ICL Rules of Competition

ICL SOCCER RULES OF COMPETITION

(PA WEST / US SOCCER RULES APPLY IF NOT MODIFIED WITHIN)

1. Roster

·      Maximum roster size is 13 players, consistent with PA West U10 rules.

·      Game Day Rosters (GDRs) are required for all matches.

·      Players may be rostered on and play for more than one team within the same club, provided they meet the age requirements.

2. Player Eligibility / Age Classification

·      All players must be classified as U8 or U9.

·      Teams may be co-ed.

3. Equipment

·      PA West / US Soccer equipment standards apply.

·      Players must wear a club uniform, soccer cleats, and shin guards at all times.

·      Casts are permitted on the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, upper arm, or shoulder if appropriately padded and covered.

4. Home / Away Designation

·      The “Home” team is the first team listed on the schedule.

5. Game Specifications

a. Field Dimensions – U10 Standard

·      Fields must conform to US Soccer's U10 (7v7) specifications, including enforcement of the Build-Out Line.

b. Goal Size – U10 Standard

·      Goals must meet US Soccer specifications for U10 matches.

c. Ball Size

·      All games will use a size 4 ball.

d. Game Duration

·      Matches consist of two 25-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime.

e. Referees

·      One center referee and two assistant referees (ARs) will officiate each match.

·      Unlimited re-tries are allowed for all throw-ins and other restarts.

f. Coaches on Field

·      Coaches may not enter the field unless permitted by the referee.

·      In the spirit of instruction and development, referees and coaches should collaborate to create a supportive learning environment.

g. Pre-Game Procedures

·      Referees should check in teams and coaches using the standard protocol.

·      Prior to kickoff, all coaches, the center referee, and ARs must meet to confirm shared understanding of the rules and objectives—everyone should work together to ensure a positive, developmental experience.

h. Game-Time Expectations

·      One coach from each team may remain on the spectator side to minimize sideline confusion. NOTE: There can be no impediment of the AR travel path.

·      Unlimited retries are allowed for throw-ins and restarts.

o  The focus is on instruction and development.

·      If a 7-goal differential is reached, the game is considered complete. However, teams are encouraged to mix players and continue play for the remainder of the scheduled time.

6. Offside

·      Standard offside rules apply in 7v7 play.

7. Build-Out Line

·      PA West Build-Out Line rules apply.

8. Heading

·      Heading is not permitted.

9. Punting / Drop Kicking

·      Goalkeepers may not punt or drop kick the ball.

10. Slide Tackling

·      Slide tackling is not allowed by field players.

·      Sliding is only permitted when no opponent is in proximity, such as saving a ball from going out of play or blocking a shot.

·      Infractions result in a Direct Free Kick.

o  If the infraction occurs inside the penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded.

o  Second infraction by the same player: Yellow Card

o  Third infraction: Red Card

11. Direct Restarts

·      Kick-offs and corner kicks are considered direct kicks.

·      Kick-offs may be played in any direction.

12. Touchline (Sideline) Restarts

·      Throw-ins are taken from the spot where the ball exited the field of play.

13. Penalty Kicks

·      Penalty kicks are taken from the U10 penalty mark: 10 yards (30 feet) from the goal line.

14. Goalkeeping

·      During play, goalkeepers may:

o  Throw the ball in any direction

o  Drop the ball and dribble (inside or outside the penalty area)

·      Goalkeepers may not punt or drop kick.

·      Opposing players may not initiate contact with the goalkeeper while inside the penalty area.

o  Infractions result in a Yellow Card

·      Once outside the penalty area, the goalkeeper is treated as a field player.

15. Substitutions

·      Unlimited substitutions are allowed and may occur at any stoppage with referee approval.

·      Substituting players should report to the midfield line at the touchline to indicate readiness.

16. Conduct

·      Coaches are expected to lead by example and are responsible for the behavior of their players and spectators.

·      Referees have the authority to remove any coach, player, or parent for misconduct or disruptive behavior.

17. Referee Assignment

·      Each host club is responsible for providing referees and covering all related fees for the games they host.

18. League Philosophy

ICL 7v7 Soccer is built around the true spirit of the game—fun, learning, and sportsmanship. This division is intended to give younger, newer, and less experienced players a chance to develop skills in a positive, inclusive environment before moving on to more competitive U10 travel play.

All participants—coaches, players, and spectators—are expected to emphasize development, respect, and enjoyment. Opponents should be viewed as partners in learning, not adversaries.

Teams are encouraged to take steps to keep games balanced and fun for everyone involved.