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The U7-U9 Soccer MatchFor Volunteer Referees, Coaches

and Parents

presented by Brian Rohrback

U7 – U9 Referee Coordinator

This presentation was created by Phil Mangum, Referee Director LWYSA

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• Today we will cover the Laws of the Game in roughly the order they are discussed in the FIFA handbook.

• These rules are modified to coordinate with the age of the participants.

• Where practical, we go through the basic rules first, and deal with fouls and the “exceptions” at the end.

• This presentation is available as an online tutorial and is summarized in a booklet.

• Our theme for you as a referee supporting youth soccer is simple:

Keep it Safe!

Keep it Fair!

Keep it Moving!

Keep it Fun!

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What Do You Need?

• A field• A ball• Players• A referee

In order to play a soccer match, you need a few items…

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The Field

• The diagram below is the standard layout for a U7-U9 soccer field (“pitch”).

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The Field

• The lines on the side of the field are called touchlines in soccer. If a ball leaves the field by passing all the way over a touchline, it is out of play.

Touchlines

Approximate Field Length: U7 – 35 yards, U8 – 40 yards, U9 – 45 yards

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The Field• The lines at either end of the field are called goal lines. If a ball

leaves the field over one of these lines, it is out of play. If it leaves the field between the goalposts, then a goal is scored.

Goal Lines

Goal Lines

Approximate Field Width: U7 & U8 – 25 yards, U9 – 30 yards

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The Field• The zone at each end of the field is called a penalty area. The

term “penalty” does not apply to U7-U9 play. Its purpose is to indicate the area on the field in which a goalkeeper may use their hands. Penalty Area

The line for the penalty area is exactly 6 yards from the goal line.

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The Field• The small boxes in front of each goal are called the goal area.

The purpose of the box is to indicate where a ball may be placed during the taking of a “goal kick”.

Goal Area

The goal areas are exactly 2 x 6 yards (U7, U8) or 4 x 11 yards (U9)

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The Field

• The line down the middle of the field is called the halfway line. In U7-U9 play, its only purpose is to help position players on a kick-off.

Halfway Line

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The Field

• In U7-U9 play, each coach brings a pair of flags to mark the goals at both ends of the field. The posts should be 6 feet apart for U7-U8 play and 8 feet apart for U9 play.

Goals

U7, U8 6 feet apartU9 8 feet apart

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The Field

U7 U8 U9

Length (yards) 35 40 45

Width (yards) 25 25 30

Goal size (feet) 6 6 8

Goal Area (yards) 2x6 2x6 4x11

Penalty Area (yards) 6x25 6x25 6x30

It is a good idea to know the approximate dimensions and parts of the field. Early in the season, some fields may not have all the markings. Late in the season, markings may not be visible.

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The Ball

• Balls should be safe, meaning that no panels are peeling off or no other sharp surface that may cause injury is present.

• Ball should be properly inflated. They should be firm, but not rock hard.

U7, U8 U9

Size 3 Size 4

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Out of Play

A ball is out of play when it leaves the field, in the air or on the ground. The ENTIRE ball must be completely outside the line for a ball to be out of play.

Note:

The position of the player does not matter. Only the position of the ball matters when determining out of play.

A player MAY go out of the field in an effort to play the ball.

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The Players

U7 U8 U9Total number of players on field (including goalkeeper, if used)

3 4 5

Is one of the players a goalkeeper?

No Yes Yes

You must be able to tell the teams apart. (Different colored jerseys)

The players must be able to easily see who is a goalkeeper. (Use a penne or a different colored shirt.)

The players must have safe equipment.

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The Players

Player equipment consists of “the 5 S’s”.

1.Shirt

2.Shoes

3.Shorts

4.Socks

5.Shinguards

All 5 of these items are mandatory.

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The Players

SHIRTPlayers must wear a shirt of some type. Players on the

same team should all be wearing a shirt of the same color (except for the goalkeeper).

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The Players

SHOESThe laws of the game and Washington State require a

player to have “appropriate footwear”.

It is NOT mandatory that the shoes have cleats, though that is recommended.

While FIFA and Washington State rules do not FORBID shoes with metal or toe cleats, shoes with these attributes may be deemed by the referee to be inappropriate. Avoid equipping your player with such shoes.

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The Players

SHORTSYes, the laws of the games DO specify shorts. Most

associations aren’t too worried if a player at U7-U9 chooses to wear long warm-up type pants on cold days.

Be aware that, while most associations do not strictly enforce the requirement that shorts be worn, if your team plays in tournaments, the rule MAY be more strictly enforced. Always have shorts with you!

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The Players

SOCKSSocks must be worn.

• They must be worn OUTSIDE the shinguards. (No folding down over the top).

• They must completely cover the shinguard.

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The Players

SHINGUARDSShinguards are MANDATORY and they must be worn

beneath the socks.

A referee or coach may not waive this requirement. A player must not be permitted to play, under any circumstances, if they are not wearing shinguards.

The shinguards must also be of an appropriate material (NO magazines stuffed down the socks) and must provide a degree of protection.

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Items NOT Permitted

Players may not wear anything that may pose a risk to any participant.Jewelry may NOT be worn. Necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings must be removed. If the item cannot be removed, the player cannot play. Taping newly pierced ears is NOT acceptable.

(Exception: Medical alert jewelry, or jewelry that cannot be removed for religious reasons, provided the referee determines it does not pose a risk.)

LWYSA: NO casts, splints or orthotics

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The Players

Other Equipment NotesA player MAY wear their prescription glasses. Players

may NOT wear sunglasses merely as protection from the sun.

The goalkeeper MAY wear a hat provided the hat is of a soft material. No other player may wear a hat.

Players MAY wear extra clothing to protect themselves from the cold or if required by religious beliefs, provided it does not pose a danger to other players. WSYSA rules say that the extra clothing must be worn UNDER the uniform. Exercise flexibility and common sense.

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The Referee

The Role of the U7-U9 RefereeThe last item we need is the referee. For U7-U9 play, the

referee is there to keep things safe and to keep the game flowing.

At this level, players, parents, and even many of the new volunteer coaches, are not aware of the rules of play.

The referee is NOT a coach. Tactical instruction must come from the coach, not the referee. If a player is confused about what to do next after the referee has stopped play, the ref can provide a very brief explanation so play can move on.

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The Referee

The Role of the U7-U9 RefereeThe referee is NOT a disciplinarian. If something goes

wrong, the ref blows their whistle and allows the coach to deal with things. (This normally isn’t a problem in U7-U9 matches.)

The referee IS a volunteer trying to help a group of kids have fun. If all participants remember that, the experience will be a positive one for all.

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The Referee

Equipment:

A whistle on a wrist lanyard is key

Something to keep time: a digital wrist watch

Footwear for jogging.

For U7-U9 recreational play..

No ref wallet

No fancy uniform

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Part II – Starting The Match

On game day, you arrive at the field. What do you do?

1. Meet the opponents

2. Prepare the field

3. Prepare the players

4. Determine who kicks off

PLAY!

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Meet the Opponents

For U7-U9 matches, each team should provide a volunteer referee for ½ of the match. Before the match, coaches and referees should talk and decide who will officiate each half.

If there is a jersey color conflict, get the home teams to change if possible, or wear a penne.

It is often a good idea to review any rules that you may have questions about.

• Verify that you will allow substitutions on any stoppage of play.

• Verify the length of the match and the start time.

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Check the Field

You will need to put the flags for the goal into the field. You may need to add a couple of wuz markers to indicate the penalty area.

Have parents move chairs, coolers, etc. back from the touchline. Remember, players MAY take a couple steps out of the field to try and play a ball. If chairs are too close to the touchlines, players will run into them and may be injured.

Remove any debris, large rocks, or branches that may cause injury to a player.

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Prepare the Players

The first half referee should ask for Captains to join them in the middle of the field for the coin toss ceremony.

Have the players introduce themselves and shake hands. Identify one player to call the coin toss (it doesn’t really matter who) and flip a coin.

The LOSER of the toss takes the kickoff. The WINNER gets to chooses side of the field.

Get the game ball (properly inflated, usually from the home team).

A couple of minutes before the correct start time, announce that it is time to take the field.

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Start The Match

When the players have taken their position on the field, you should do the following:

1. Make note of who is kicking off and which side the players are on. In the second half, players switch ends and the other team kicks off.

2. Make note of when the half will end.

3. Make certain that the substitutes, coaches, brothers, sisters, etc. are off the field.

4. Start your stopwatch and blow the whistle to begin.

The match will begin with a kick-off, but first...

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Part III - Normal Flow of Play

The game of soccer is actually quite simple.

Two teams of players meet on a field and compete with each other to try and get a ball into their opponents goal. They may use any part of their body except for their hands or arms.

Soccer is intended to be played with a minimum of stoppage. Therefore, play goes, without interruption, until the ball goes out of play or until play is stopped by the referee. There are no time outs in soccer.

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Let’s Play

So, you are now ready to play. You are the referee. You blow your whistle so that the kickoff may be taken.

BUT … what are the rules for a Kickoff?

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• The ball is placed in the center of the field.

• Members of the kicking team may be anywhere on their half of the field.

• Members of the non-kicking team must be on their half of the field and at least 6 yards from the ball.

• When the ball is kicked, it must move forward. If it doesn’t, the kick is retaken.

• If the person taking the kick touches the ball again before another player touches the ball, then the kick is retaken.

Kick-Offs

Typical kick-off for U7 match

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Throw-in

Let’s assume the kickoff has been properly taken. Red and blue are competing for the ball, but now, Red kicks the ball hard and it travels out of play over one of the touchlines.

If a ball goes “out of play” by passing over a touchline, then the match is restarted with a throw-in taken by the opponents of the player who last

touched the ball.

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The referee indicates that a throw-in is to be taken by pointing up, at a 45 degree angle, in the direction of play. For U7-U9 play, it is recommended that the referee announce “Throw-in. Blue, its your throw-in, over there.” Then indicate the point at which the throw-in should be taken.

Referee Signals – Throw-in

Note: Unlike many sports, the referee does NOT blow the whistle every time the ball is out of play. It is blown only when necessary for example, when a foul is called or when players keep playing after the referee has determined the ball is out of play.

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• The throw-in is taken at the point where the

ball left the field (within a yard or so)• The player must face the field while throwing.• Some part of both feet must be on the ground

when the ball is released, either on the touchline or outside of the field.

• The player must use both hands when throwing

• The throw must begin behind the head and be delivered over the head.

• If the person taking the throw cannot touch the ball again before another player touches the ball.

• If the player throws the ball into the goal (without touching another player), the goal does not count.

Throw-In Procedure

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If the throw-in is not taken in accordance with the rules

described on the previous screen, the referee should:

Improper Throw-in

U7-U8 Explain to the player what they did incorrectly, then permit the player to try again. The SAME player is entitled to repeat the throw as many times as needed to do it correctly.

U9 Same as U7-U8, except that only 1 “retry” is permitted before the ball is awarded to the other team.

U10+ If the throw-in is not properly taken, the ball is awarded to the other team. There are no “retries”.

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Goal Kick

Red is now attacking the Blue goal. A red player takes a shot and misses. The ball goes out of play over the goal line.

If a ball goes out of play by passing over a goal line, then the match is restarted with a goal kick if the last player to touch the ball was a member of

the attacking team.

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The referee indicates that a “goal kick” is to be taken by pointing towards the goal area. For U7-U9 play, it is recommended that the referee announce “Goal kick. Blue, its your kick, put the ball there.” Then indicate where the ball should be placed.

Referee Signals – Goal Kick

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• The ball may be placed anywhere within the goal area.

• Members of the kicking team may be anywhere on the field. The ball may be kicked by ANY player.

• Members of the non-kicking team must be outside the penalty area AND at least 6 yards from the ball.

• Once the ball is kicked NEITHER team may touch the ball until it leaves the penalty area. The non-kicking team must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is outside the penalty area.

• If any player kicks the ball before it leaves the penalty area or the ball doesn’t make it outside the penalty area – the kick is retaken.

• If the person taking the kick touches the ball again before another player touches the ball, then the kick is retaken.

Goal Kicks

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Corner Kick

Red is now attacking the Blue goal. A Blue defender successfully wins the ball and kicks it out of play over the goal line.

If a ball goes out of play by passing over a goal line, then the match is restarted with a corner kick if the last player to touch the ball was a member

of the defending team.

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The referee indicates that a corner kick is to be taken by pointing their arm up at a 45 degree angle towards the corner where the kick will be taken. For U7-U9 play, it is recommended that the referee announce “Corner kick. Red, its your kick, put the ball there.” Then indicate where the ball should be placed.

Referee Signals – Corner Kick

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• The ball must be placed within 1 yd of the corner on the side of the field it went out.

• Members of the kicking team may be anywhere on the field.

• Members of the non-kicking team must be at least 6 yards from the ball.

• Once the ball is kicked, it is in play.

• If the person taking the kick touches the ball again but before another player touches the ball, then the referee will explain to the kicker that this is not permitted and the kick shall be retaken.

Corner Kicks

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Scoring a Goal

A goal is scored when all of the following happen…

1. The ball travels COMPLETELY over a goal line.

2. It is between the goal posts

3. It is beneath the crossbar (or lower than the top of the flags)

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The Goalkeeper

Each team in U8, U9 play MUST have one person designated as the goalkeeper.

1. A goalkeeper must wear a distinctive shirt or a penne so everybody knows who they are.

2. A goalkeeper MAY go anywhere on the field.

3. A goalkeeper may use their hands and arms if they are within their own penalty area.

4. If the goalkeeper is holding the ball, they must put it back in play in a reasonable amount of time (up to 6 seconds)

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The Goalkeeper

5. If the goalkeeper puts the ball down, they may not use their hands to touch the ball again until somebody else has touched it.

6. If a teammate of the goalkeeper deliberately kicks the ball to them, they may not use their hands.

7. If a teammate throws the ball to them (from a throw-in) they may not use their hands.

8. A U8 Goalkeeper may not punt the ball. A U9 goalkeeper may punt the ball.

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Ending the Half – Or Match

A soccer match is played in two equal halves of duration:

U7 U8 U920 min 25 min 25 min

The clock is always running, even in the event of injury. However, a referee should add time to a half to make up for time lost to injury or other unusual delays.

The referee traditionally ends the half by blowing two long whistles and announcing “half-time”, while pointing at the center of the field. At the conclusion of the match, the referee traditionally ends the match by blowing three long whistles and pointing at the center of the field.

Players are entitled to 5 minutes for a half-time interval.

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Substitutions

Either team may ask the referee for permission to substitute during any stoppage of play, but only AFTER the referee has given permission for them to enter. The coach must ASK the referee if they can substitute a player, usually by loudly yelling “Sub Ref”. The following are considered a stoppage of play:

1. A goal kick, corner kick, throw-in, or kick off

2. Any direct or indirect free kick

3. A dropped ball

4. During any stoppage in which a coach enters the field to tend to an injured player,

Referees should be sensitive to the fact that coaches want to give players adequate play time and listen for the coaches so that substitutions can take place.

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Part IV

In soccer, play is stopped for only two reasons.

1. If the ball is kicked out of play

2. If the referee chooses to blow their whistle and stop play

As indicated earlier, the sport of soccer is to be played with as few interruptions as possible. However, soccer is a competition with rules, and when one of those rules is violated, the referee must intervene.

In our previous sections, we focused on what happens when the ball is kicked out of play. This section of the education focuses on reasons the referee may choose to stop play.

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When does the Ref Stop Play?

For a U7-U9 match, the referee should blow their whistle to stop play whenever:

1. An injury has occurred

2. A foul or other misconduct has occurred

3. The ball went out of play and the players continued to play

Unlike some other sports, the soccer referee need not blow their whistle when a ball goes out of play (over a line) and it is obvious to all that the ball is out.

The whistle should be reserved for those situations in which the referee must get the player’s attention, such as those described above.

Also, except for cases in which the referee clearly states that the match will start only after blowing their whistle (for example, the kick-off), there is no whistle required before any restart.

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Free KicksIf the referee stops play while the ball is still on the field, the most common restart for U7-U9 play will be an indirect free kick. By “indirect” we mean that somebody other than the kicker of the ball must touch the ball before a goal can be scored. The kicker may not kick the ball directly into the goal. For all indirect free kicks the requirements are:

6 yards

1. The ball must be placed where the referee indicates. It cannot be moving when it is kicked.

2. All opponents of the kicker must be at least six yards from the ball. The ball is “in play” as soon as it is touched by a kicker and moves…any amount. At that point, anybody can run up to the ball and kick it.

3. The kicker may not touch the ball again before it is touched by another player.

4. For any infringement, the kick is retaken (U7-U9 rule)

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Dropped Ball

The other method of restarting play is a dropped ball. Many referees are not fond of this restart because of the risk of injury. When a dropped ball occurs, the referee takes the ball in hand and simply drops it on the field at the point the ball was when they stopped play. While it is NOT a requirement that a player from both teams be there, it is a common practice to allow one player from each to be there.

1. Neither player may kick the ball until the ball hits the ground. If a player does touch the ball before it hits the ground, the ball is dropped again.

2. The ball is in play as soon as it is touches the ground. At that point, anybody can run up to the ball and kick it.

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In the Event of Injury

For a U7-U9 match, the referee should must always be sensitive to the needs of young players. They should not hesitate to stop play and allow a player to be comforted by a coach or parent.

Minor injuries are fairly common in U7-U9 play. Players are hit in the face or other places with the ball, they trip, they jam their fingers, etc. When an injury is detected, the referee should stop play and allow a coach to come on to the field to tend the player. While it is not a requirement to sub the injured player, it is encouraged.

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Restart after Injury

After the player has been tended to, the referee must restart the match. If the ball had gone out of play (over a line), then the restart will be a goal kick, corner kick, or throw-in, just as if the injury had not happened. However, if the referee stopped play while the ball was still in play, the restart will be either a dropped ball or an indirect free kick.

• If one team had clear possession of the ball at the time the referee stopped the match, the match will restart with an indirect free kick for the team having possession.

• If neither team had clear possession of the ball, then the match will restart with dropped ball.

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Fouls

There are some things that a player is not permitted to do, in order to keep the game safe and fair.

The “rule of thumb” for a volunteer U7-U9 referee is quite simple. If something doesn’t seem safe or it doesn’t seem fair, its probably a foul.

By the same token, the role of the referee is not to punish every little contact that occurs between players.

Soccer IS a contact sport.

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Fouls

When a foul is determined to have occurred, the referee will stop play by blowing their whistle. An indirect free kick will be given to the team that got fouled.

When a referee awards an indirect free kick, they blow their whistle, then signal the fact that the kick is indirect by holding their hand in the air until the ball is touched by a player other than the kicker.

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Fouls

Fouls are subjective. The role of the referee is to use their best judgment to determine if a foul has occurred that requires some action.

In U7-U9 play, if the referee determines that a foul has occurred, an indirect free kick is given to the opponent at the point of the infraction.

A referee should offer the players a very quick, no more than 1 sentence, explanation of why the foul was called; we are instructing players.

Keep it Safe!

Keep it Fair!

Keep it Moving!

Keep it Fun!

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What is a Foul?

If a player commits any of six offenses in a manner considered by the referee to be

careless, reckless, or using excessive force:

When you see careless or reckless play, blow your whistle BEFORE somebody gets hurt.

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Fouls

Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent

Jumps at an

opponent

Trips or attempts to

trip an opponent

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Fouls

Strikes or attempts to

strike an opponent

(hitting them)

Charges an opponent

(bangs into them)

Pushes an

opponent

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Fouls

If a player commits any of the following offenses it is also considered a foul:

• Tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball (in other words, you can’t go through your opponent to get the ball.

• Holds an opponent

• Spits at an opponent (the coach should immediately replace this player and counsel them)

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The Dreaded “Handball”

Many spectators are under the mistaken impression that every time a hand and a ball come in contact in soccer, a foul has occurred. That is NOT the case.

Common situations that are NOT fouls:

• The ball travels quickly at a player who “instinctively” puts hands up as protection.

• The player wasn’t facing the play and didn’t know it was coming when the ball hit a hand.

• A swarm of players is kicking at the ball when it deflects off an arm (it is not swatted at by the player).

The key word is deliberate.

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Goalkeeper Infractions

We encourage referees of U7-U9 players to instruct the goalkeeper when they see any of these infractions, rather than “punish” them. However, if the goalkeeper continues to do these things, an indirect free kick can be awarded to their opponent.

1. If the goalkeeper is holding the ball, they must put it back in play in a reasonable amount of time (up to 6 seconds)

2. If the goalkeeper puts the ball down, they may not use their hands to touch the ball again until somebody else has touched it.

3. If a teammate of the goalkeeper deliberately kicks the ball to them, they may not use their hands.

4. If a teammate throws the ball to them (from a throw-in) they may not use their hands.

5. A U8 Goalkeeper may not punt the ball.

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Goalkeeper Safety

Goalkeepers are in a very vulnerable position so we have special rules to protect these young players. No person may make contact with a goalkeeper that is inside their penalty area when they have possession of the ball “in any way and to any degree whatsoever.” This means they may not be contacted while they are bobbling the ball or have even a single finger touching it. Under no circumstances should a player be rewarded with a goal if they have contacted the goalkeeper to win the ball.”

This rule may appear simple, but can actually be a challenge when a goalkeeper is very aggressive. The rule is intended to protect the goalkeeper from an overzealous attacker. However, the attacker should not be penalized if it was the goalkeeper that actually initiated the contact.

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Other Infractions

The following are other examples of things that a referee may consider unfair or unsafe and may sanction with an indirect free kick.

1. Impeding the progress of an opponent (deliberately getting in their way to block them or slow them down when you are not playing/shielding the ball)

2. Preventing somebody from putting the ball back in play – such as getting the way of the goalkeeper or a player taking a throw-in.

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Other Infractions

The following are other examples of things that a referee may consider unfair or unsafe and may sanction with an indirect free kick.

3. Doing anything that may be considered dangerous. Examples include kicking high into the face of an opponent, ducking down low to head a ball (thus risking your own face)

4. Within Washington, slide tackles (sliding, like a baseball slide to win or keep the ball from an opponent) are not permitted at these ages.

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Offside / Cherry-Picking

Many people may be familiar with a soccer law known as offside. This law is not enforced in LWYSA U7-U9 matches, primarily because we want young players to focus on developing their skills.

However, a referee sees a player linger behind the defense, they should politely ask the coach to have the player come back and play with their team, preferably before the ball is kicked to the player.

If a player is a couple of steps beyond the defense as a result of active play, don’t worry about it.

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Fouls – Wrap-up

As a volunteer referee for U7-U9, remember your basic responsibility:

Keep it Safe!

Keep it Fair!

Keep it Moving!

Keep it Fun!

You need not remember every detail of what constitutes a foul. If the players are doing something you consider unsafe, blow the whistle, let the players know what you consider unsafe, and give a free kick to the opponents.

There is likely a rule that covers the situation, even if you can’t recall it that second.

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Does it Count?

1. If you kick the ball into your own goal, it DOES count as a goal for your opponent.

2. For U8 and U9, if a team kicks the ball straight into the goal on a kick-off or on a corner kick, the goal DOES count. They do have a goalkeeper!

3. The goal does NOT count if somebody does a throw-in and it goes right in

4. The goal does NOT count if you kick it into your own goal on a goal kick.

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Advantage

As your players grow older, you may hear this term a lot. Basically, this means that if your team will gain an advantage by the referee NOT calling a foul, then the referee should not call it.

One example: If your son or daughter is tripped, but the ball goes straight to the feet of a teammate that can easily score, the referee would normally NOT call that foul.

Unless an advantage is HUGE and obvious to everybody, at U7-U9 play, most fouls should be called, as teaching players what constitutes a foul is every bit as important as goals being scored.

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Trifling and Doubtful Breaches

The referee must work to find that balance between keeping the game “safe and fair” and keeping the game “moving and fun”. It is not necessary for a referee to blow their whistle for every little technical infraction that occurs.

• If a foot comes up an inch off the ground on a throw-in, but the player really gained no advantage, you can probably let that go.

• You MUST call situations in which there is rough or reckless play,

• You MUST call situations in which the players learning the rules will be helped by your judicious use of the whistle.

But take care that the players don’t end up spending the entire match listening to your whistle instead of playing.

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Closing Remarks

Check out http://referees.lwysa.org.

Look under Information, then FAQ, as a starting point.

This material should remove some of the mystery of the game and get coaches, parents, and volunteer referees off to a good start.

Keep it Safe!

Keep it Fair!

Keep it Moving!

Keep it Fun!

Brian Rohrback, Referee Coordinator U7-U9