rules 9v9
9v9 rules
9V9 SOCCER OFFICIAL RULES
FIFA RULES
Law 1 – Field of Play – the field must be rectangular. The dimensions are
smaller to accommodate the 9v9 game and appropriate for the movement
capabilities of 11 to 12-year-old children.
Field markings – per FIFA, modified for size.
Distinctive outline of the field with a halfway line across the field. The
center circle gives the players a concert marking on where to be for kick-off.
The penalty area and goal area are marked.
Touch Line (Field sideline)- Players, Coaches, parents and spectators need
to stay at least 3 yards from the touch line. Teams may have a technical
area and the coaches will coach from the technical area. Parents are not
allowed in the technical area.
Goals –6’x18’
Law 2 – The Ball - Size 4
Law 3 – Number of Players – 9v9 – one of those being a goalkeeper. The
number of players provides the opportunity for the children to further
develop their physical and technical abilities and requires the players to
make more decisions and experience repeating game situations more
frequently.
Substitutions: At any stoppage of play as directed by the referee and
unlimited. When subbing a player, have them stand off the field about 1
yard at the center line for the referee to call them into the game.
Playing time: Every effort shall be made for each player to play a minimum
of 50% of the game.
Law 4 – Player Equipment – team jersey and athletic shorts or sweats. Shin-
guards are MANDATORY, socks covering the shin-guards. Footwear –
Tennis shoes or soccer cleats – cleats are strongly recommended. No cleats
with a toe cleat.
Players may be asked to remove any piercings prior to the start of the game.
Safety of the player.
Law 5 and 6– Referee –1 center referee Per FIFA – when available 2
Assistant Referees (AR) will be assigned to the game. The AR will assist in
calling offside. A club linesman may step in for an AR, but can only indicate
in/out of play. When only 1 center referee, the center will call offside to the
best of his ability.
Law 7 - Duration of the game – 2 – 25 -minute halves, with a 5-minute half
time. The referee is the official timekeeper.
Law 8 – Start of a Game– per FIFA
Law 9 – Ball in and out of play – per FIFA
Law 10 – Goal Scored – per FIFA- Scores will be recorded. Referee is the
official score keeper.
Law 11 – Off-Side – per FIFA
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct – per FIFA - Maintain safe playing
conditions. Fouls may include slide tackling or kicking while on the ground.
These may be determined as dangerous play by the referee. High kick is not
a foul but playing in a dangerous manner can be called as a foul.
No heading the Ball. Deliberate heading of the ball is not allowed in 12U
games. If a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick
(IDK) should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.
If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick
should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest
point to where the infringement occurred.
Law 13 –Free Kicks– Indirect kicks -per FIFA
Law 14 – Penalty Kicks –Any player from the team awarded the penalty kick
may take the kick – per FIFA.
Law 15 – Throw-Ins –Over the head, both feet on the ground. per FIFA
Law 16 – Goal Kick – per FIFA
Law 17- Corner Kick – per FIFA
