Agawam Soccer Association Addendum
MODIFIED RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GAME FOR U10
Law 1:
The Field of Play: The dimensions are smaller to accommodate the six-versus-six game and are appropriate for the movement capabilities of eight- and nine-year-old children. These adjusted dimensions provide more practical space allowing players to be successful.
Field Markings: The penalty area is marked, but is smaller than the adult field size penalty area and within the penalty area is the penalty mark which is four yards shorter than the adult size field marking. The center circle is two yards smaller in radius than the adult size field marking. All other markings are per FIFA.
Goals: The goal, 6 x 18 feet, is the same for the U10 and U12 age groups. By using the same size goal for both age groups clubs will have to buy fewer goals.
Law 2:
The Ball: must be a size four. The smaller ball is lighter and more easily kicked, received, dribbled and passed.
Law 3:
The Number of Players: The six-a-side game now includes the goalkeeper. The smaller number of field players will provide the opportunity for the children to further develop their physical and technical abilities. These are valuable traits for all soccer players to develop. With fewer players on the field each child has an increased number of contacts with the ball and has more actual playing time. Additionally the players will be required to make more decisions and experience repeating game situations more frequently. The work rate and involvement of players will be more consistent. While learning both offense and defense, players will become well rounded and will understand more readily the roles and importance of teammates. The need for the players to make the mental and physical transition from offense to defense and vice-versa will be enhanced in this playing environment. The minimum number of players to begin a match for preteen players in SSG should be one (1) less that the number required on the field. For U10 the minimum will be five (5).
Law 4:
The Players’ Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams.
Law 5:
The Referee: Per FIFA. Clubs are urged to use this age group as a field training opportunity for Grade 9 Recreational Referees. All rule infringements shall be briefly explained to the offending player.
Law 6:
The Assistant Referees: Use club linesmen/women. Implement here the referee-in-training program.
Law 7:
The Duration of the Match: Per FIFA with the exception of the halves being 25 minutes each.
Law 8:
The Start and Restart of Play: Per FIFA. The distance the defending players must be away from the ball until it is kicked is the same as the radius of the center circle.
Law 9:
The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.
Law 10:
Goal Scored: Shall conform to FIFA and the sections concerning Winning Team and Competition Rules shall conform to US Youth Soccer guidelines.
Law 11:
Offside: There shall be no offside called during these games.
Law 12:
The rule on the goalkeeper’s distribution still allows for the ball to be punted the entire length of the field, it just cannot go directly into the opponents’ penalty area
Law 13:
Free Kicks: Per FIFA. The distance the defending players must be away from the ball until it is kicked is the same as the radius of the center circle.
Law 14:
The Penalty Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that the penalty mark is eight yards from the center of the goal line and that players other than the kicker and defending goalkeeper are at least eight yards from the penalty mark. The distance of eight yards conforms to the radius of the center circle. The distance of eight yards from the center of the goalmouth for the penalty mark fits within the reduced dimensions of the penalty area and is a reasonable distance for the kick.
Law 15 – The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA.
Law 16 – The Goal Kick: Conform to FIFA.
Law 17:
The Corner Kick: Per FIFA. The distance the defending players must be away from the ball until it is kicked is the same as the radius of the center circle.
Rosters/Playing Time
- Roster Size: Under the single field method the recommended minimum roster size is nine players and the maximum roster size is eleven players. Under the dual field method the recommended minimum roster size is fourteen players and the maximum roster size is sixteen players. This range of roster sizes allows for a club to use either the single field or dual field set up.
- Split-Field Model: See appendix for options.
- Playing Time: A minimum of at least 50% playing time is required.
- No score or standings should be kept.
ADVANTAGES OF PLAYING SMALL SIDED GAMES
- More time with the coach
- Energetic workouts due to playing both offense and defense
- More efficient use of field space Matches can be played simultaneously across a full size field
- Children are physically more efficient in smaller space
- Children are actively involved for a longer period of time
- It takes less time to score a goal or advance to goal
- Greater success rate for the players
Additional Agawam Soccer Association Rules
- Opposing coaches, players and parents should shake hands after each match.
- Parent/coaches, non-participating players and spectators should be there to enjoy and encourage the activity of the youngsters.
- Spectator and team benches should be on opposite sides of the field.
- No alcoholic beverages or tobacco products will be consumed or allowed near the playing area. Opposing parent/coaches and players should shake hands after each match.
- No slide tackles to be allowed in this age group.
- Coaches of U10 teams should attend the U10/U12 Youth Module coaching course and the Grade 9 referee course.
Effective Playing Time Relative to Game Format and Roster Size
