10U MATCH KNOWLEDGE

KNOW THE TERMS

The Start of Play

To start the first and second halves and following each goal in all age group games, play is started or restarted with a kick-off in the

center of the field. A coin toss is used to determine which team kicks off to start the game and which team kicks off to start the

second half. Following a goal, the team scored upon kicks off.

The Kick-off

The kick-off is taken from the center of the field with each player, except for the player taking the kick-off in their own half and the

team not kicking off at least eight yards from the ball.

The Ball In and Out of Play

The ball is out of play in all age group games when it wholly crosses the touchline (side line) or goal line (end line), either on the

ground or in the air.

The Method of Scoring

A goal, in all age group games, is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal.

Fouls

For 10U and older games, all fouls identified in Law 12 apply. Refer to AYSO's Summary of the Laws of the Game for more

information. Although there is now the potential for more fouls, referees still try to only stop play for deliberate breaches of the

Law that are not trifling or doubtful. The goal is to maximize playing time and minimize unneeded stoppages.

Misconduct

Misconduct should still be relatively rare in 10U games. Coaches at all levels of play have the option of calling players to the

touchline to receive a few words of “positive instruction” concerning the player’s behavior. A coach also has the option of telling

a player to ask the referee for permission to leave the field and then, after getting the player under control, having the player

request permission to reenter the game. The referee should permit these requests. However, substitution is not allowed for the

player leaving the field in this situation.

Free Kicks

Free kicks, in 10U and older games, may be either direct (may score directly) or indirect (must be touched or played by another

player before a goal can be scored). Opponents must be at least eight yards from the ball or on the goal line between the goal

posts during free kicks in 10U games. Free kicks awarded the attacking team inside the defending team’s goal area are to be taken

from the nearest point on the goal area line parallel to the goal line. Refer to AYSO's Summary of the Laws of the Game for further

details.

Goalkeeper Punts

For 9U to 10U, the goalkeeper shall not punt the ball. An indirect kick will be awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the

offense if a goalkeeper for 9U to 10U deliberately punts the ball during a match. An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking

team inside the opposing team’s goal area must be taken on the goal area line at the point nearest to where the goalkeeper

punted the ball.

Penalty Kicks

Penalty kicks may be awarded in 10U and older games. A penalty kick results from a player committing a direct free kick foul inside

his/her own penalty area. The penalty kick is taken from the penalty mark with all other players outside the penalty area except

for the opposing goalkeeper. Refer to AYSO's Summary of the Laws of the Game for further details.

Throw-in

Second chances are not (usually) given for improper throw-ins for 10U and older players. An improper throw-in results in a throw-

in for the opposing team. The referee, in an attempt to keep the game moving and to minimize unnecessary interruptions, must

judge if indeed the throw-in violated the spirit of the throw-in Law, or if the violation was trifling and not worthy of stopping play.

Goal Kick

A goal kick is awarded the opposing team when the attacking team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but not

scoring a goal. The goal kick may be taken from any point inside the goal area. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly

moves. Opposing players may cross the build-out line when the ball is kicked and clearly moves.

Corner Kick

A corner kick is awarded when the defending team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but not scoring a goal.

A corner kick is also awarded if the goalkeeper controls the ball with their hand(s)/arm(s) for longer than eight-seconds. The

opposing team must be at least eight yards from the ball when the corner kick is taken in 10U games.

Refer to AYSO's Summary of the Laws of the Game for further details.

Offside

The offside Law applies in 10U and older games. In 10U, the build-out line is used to determine offside.

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A player is in an offside position if any part of the head, body, or feet is (beyond the build-out line) nearer to the

opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second to last defender. Being in an offside position in itself is not an

offence. A player is not in an offside position if:

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Not past the opponents' build-out line or

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Level with the second last opponent or

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Level with the last two opponents

The player in an offside position is only penalized if, at the moment the ball is touched or played by a teammate, the

referee considers that player to be actively involved in the play by:

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Interfering with play or

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Interfering with an opponent or

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Gaining an advantage from being in that position

There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from:

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A goal kick, a throw-in or a corner kick

The punishment for an offside offense is an indirect free kick for the opposing team.

The indirect free kick is taken from the location where the offside offense was committed.

The referee may or may not declare a violation of the Offside Law depending upon judgment of the circumstances.

Build-Out Line

•The build-out line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting.

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The build-out line shall be placed across the field equidistant between the top of the penalty area and the halfway line.

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The opposing team must move behind the build-out line for a goal kick or when the goalkeeper has possession.

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At any time, the goalkeeper may pass, throw or roll the ball to a teammate on either side of the build-out line. Punts and

drop kicks are not allowed.

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The goalkeeper or the player taking the goal kick does not have to wait for the opposing players to move behind the

build-out line before putting the ball into play.

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After the ball is put into play, the opposing team can then cross the build-out line and play may resume as normal. The

ball is in play from a goal kick when it is kicked and clearly moves. The ball is in play from goalkeeper possession when it is

thrown or released from the hands.

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The build-out line shall be used as the line to determine offside. Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense

between the halfway line and the build-out line.

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Referees should be flexible with the 8-second rule – the count should not start until all opposing players have retreated

behind the build-out line.

No Heading!

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Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division players 11U (12U for

programs without single age divisions) and below in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick will be awarded

to the opposing team if a player age 10 or younger deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match. The

indirect free kick will be taken from the place where the player touched the ball with his/her head.

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Players 10 years old and younger, approved to play up in a division where is heading is allowed, are still prohibited from

heading the ball. The player, parents and coaches are responsible for ensuring the player does not head the ball in

practice or in matches consistent with the standards set by US Soccer.