Modifications to F.I.F.A. Rules

updated September 2001

M.A.B.L. plays by F.I.F.A. rules except for these modifications

Law 1: The Field of Play

  1. Dimensions:
  2. Lines 5-6 yrs olds
    1. Halfway line marked across the field
    2. Center circle with 6 yard radius
    3. Four corner arcs with 2 foot radius
  1. Goal area

Law 2: The Ball

  1. 5-9 year olds = size 4
  2. 10 year & up = size 5

Law 3. Number of Players

  1. 5-6 year olds = no more than 5 (including goalie) or less than 4 players per side.
  2. 7-9 year olds = no more than 8 or less than 7 players per side (including goalie).
  3. 10-11 yr. olds = no more than 8 or less than 6 players per side. (including goalie).
  4. 12-14 yr. olds = no more than 5 or less than 4 players per side. (including goalie).
  5. 15 - up = no more than __ or less than __ players per side. (including goalie).
  6. Each team shall have an equal number of players on the field except when a player has been ejected or suspended.
  7. All players on the team roster present for the game will play at least one quarter for ages 7 and up. All 5-6 year old players will play a minimum of half the game. Coaches are encouraged to play all players for at least half the game, provided they attend practice regularly.

Law 4: Players Equipment

  1. NO DANGEROUS FOOTWEAR Rubber or plastic soft soled cleats or sneakers only. Baseball shoes with toe cleat are not allowed
    1. Players may wear shorts or long pants
  1. Shinguards are required. They must be covered by the stockings provided by the league.

Law 5: Referees

  1. Referees decisions are final on all points of fact connected with the game.
  2. All rule infractions will be briefly explained to the offending player.

Law 6: Assistant Referees

  1. The league will provide assistant referees where possible.
  2. If League appointed assistant referee is not available, Referee may appoint parent, assistant coach, or other available person as linesman to assist in calling ball out and who touched it last.

Law 7: Duration of the Game

  1. under 7’s: 10 minute quarters. 5 minutes half-time and 2 minute break after 1st and 3rd quarter
  2. 7-9’s: 12 minute quarters. 5 minutes half-time and 2 minute break after 1st and 3rd quarter
  3. 10-11’s: 15 minute quarters. 5 minutes half-time and 2 minute break after 1st and 3rd quarter
  4. 12 & up: 30 minute halves. 10 minute break between halves.

Law 8: The Start of Play

  1. Opposing players must be outside the midfield circle until the ball is kicked off.
  2. The team kicking off to begin the game will also kick off to begin the second quarter. The team kicking off to begin the third quarter will also kick off to begin the fourth quarter.
  3. 5-6 year olds. A second kick is allowed if the player kicking off plays the ball before another player touches it. The second consecutive violation results in an indirect free kick for the opposing team.

Law 9: Ball in and out of Play

No change from regular play.

Law 10: Method of Scoring

No change from regular play.

Law 11: Off-side

  1. There will be no off-side in the 5-6 or 7-9 year old divisions.
  2. Off side will not be called if no Assistant Referee is available

Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct.

  1. 5-6 year olds
    1. Goalie may touch the ball with his/her hands inside the goal area regardless if it has been touched by another player.
    2. No penalty kick will be assessed if a Goalkeeper catches a ball kicked by his own player.
  1. 7-9 year olds.
    1. Goalie may touch the ball with his/her hands inside the goal area regardless if it has been touched by another player.
    2. No penalty kick will be assessed if a Goalkeeper catches a ball kicked by his own player.
  1. 10 years and up

No change from regular play.

Note: Goalie has unlimited steps while possessing the ball per F.I.F.A. rule change July 1, 2000. Goalie is not allowed to waste time with the ball.

Law 13: Free kicks

  1. All free kicks are indirect in the 5-6 age group.

Law 14: Penalty kick

No penalty kicks for the 5-6 age group.

Law 15: Throw-in

For 5-6 year olds, a second throw in is allowed if a player commits a foul on the initial attempt. The referee will explain the proper method before the re-throw.

Law 16: Goal kick

No change from regular play.

Law 17: Corner kick

No change from regular play.

1998 Changes to F.I.F.A. RULES

  1. Any touch of the ball with foot on indirect kick starts play. (Cannot touch twice even if ball doesn’t move.)
  2. Goal Kick is direct kick

2000 Change to F.I.F.A. RULES

Goalie has unlimited steps while possessing the ball

9/3/01