The U7-U9 Soccer Match

1. The U7-U9 Soccer Match For Volunteer Referees, Coaches and Parents presented by Brian Rohrback U7 – U9 Referee Coordinator This presentation was created by Phil Mangum, Referee Director LWYSA

2. 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!

3. What Do You Need? In order to play a soccer match, you need a few items… • A field • A ball • Players • A referee

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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

11. The Field 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.

12. 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

13. 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.

14. The Players 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.

15. The Players • Player equipment consists of “the 5 S’s”. • Shirt • Shoes • Shorts • Socks • Shinguards • All 5 of these items are mandatory.

16. The Players SHIRT Players 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).

17. The Players SHOES The 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.

18. The Players SHORTS Yes, 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!

19. The Players • SOCKS • Socks must be worn. • They must be worn OUTSIDE the shinguards. (No folding down over the top). • They must completely cover the shinguard.

20. The Players SHINGUARDS Shinguards 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.

21. 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

22. The Players Other Equipment Notes A 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.

23. The Referee The Role of the U7-U9 Referee The 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.

24. The Referee The Role of the U7-U9 Referee The 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.

25. The Referee Equipment: For U7-U9 recreational play.. A whistle on a wrist lanyard is key No ref wallet Something to keep time: a digital wrist watch No fancy uniform Footwear for jogging.

26. Part II – Starting The Match • On game day, you arrive at the field. What do you do? • Meet the opponents • Prepare the field • Prepare the players • Determine who kicks off • PLAY!

27. 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.

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

29. 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.

30. Start The Match • When the players have taken their position on the field, you should do the following: • 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. • Make note of when the half will end. • Make certain that the substitutes, coaches, brothers, sisters, etc. are off the field. • Start your stopwatch and blow the whistle to begin. • The match will begin with a kick-off, but first...

31. 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.

32. 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?

33. Kick-Offs • 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. Typical kick-off for U7 match

34. 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.

35. Referee Signals – Throw-in 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. 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.

36. Throw-In Procedure • 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.

37. Improper Throw-in If the throw-in is not taken in accordance with the rules described on the previous screen, the referee should:

38. 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.

39. Referee Signals – Goal Kick 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.

40. Goal Kicks • 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.

41. 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.

42. Referee Signals – Corner Kick 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.

43. Corner Kicks • 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.

44. Scoring a Goal A goal is scored when all of the following happen… • The ball travels COMPLETELY over a goal line. • It is between the goal posts • It is beneath the crossbar (or lower than the top of the flags)

45. The Goalkeeper Each team in U8, U9 play MUST have one person designated as the goalkeeper. • A goalkeeper must wear a distinctive shirt or a penne so everybody knows who they are. • A goalkeeper MAY go anywhere on the field. • A goalkeeper may use their hands and arms if they are within their own penalty area. • If the goalkeeper is holding the ball, they must put it back in play in a reasonable amount of time (up to 6 seconds)

46. The Goalkeeper • If the goalkeeper puts the ball down, they may not use their hands to touch the ball again until somebody else has touched it. • If a teammate of the goalkeeper deliberately kicks the ball to them, they may not use their hands. • If a teammate throws the ball to them (from a throw-in) they may not use their hands. • A U8 Goalkeeper may not punt the ball. A U9 goalkeeper may punt the ball.

47. Ending the Half – Or Match A soccer match is played in two equal halves of duration: 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.

48. 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: • A goal kick, corner kick, throw-in, or kick off • Any direct or indirect free kick • A dropped ball • 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.

49. Part IV 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 soccer, play is stopped for only two reasons. • If the ball is kicked out of play • If the referee chooses to blow their whistle and stop play 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.

50. When does the Ref Stop Play? • For a U7-U9 match, the referee should blow their whistle to stop play whenever: • An injury has occurred • A foul or other misconduct has occurred • 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.