NYSA follows the guidelines set out by USYSA, our governing body for Youth soccer in the United States.
Law 1 – The Field of Play:
Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line.
Length: minimum 35 yards maximum 45 yards
Width: minimum 25 yards maximum 35 yards
THE GOAL
BOX: The goal box,
10 feet wide by 10 feet long, is directly in front of the goal. No player
may touch the ball within the goal box, however any player may move through the
goal box. Any part of the ball or player's body on the line is considered in the
goal box; the player is an extension of the box. If a defender touches the ball
in the goal box, a penalty kick is awarded to the offensive team.
If an offensive player touches the ball within the goal box, a goal kick is
awarded to the defensive team. If the ball comes to a complete stop in the goal
box, regardless of which team touched it last, a goal kick is awarded to the
defensive team. The goals are approximately 4 feet high by 9 feet
wide.
Flagposts: none.
The Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA.
Law 2 – The Ball: Size three (3).
Law 3 – The Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each consisting of four players. There are NO goalkeepers. When a team gets behind by 5 goals they may add one player to give them numbers up. If the team gets down by 8 they may then add another player once the score gets back under these parameters you must take the extra player back off. (ex. when the score gets back to down 7 you must take one of the extra players off and when it gets to down four you must go back to regulation 4 players.)
Substitutions: At any stoppage of play and unlimited.
Playing time: Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time.
Teams and matches may be coed.
Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment: NYSA reversible jersey, shin guards, matching socks and shorts for each team.
Law 5 – The Referee: An OFFICIAL (Grade 9 referee) may be used. All infringements shall be briefly explained to the offending player.
Law 6 – The Assistant Referees: None.
Law 7 – The Duration of the Match: The match shall be divided into two 20 minute halves. There shall be a 5 minute halftime break.
Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play: Kick offs should be taken at the beginning of each game, the beginning of each quarter, or after a goal is scored. The ball is placed in the center circle. The player taking the kick has one touch, and may not touch the ball again until another player on the field touches the ball. ALL KICK OFFS ARE INDIRECT
Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play: Whole ball must cross the line. Start with a throw in on the sidelines and corner kick or goal kick on the end lines.
Law 10 – The Method of Scoring: Whole ball must cross the line. Goal may not be scored when shot from teams defensive half of field.
Law 11 – Offside: None.
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA with the exception that all fouls shall result in a direct free kick (may score directly from the kick does not have to touch anyone else). No cards shown for misconduct.
Law 13 – Free Kicks: kicks are direct with the exception of the kick-off which is indirect (another player must touch the ball before scoring) and all opponents are at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 14 – The Penalty Kick: Penalty kick will be taken if defensive player touches ball inside the goal box. The kick will be taken from a mark 10 yards away from the goal, all other players must be past midfield line. A penalty kick is not a live ball. If a goal is not scored play restarts with a goal kick for opposing team.
Law 15 – The Throw in: Throw ins are taken when the ball goes out of play off of the opposing team over the sidelines. The throw in will be taken where the ball traveled over the line. The player throwing the ball needs to have both feet on the ground and use both hands to throw the ball over his head. The throwing player cannot touch the ball again until another player on the field touches the ball. Allow one ‘Do Over’ for players when attempting throw ins. Throw ins are INDIRECT (someone has to touch the ball before it can score)
Law 16 – The Goal Kick: The goal kick should be taken anywhere on the goal line. Opposing players must be at least four (4) yards away from the ball until it is in play.
Law 17 – The Corner Kick: Corner kicks are taken when the ball crosses the defensive teams endline and was last touched by the defensive team. The corner kick will be taken from the corner on the side of the goal where the ball went entirely over the endline. The player taking the corner kick has one touch and may not touch the ball again until another player touches the ball. Defending team must be four yards away from ball until it is played.
Important: U7-U8 teams do not have keepers. The back player is an important part of the team's 'shape' and should push up with the play as it moves down field. They should be able to get loose balls as they pop out of the play. If your player is standing back in the goal and not getting touches on the ball, please talk to your coach.
There will be no slide tackling allowed, players must stay on their feet.