Grade 3 & 4 (U9 and U10) Soccer:
Gameplay at this level is 7v7 including a goalie.
Teams will be comprised of 10 playersand there will be both recreational and competitive club-level program opportunities starting at this age level for JYAA.
Parents to Provide for Child
- Required: Size 4 Ball | Soccer Cleats | Shin Guards | Soccer Shorts (Black, with no pockets) | Water Bottle
- Goalie gloves (recommended if the child likes to play goalie)
Additionally, our volunteer coaches will be provided an equipment bag with the following items to help their teams:
- 3 to 4 balls; 16 to 20 cones; 10 pinnies; 1 first aid kit; 1 coaching drill guide
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JYAA Soccer Rules Applicable for U9 and U10 (3rd/4th Grade) Divisions
1. GAME SPECIFICS - The ball shall be size 4. There shall be seven (7) players, one of whom shall be a goalkeeper (minimum 5). There is a 10-minute delay if a team does not meet this minimum and then a forfeit will be awarded. The minute that the minimum number of players is there, the game should start. If a game starts late, the referee shall shorten the game to stay on time. The game will consist of two, 25-minute halves. There will be a five-minute halftime break.
a. The basic compulsory equipment of a player is a jersey or shirt, shorts, socks, shin guards, and footwear. Compulsory shin guards must be covered entirely by the socks. Shin guards must be made of a suitable material and sized to provide a reasonable degree of protection.
b. A coin flip will determine which team gets to choose the end of the field that they would like to defend and the other team gets to kick off.
c. Each player must play at least 50% of the game (in recreational settings)
d. Players are to be rotated during the game so that a player does not play the same position on the field all game. The intent is to develop all skills, not specialize in one position.
2. JEWELRY - Coaches are responsible for making sure that players remove all jewelry, watches, rings, earrings, bracelets, hard barrettes, and any other items the referee deems improper. This requirement is to avoid injury to the player wearing jewelry and the other players.
3. SUBSTITUTIONS - Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the referee and the players should be positioned at midfield while waiting to be waived on: a. Before a throw-in, in your favor;
b. Before a goal kick, by either team;
c. After a goal, by either team;
d. After an injury, when the referee stops play, by either team;
e. At half-time;
f. When the referee stops play to caution player, only the cautioned player may be substituted, before the restart of the game.
4. BUILD-OUT LINES:
● There shall be a BUILD OUT LINE marked equidistant between the penalty area line and halfway line on each side of the field. This build-out line will be striped across the field.
● When the goalkeeper is in control of the ball (either from a goal kick or with the ball in his/her hands) the opposing team must all retreat behind the BUILD OUT LINE. ● The opposing team cannot enter the space beyond the BUILD OUT LINE until a player who is not the goalkeeper from the other team touches the ball.
● If the goalkeeper places the ball on the ground and touches it with his/her feet from his/her hands during the run of play, the opposing team does not need to remain behind the BUILD OUT LINE until another player touches the ball.
● The BUILD OUT LINES are required for 7v7 play.
The BUILD OUT LINE is used to promote playing the ball out of the back in an unpressured setting.
5. FREE KICKS – USSF rules apply. Penalty kicks are awarded from the penalty kick mark.
6. OFFSIDES – Observed.
7. SLIDE TACKLING – Not permitted.
8. HEADING – Not permitted.
9. THROW-INS – USSF rules, except re-throws are allowed to encourage proper technique.
10. HELP THE KIDS - The referees are encouraged to explain the infraction.
11. LOCATION OF SPECTATORS: Spectators are to be on one side of the field and both
coaches and their players on the other (unless there is no free side in which case, the coach and spectators from each team will share one-half of the pitch). No one may stand behind the goal line. All spectators must stand back at least 3 feet from the sideline.
12. IMBALANCED GAMES – The referee is not required to enforce this rule. However, if the referee is aware of the rule and can point it out to the teams, it is intended to promote good sportsmanship. The rule provides that if one team is ahead by 4 goals, the winning team is required to take action to prevent the running up of the score and to make it a more fun game for the other team. This can mean pulling players, moving aggressive players to defense, or other steps to even the game. Telling a player not to score or playing keep away does not meet this requirement. If the losing team has enough players, they may be allowed to add a player.
13. BAD WEATHER POLICY – JYAA follows the bad weather policy of OSYSA. The referee is responsible for determining whether a game will be played, delayed, or canceled. The referees at the fields make this determination at game time. Coaches and players need to show up for all scheduled games regardless of the weather. Remember, it’s the weather at the fields, not in your neighborhood that determines whether a game is played or not. Soccer is played in bad weather conditions, as long as the weather does not pose a danger.