9U/10U Game Rules
Referees
One center referee
Field Players
7v7 including goalkeepers
roster size
Maximum of 14 players
Minimum of 9 players
CLUB PASS & SECONDARY PLAYERS
Club pass and secondary players are allowed on a team’s roster if needed
game rosters
Game day rosters are necessary to bring to each game and give to the opposing team/referee during check in. All Player’s/Coaches must be listed on the roster or have laminated USYS cards to be allowed in the coaching/technical area.
ball
Size 4. Home team to provide a suitable game ball.
substitutions
Unlimited substitutions at any stoppage, with the permission of the referee
game length
Two 25 minute halves
field size
Recommended: 40 x 60 yds
Width minimum 35, maximum 45, Length minimum 55, maximum 65
Center circle radius 8 yds
Penalty area 12 yds
goal size
7x21 recommended, 6x18 may be used
GOALIES
Goalies can only throw/roll the ball or play the ball with their feet. They cannot punt or drop kick the ball.
heading
Intentional headers are not permitted. A purposeful header shall result in the opposing team taking a direct free kick.
slide tackles
Slide tackles are permitted. Follow IFAB Laws of the Game.
build out line
When goalkeeper has the ball, either during play (from the opponent) or from a goal kick:
• Opposing team must move behind the build out line until the ball is released to play. • The ball is in play when it leaves the penalty area.
• The attacking team’s players (teammates of the goalkeeper in possession of the ball) do not have to fall back to the build out line. The goalkeeper MAY release the ball BEFORE the opponents are behind the build out line.
• After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build out line and play resumes as normal.
offsides
Follow IFAB Laws of the Game. Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build out line. They can only be penalized for an offside offense that occurs between the build out line and goal line.
Fouls & penalties
All Free Kicks follow IFAB Laws of the Game.
Penalty Kicks
Follow IFAB Laws of the Game. 10 Yards from goal line.
equipment
Each player must have the same color jersey, Numbers are not necessary. Pennies are allowed if needed.
jewelry
No jewelry of any kind is allowed. This includes taping of piercings of a player’s ears.
The only exceptions for “jewelry” are Medic Alert bracelets and religious items specifically required by the wearer’s religion.
spectators
NYSL asks that team spectators sit directly across from their team benches on opposites sides (touch lines) of the field. Spectators/teams should be at least 15 feet back of the touch lines. No Spectators should be behind the goal lines or goals.