FLORIDA YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE 9v9 GAME RULES
FLORIDA YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE 9v9 GAME RULES U12 SUPER REC - U14 REC Law 1 – The Field of Play: Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line. Field Markings: Distinctive lines or cones. The Goal Area: None. The Penalty Area: Larger box around goal marked by cones. Flag posts: None. The Corner Arc: None. Goals: Goals must be placed on the center of each goal line. They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corners and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. Safety: Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement. Law 2 – The Ball: • Size four (4) for U12 games • Size five (5) for U14 games
Law 3 – The Number of Players: A match is played between two teams, each consisting of nine (9) players on the field. A team may start game with seven (7) players. Substitutions: can be made at any stoppage and unlimited. Playing time: Each player SHOULD play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. Teams and games may be coed. MERCY RULE: REC: Please be aware that this division is intended for the development of players and that most of them are at a beginner stage. We do not keep scores in the REC division; there is no championship game. If a team is winning by a six (6) goal differential, the referee will ask the winning team to pull out one of its players in order for the game to be played at a more equal level. The winning time should ad a player back to the game if losing team comes within a three (3) goal differential. SUPER REC: Since this division is competitive the mercy rule that applies is the following. If the winning team reaches an eight (8) goal differential, the referee will mark that score as the final game score. The game will continue for the time remaining, but any goals scored will not be considered in final score.
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 – The Referee: Two OFFICIALS will be used. All infringements shall be briefly explained to the offending player. Law 6 – The Assistant Referees: None.
Law 7 – The Duration of the Match: The match shall be divided into two (2) halves of twenty-five (25) minutes each. There shall be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes. The Referee may grant water breaks, but play clock will not be stopped. Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA, with the exception of the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play. Player MAY NOT SCORE from kick-off. Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA. Law 10 – The Method of Scoring: Players may score from any spot on the field. Law 11 – Offside: Conform FIFA. Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: The referee/coach/parent must explain ALL infringements to the offending player. Cards may be shown for misconduct. NO HEADER RULE (only for U12 games): When a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick (IFK) should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. Law 13 – Free Kicks: Free kicks may be direct or indirect according to the Referee. Opponents are to be at least four (5) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 14 – The Penalty Kick: A foul committed by a player in own Penalty Area results in a direct free kick from penalty marker. All players must be outside of goalkeeper box. Shots off a rebound are allowed. Law 15 – The Throw-In: Players must use hands to throw ball into play; opponents must be four (5) yards from the ball until it is in play. Law 16 – The Goal Kick: The goal kick should be taken within 2-3 yards of the goal line anywhere across the width of the field of play at the nearest point from where the ball was retrieved. Opposing players must be outside of goalkeepers box until ball is in play. Goal kicks are INDIRECT free kicks therefore a player MAY NOT SCORE from a goal kick. Law 17 – The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least four (5) yards from the ball until it is in play. **US Youth Soccer recommended modifications to the FIFA Laws of the Game. FIFA Laws of the Game can be found at www.ussoccer.com/referees. **Rules of game are subject to change by FYSL administration.
