U6, U8, U10 & U12 TEAMS GAME FORMATS and LAWS

U6 (3v3 format)

• U6 games allow coaches on the field, but please be careful. To keep the game moving, nudge the ball back onto the field if it’s heading out.
• A simple player kick-in restart if the ball goes way out. Goal kicks and corners.
• No heading.
• No goalies (e.g. standing in the goal) or sweepers, all players should move with the ball. 
• Substitutions at the quarters and half.

U8 Coed/Boys (4v4 format)

• Kick-ins, goal kicks, and corners.
• If your team is up by a lot, have the players drop to the midfield, so the opposing team can try and build out.
• No keepers 
• No heading.
• All indirect free kicks
• Substitutions can be made at the quarters and half. The clock will keep running, so subs should be quick. 

U8G and Pre Academy (5v5 format)

• Girls will play 5v5, as they will be inter scheduling with teams of other clubs.
• 12 Minute quarters, running clock at subs.
• Throw-ins, goal kicks, and corners.
• No heading. 
• No punting.
• No offside
• All indirect free kicks
• Substitutions can be made at the quarters and half. The clock will keep running, so subs should be quick. 

U10 (7v7 format)

• Offside is called to the best of the ref’s ability. There is only one referee, and they are normally our younger referees. Please do not get upset with close calls one way or the other; the referees are learning, too.
• Build-out lines are dashed build-out lines that defending teams drop behind on goal kicks and when the keeper gains possession of the ball. This is also the offside line. Once played, by goal kick or pass, the defending team can advance on the ball. (See more detailed explanation below).
• Substitutions can be made at each half, and on your possession at the referee’s approval. The referee can allow the other team’s possession (they will determine that). 

Heading U11 and below: There is NO intentional heading of the ball allowed. If that happens, an indirect free kick will be awarded at the spot of the infraction. If inside the penalty area, the ball is placed at the top of the penalty area in line with the infraction.

U12 (9v9 format)

• Goalkeepers are used.  Throw Ins, Direct Kicks, and Offside are called to the best of the ref’s ability.

• Any player playing in the goal must get an equal amount of time on the field. All players must play 1/2 of the game.

• All players must have shin guards.

• Substitutions can be made at each half, and on your possession at the referee’s approval. The referee can allow the other team’s possession (they will determine that).

US Soccer has implemented a "Build Out Line" rule for U10's which has been adopted by Georgia Soccer:

Georgia Soccer Youth Rules and Regulations

510.7a The build-out line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting. Build-out lines should be equidistant from the penalty area lines and halfway line OR Build-out lines should be 8 yards from halfway line.

510.7b When the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hand hands during play from the opponent, the opposing team must move behind the build-out line until the ball is put into play

510.7c Once the opposing team is behind the build-out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball to a teammate. Punts and drop kicks are not allowed.

510.7d After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the buildout line and play resumes as normal.

510.7e The opposing team must also move behind the build-out line prior to a goal kick and may only cross the build-out line once the ball has left the penalty area.

510.7f If a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the punt or drop kick occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the offense occurred.

510.7g The build-out line will also be used to denote where offside offenses can be called.

510.7i Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build-out line.

510.7j Players can be penalized for an offside offense between the build-out line