Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association
Rules of
Competition
for
U-10 to U-12 Recreational Play
Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association
Reviewed for 2016 Season
09/08/2016
Changed from 07/30/2016
Date
09/08/2016
09/08/2016
09/04/2016
Rule
01-Build Out Line
and 03-The Players
01-Penalty Mark
12-Heading the ball
08/29/2016
08/29/2016
01-Build out line
11-offside
08/29/2016
12-Heading the ball
Change
Added clarification that GK may not punt the ball in U10 (and U11 if
played as 7v7)
The penalty mark for U12 will be per FIFA – 12 yds from goal
Modified LWYSA’s implementation to be IFK from Build-Out Line if
done by defender closer to goal line than Build-Out Line.
Added clarification that line applies to Offside as well
Added clarification that build out line is used to judge offside position
instead of the halfway line
The USSF recommendation that an IFK is awarded if the ball is headed
is amended to say a throw-in if a defender heads inside their penalty
area (7/30 said their half of the field)
Preface
About the LWYSA Supplement to the Laws of the Game
The “Laws of the Game” (LotG) of Soccer are established by the International Football Association Board,
known as IFAB. LWYSA’s games are played in accordance with that document. The IFAB permits those
“laws” to be modified, within certain restrictions, to accommodate the special needs of both younger and older
soccer players. The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) has made or recommended changes to these rules,
in accordance with its ability to do so. Washington Youth Soccer then decides which recommendations will be
implemented – and usually gives local associations, like LWYSA, flexibility in how and when changes are
implemented. The combination of all of these modifications, which describes how the game is played in
LWYSA leagues, are referred to as the “Rules of Competition.” These Rules of Competition are documented
here, in this document. Its purpose is to collect, in one place, the various local rules that will apply to U10-U12
play within LWYSA’s administered leagues or, when specified, its tournaments. It also serves as a place to
collect and publish clarifications or interpretations that are the result of questions received by various LWYSA
committees.
LWYSA’s U10 to U12 matches are played in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game, except as described
in this document. References to other governing documents are:
1) LoTG: The IFAB Laws of the Game, available at www.ifab.com.
2) WYS MR-nn: Washington Youth Soccer 1-5-2016 Rules of Competition for the 2016-2017 season.
Changes and Maintenance
The most current version of this document will always be available online at LWYSA’s web site. Coaches are
encouraged to make certain that they are always using the most current version of the document. If a coach
uses a printed copy, they should replace their copy at least annually. This is because, each year, the IFAB
reviews the Laws of the Game and often makes subtle changes to those rules. Many confusions at the field
result from coaches (or referees) that use or reference obsolete documentation. If you see something that you
believe is incorrect, please send a note to [email protected].
Interpretations
These two documents are not intended to provide detailed and complete interpretation of every situation that
you may encounter in a soccer match. The nature of the Laws of the Game of soccer is that many of them are
somewhat subjective, and very dependent upon the referee’s interpretation of what they see on the field of play.
If you have need of a more in-depth explanation of some aspect of the Laws of the Game, please take advantage
of the many online resources available at LWYSA’s web site. Included there you will find the ability to send an
email to our referee support team, who can also provide you with more detailed answers to your questions about
the Laws of the Game.
LWYSA Referees
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01 - The Field of Play
LWYSA makes reasonable efforts to obtain fields complying with these rules. However, coaches and referees
should be flexible and simply play on the field assigned. The table below is provided only for those situations
in which a match is scheduled on an unmarked field.
Goals must not be moved (except by authorized field maintenance personnel) unless the goal is designed as a
“movable goal”. The old steel goals in place on the Marymoor Meadows fields are NOT movable goals and
movement by coaches or players may place them at extreme risk of injury, including death.
Dimensions
The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touch line must be greater than the length of the goal
line – as of 8/29 – published dimensions of all interior lines were not published. Play on fields as marked.:
Age
U-10
U-11
U-12
Size (yds – w x d)
35 x 55
35 x 55
50 x 80
Goal Area
6x16 yards
FIFA (6x20 yds)?
Penalty Area
14x24 yards
FIFA (18x44 yds)
Goal Size
8x12 feet
8x12 feet
8x24 feet
Field Markings
Center Circle:
FIFA: A circle with a radius of 10 yards is marked around the Center Mark.
Modification (See WYS MR 1.3):
U10 center circle is 5 yard radius.
U11 center circle is 7 yard radius.
U12 center circle is 7 yard radius.
Build Out lines (See WYS 1.5)
The build out line is used to promote playing the ball out of the back in an unpressured setting. When
the goalkeeper has the ball or at the taking of a goal kick, the opposing team must move behind the
build out line. Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper, can pass or
throw/roll the ball to a team mate or the goal kick taken. Goalkeepers may not punt the ball in U10
(and U11 if played as 7v7) play. After the ball is put into play the opposing team can cross the build
out line and play resumes as normal. If no special build out line is marked on the field, then the build
out line is assumed to be the halfway line for U10 or U11 play. There is no build out line for U12. In
ma (LWYSA has adjusted this language for clarity.)
For purposes of offside and if a build out line is present, an attacking player will not be considered to
be in an “offside position” until they are closer to their opponent’s goal line than the build out line
(instead of the halfway line).
The Penalty Area
A penalty area is a rectangle at each end of the field. A full size penalty area is 44 yards x 18 yards. A mark is
place inside the penalty area to indicate where the ball should be placed for penalty kicks.
Modification: U10 penalty area is two lines drawn at right angles to the goal line, 10 yards from the
inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 14 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.
Penalty Mark:
FIFA: The penalty mark is placed 12 yards from the Goal line.
Modification (See WYS MR-1.4):
U10 penalty mark is 7 yards from the Goal line.
U11 penalty mark is 8 yards from the Goal line.
U12 penalty mark is 12 yards from the Goal line.
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Flag posts (when available)
A flag post, not less than 5 feet high, with a non-pointed top and a flag may be placed at each corner.
Modification: When flags are not available, a marker, such as a cone may be placed in the corner. If
this is done, the marker should either be a disk style or collapsible type cone. This is necessary to
minimize risk of injury should a player fall on the cone.
A diagram of the proper field markings is found at the end of this document. Be flexible. Not all marking may
be present on all fields.
Coach and Spectator Placement
Coaches: Coaches and other team officials must remain within the technical area throughout the
match. The technical area is along the touch line but no closer to the goal line than the top of the
penalty area. For the purposes of this item a coach is ANY PERSON that is giving instructions to
players.
Spectators: To the degree possible at the facility, spectators must not be behind the goal line and may
not be any closer to the goal line than the top of the penalty area. A photographer may go into these
locations while taking a picture, but must remain silent while doing so and may not distract or
communicate with players in any way.
In situations where coaches and spectators are on the same side of the field, the technical area is
defined to be from the half-way line to the top of the penalty area. Coaches must not encroach
upon the technical area of their opponent.
02 - The Ball
A size 4 ball is used for all U10-U12 play.
03 - The Players
Players
LWYSA Modification:
Age
U10
U11
U12
U13+
Players
7v7
7v7
9v9
11v11
Goalkeepers may not punt the ball in U10 and U11 play. Note: For U11, this only applies to 7v7 play.
Players not on the field of play must remain two (2) yards behind the touch line (to the degree
possible) and not within eighteen (18) yards from the corner of the field. (WYS: MR-4.2)
Substitution Procedure (unless different instructions are given by the referee):
1. At any stoppage in play, a coach may request permission of the referee to make a
substitution by calling out “Sub Ref.” Prior to this, the coach should have identified the
players that will be entering the field and those that will be leaving.
2. AFTER the referee gives consent for the substitution to proceed, the coach should call off
those players being replaced. As each player begins moving toward the touchline, the
replacing player may enter unless the referee has given different instructions or asks the
player to wait. Please note that the referee is not obligated to give consent to substitute if the
referee believes it would interfere with the flow of the game. You MUST wait for permission
to perform a substitution.
3. The number of substitutes is unlimited unless a special rule is in place for the event (such as a
tournament.)
4. Substitutes should enter the field near the halfway line. Players being replaced should exit the
field near the halfway line UNLESS the referee directs them to exit elsewhere, in which case
they MUST exit as directed.
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04 - The Players' Equipment
Earrings
Earrings may not be worn. There are no exceptions to this rule. If the earrings cannot be removed, the player
may not play. Taping of ears instead of removing the earrings is a violation of the rules handed down by the
WYS, USSF and ultimately by the IFAB. LWYSA referees are instructed that this rule must be strictly
enforced.
Other items
A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player
(including any kind of jewelry). There is never an exception to this basic rule.
Additional Notes:
1. Medical alert type bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewelry.
2. Protective orthopedic devises, prosthetic devices and any equipment, gear, appliance or apparatus that
is protective for a known medical condition may be worn during a regularly scheduled game provided
that the referee determines that the device can be used safely. (WYS MR 5.3)
3. Any of the above items must not pose a risk to other players and should be taped and padded as
required so that they cannot swing around, must not be loose enough that player’s hands or fingers
become entangled in them, and that they cannot injure another player if they contact that player.
4. The wearing of non-prescription sunglasses is not permitted.
5. Players are not permitted to wear hats or caps to keep the sun out of their eyes. A notable exception is
the goalkeeper. However, the bill of the cap must be soft (WYS MR-5.2).
6. Items of faith that, because of that faith are required, without exception, to be worn at all times are
not considered jewelry. In order to avoid confusion and conflict over this matter, if a player will be
wearing such an item, this matter MUST be communicated to the referee assignor at least one week
prior to a match so that appropriate instructions can be given to a referee. The communication should
include a link to documentation of the requirement.
Referee Discretion on Equipment
The referee at the match is the final decision-maker as to what may constitute "unsafe" equipment. A
tournament or association official does not have the authority to overrule the referee.
A referee may permit a player to start playing but during the match determine that a device has become
unsafe or that the player is using the device in an unsafe manner that was not anticipated at the start of
the match. If this happens, the referee may ask the player to leave the field and either correct the
problem with the equipment or, if the problem cannot be corrected, they may not allow the player to
return to play.
For purposes of clarity, administrative personnel, such as Association Staff, Board of Trustee
members, Club Presidents, and Tournament Directors do NOT have the authority to modify this rule
and give “special permission” for a person to play. While referees are free to seek their opinion or that
of a more senior official, the final decision rests with the referee at the field, who is obligated to apply
the Laws of the Game and published Rules of Competition.
05 - The Referee
LWYSA Rule: LWYSA will attempt to assign referees to all LWYSA U10-U12 recreational matches. In the
event that a referee is not present at the start of the match, both coaches will mutually agree upon a person to
serve as referee. If one cannot be agreed upon, each coach (or person designated by the coach) will referee onehalf. The absence of a referee is not grounds for a match to be rescheduled.
06 – The Other Match Officials
In some instances and subject to the availability of officials, assistant referees (AR) may be assigned to assist
the referee. Any AR that has been assigned by LWYSA has all authority and responsibility per the Laws of the
Game, including the authority to step into the role of center referee should the assigned referee not be present or
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becomes unable to continue during the match. If ARs are not assigned by LWYSA, then the referee has the
option to ask youth or willing adults who are present if they would like to assist. These volunteers, officially
known as “Club Linesman”, are used only for the purpose of calling the ball out of play over a touchline or goal
line. Club Linesman may not make any indication for offside, offside position, or fouls that they feel they have
seen, regardless of their skill, background, or other qualifications. LWYSA rule: At the option of the referee, the
referee may consider the Club Linesman’s opinion for the direction of restart for a throw-in, however the
referee’s decision remains final.
07 – The Duration of the Match
Periods of Play (LWYSA Fall Season)
The duration of the match depends on the age group:
Age
U10
U11
U12
Half Duration
30 Minutes
30 Minutes
30 Minutes
Ball Size
4
4
4
Half-Time Interval
There shall be a five (5) minute break between halves (WYS MR-2.1). Because of matches being
schedule so closely together, coaches are encouraged to keep this time to 5 minutes so as not to impact
the start time of matches later in the day.
Periods of Play (Spring Training Program)
LWYSA Modification: All matches for all ages are played with two twenty-five (25) minute halves.
Because of restrictions on the terms of use of the fields during the STP Program, matches MUST end
by a particular time. This means that a match that starts late will have shorter periods. To the degree
reasonable, if a referee knows that a match will be starting late, they should shorten BOTH halves,
such that the game is played with two equal, but shorter, periods. Matches scheduled to begin at 4:45
MUST end by 5:50. Matches scheduled to begin at 6:00 MUST end just before 7:00pm so that the
field is CLEARED OF PLAYERS no later than 7:00pm.
08 – The Start and Restart of Play
LWYSA Clarification: If play is stopped by the referee (for example, for an injury) and if a goalkeeper is
clearly in control of the ball inside their own penalty area when the referee decided to stop the match, the game
will be restarted by a dropped ball to the goalkeeper who was in possession when play was stopped. In this
case, the goalkeeper shall be allowed to handle the ball without opposition. (Note: This differs from the IFAB
position that a referee may not “manufacture the outcome” of a dropped ball, but is instituted by LWYSA as a
“Rule of Competition” for the safety of the goalkeeper and is consistent with good sporting play.)
09 - The Ball In and Out of Play
There are no LWYSA specific modifications to Law 09 – The Ball In and Out of Play.
10 - The Method of Scoring
There are no LWYSA specific modifications to Law 10 – The Method of Scoring.
11 – Offside
For purposes of offside and if a build out line is present, an attacking player will not be considered to be in an
“offside position” until they are closer to their opponent’s goal line than the build out line (instead of the
halfway line).
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12 – Fouls and Misconduct
Slide Tackling
The term “tackling” means to attempt to win the ball from an opponent using the feet. “Slide tackling”
means an attempt to win the ball from an opponent using the feet while sliding on the ground. This is
not permitted in LWYSA U10 and younger matches. At minimum, this is considered a form of
dangerous play and an indirect kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player slide tackles. If the
slide tackle results in a foul that would normally result in a direct free kick, then a direct free kick will
be awarded. (WYS MR-8.4)
Heading the Ball (USSF Recommendation)
Per recommendation of the USSF, players in U11 and younger matches are not permitted to
deliberately use their head to direct or control the ball. If they do, the referee will award an indirect free
kick to the opposing team, unless the defender heads the ball in their half of the field between the Build
Out Line and the goal line. In this case the Indirect Free Kick will be taken from that part of the Build
Out Line closest to the place where the ball was headed. This differs from the USSF recommendation
that the IFK be awarded where the header occurred and will result in kicks being taken farther from
the goal. This to avoid having defending players create a wall near the goal then have the strongest
opponent kicking the ball at them as hard as they can at short range - which sort of defeats the purpose
of the no header rule - safety.. LWYSA Clarification: Note that this applies to “deliberately” heading
the ball, which is at the sole discretion of the referee. The awarded indirect free kick may not be taken
as a “quick kick” so that the referee may have the opportunity to explain to the player why this is
considered an infraction. The match will not restart until the referee indicates it may restart by blowing
their whistle. The italic language above is an LWYSA modification for player safety to avoid
subjecting 9 and 10 year old players in a wall to a high speed kick (which could be at head height) at
short range should their opponents try to kick the ball into the goal from the indirect free kick.
Charging the Goalkeeper
11 age groups and below: No player shall make physical contact with the goalkeeper, harass the
goalkeeper or attempt to play the ball once the goalkeeper has control of the ball in any manner and to
any degree whatsoever. This includes if the goalkeeper has trapped the ball between their hands and
the ground.
If contact does occur, the referee will award an indirect free kick (for dangerous play) or a direct free
kick (for a careless tackle or charge) as appropriate.
Red and Yellow Cards
Per WYS MR-8.6.2 – Referees of Under-10 matches will not issue or present yellow and red cards to
players. Referees may suggest a player be substituted and provide a cooling off period. The referee or
their parent will contact the referee assignor for coach or parent problems. LWYSA modification: In
any instance of violent conduct or serious foul play (as defined by the IFAB) in U10 matches the
referee may require that the coach replace the player. The player may not reenter the match. However,
the team is not required play reduce the number of players participating.
Referee Authority
“The referee has the authority to take disciplinary sanctions, as from the moment he enters the field of
play until he leaves the field of play after the final whistle.”
13 – Free Kicks
There are no LWYSA specific modifications to Law 13 – Free Kicks.
14 - The Penalty Kick
Per WYS MR-1.4, Penalty Kicks may be awarded for infractions in U10-U12 matches. The Penalty Mark is 7
yards from the goal line for U10 and 8 yards from the goal line for U11/U12.
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15 - The Throw-In
There are no LWYSA specific modifications to Law 15 – Throw-In.
16 - The Goal Kick
There are no LWYSA specific modifications to Law 16 – Goal-Kick.
17 – The Corner Kick
There are no LWYSA specific modifications to Law 17 – Corner Kick.
18 – Coach and Spectator Responsibilities
The Coach, Assistant Coach, and Team Manager of a team (the “Team Officials”) are responsible for the
behavior of their sidelines. Team Officials are required to communicate behavior expectations to those who
may attend soccer matches and to enforce league and LWYSA standards of behavior during the play of the
match.
LWYSA requires that any person acting in the capacity of a coach be properly registered with LWYSA. Any
person at the game who is “acting” in the capacity of a Coach or Assistant Coach is subject to be disciplined as
such, regardless of their official status with LWYSA. Further, any Coach who permits an unregistered
individual to act as a Team Official, may be subject to disciplinary action.
For the purpose of LWYSA Disciplinary Action, the following definitions apply:




Dissent means expressing displeasure with the decisions of the referee. Dissent is made by word or
gesture and is not permitted.
Insulting, offensive, or abusive language or gestures refers to use of profanity, vulgarity, blasphemy,
insults to the person or character of a participant, or references to the participant’s race or ethnicity or
physical attributes. Any use of such language or gestures, directed at any participant, including Team
Officials, Players, and Referees, is not permitted and should result in the immediate dismissal of the
offending party.
Stepping on to the field of play to challenge a decision of a referee, yell at, or in any way make
insulting or intimidating remarks to the referee, or approaching the referee after the match and berating
or resorting to name calling of the referee (“you are a horrible referee”, “that was a terrible job”) are
considered “Aggressive Acts” by LWYSA and will result in significant disciplinary action. The fact a
person may have been invited onto the field by the referee to tend to an injured player does not negate
the fact that it is still an “Aggressive Act” to challenge, yell at, or in any way make insulting or
intimidating remarks to the referee while on the field of play.
Referee Assault and Referee Abuse shall have the meanings set forth in the WSYSA Administrative
Handbook.
Referees have the authority to ask the coach to remove any spectator or Team Official that may be behaving
irresponsibly If the coach is unable to convince the spectator to leave, the referee may dismiss the coach for
failure to control their sideline or may abandon the match. If a coach fails to leave the field after having been
dismissed by the referee, the referee may abandon the match.
Referees are encouraged to seek cooperation from Team Officials to maintain correct sideline behavior. In the
event that a referee feels, in their sole opinion, that Sideline dissent has reached an unacceptable level, the
referee is encouraged to communicate a reminder to Team Officials that they must maintain correct Sideline
Behavior. If the referee stops play to issue such a reminder to Team Officials, IN ANY FORM, then such
reminder constitutes an official “warning” of the coach and sidelines. While Washington Youth Soccer rules
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require that a referee show a yellow card to a team official when they have received an official warning – and
show a red card to a team official if they are dismissed from the field, failure to do so does not absolve the team
official from the consequences of their actions. The fact that the referee stopped play and communicated a
reminder to the sidelines is sufficient evidence of a “warning” having been issued to the sidelines. In the event
that it becomes necessary to “warn” the sidelines a second time, the referee may dismiss the appropriate team
official, or the match may be abandoned by the referee.
In the event that a referee is the recipient of “insulting, offensive, or abusive language or gestures”, or in the
event that the referee feels that a member of a sideline has behaved towards them in an “aggressive manner”,
the referee is empowered to IMMEDIATELY AND WITHOUT ANY ADDITIONAL WARNING do one of
the following:
1. Dismiss the offending Team Official, if the person committing the offense is a team official;
2. Ask the Coach to remove the offending party, if the person committing the offense is not a Team Official.
If the spectator will not leave the premises, the referee may either – dismiss the coach for failure to control
their sidelines OR abandon the match; or
3. Abandon the match and leave the field of play. If only one team is responsible for this action, the referee
should communicate with a Team Official of the other team that the match is abandoned. Coaches are
reminded that, as of the moment the match is abandoned, the match is no longer a league sanctioned event.
There may be no insurance or protection of the players should they continue to play, and they are required
to vacate the field to permit a subsequent event (such as a following match) to commence.
If a Team Official is “warned” or “Dismissed” from the field of play, or if the referee is the subject of
intimidating remarks during a match, the referee will file a Supplemental Report with the appropriate authority.
The authority, using guidelines they establish, will review the matter and determine if further disciplinary action
is required.
If a match is abandoned, or if a member of the sidelines is dismissed from the field of play, a disciplinary
hearing will be convened by LWYSA to review the events and determine what, if any, disciplinary sanctions
should be imposed upon the parties or team. Such sanctions may include, but are not limited to, suspension of
parties involved, forfeiture of the match, or removal of Team Officials from their role as team officials.
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Summary of Fouls and Misconduct
Fouls and Misconduct
Direct Free Kick
The following if done in a manner the referee
considers as “careless, reckless, or using excessive
force”:
 Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
 Trips or attempts to trip an opponent
 Jumps at an opponent
 Charges (runs into) an opponent
 Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
 Pushes an opponent
 Tackles or challenges an opponent
In addition, the following may also result in a Direct
Free Kick:
 Holds an opponent
 Spits at an opponent
 Handles the ball deliberately (except for the
goalkeeper within their own penalty area)
Indirect Free Kick
If a goalkeeper, within their own penalty area, does
any of the following:
 Takes more than six (6) seconds: to put the
ball into play after controlling with their
hands
 Touches ball again: after releasing the ball
from hands but before another player touches
 Touches ball with hands: after the ball was
deliberately passed to them with a foot of a
teammate
 Touches ball with hands: after it was thrown
directly to them by a teammate
In addition, the following, committed by any player,
may result in an indirect free kick:
 Plays in a dangerous manner
 Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the
ball from their hands
 Impedes the progress of an opponent
Cautions and Send offs (Yellow and Red Cards)
The following are reasons a referee may choose to show a yellow card (caution) or red card (send off) to a
player. While cards are not common in U11-U12 matches, they do happen. A referee is NOT required to warn
a person before showing a card.
Caution
Is guilty of unsporting behavior (used for many things,
including reckless charges or tackles, excessive
celebration, etc.)
Fails to Respect the required distance on a free kick or
corner kick (includes interfering with the taking of a
free kick)
Delays the restart of play (such as kicking the ball
away)
Show dissent by word or action (argues with the ref)
Persistently infringes the Laws of the Game (same
player fouls multiple times or it appears a team is
deliberately fouling the same player repeatedly)
Enters or re-enters the field without the referee’s
permission
Deliberately leaves the field without the referee’s
permission
Send off
Violent Conduct (such as fighting)
Spitting at another person (even if it doesn’t hit them)
Denies a goal or obvious goal scoring opportunity by
deliberately handling the ball (except, of course, for
the goalkeeper)
Denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity to an
opponent moving towards the goal by other means
(Note: Effective 2016, if a PK is awarded, in some
instances only a caution will apply.)
Receives a second caution in the same match.
Is guilty of Serious Foul Play (commits a foul that, in
the opinion of the referee -- because of its force, the
angle of attack, use of the exposed cleats, etc. –
shows disregard for the safety of the opponent and
significant risk of injury exists)
Uses offensive, insulting, or abusive language or
gestures. A player may be sent off, even if the
language is not directed at opponent or official.
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Field Layouts
During the season, teams should play on the field they are assigned to, regardless of dimensions. The diagrams
below can be used to help set up a field for practices or to aid the placement of markers if field markings are not
visible. For any soccer match, the length and width of the field may vary, but the dimensions of the internal
areas should always be as shown. If a built or movable goal is supplied, that goal should be used, regardless of
its dimensions. NOTE: Field dimensions changed for 2016. These apply to prior years. Teams should use the
markings on the field assigned. These diagrams may be used to assist with interior markings when absent.
U10-U11
U12
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