise this in training.

Substitutions are made at each quarter break. All players must receive equal playing time — no player should sit out more than one quarter before everyone has had their turn on the field.

Coaches must complete the team lineup sheet and hand it to the referee before every game. Download from the Resources page.

Every player must play at least three quarters (3/4) of the game before any player plays all four quarters. Coaches are responsible for tracking and enforcing this.

Substitutions are made at quarter breaks within each half. All players must meet the minimum playing time requirement — at least three quarters before any player plays four.

Heading is banned at 12U in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately heads the ball.

Slide tackling is not permitted at 12U. A player who slide tackles concedes a direct free kick. Standing tackles are the required technique at this level.

Punting, drop-kicks, and volleys are permitted for the goalkeeper at 12U. Standard offside rules apply.

Shinguards: Mandatory for all practices and games, completely covered by socks.
Jewelry: Not allowed — no earrings, watches, or metal hair clips. Medical alert bracelets must be taped over.

Coaches must complete the team lineup sheet and hand it to the referee before every game. Download from the Resources page.

Slide tackling remains banned at 14U — the only significant modification from standard FIFA rules. A player who slide tackles concedes a direct free kick. Coaches should continue to emphasise standing tackle technique in training.

Substitutions can be made at any stoppage in play with the referee's permission. Signal your intention to the referee and wait for the signal before sending on the substitute. All players must receive adequate playing time.

If the temperature is above 90°F at kick-off, a water break is taken during each half. The referee will determine the timing. Coaches should have water available for all players regardless.

Heading and goalkeeper punting are both permitted at 14U under standard FIFA rules. Coaches should continue to teach safe heading technique and ensure players are physically ready before introducing heading in training.

Shinguards: Mandatory for all practices and games, completely covered by socks.
Jewelry: Not allowed — no earrings, watches, or metal hair clips. Medical alert bracelets must be taped over.

Coaches must complete the team lineup sheet and hand it to the referee before every game. Download from the Resources page.

14U Girls play 6v6 including goalkeepers, with two 30-minute halves and a 5-minute halftime. This is a significantly different format from 14U Boys who play 11v11.

Goalkeepers may not punt or drop-kick the ball. Violation results in an indirect free kick for the opposing team. This differs from 14U Boys where punting is permitted.

Slide tackling is not permitted. A player who slide tackles concedes a direct free kick.

A goal cannot be scored directly from the kick-off. The ball must touch another player before a goal can be awarded.

Offside applies from the build-out line rather than the halfway line. This encourages teams to build from the back and creates more space for developing play.

Substitutions can be made at any stoppage in play with the referee’s permission. Coaches should aim for equal playing time for all players.

Heading is permitted at 14U Girls. Coaches should continue to teach safe heading technique and ensure players are physically ready before introducing heading in training.

Coaches must complete the team lineup sheet and hand it to the referee before every game. Download from the Resources page.