Bear River Soccer

League Rules

These rules summarize the 2023/2024 recreational club rules. Where those rules are silent, prior league guidance is used for helpful game day procedures.

Game Formats

Game format, ball size, playing time, and number of players vary by age group.

Division	Ball	Playing Time	Players	Goalkeeper	Heading
U6	Size 3	4 x 10-minute quarters	4v4	No	No heading
U8	Size 3	4 x 10-minute quarters	4v4	No	No heading
U10	Size 4	2 x 25-minute halves	7v7	Yes	No heading
U12	Size 4	2 x 30-minute halves	9v9	Yes	No heading
U14	Size 5	2 x 35-minute halves	11v11	Yes	Normal laws/rules

U6 and U8 have 5-minute breaks between quarters. U6 through U12 do not head the ball.

Gameplay Rules

Gameplay rules vary by division. This section summarizes common restarts, offside, free kicks, and special age-specific modifications.

U6 and U8

Team Size

Games are 4v4. Games may be played on two fields when numbers allow.

Restart from Out of Bounds

Balls out over the touchline may restart with a throw-in, kick-in, or dribble-in. Players receive one re-throw after an illegal throw-in.

Offside

Offside is generally not called unless the situation is blatant or being specifically coached.

Free Kicks After Fouls

All infringements result in an indirect free kick. Opponents should provide 10 feet of space on free kicks and corner kicks.

Special Rules

One coach from each team may be on the field.
Coaches may not physically move players.
Goal kicks are taken 2 to 3 yards off the end line near where the ball was retrieved.

U10

Team Size

Games are 7v7, including a goalkeeper.

Restart from Out of Bounds

Throw-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks are used. Goal kicks may be taken from anywhere inside the penalty area.

Offside

Offside is used with the build-out line. Players cannot be penalized for offside between the halfway line and the build-out line.

Free Kicks After Fouls

All free kicks are indirect. Opponents must be at least 8 yards from the ball. Penalty kicks are allowed and are taken from 10 yards.

Build-Out Line

Learn More

The build-out line is halfway between the halfway line and the top of the penalty area.

Used on goal kicks and goalkeeper possession during dynamic play.
Defending players should retreat behind the build-out line until the ball is put into play.
Players cannot be penalized for offside between the halfway line and the build-out line.
The build-out line is not used for direct or indirect free kicks originating inside the penalty area.

Special Rules

A goal may not be scored directly from kickoff.
Goalkeepers may not punt the ball.
On goalkeeper distribution and goal kicks, the ball must touch a player or the ground on the goalkeeper’s side before crossing midfield.
If the ball crosses midfield too early, restart with an indirect kick for the other team at midfield.

U12

Team Size

Games are 9v9, including a goalkeeper.

Restart from Out of Bounds

Throw-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks are used. Goal kicks are taken from any point inside the goal area.

Offside

Offside is called under the normal Laws of the Game.

Free Kicks After Fouls

Direct and indirect free kicks follow the Laws of the Game. Opponents must be at least 8 yards from the ball.

Special Rules

Charging the goalkeeper is not allowed when the goalkeeper is inside the goal area.
Opposing players must be outside the penalty area on goal kicks.
Penalty kicks are awarded under the Laws of the Game and taken from 10 yards.
On penalty kicks, opponents must be outside the penalty area and at least 8 yards from the penalty mark.

U14 and Older

Team Size

Games are 11v11, including a goalkeeper.

Restart from Out of Bounds

Throw-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks follow the normal Laws of the Game.

Offside

Offside is called under the normal Laws of the Game.

Free Kicks After Fouls

Penalty kicks, direct kicks, and indirect kicks are used under normal rules.

Special Rules

Games generally follow the normal Laws of the Game. Age-specific league modifications may still apply.

FIFA Laws of the Game

Coach, Player, and Spectator Conduct

Coaches are responsible for their team and sideline: Coaches are responsible for promoting good sportsmanship and for the behavior of their players, assistants, parents, and spectators.
Referee judgment may not be challenged: Coaches, players, parents, and spectators may not approach the referee without permission. Concerns should be directed through the league referee coordinator process.
Sideline coaching must be appropriate: Coaching from the sideline is allowed when it is limited to directing your own team, uses an informative tone, and does not include derogatory remarks, profanity, or disruptive behavior.
Bench and spectator areas: Coaches and players must remain in the team bench area. Spectators may not sit behind the end line and should stay at least 10 feet back from the touchline for safety.
Ejections: Anyone ejected must immediately leave the field area and not return. An ejection carries a minimum one-game suspension and may result in further discipline.

Player Safety and Equipment

Required

Player cards are required for all players.
Official medical releases must be available at practices and games.
All players must have shin guards fully covered by socks.
Eyeglasses must be secured.

Not Allowed

Hard casts of any kind are not allowed.
Jewelry of any kind is not allowed.
Earrings, including studs, are not allowed even if taped.
Medical alert bracelets may be worn only if completely taped.

Playing Time and Cautions

All players must play at least 50% of each game unless the referee and opposing coach are notified in advance.
The penalty for violating the minimum playing time rule is game forfeit.
A cautioned player must leave the field for at least five minutes.
A cautioned player may be substituted if a substitute is available.

Dangerous Play

Slide tackling is not allowed for U12 and younger.
A player down and kicking at the ball is considered dangerous play and may be carded.
Guest players must be declared before the match.
Guest players may not be from a competitive team.

Heading Policy

Heading is prohibited for U12 and younger. If a player deliberately heads the ball, the restart is an indirect free kick for the opposing team.

Game Day Administration

Pregame referee meeting: Referees will conduct a pregame meeting with both coaches before the match.
Home team responsibilities: The home team provides the game card and game ball. The home team should also change jersey color if there is a conflict with the visiting team.
Game cards and player cards: The game card should include team roster information and be given to the referee. Player cards must be provided before the game and collected after the game.
Substitutions: Substitutions require referee approval and occur at midfield. Substitutions are allowed prior to a throw-in, prior to a goal kick by either team, after a goal, after an injury when the referee stops play, at halftime or hydration breaks, and when the referee cautions a player. When a player is cautioned, only that player may be substituted before the restart.
Kickoff procedure: The coin toss determines kickoff or direction. The ball must be stationary on the center mark and is in play once it is kicked and clearly moves.
No tobacco or alcohol: Tobacco and alcohol are not allowed by anyone on or near playing fields during games or practices.
Weather, climate, and cancellations: The home coach is responsible for notifying the visiting coach about climate or field conditions. If in doubt, call the other coach. If a game is cancelled, always notify the referee coordinator.