U10 - Wednesday Evenings

⚽ Belmont, Lambeth & Thames Centre Recreational

2026 Mini Soccer Rules of the Game – U10 Boys & Girls (Ages 9 & 10)

🟢 Section 1 – The Teams

Player Equipment:

• Shorts, socks, shin guards, cleats, and a numbered shirt are mandatory.

• No jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.) is allowed.

Team Format:

• Each team consists of 7 players, including one goalkeeper.

• Coaches may agree to play 6v6 if there are fewer players available.

Goalkeeper Rules:

• Goalkeepers must wear a different-colored shirt or pinnie.

• Gloves are required and provided by the associations.

Player Sharing:

• Teams may share players if agreed upon, except during Cup Challenge matches.

Minimum/Maximum Players:

• Minimum of 5 players required to start a game.

• Maximum roster size is 15 players.

Registration:

• All players must be registered with BMSA, LYS, or TCMS clubs.

Playing Time:

• Equal playing/sitting time is mandatory for all players.

Call-Up Players:

• Approval by executives is required.

• Call-ups must come from U8 recreational divisions.
  
  

Field Ends:

• Teams switch ends at halftime.

Field Access:

• Teams may not enter fields before designated start times in Lambeth.

• Warm-ups must occur on the sidelines without interrupting another team’s field time.

🔵 Section 2 – The Play

Rules:

• F.I.F.A./O.S.A. regulations apply unless modified below.

Field & Ball:

• Mini-sized pitches are used for U10 games.

• Ball size: 4.
  
  

Game Timing:

• Kick-off at 6:30 PM sharp.

• Games consist of 2 x 25-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime break.

Substitutions:

• Allowed during throw-ins, goal kicks, and goals.

• Not allowed during corner kicks or free kicks.

• Requests subject to referee discretion.

Additional Breaks:

• Water breaks must be agreed upon by both coaches and the referee before the game or at halftime.

Nets:

• Home teams must securely set up nets before play.

Officiating:

• Certified Level 1 or 2 officials preferred.

• If unavailable, coaches from both teams officiate one half each.

Throw-ins:

• Follow proper procedure; leniency for skill development is allowed at referee discretion.

Fouls & Free Kicks:

• Referees explain infringements to players.

• Direct free kicks awarded for offenses; penalties for infractions inside the penalty box.

Penalty Kick:

• Ball placed at center of penalty box.

• Goalkeeper must remain on goal line until ball is kicked.

Indirect Free Kick:

• Awarded if goalkeeper handles the ball improperly.

• Taken outside the 12-yard penalty box nearest the infraction.

Goal Kick & Retreat Rule:

• Opponents must stay behind the retreat line until ball is in play.

• Coaches mark retreat lines with cones before games.

Corner Kicks:

• Opponents remain at least 4 yards away until ball is in play.

Weather Rules:

• Referees wait 15 minutes before canceling games due to weather.

• If called after first half, the game is considered complete.

• Cancellation notifications issued by home clubs.

🟡 Section 3 – Conduct

Handshakes:

• Players shake hands before the game.

Sideline Rules:

• Players, coaches, and spectators must stay 3 yards clear of the sidelines.

• Spectators may not stand behind the net.

Behavior:

• No criticism of game officials by coaches, parents, or spectators.

• Encourage players to respect officials at all times.

Ontario Soccer Initiative – Take 5:

• Addresses spectator behavior with 3 stages:

  1. Warning

  2. Timeout

  3. Abandonment

• Details available at Ontario Soccer – Take 5.