7v7 Soccer Rules for the U11 Division
RULES OF THE GAME
(WCSSF Guidelines has adapted the rules from the Indiana Soccer Guidelines as of July 12, 2022)
Field Dimensions: The playing field is 45-60 yards in length, and 35-45 yards wide. The goals are 6.5’h x 18’w. (6’ x 12’ goals are allowed.)
Ball Size: The ball must be a size four. The smaller ball is lighter and more easily kicked, received, dribbled and passed.
There is Offsides in 7v7 as of the Fall of 2016 and follows the normal offside rules. However, if there is only 1 center referee; the center referee is not required to call offside unless he/she feels it is obvious.
Number of Players: Each team can have seven players on the field. However, a team may start with a minimum of five (5) players.
Duration of the Game: Each game will consist of two 25 minutes halves, with a 5-minute halftime.
Rules of the Goal Keeper: With 7v7 the goalkeepers (1) cannot punt the ball – ever; (2) must only throw or roll the ball to their teammates; (3) must roll or throw the ball once they stop it; (4) catch it or pick it up with their hands. A deflection does not count as a possession with the Goalie’s hands; (5) cannot touch the ball with their foot after they throw/roll it until another player on the field touches it first. This means no drop kick, roll and kick, release and kick, drop and kick and etc. In case of the goalkeeper punting the ball, the referee stops play, reminds the goalkeeper of the “No Punt Rule” and restarts the game with the ball in the hands of the goalkeeper.
Throw-ins: A throw-in is awarded when a ball is kicked out from the sideline.
Goal Kicks: Goal kicks may be taken from anywhere inside the goal area or goal box, which is the small box within the penalty box. (FYI: This rule was changed beginning with the Fall 2022 season.)
Free Kicks: 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.
Penalty Kick: The penalty mark is eight yards from the center of the goal line and those 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.
Corner Kick: 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.
Hand Ball Clarification: Deliberate handling of the ball that denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity will result in the following: a free kick according to the FIFA rules.
Referee: A center referee will be assigned to each game. Assistant Referees may be used during the game, but are not mandatory. Coaches and assistant coaches should remain on the side-line and not enter the field of play during a game unless called on by the referee.
Build-Out Line: As of July 2022, the WCSSF has decided NOT to use the Build-Out Line for the 11U division. However, the WCSSF recommends that coaches encourage their players to back up off the penalty box to allow the ball to be placed back in play.
Headers: Headers are not allowed in this age group in accordance with Indiana Soccer and the US Soccer’s safety campaign. When a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick (IFK) should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.