As you move from age group to age group with your team, the field sizes change, goal sizes changes, number of players on the fields and as well more advanced rules get added as you progress.
For each age group we have what are called “rule modifications” which are changes to the Laws of the game, for each age group, as they are defined by FIFA.
At U6 and U8 our players have not developed to a point where we should be expecting them to track their relationship to their opponent, how many opponents are between themselves and the goal and determine whether the are level with them or have drifted into an offside position and should not become active in the play.
So we modify the rules so that we have guidelines that allow all players to have rules that they can understand and operate with in. We remove these “rule modifications” as we progress in age, until we reached U13 were we play buy the full laws of the game as defined by FIFA.
U6
Refs are not used in APSC U6 matches. Instead, coaches will be on the field encouraging players and acting as referee’s helping to teach our players the game.
A size #3 ball is used.
Players: 3v3
Goal Size: 4’x6′
Match Length: Matches will consist of four 8 minute quarters. Players will be given a 2 minute break between quarters and a 5 minute break at halftime.
Rules:
On goal kicks the other team should be directed to give space to the opposing team.
There are no corner kicks.
Handballs must be fully intentional. Ie. A player picks the ball up off the ground.
There are no goalies. Do your best to get players to attack the ball on defense and not stand in front of the goal.
U8
Field:
There needs to be a center ref if at all possible. Coaches should have whistles and will be allowed on the field to act as referees if no ref is available. If a team only has one coach, the team with an assistant should fill in as the ref. The coach acting as a ref should do their best to refrain from coaching while being the ref.
A size #3 ball is used.
Players: 4v4
Goal size: 4’x6′
Match Length:
Two 20-minute halves with a 5-minute half time.
Coaches are no longer allowed on the field.
Corner kicks are added.
No heading is allowed. If a player heads the ball a free kick is given to the opponent.
There are still no goalies. Players should be reminded to attack the ball and not stand in front of their goal. Players should in general remain outside of the half circle in front of the goal unless actively marking or defending an opponent.
U10
Field:
A Size #4 ball is used
Players: 7v7
Match Length:
Two 25-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime
Goal Size: 6’x18′
Rule Modifications:
Offside is enacted at the build out line.
During goal kicks the opponent should be behind the build out line. When the goalie has possession of the ball the opponent should be directed behind the build out line.
During goal kicks the opponent should be directed behind the build out line. The opponent is not allowed to cross the build out line until the ball is outside of the goal box.
There is no heading allowed. If a player heads the ball a free kick is awarded to the opponent.
There is no slide tackles. Players should be directed to remain on their feet. If a player slide tackles, a free kick shall be awarded to the opponent.
The learning rule:
On a throw-in if a player makes an error. The ref should point out the proper way and have the player redo the thow-in. Same with a kickoff. If a player kicking off, is the first to touch the ball again after it has been put into play. The player should be reminded of the proper procedure and allowed to redo the kickoff. As well with any corner, free kick goal kick, etc. the players should be instructed and allowed to redo.
Offside explained:
Build out line explained:
U12
Field:
A size #4 ball is used.
Players: 9v9
Match Length:
Two 30 minute halves with a 5 minute halftime
Goal Size: 7’x21′
Rule modifications:
Players are not allowed to head the ball. If a player heads the ball the opponent shall be awarded a free kick.
U14-U19
Field:
A size #5 ball is used
Players: 11v11
Match Length:
U14 – Two 35 minute halves with a 5 minute halftime
U16 – Two 40 minute halves with a 5 minute halftime
U19 – Two 45 minute halves with a 5 minute halftime
Goal Size: 8’x24′
No rule modifications. Full rules apply
