SSJYSL - Law of the Game

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Law of the game

The league plays according to the FIFA Law of the game, and the modified laws of the games published by the California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA), with one main exception: all U10 rec games are played according to the Delgado rules (main difference: with offside and DFK). Note that we do not have a special shoot-out rule, but expect coaches to give weaker players a chance to play forwards if they lead by 5 goals or more. Please find below a summary of the modifications we use in our league.

FIFA Laws of the game.
CYSA: Modified laws of the game for Youth player, starts at page 91.

Summary of laws per age group

[U6] [U8] [U9] [U10] [U11] [U12] [U13] [U14] [U15] [U16] [U17 and up]

U6

Maximum number of players on the field (5), games will be played without a goalie.
Minimum number of players on the field (3).
Ball size (#3)
Field size: length 30-50 yards, width 20-40 yards, goals are 6 yards by 6 feet.
Substitution: Unlimited, can be made at any time -- preferably at game stoppage.
Playing time: Each player must play 50% of the game.
Duration of the game: They will play two equal havles of 20 minutes, halftime break 5 minutes.
Fouls: All fouls will result in an indirect free kick- with the opponent six yards away.
No penalty kicks.

U8

Maximum number of players on the field at any time is (8).
Minimum number of players on the field at any time is (4).
Ball size (#3)
Field size: length 40-70 yards, width 35-50 yards, goals are 6 yards by 6 feet.
Substitution: Unlimited, can be made by either team at a throw in, before a goal kick, after a goal, at half time, when the referee stops the play after an injury, and after a yellow card (however the coach may substitute only the yellow carded player)
Playing time: (rec teams only) Each player must play 50% of the game.
Duration of the game: two equal halves of 20 minutes, halftime break 5 minutes.
Off-Side: no offside is called.
Throw In: Conform to the FIFA laws of the game; however, one re-throw is allowed after the explanation.
Goalies may handle the ball for more than 6 seconds, may re-handle the ball after releasing it, and may handle the ball after it is passed from a teammate.
Fouls: All fouls will result in an indirect free kick- with the opponent six yards away. No direct free kicks.
No penalty kicks.
No game cards are needed for U8 rec games.

U10

Maximum number of players on the field at any time is (8) unless rec teams play and both coaches agree to play 9 each.
Minimum number of players on the field at any time is (5).
Ball size (#4)
Field size: length 50-90 yards, width 35-60 yards, goals are 7 yards by 7 feet.
Substitution: Unlimited, can be made when the team is in possession of the ball at a throw in, before a goal kick, after a goal, at half time, when the referee stops the play after an injury, and after a yellow card (however the coach may substitute only the yellow carded player)
Playing time: (rec teams only) Each player must play 50% of the game.
Duration of the game: two equal halves of 25 minutes with a halftime break 5 minutes long.
Off-Side: Conform to the FIFA laws of the game, referee must provide an explanation after the infraction.
Throw In: Conform to the FIFA laws of the game; however, one re-throw is allowed
Fouls: Conform to the FIFA laws of the game, opponents must be 8 yards away for free kicks.
IFK & DFK are taken with 8 yards distance (Indirect/Direct Free Kick)
DFK in opponet penalty area, will be taken from the top of the penalty line. 8 yard wall is ok

U12

Maximum number of players on the field at any time is (11).
Minimum number of players on the field at any time is (7).
Ball size (#4)
Field size: length 100-130 yards, width 50-100 yards, goals are 8 yards by 8 feet.
Substitution: Unlimited, can be made when the team is in possession of the ball at a throw in, before a goal kick, after a goal, at half time, when the referee stops the play after an injury, and after a yellow card (however the coach may substitute only the yellow carded player)
Playing time (rec teams only): Each player must play 50% of the game.
Duration of the game: two equal halves of 30 minutes, halftime break 5 minutes.
Off-Side: Conform to the FIFA laws of the game, referee must provide an explanation after the infraction.
Throw In: Conform to the FIFA laws of the game;
Fouls: Conform to the FIFA laws of the game.
Penalty kicks: Conform to the FIFA laws of the game.

U13 and U14

Same rules as U12, except:

Ball size (#5)
Duration of the game: two equal halves of 35 minutes, halftime break 5 minutes.

U15 and U16

Same rules as U12, except:

Ball size (#5)
Duration of the game: two equal halves of 40 minutes, halftime break 5 minutes.

U17 and up

Same rules as U12, except:

Ball size (#5)
Duration of the game: two equal halves of 45 minutes, halftime break 5 minutes.