Although all FIFA Laws of the games will be applied during the games, below are specific laws that have been modified for use in youth league games. To differentiate between the FIFA laws of the games and the below modification, the changes will be referred to as "Rules". These Rules apply to ALL youth games played at US Youth Sanctioned games in Indiana except the MRL games. You should follow the MRL requirements.Rule 1 - The Field
U9 and U10 – Minimum is 50 yards long by 40 yards wide. Maximum is 55 yards long by 45 yards wide.
U11 and U12 – Minimum is 75 yards long by 55 yards wide. Maximum is 80 yards long by 60 yards wide.
U13 through U19 – Minimum is 110 yards long by 65 yards wide. Maximum is 120 yards long by 80 yards wide.
The Center Circle
U9 and U10 – 5 Yard Radius
U11 and U12 – 8 Yard Radius
U13 through U19 – 10 Yard Radius
The Goal Area
U9 through U12 – 4 Yards long and 14 Yards wide
U13 through U19 – 6 Yards long and 20 Yards wide
The Goal
U9 and U10 – 6 Feet by 12 feet and up to 6 feet by 18 feet
U11 and U12 – 6 feet by 18 feet and up to 7 feet by 21 feet
U13 through U19 – 8 feet by 24 feet
The Penalty Area
U9 and U10 – 9 Yards long and 22 Yards wide
U11 and U12 – 14 Yards long and 32 Yards wide
U13 through U19 – 18 Yards long and 44 Yards wide
The Penalty Spot/Mark
U9 and U10 – 8 Yards from the goal line
U11 and U12 – 10 Yards from the goal line
U13 through U19 – 12 Yards from the goal line
Rule 2 – The Ball
U9 through U12 – Size 4
U13 through U19 – Size 5
Rule 3 – The Number of Players
U9 and U10 – Maximum number of players one team may have is 6 (6 vs. 6). Minimum number of players one team may have to start the game is 4
U11 and U12 – Maximum number of players one team may have is 8 (8 vs. 8). Minimum number of players one team may have to start the game is 6
U13 through U19 – Maximum number of players one team may have is 11 (11 vs. 11). Minimum number of players one team may have to start the game is 7
One player form each team must be designated as a keeper.
Roster Size
U9 and U10 – Maximum of 12 players and minimum of 6
U11 and U12 – Maximum of 14 players and minimum of 8
U13 through U19 – Maximum of 18 players and minimum of 11
Substitution
Substitutions shall be with the consent of the referee at the following times:
Prior to a throw-in in your teams favor
Prior to a goal kick by either team
After any goal
At half-time
At half-time of any overtime period, if applicable
If a team has a substitute player ready on their own possession as described above and the opponent also has a player ready for substitution, both teams may sub.
For the referee to consider a player(s) ready to substitution, the player(s) MUST be at the Half Way line ready to enter the field PRIOR to the ball leaving the field.
Rule 4 – Player’s Equipments
The Home team must wear a white/light color jersey and the visiting team must wear a dark color jersey. If the referee determines the uniforms are too similar and may cause confusion, the offending team must change their jersey to comply with the color requirements.
Rule 5 – The Referee
All referees participating in Indiana Youth Soccer league games must adhere to and accountable to the united State Soccer Federation Code of Ethics described below:
CODE OF ETHICS FOR REFEREES
I shall always maintain the utmost respect for the game of soccer.
I will conduct myself honorably at all times and maintain the dignity of my position.
I shall always honor an assignment I accepted as an important obligation.
I will endeavor to attend local meetings and clinics so as best to know the Laws of the Game (league rules) and their proper interpretation.
I will always strive to achieve maximum team work with my fellow referees and Assistant Referees.
I shall be loyal to my fellow referees and Assistant Referees, and never knowingly promote criticism of them.
I shall be in good physical condition so as to be in the right place at the right time.
I will manage the players effectively by being courteous and considerate without sacrificing firmness.
I shall do my utmost to assist my fellow officials to better themselves and their work.
I shall not make statements about any game except to clarify an interpretation of the Laws of the Game (League Rules).
I consider it a privilege to be a part of the United States Soccer Federation and I will strive to make my actions reflect credit upon that organization and its affiliates.
The "Ethics Check" Questions
Is it legal? Will I be violating civil law, league policy or Indiana Youth Soccer policy?
Is it balanced? Is it fair to all concerned in the short term as well as in the long term? Does it promote win-win relationships?
How will it make me feel about myself? Will it make me proud? Would I feel good if my decision was published in the newspaper? Would I feel good if my family knew about it?
Will it be contributing to a better environment?
It is recommended that three (3) referees officiate the game. One official must be the center referee and the other two are Assistant Referees. Referees acting on behalf of the league MUST be USSF Certified. If three (3) referees are not available, a USSF Certified referee MUST be in the center. The USSF certified referee MUST use Club Linespersons. No game shall be played without a USSF certified center referee. At no time will a "two man system" (two referees only) be permitted to referee a game.
EXCEPTION – U9 and U10 games may be officiated with only one USSF certified referee. Assistant Referees or Club Linesmen are not required.
There may be up to three (3) IYS carded adults (Coaches, managers, trainers, etc.) on the bench. All adults MUST present their IYS card to the referee prior to the game. No adults; carded or not, will be permitted on the players’ side if there are already three (3) IYS carded adults. If the game starts with only two (2) IYS carded adults on the players’ side and a third IYS carded adult arrives later, the late arrival adult must show their IYS card to the Assistant Referee at the next stoppage.
If there are no IYS carded adults at the players’ side, the game will not start. The referee must allow for 15 minute delay before abandoning the game. If no IYS carded adults at the players’ side due to a sent-off, the referee must terminate the game immediately.
A roster must be provided to the referee 15 minutes prior to the start of the match. In addition to the normal information on the roster, the roster must include the players’ full names; players’ pass number and their jersey numbers.
If the referee observed lightning during the game, the game must be suspended until the danger has passed. The referee must wait for 30 minutes after lightning was last observed prior to recommencing with the game.
Coaches must remain in their technical area. If a technical area is not lined, the coaches must stay two (2) yards away from the touch line, and one (1) yard extended at each side of the seating area. If there are no designated seating areas, the coaches must have the players’ equipments, chairs, medical supplies, tent, etc., at lease two (2) yards away from the touch line, and ten (10) yards from the half way line. The referee will be the sole judge of the distance between listed above.
Referee Pay – The fee structure below MAY change year to year
In U9 and U10 games, the assistant Referee will not call off-side.
Rule 11 – Off-Side
No Off-Side in U9 and U10 games.
Rule 12 – Fouls and Misconducts
U9/10 Restricted Goalkeeper Distribution Rule - Punting, Drop Kicking, Throwing, and Rolling are allowed, however the ball may not land past the halfway line (midfield) without touching the ground or another player first. In the case of an infraction, an indirect free kick (IFK) will be awarded to the opponent. The indirect free kick will be taken at the midfield line at the point of the infraction.
Rules 13 – 17
No modifications are applicable.
