| The Basic Rules | | | | shoulder) to move the ball while it is in play on the |
| The following are some of the most commonly | | | | field. The sole exceptions to this rule are the |
| observed youth soccer rules, as dictated by the | | | | goalkeepers. However, a goalkeeper may not use |
| United States Youth Soccer Associations (USYSA) | | | | their hands on a pass that comes from one of their |
| and the Federation Internationale de Football | | | | own teammates. |
| Association (FIFA). Remember that youth soccer | | | | The 3 Kicks: Goal, Corner, and Penalty |
| rules can vary between leagues and age divisions, so | | | | When the ball is kicked out of bounds along one of |
| always consult the local soccer authority for the final | | | | the sidelines, a player from the opposite team gets |
| word on rules and regulations. | | | | to throw the ball onto the field at the point in which |
| Each team is comprised of 11 players- 10 on the field | | | | it went foul. Both feet must remain on the ground |
| and 1 in goal. According to youth soccer rules, a team | | | | when throwing the ball in from the sidelines, and the |
| is allowed a maximum of 3 substitutions during the | | | | throw must be executed overhead using both hands. |
| match if it is part of an official competition. While all | | | | If the ball crosses the end line, a corner kick or goal |
| the players on the field must wear jerseys of the | | | | kick is performed. If the offensive team was the last |
| same color, the goalkeeper must wear a different | | | | to touch the ball before it crossed the end line, then |
| colored jersey than their teammates and the | | | | it is kicked in from any spot inside the goalkeeper's |
| referees. Most goalkeepers choose to wear a | | | | box, hence the name goal kick. Any player may |
| goalkeeping jersey, a pinnie or mesh training vest, or | | | | execute the goal kick, not just the goalkeeper. If it |
| a t-shirt. | | | | was the defensive team that kicked the ball across |
| All players must wear shin guards both during practice | | | | the end line, it is kicked back into play from the |
| and game play that must be covered with socks. | | | | corner nearest to where it left the field. |
| Metal cleats are not permitted during youth soccer | | | | Penalty kicks are also a big part of youth soccer. If |
| play. Only rubber cleats in the back of the shoe will | | | | the defending team causes a contact foul or a hand |
| be accepted. | | | | ball within the penalty area, a penalty kick will be |
| A soccer match lasts 90 minutes, and is played in | | | | awarded to the offensive team. The ball is placed 12 |
| two halves. A team scores a goal when the entire | | | | yards away from the goal in the center, which is |
| ball has traveled across the goal line between the | | | | known as the penalty spot. |
| two posts and under the crossbar. | | | | The goalkeeper must keep both feet on the goal line |
| Hands Off | | | | and all players must vacate the penalty area and |
| Arguably the most important rule in the game of | | | | remain outside until the ball is kicked. If a goal is not |
| soccer is that players are not allowed to use their | | | | scored and the ball bounces back onto the field, it is |
| hands or arms (from the tips of the finger to the | | | | still considered live, thus anyone can play it. |