BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION
Local League Rules – Youth Soccer
1. Coaches shall play all players at least half of each game. Coaches shall play all players in the first and second half of each game. Players that are removed from a game because of sickness or injury may return to the game when the coach, parent, and official(s) determine that the player is capable of returning to the game safely. Failure to follow these rules will result in forfeiture of the game and disciplinary actions set forth by the Parks and Recreation code of conduct.
2. Shin guards are mandatory. Shoes with metal cleats are not permitted. All jewelry, including earrings, watches, necklaces, and barrettes must be removed. Small non-removable earrings may, at the referee’s discretion, be taped.
3. For U6 and U8: Substitutions are allowed at any stoppage of play and are unlimited. For U10 and older: See CVRSA guidelines for substitution rules.
4. Casts and braces are allowed at the referee's discretion if they are well padded and are not used as a weapon.
5. Only the head coach is permitted to address the referee. No referee will be assigned in U6 & U8.
6. For ages U10 and older: During game play both teams should occupy one side of the field between the penalty box lines. Parents and spectators should occupy the opposite side of the field and also remain between the penalty box lines. Spectators, players, and coaches are not permitted behind the goal lines or inside the 18-yard lines during play. All players, coaches, and spectators must remain a minimum of 3 feet away from the sideline to allow the players and referees room to see and maneuver.
7. Players and coaches shall line up and shake hands at the completion of each game.
8. Fair-Play Policy: In the event one or both teams is shorthanded for players in a game, the team with more players will play with fewer players on the field (ex., 9v9 or 8v8 for U15 & U18/U19 play, etc.) to match the opposing teams numbers. Further, if this process leaves the larger team with too many players on the sidelines, the larger team shall “loan” players to the shorthanded team to allow as many to play as possible. Other creative solutions to the problem are encouraged at the discretion of the coaches and referees.
9. See CVRSA Guidelines for rules specific to U10 and older at www.cvrsa.org
DIVISION SPECIFIC RULES
Recommended Sizes and Numbers
Age Group U6 U8 U10 U12 U15 U19
# Field Players 3 (no keeper) 4 (no keeper) 7 (including keeper) 9 (including keeper) 11 (including keeper) 11 (including keeper)
Max. Roster Size 6 8 13 17 21 21
Field Size (yards)
Minimum
Maximum 15 x 25 20 x 25 15 x 25 25 x 35 30 x 50 45 x 65 45 x 70 55 x 80 50 x 100 70 x 110 50 x 100 70 x 110
Goal Size (feet)
Minimum
Maximum 4 x 6 4 x 8 4 x 6 4 x 8 6 x 12 7 x 21 7 x 21 8 x 24 8 x 24 8 x 24 8 x 24 8 x 24
Ball Size 3 3 4 4 5 5
Game length 6-8 min. quarters 10 min quarters 25 min. halves 30 min. halves 35 min. halves 35 min. halves
U6 age groups:
1. There shall be (3) players on the field for each team (no goalkeepers).
2. Teams shall play (4) 6-8 minute quarters, with a five-minute (or less) rest period between each quarter. Each quarter begins with a kickoff, alternating between teams.
3. After the ball goes out of bounds, restarts are by a roll or toss-in from a coach to the team who should have possession. Restart after a goal is a kickoff from midfield.
4. Teams switch ends at halftime.
5. All free kicks are indirect.
6. Deliberate heading of the ball is not permitted. If a player deliberately heads the ball, an indirect kick is awarded to the opposing team.
7. Coaches may coach from the field in order to help direct players and manage flow of the game.
8. Size 3 ball.
9. Shin guards are required.
10. Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any time.
11. No offsides.
12. Slide tackling is not permitted.
13. Refer to US Youth Soccer Association’s official laws for the U6 game for additional playing rules.
U8 age groups:
1. There shall be (4) players on the field for each team (no goalkeepers).
2. U8 games shall consist of (4) 10 minute quarters, with a five-minute (or less) rest period between each quarter. Each quarter begins with a kickoff, alternating between teams.
3. Teams switch ends at halftime.
4. All free kicks are indirect.
5. Restarts for out of bounds are throw-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks as appropriate. Lifting foot on the throw-in is not strictly enforced, but make sure the child throws overhead with 2 hands. It is appropriate to give multiple chances if needed.
6. Deliberate heading of the ball is not permitted. If a player deliberately heads the ball, an indirect kick is awarded to the opposing team.
7. Coaches may coach from the field in order to help direct players and manage flow of the game.
8. Size 3 ball.
9. Shin guards are required.
10. Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any time.
11. On a goal kick, the team without the ball retreats to the half field line until the ball is kicked. Once the kick has been taken they may cross the line and defend.
12. No offsides.
13. Opponent must be at least 10 feet away on all restarts (or outside the center circle on a kickoff)
14. Slide tackling is not permitted.
15. Refer to US Youth Soccer Association’s official laws for the U8 game for additional playing rules.
U10 age groups
1. U10 Games consist of two 25-minute halves with a 5-minute break at halftime. When there are no assigned referees, coaches will serve as referee-instructors on the field during games.
2. Slide tackling is not permitted. Only indirect kicks are to be awarded for all fouls (i.e. no direct kicks or penalty kicks). A second chance will be given on improper throw-ins. All fouls shall be explained non-judgmentally to the offending player. Off sides is not to be strictly enforced, although blatant off sides (“cherry picking”) should be explained to the offending player and discouraged.
3. Refer to US Youth Soccer Association’s official laws for the U10 game and CVRSA Guidelines for additional playing rules.
U12 age groups:
1. Games consist of two 30-minute halves with a 5-minute break at halftime.
2. Slide tackling is not permitted. Offsides shall be enforced. No second chance is given on improper throw-ins.
3. Any player receiving a yellow card must be removed immediately for a minimum of 2 minutes; a substitute may be inserted. Players receiving a red or second yellow card shall be removed for the remainder of the game and may not be replaced.
4. Refer to US Youth Soccer Association’s official laws for the U12 game and CVRSA Guidelines for additional playing rules.
U15 & U19 age groups:
1. Games consist of two 35-minute halves with a 5-minute break at halftime.
2. FIFA rules are in effect for all fouls.
3. Slide tackling is permitted, but not from behind. Offsides shall be enforced.
4. Any player receiving a yellow card must be removed immediately for a minimum of 2 minutes; a substitute may be inserted. Players receiving a red or second yellow card shall be removed for the remainder of the game and may not be replaced.
5. Refer to US Youth Soccer Association’s official laws for the game and CVRSA Guidelines for additional playing rules.
