5000. RULES OF USYSA AFFECTING GAME PLAY AND YOUTH MODIFICATIONS TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME

5010. The Rules of Play used will be the "FIFA Laws of the Game", as modified by the USYSA Official Administrative Rulebook and those modifications contained herein.

5020. In case of conflict, the appropriate Division Rules shall apply.

5100. LAW #1: THE FIELD OF PLAY

5110. Outer Dimensions (Yards)

Age Group	Minimum L x W	Maximum L x W
U-06	20 X 15 (approx.)	30 x 20
U-08	40 x 20	50 x 30
U-10	60 x 40	80 x 60
U-12 to U-19	100 x 50	120 x 80

5120. Inside Dimensions (Yards)

Age Group	Penalty Area	Goal Area	Penalty Kick Mark
U-06	None	Optional	None
U-08	None	Optional	None
U-10	30 x 12	14 x 4	10

5130. Goal Dimensions

Age Group	Inside Width	Inside Height
U-06	2 yards (approx.)	4 feet (approx.)
U-08	4 yards (approx.)	6 feet (approx.)
U-10	6 yards (approx.)	6 feet (approx.)

5140. No one (spectators or participants) shall be allowed behind the end lines during the course of a game.

5141. The referee shall halt the game, if necessary, to enforce this rule.

5143. Further action by the referee shall be considered, if necessary, under provisions of Law #5 and Law #12.

5150. Field size will not be a matter for protest.

5200. LAW #2: THE BALL

5210. U-06 and U-08 shall use a #3 ball.

5220. U-10 through U-12 shall use a #4 ball.

5230. All others shall use a #5 ball.

5300. LAW #3: NUMBER OF PLAYERS

5310. The following shall be the number of players for each age division to take part in a match, the minimum required to begin a match, and the minimum required to continue a match once started:

	U-11 to U-19	U-10	U-08	U-06
Maximum number on the field	11	8	4	3
To Start Match	7	6	3	3
To Finish Match	7	6	3	3

5320. Prior to the start of a match, a complete team roster shall be prepared by each team coach and presented to the referee, except in the U-06 program.

5321. The referee shall not allow a match to take place unless a roster is presented.

5323. The roster should be prepared on the form (i.e., game card) furnished by each league or select program division, and shall include the name and number of each registered player on each team, whether present or not. If the form is not available, the team roster shall be written on a piece of paper.

5325. Ineligible players shall be marked with an "X".

5327. A player not listed on the roster at the start of the game shall be ineligible to play in that game.

5400. LAW #3: Substitutions -- All Programs

5410. Players being substituted must exit the field of play prior to players coming on the field.

5420. All players should leave and enter the field at the middle of the field.

5430. In playoff matches, subs may be made at the beginning of any overtime period at the discretion of the coach. Compulsory substitution need not be followed.

5440. Recreation: Each player must play a minimum of half of each half of a match, if he/she meets practice participation requirements set by their club/association.

5441. U-06, U-08 and U-10: Half of each half is the mandated playing minimum per player. It is recommended that whenever possible all players should play three-fourths of each game, unless the player is unwilling or unable.

5443. Athena, Classic, Premier: Each player must play a minimum of half a match, if he/she meets reasonable practice participation requirements set by their club/association.

5445. Junior: Junior Division I and II teams are not required to have all registered players of the team who are present at match site play at least one half of the match.

5450. It is the responsibility of the team coach, employing the unlimited substitution procedures, to assure that this policy is carried out.

5460. No player shall leave the field of play prior to the expiration of the game without the consent of the referee.

5500. LAW #3: Substitutions -- For U-06 through U-12 Recreational Teams

5510. There shall be four times to substitute.

5520. At two of these times, substitutions are mandatory:

5521. In the middle of the first half of play; and

5523. In the middle of the second half of play.

5530. At the other two times, substitutions may be made at the option of the coach:

5531. At half time; and

5533. In case of an injured player substitution, the opposing team may also substitute (one player for each injured player substituted).

5540. At mandatory substitution time, all players on the bench must be substituted, unless injured or listed as ineligible on the team roster presented to the referee prior to the start of the match.

5550. Both teams shall substitute at the same time.

5560. At mandatory substitution times, the referee shall whistle at the first dead ball after the times specified below, and allow (i.e. - wave on, call on, etc.) substitutes to enter the field:

FOR MATCHES WHOSE WHISTLE AT FIRST

HALF-TIME DURATION IS: DEAD BALL AFTER:

5561. 25 minutes 11th minute

5563. 30 minutes 14th minute

5570. Failure of a team to follow the participation and/or substitution rule must result in a forfeit of the match; this includes playoffs and championship matches.