Youth Soccer Rules Parents Should Know

Understanding basic soccer rules helps you follow the game and support your child better.

Basic Rules

Offside: Attacking player can't be ahead of the second-to-last defender when the ball is played forward. Not called if player is in their own half.

Handball: Can't deliberately touch the ball with hands or arms. Goalkeepers can use hands in their penalty area only.

Fouls: Include tripping, pushing, holding, and dangerous play. Result in free kicks or penalty kicks.

Game Format by Age

U6-U8: 4v4 or 5v5, smaller fields, no goalkeepers, shorter quarters

U9-U10: 7v7 or 9v9, build-out lines, no heading

U11-U12: 9v9 or 11v11 transition

U13+: 11v11, full field, all adult rules

Cards

Yellow Card: Warning for serious fouls or unsporting behavior. Two yellows equal a red.

Red Card: Player ejected for violent conduct or second yellow. Team plays down a player.

Substitutions

Rules vary by league. Recreational allows frequent subs. Competitive soccer limits substitutions to specific moments (goal kicks, throw-ins for your team, injuries).

The Spirit of the Game

Youth soccer emphasizes development over winning. Many leagues have modified rules to promote this, like no scores posted for youngest ages.