In August 2003 the US Youth Soccer’s State Associations approved changes to the Policy on Players and Playing Rules that affects the game for players under age twelve. Current US Youth Soccer policies require that teams with players aged 10 and younger play games with no more than eight players per side. This rule details age group specific playing numbers.
Rule 303. LENGTH OF GAMES, NUMBER OF PLAYERS, OVERTIME PERIODS, AND BALL SPECIFICATIONS
Section 1. (a) The length of games, overtime periods, ball size, weight & circumference, and number of players for each age group is as follows (excepting U-13 & above players):
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Game
Length
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Overtime Periods
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Ball
Size
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Circumference
|
Weight
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Number of Players
|
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U12
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Two
30 min halves
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Two 10 min halves
Golden goal
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#4
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25 - 26 in
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11-13 oz
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No more than 11,
8 strongly recommended
|
|
U11
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Two
30 min halves
|
Two 10 min halves
Golden goal
|
#4
|
25 - 26 in
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11-13 oz
|
No more than 11,
8 strongly recommended
|
|
U10
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Two
25 min halves
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NONE
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#4
|
25 - 26 in
|
11-13 oz
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No more than 7,
6 strongly recommended
|
|
U8
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Four
12 min quarters
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NONE
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#3
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23 - 24 in
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11-12 oz
|
No more than 5,
4 strongly recommended
|
|
U6
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Four
8 min quarters
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NONE
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#3
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23 - 24 in
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11-12 oz
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No more than 4,
3 strongly recommended
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Further information about small-sided games appears on the FAQs page of our web site.
