Age Group                              U-9/10                         Birthdays        8/1/00 to 7/31/02

 

Number of players on team:               12-14

 

Number players on field:                    9

 

Ball Size:                                              4

 

Equipment:                            Shin guards are required.  Players with braces must wear wax or

                                                mouth guards.  Soccer shoes are optional.  No jewelry or watches.

 

Field Size                              Width 50 yards, Length 80 yards.  Some fields will vary slightly.

 

Goal size:                              21 ft wide x 7 ft tall

                                                Goal box – 6 yd x 6 yd from goal post and 6 yds into field of play.

 

Field Markings:                  Standard except penalty area 14 yd x 14 yd from each goal post and 14 yd into field of play.

 

Duration of Game:               12 minute quarters with 5 minute half-time break and 2 minute quarter breaks.   Coaches should have their team ready to allow play to keep moving.

 

Referees:                              1-2 youth referees.  Referees will explain calls/rules to the players.

 

Playing time:                        Every attempt must be made to play each child a MINIMUM of one half of the game except in the case of injury, illness or disciplinary action.

 

Practice:                               Players are expected to attend all practices.  One to two practices per week are encouraged.  A minimum of one is expected.

 

Substitution:                        Allowed at each half, on kick-off, on injury (the injured player must be replaced), on EITHER TEAM’S  throw-in, corner kick or goal kicks.  Substitutions are to be from midfield.  Players should be standing at the midfield stripe and be ready to enter the game.

 

Concept:                                At this age OYAA continues to teach kids to dribble and kick the ball using both feet, that the deliberate use of hands is not allowed, when a throw in or corner kick is required and that a penalty results in the loss of the ball.  An emphasis should be placed on individual ball control skills.  Correct throw-ins are required.  However, the referee may elect the offending player to one retry, especially early in the season.  Offside is enforced.  Team play and set plays are encouraged.  Players should know the difference between a direct and an indirect kick.  Players should have the opportunity to play all positions.  No player shall play goalkeeper for more than one half.  Score will be kept.  Won/loss record will be kept for seeding in the spring, but will not be published.

 

Coaching goals:                   Coaches are to instruct players in the rules of the game.  Any yelling must be constructive and should be kept to a minimum.  Teach them to play as a team.  Players should know and maintain positions.  Players should develop improved ball control, both individually and as a team.  The team should have a few set plays and know how to respond to direct, indirect, and penalty kicks, both offensively and defensively.