Number of Players
The U10 division will play 6v6 which includes the goalie.

Player Playing Time
The absolute minimum playing time is 50%.  Each player must play at least 50% of the time.  With the size of the rosters, this should not be a problem.

The Ball
The ball should be a size 4.

Duration of Play
Each game will consist of four 12 minute quarters with 3 minutes between quarters and 5 minutes between halves.

Playing the Game
The field will be marked with a line, 10 yards out from each goal, and will extend from one sideline to the other.  This is the new goal box.  The goalie can pick up the ball anywhere inside this box.

Referee
Each game will have a referee. In the absence of a referee, a coach from each team will be a referee.  Coaching should be done from the sidelines.  No coaches will be on the field.

Start of Play
Following the coin toss, the kick-off may be played backwards from the center spot to ensure possession.  The offense and defense must remain on their half of the field, and with the defense staying outside of the center circle during the kick-off, until the ball is touched.

Restarts
All restarts are indirect and all opponents must be at least 4 yards from the ball.  Indirect means that the ball must touch another player before it can go into the goal.  Any illegal restarts should be retaken.

Corner Kicks
Corner kicks will be taken in the usual manor.

Goal Kicks
The goalkeeper will restart in possession.  Possession is defined as holding the ball in the hands.  All defensive players must be out of the goal box.  The ball can be kicked, dribbled, or thrown into play, but can not be punted or thrown directly over the midfield line in the air.  Once the ball is placed on the ground, it becomes live.  This means that any player can go for the ball.  If the goalkeeper chooses to dribble the ball, he/she becomes a field player and may kick the ball over the midfield line.  Once the goalkeeper places the ball on the ground, he/she may not pick up the ball again unless played to a teammate and the ball is played back to the goalkeeper.  The goalkeeper will have six seconds in which to play the ball.  Time will start when the goalkeeper has possession of the ball inside the box.  If the ball is punted or thrown over the midfield line by the goalie, it will be considered a turnover and the opposing team will have an in-direct free kick at the midfield line where the ball crossed the midfield line.

Pass back Rule
The pass back rule is not in affect for the U10 division.  The goalkeeper is allowed to pick up the ball when last played by a teammate.  When the ball is played to the goalkeeper and not picked up, the goalkeeper is considered a field player and can kick the ball directly over the midfield line in the air.

Goals
Following a goal, the game will be restarted with a kick-off from the center of the field.

Throw Ins
The ball will be thrown in.  If the ball is improperly thrown in, the referee will call the foul, tell the player what they did wrong, and allow the player to throw the ball into play.  On the second throw in, the game will play on, even if there is another foul.  This is to keep the game flowing.

Offsides
There are no offsides, but you are not allowed to have players camping out by the opponents goal. Keep your kids involved in the game.

Sliding and Slide Tackling
Slide tackling is not allowed in the U10 division.  Players may legally side to play the ball if, in the opinion of the referee, there is no danger of injury to an opponent.

revised 8-19-03