LEAGUE AGE GROUP MODIFICATIONS TO LAWS OF THE GAME

U9 & U10

The Laws of the Game, as modified by C.Y.S.A. and these rules, shall apply with the following exceptions:

BALL - The ball shall be size 4.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS - Eight (8), one of whom shall be a goalkeeper (5 minimum).

GAME DURATION - Two 25 minute halves, 5-minute break.

SUBSTITUTIONS - The referee will call for stoppage of play at the 8 minute and 16 minute marks of each half to allow for substitutions by both teams. In addition, substitution is allowed for an injured player. Substitutions are not allowed at any other times.

FREE KICKS - All free kicks shall be indirect. Make sure team understands that they can make a wall.

PENALTY KICKS - There shall be no penalty kicks.

OFFSIDE - Observed.

THROW INS - One re-throw will be allowed if foul throw occurs. Referee will explain fault before re-throw.

REFEREES - The referees are encouraged to explain the infraction. The explanation should be addressed to both teams and not focused on the individual player. More generally, the referees in this age group are encouraged to be instructional. Many first time coaches and parents will not know pertinent rules and the referee should quickly explain the rule if requested. However, the decision of the referee is final and any disagreement must be addressed to the league, and not directly to the referee as any dispute directly with a referee will be grounds for disciplinary action - whether or not the referee is correct.

ASSISTANT REFEREES – At every game, all U9-U14 teams must provide one volunteer parent who serves as an assistant referee to help the referee. This parent must be familiar with the “9 Things a Vikings Volunteer Assistant Referee Needs to Know”.