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 45 yards maximum 60 yards
Width: minimum 35 yards maximum 45 yards
The Penalty Area: A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, ten (10) yards from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of ten (10) yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area. Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made eight (8) yards from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them. An arc of a circle with a radius of eight (8) yards from each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area.
The Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA.
Law 2 – The Ball: Size four (4).
Law 3 – The Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each consisting of six players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than five (5) players. If a team gets down by five goals they may add a player, if they get down by eight they may add another. When the score differential gets back under those numbers they must take extra player back off.
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. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams.
Law 5 – The Referee: Registered referee, especially Grade 9 or parent/coach or assistant coach. All rule infringements shall be briefly explained to the offending player.
Law 6 – The Assistant Referees: Not required. May use club linesmen/women if desired.
Law 7 – The Duration of the Match: The match shall be divided into two (2) equal halves of twenty-five (25) minutes each. There shall be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes.
Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play: Kick offs should be taken at the beginning of each game, the beginning of each half or after a goal is scored. The ball is placed on the midline in the center of 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.
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
Law 11 – Offside: None.
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA.
Law 13 – Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that all opponents are at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 14 – The Penalty Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that the penalty mark is made eight (8) yards from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them.
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 travelled 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. 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 within the small goal box. Opposing players must be outside the penalty area. The ball must leave the penalty area to be in play. The player taking the kick has one touch, and may not touch the ball again until another field player has touched the ball.
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 eight yards away from ball until it is played.
There will be no slide tackling allowed, players must stay on their feet.