5v5 – Modified Laws

 

 5v5 RULES SUMMARY (Rev Sep 11, 2025)
-5v5 (includes goalies);
-Ball Size:

  • U9-U12: size 4
  • U13-U19: size 5
-Field Size: 30-40 yards X 20-25 yards;
-Goal Size: 6 feet X 12 feet
-Goal Area: A 3 yards (perpendicular to goal line) X 10 yards goal area for goal kick restarts.
-Duration: 12 minutes quarters (Rest between Quarters: 5 minutes; Rest between Halves: 5 minutes)
-No offsides
-FIFA Throw-ins (not kick-ins)
-No heading allowed. (This is from the new US Soccer rules as part of the player development initiatives: U12 and younger. shall not engage in heading, either in practices or in games).
-5 yards wall distance

LAW BY LAW (5v5)

5v5 modified laws

Law 1: The field of play

Length of the Field: 30-40 yards
Width of the Field: 20-25 yards

Goals will be 6′ tall by 12′ wide. (Goalies will be used)

Center line and Center Circle (3 yards radius). (Center Circle is Optional).

Goal Area: A 3 yards (perpendicular to goal line) X 10 yards goal area for goal kick restarts.

Penalty Kick Mark: 6 yards

Law 2: The ball

Ball Size:

  • U9-U12: size 4
  • U13-U19: size 5

Law 3: The number of players

Maximum of 5 players and minimum of 3. Unlimited substitutions with unlimited re-entry.
Otherwise per FIFA

Law 4: The players equipment

As per FIFA, no modifications.

Law 5: The referee

Referees are not mandatory at this age. Otherwise, as per FIFA, no modifications.

Law 6: The assistant referee

Assistant Referees are not mandatory at this age. Otherwise, as per FIFA, no modifications.

Law 7: The duration of the match

Two 25 minutes halves and 5 minute half time.

Law 8: The start and restart of play

All kicks maybe direct or indirect kicks.

Law 9: The ball in and out of play

As per FIFA, no modifications.

Law 10: The method of scoring

As per FIFA, no modifications.

Law 11: Offside

Not enforced at this age.

Law 12: Fouls and misconduct

If it is determined by the referee that a player INTENTIONALLY headed the ball, this will result in an indirect free kick for the opposing team from the spot of the infringement.

Otherwise as per FIFA.

Law 13: Free kicks

Walls will be placed 5 yards from the ball.

As per FIFA, no modifications.

Law 14: The penalty kick

Per FIFA.

Penalty Kick Mark: 6 yards

Law 15: The thrown-in

As per FIFA, no modifications.

Law 16: The goal kick

Goal kicks will be taken from the goal line if a goal area is not present.

Otherwise as per FIFA.

Law 17: The corner kick

As per FIFA, no modifications.

Leave a comment