Rules of the Game
From the Policy on Players and Playing Rules of the United States Youth Soccer Association
Policy on Players and Playing Rules [pdf]
FIFA Laws of the Game [link]
Small-Sided Games Rules [link]
Recommended Goal Sizes [link]
Below is a quick reference to Rule 303:
Length of Games, Overtime Periods and Ball Specifications
Section 1. (a) Except as provided by US Youth Soccer and its State Associations, the length of games, overtime periods, ball size, ball circumference, and ball weight for each age group is as follows:
| Age Group |
Game Length |
Overtime Periods |
Size |
Circumference |
Weight |
Number of Players |
| Under-19 |
Two 45' halves |
Two 15' halves |
#5 |
27-28 in. |
14-16 ozs. |
|
| Under-18 |
Two 45' halves |
Two 15' halves |
#5 |
27-28 in. |
14-16 ozs. |
|
| Under-17 |
Two 45' halves |
Two 15' halves |
#5 |
27-28 in. |
14-16 ozs. |
|
| Under-16 |
Two 40' halves |
Two 15' halves |
#5 |
27-28 in. |
14-16 ozs. |
|
| Under-15 |
Two 40' halves |
Two 15' halves |
#5 |
27-28 in. |
14-16 ozs. |
|
| Under-14 |
Two 35' halves |
Two 10' halves |
#5 |
27-28 in. |
14-16 ozs. |
|
| Under-13 |
Two 35' halves |
Two 10' halves |
#5 |
27-28 in. |
14-16 ozs. |
|
| Under-12 |
Two 30' halves |
Two 10' halves |
#4 |
25-26 in. |
11-13 ozs. |
No more than 11, 8 strongly recommended |
| Under-11 |
Two 30' halves |
Two 10' halves |
#4 |
25-26 in. |
11-13 ozs. |
No more than 11, 8 strongly recommended |
| Under-10 |
Two 25' halves |
NONE |
#4 |
25-26 in. |
11-13 ozs. |
No more than 7, 6 strongly recommended |
| Under-8 |
4 -12' quarters |
NONE |
#3 |
23-24 in. |
11-12 ozs. |
No more than 5, 4 strongly recommended |
| Under-6 |
4 – 6' quarters |
NONE |
#3 |
23-24 in. |
11-12 ozs. |
No more than 4, 3 strongly recommended |
(b) In tournament play, if the game is still tied after overtime periods, FIFA "Kicks from the Penalty Mark" rules apply to determine the winner.
Section 2. (a) Except as provided by US Youth Soccer and its State Associations, the length of games, ball size, ball circumference, and ball weight for each age group shall be as follows:
| Age Group |
Game Length |
Size |
Circumference |
Weight |
| Under-10 |
As Modified Rules specify |
#4 |
25-26 in. |
11–13 ozs. |
| Under-8 |
As Modified Rules specify |
#3 |
23-24 in. |
11–13 ozs. |
| Under-6 |
As Modified Rules specify |
#3 |
23-24 in. |
11–13 ozs. |
(b) For the Under 10, Under 8, and Under 6 competitions, ties will stand.