Modified 6 v 6 U-10 Laws
For NHSA U-10 Festival 2012

These are friendly matches designed for the U10 player and the recreation parent-coach to have fun and to learn through playing. These laws are approved by the NHSA State Youth Referee Administrator (SYRA) for this event.

Law I-The Field:

A. Dimensions: The field of play shall be rectangular, its length being not more than 50 yards nor less than 40 yards and its width not more than 30 yards nor less than 20 yards. Subject to space availability and the discretion of U-10 Festival officials.

B. Markings:

  • Distinctive lines not more than five inches wide.
  • A halfway line shall be marked across the field.
  • A center mark shall be made at the mid point of the halfway line.
  • A center circle with a five-yard radius.
  • Four corner arcs with a two-foot radius.
  • Goal area: Three yards from each goal post and three yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.

C. Goals: Up to 6 X 12 feet, subject to the availability and discretion of the U-10 Festival Officials.

Law II-The Ball: Size 4

Law III-Number of Players:

A. Format: 6 v 6. One player must be designated as a goalkeeper and wear a distinctive jersey (or pinnie) from the other players.

B. Team Roster: Should not exceed twelve (12).

C. Substitutions:

With the permission of the referee, during a stoppage of play for:

  • Injury—either team.
  • Goal Kick—either team.
  • After a Goal—either team.
  • Throw-in—team with possession only.
  • Players must enter and leave the field from the halfway line.
  • Players to be substituted should be at the halfway line PRIOR to the ball leaving the field of play.

D. Playing time: Each ready, willing and able player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time.

E. Teams and games may be co-ed.

Law IV-Players Equipment:

Conform to FIFA with the following exception: Footwear shall be tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes (or similar).

Law V- The Referee:

A. Registered at Grade 11, 9 or higher.

B. All rule infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending player.

Law VI- Assistant Referees: None.

LawVII-Duration of the Game:

A. The game shall consist of one, twenty (20) minute period.

B. There are no breaks, other than normal stoppages of play.

Law VIII- The Start of Play:

Conform to FIFA, with the following exception: Opponents must be five yards from the center mark until ball is kicked.

Law IX-Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA

Law X-Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA

Law XI-Offside:

There shall be no offside calls. Referee may, however, discourage “goal-hanging” by an attacker.

Law XII-Fouls and Misconduct:

Conform to FIFA with the following exception: The referee must explain ALL infractions to the offending player.

Law XIII- Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the following exceptions:

A. Shall be classified under one heading: Indirect.

B. No kicks shall be taken by the attacking team within the defending team’s goal box.

C. Opponents shall remain five yards from the ball until it is kicked.

Law XIV-Penalty Kicks:

There shall be no penalty kicks.

Law XV-Throw-In:

Conform to FIFA with the following exception: Following an illegal throw-in, the referee must explain the proper method and allow the player to try again. Referees have considerable discretion, keeping in mind the flow of the game, and the instructional aspects of the game.

Law XVI-Goal Kick:

Conform to FIFA with the following exception: Opponents must be five yards away from the ball.

Law XVII-Corner Kick:

Conform to FIFA with the following exception: Opponents must be five yards away from the ball.