U9

Directors

Laws of the Game

U9

• Maximum number of players on the field at any time is (7)
• If a team shows up with 5 or less players, coaches are encouraged to come up with a solution in order to allow the children to still participate in a modified game (Eg. Give some players to short team, play 5 vs. 5, etc.)  The goal is to get children playing.
• Ball size (#4)
• Field size:  Mini-soccer pitch, goals are approx. 5 metres wide by 2 metres high
• Duration of the game:  20 minutes of practice time followed by a game which consists of 2 equal halves of 20 minutes, halftime break of 5 minutes.  Practice time is extremely important for the development of skill and knowledge and should not be eliminated except under unusual circumstance.
• Playing time:  Each player must be given opportunity for equal play time and should play at least 50% of the game.  Players should be encouraged to explore all positions.
• Goals:  Cannot be scored from a kick inside of the “Goal Area” (crease)
• 3 Goal Rule: Each player may only score 3 goals, in effect only if team is winning
• Substitution: Unlimited upon approval and discretion of the referee.  May be made when the team is in possession of the ball at a throw in, before a goal kick or corner kick, after a goal, at half time, when the referee stops the play after an injury or when the other team is substituting.
• Throw In: Conform to the IFAB Laws of the Game; however, one re-throw is allowed after the explanation of what the player did wrong.  2^nd throw must conform to the IFAB laws or the other team is awarded the throw
• Retreat Line - comes into effect only in two situations: A Goal Kick (when the ball has passed over the goal line and is awarded to the defending team to be kicked from the ground) OR a Free Kick to the defending team within its own goal area.  At these 2 restarts, the opposing team is required to move beyond the Retreat Line (halfway line).  The Goalkeeper kicks the ball on the ground from anywhere within their own goal area, short to a team-mate; they may not play the ball long over the retreat Line.  As soon as the ball has left the goal area, the play will resume as normal and the “Opposing” team can move inside the Retreat Line.
• Off-Side: No offside is called
• Slide-Tackling: Not allowed
• Fouls:  All fouls (intentional handballs, pushing, tripping, slide-tackling, etc.) will result in an indirect free kick (must touch another player before going in the net) - opponents must be no less than six yards away
• Reffing: done by a referee.  Please note:  most of the referees at this age level are beginning refs who are also developing their reffing skills.  They are never to be yelled at or questioned negatively.  They may be approached at half time or at the end of the game in a respectful, calm, upbuilding manner.  Their say is final. Please remember that they are young and likely have much to learn yet and that one day it could be your own child in their shoes.  If you have concerns, please don’t hesitate to let the reffing co-ordinator or the director know.