Spring League - 8U and 10U Guidelines

A size 4 ball is used for 10-U games.

Duration of Game:
8U - 20 min half
10U 22 min half

Heading the Ball: 
Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division players

Goalkeeper Punts: 
The goalkeeper shall not punt nor drop kick the ball. An indirect kick will be awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the offense if a goalkeeper deliberately punts the ball during a match.

The Build-Out Line: 

• The opposing team must move behind the build‐out line for a goal kick or when the goalkeeper has possession.
• The goalkeeper or the player taking the goal kick or distributing the ball from the goal area, does not have to wait for the opposing players to move behind the build‐out line to put the ball into play. When the ball is put into play from the goalkeeper or from the goal kick, it may be played on either side of the build‐out line. After the ball is put into play, the opposing team may cross the build‐out line and play may resume as normal. Law 16 is not altered or modified. The ball is in play from a goal kick after the ball is kicked.
• The build‐out line shall be used as the line to determine offside. Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build‐out line.

Fouls & Misconduct
Opponents must be eight yards from the ball on restart kicks. Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches and eliminate the need for cautions and send-offs.

Referee:
AYSO certified Regional Referees or higher are required for 10-U and older games.The referee should briefly explain any infringements to the player(s) and encourage proper play and sporting behavior. As with all games, every effort should be made to keep the game moving and free from stoppages for doubtful infractions. Let them play and enjoy.

Assistant Referees/Club Linesmen:
Qualified assistant referees who have completed Referee Certification. This is an opportunity for new assistant referees to begin getting experience. If qualified assistant referees are not available, Club Linesmen (untrained volunteers who may be affiliated with one of the teams/clubs) may be recruited from the spectators to assist the referee with calling the ball in and out of play only. This is an opportunity for parents to get involved.

FIFA Laws Of The Game