Official Rules of Play — U10 (7v7)
U10 introduces a fuller game experience with larger teams, a designated goalkeeper, and certified referees. All games are played at Clearwater Elementary School or Riverwood Park on Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons.
General Rules
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| Ball | Size 4 |
| Players on Field | 7 per team |
| Roster Max | 12 players |
| Minimum to Start | 5 players per team — if a team drops below 5 mid-game, the game is terminated |
| Playing Time | Every player must play a minimum of 50% of total playing time |
| Game Length | Four 14-minute quarters; 5-minute halftime minimum |
| Equipment | Shin guards required; plastic cleats only (no toe cleat). Goalkeepers must wear a distinguishing jersey or pinnie |
| Spectators | Opposite side of the field from coaches and players |
Referees
A league-provided referee will officiate all games. We often use young referees developing their skills at the recreational level — please be respectful. Coaches must remain on the sidelines at all times unless called onto the field for an injury.
Substitutions — Unlimited, on any dead ball with the referee's consent. Players wait at the center line until the referee signals them in.
Playing the Game
Kickoff — Taken from the center circle at the start of each half and after each goal. The ball must touch an offensive player before the defense may touch it.
Ball In & Out of Play — The ball must completely cross the line to be out of play.
Offside — No offside between the halfway line and the build out line. Offside is enforced only between the build out line and the goal line.
Throw-Ins — Awarded against the team that last touched the ball. Must be taken from behind and over the head with two hands, both feet on or behind the touchline. Referees may allow retakes.
Build Out Line & Goalkeeper Distribution — When the goalkeeper has possession or takes a goal kick, opponents must retreat behind the build out line and actively move toward it — standing still to anticipate a quick restart is not permitted. The goalkeeper may pass, throw, or roll the ball into play. No punts or drop kicks. Ball is in play the moment it leaves the keeper's hands, or for goal kicks/free kicks inside the penalty area, the moment the ball crosses the penalty area line. The player receiving the goalkeeper's restart is entitled to one uncontested touch. Opponents may not press or challenge until a second touch is made, at which point opponents may cross the build out line and normal play resumes.
Goal Kick — Taken by the defending team when the ball crosses the goal line last touched by an attacking player. The ball may be placed anywhere in the goal area. Opposing players must retreat behind the build out line until the ball is in play. See Buildout Line.
Corner Kick — Taken by the attacking team when the defending team kicks the ball over its own goal line. Ball is placed within the three-foot arc at the nearest corner.
Free Kicks — All opponents must be at least 8 yards from the ball.
Penalty Kicks — Awarded when a defending player commits one of the 10 major fouls inside their own penalty area. Taken from 12 yards out. All players except the kicker and goalkeeper must be outside the penalty area and 10 yards from the ball. The goalkeeper must keep their feet on the goal line until the ball is kicked.