League Rules
Recreational league rules — U6 through U14
This document provides the basic rules for Umpqua United Soccer Club recreational games. Rules are modified from FIFA Laws of the Game where noted for small-sided and age-appropriate play. Not sure which age group your child is in? See Age Groups for how birthdate determines placement.
U6 to U8 Grassroots
Kick-off circle: The opposing (non-kicking) team must line up behind the build-out line on their half. Once the ball is in play, opposing players may advance.
Build-out line (goal kicks only): The non-kicking team must be behind the build-out line before a goal kick. The ball is in play once the kicking team has passed it to a teammate. Kicking-team players do not have to be behind the build-out line during their team’s goal kick.
Goal box: Goal kicks are taken from the goal box. The ball may be placed anywhere on the goal box line.
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Field size | 33 yards (length) × 20 yards (width) |
| Goals | 4 ft (height) × 6 ft (width) |
| Corner flags | Not needed |
Spectators: All spectators must sit 2 yards (6 ft) off the sideline.
Teams: Teams sit on the opposite side from parents. Only registered coaches or managers may be with the team.
Scores: No scores are kept.
Game rules
- Ball size: #3
- Players on field: 4v4, no goalkeepers
- Coaches: U6 only — coaches may be on the field
- Substitutions: Unlimited, at any time
- Time:
- U6: 4 quarters, no more than 10-minute quarters; 2-minute breaks between quarters; 5-minute halftime
- U8: 2 × 20-minute halves, 5-minute halftime
Youth referees officiate. Coaches are not required to ref.
Player equipment
- Shin guards under socks are mandatory.
- No baseball cleats with a toe cleat or metal spikes.
- No jewelry during play.
- Eyeglasses: Only prescription glasses may be worn, at the player’s risk. Sports glasses are recommended. Sunglasses and ball caps are not allowed.
Start and restart
- Kick-offs: At center. Opposing players must be outside the kickoff circle. Ball in play when the other team has moved it.
- Free kicks: Opponents at least 5 yards from the spot of the foul.
- Throw-ins / kick-ins: Either may be used. Throw-in: face the field, part of each foot on or outside the touchline, throw with both hands from behind and over the head. Kick-in: same procedure, ball passed with the foot. Opponents at least 2 yards from the throw-in. Ball in play when it enters the field.
- Goal kicks: Ball anywhere in the goal box. Opponents at least 10 yards from placement. In play when the ball leaves the goal box.
- Corner kicks: Opponents at least 5 yards from the ball.
All free kicks are indirect. No penalty kicks. No offside.
Coaches and parents are expected to promote a fun and safe environment.
U10 to U14
FIFA Laws of the Game (U10–U14) are used, modified by Umpqua United Soccer Club for small-sided play.
Changes by age
U10: No heading; no slide tackling; no punting (GK — see build-out line). Build-out line procedures. 7v7 (6 field players + GK).
U12: No heading; no slide tackling.
U14: No modifications.
Law 8 (Start and restart): Kick-off may go in any direction.
Law 12 (Fouls and misconduct): Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) is a yellow card.
FIFA laws below are paraphrased. Laws 1–17 may be modified for our recreational league. For full laws, see Laws of the Game.
Laws of the Game
Law 1: Field of play (modified)
U10 — Build-out line: When the goalkeeper has the ball in hand (from the opponent), the opposing team must move behind the build-out line until the ball is put into play. Once they are behind the line, the goalkeeper may pass, throw, or roll the ball into play. Punts and drop kicks are not allowed. After the goalkeeper plays the ball, opponents may cross the build-out line. Same applies for goal kicks: opponents must be behind the build-out line until the ball is played.
If the goalkeeper punts or drop-kicks, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the offense (or on the goal area line if in the goal area).
Law 2: The ball
- U9/U10: Size #4
- U12: Size #4
- U14: Size #5
Law 3: Number of players
U10: 7v7 (6 field + GK). Game may start or continue with at least five players. Unlimited substitutions at any stoppage. Two female players must always be on the field.
U12: 9v9 (8 field + GK). At least six players to start or continue. Unlimited substitutions at any stoppage. 10-minute grace period after start time before game is canceled. Two female players must always be on the field.
U14: 11v11. At least six players to start or continue. Unlimited substitutions at any stoppage. 10-minute grace period. Two female players must always be on the field.
All players must receive 50% or more playing time.
Law 4: Player equipment
- Shin guards under socks mandatory.
- No baseball cleats with toe cleat or metal spikes.
- No jewelry. Tape over earrings is not permitted.
- Medical bracelets allowed if covered with sports tape.
- No casts. No metal/plastic braces (ankle, wrist, etc.) on the field.
Law 5: The referee
U10/U12/U14 games are officiated by a center referee only.
Law 7: Duration
- U10: 2 × 25-minute halves, 5-minute halftime.
- U12: 2 × 30-minute halves, 5-minute halftime.
- U14: 2 × 30-minute halves, 5-minute halftime.
Law 8: Start and restart
Kick-off: ball may move in any direction to start play.
Law 9: Ball in and out of play
Ball is out when it has wholly passed over the goal or touchline (ground or air), or when the referee stops play. In play at all other times (including rebounds off official, goalpost, crossbar, or corner flag that stay in play).
Law 10: Method of scoring
A goal is scored when the ball wholly crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar, with no offense by the scoring team.
Law 11: Offside
A player is in an offside position if any part of head, body, or feet is in the opponents’ half and nearer to the opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent. Not offside if level with the second-last opponent or the last two opponents.
Offside is penalized when the player becomes involved in active play (playing or touching the ball, interfering with an opponent, or gaining an advantage). No offside offense when receiving the ball directly from a goal kick or corner kick.
Law 12: Fouls and misconduct
Direct free kick for (among others): charges, jumps at/kicks, pushes, strikes, tackles, trips (careless, reckless, or excessive force). Handball, holding, impeding with contact, spitting. Goalkeeper handling same as others outside the penalty area; may bring ball from outside to inside the area with feet then pick it up.
Indirect free kick for: playing in a dangerous manner; impeding without contact; preventing GK from releasing the ball; other offenses for which play is stopped to caution or send off. GK offenses in the area (e.g. holding ball more than 6 seconds, touching after release before another player, receiving from teammate’s kick or throw-in).
Modification: A yellow-carded player must leave the field for 5 minutes.
Law 13: Free kicks
Modification: No direct free kicks unless a foul is committed in the penalty area.
Law 14: Penalty kick
Modification: Penalty kicks only when direct-kick criteria are met.
Law 15: Throw-in / kick-in
Opponents must be at least 3 yards from the throw-in. Obstruction may result in a yellow card.
Law 16: Goal kick
Modification (U10): Opponents must be behind the build-out line. Once the goalkeeper has played the ball, play resumes.
Law 17: Corner kick
Opponents at least 10 yards from the corner arc.