11U-19U Recreation and 11U-13U Challenge Soccer Rules

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  • 9 v 9. 8 field players and GK. Minimum of 6 v 6 to start and finish the game


Ball

  • 11U-12U: Size 4- home team provides the game ball
  • 13I-19U: Size 5- home team provides the game ball
  • If 12/13U Division: Size 5


Field and Goal Sizes

  • Approximately  50 X 80 yards
  • Goal Size: 6.5 X 18 feet, max. 7 x 21 feet


Game Length/Halftime

  • 11U-12U: Two 30-minute halves
  • 13U-19U: Two 30-minutes halves (Winston Salem teams only)
  • 13U-19U: Two 35-minutes halves (Greensboro teams only)
  • If 12/13U Division: Two 35-minues halves (Greensboro teams only)
  • 5 minute halftime


 Officials

  • A referee is provided.
  • Coaches and referee should have a brief pre-game chat. Referee should NOT be address by coaches DURING the game. Any necessary clarifications should come at halftime or postgame.
  • If a referee is not present, the coach from each team will officiate and will be responsible for calls within their team’s defensive half of the field.
  • Both coaches can coach from their respective positions from the team bench and should be the only voice used to coach and facilitate the game.
  • All rules infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending player.


 Substitutions

  • There are free substitutions in this age group, however, they should be made at 15-minute intervals in order to maintain the flow of the game and enhance the enjoyment for the players.
  • Each player should play at least one half of the game.


Equipment

  • Shin guards (under socks) are required
  • Jewelry is not permitted.


Uniforms

  • Names, numbers or similar enhancements to shirts are not allowed.
  • The home team wears white. The away team wears navy.
  • Coaches may specify the color of shorts or socks.


Goalkeepers

  • Players should be encouraged to play multiple positions throughout the season.
  • Coaches should play t least 2 different goalies each game unless there are extenuating circumstances.
  • Goalkeepers are can punt the ball but should be encouraged to roll (bowl) or pass (feet) the ball out. 
  • Goalkeeper can NOT punt the ball past half field. Should the goalkeeper punt the call past midfield, an indirect free kick to the opposing team will be the restart. (Winston Salem teams only)


 Age Specific Rules

  • Offsides is now called.  Keep in mind, without assistant referees on each touchline, the best judgement of the enter referee will determine whether a player is offside or not.
  • Players do NOT need to back up to midfield on goal kicks any longer.
  • Heading the ball is NOT allowed in age groups that include 11U players.
  • All other rules abide by FIFA Laws of the Game.


Comments

  • The game is the teacher at this critical age.  Players need to be exposed to as many game-like situations as possible.  Familiarity and confidence on the ball should be emphasized.  The players are ready to be challenged.