U10

Belmont, Lambeth & Thames Centre Recreational

2025 Mini Soccer Rules of the Game

U10 Boys and Girls (Ages 9 & 10)

Section 1 – The Teams

1. Player Equipment: Shorts, socks, shin guards, cleats, and a numbered shirt are compulsory. No jewelry is allowed (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.).

2. Team Format:

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

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

3. Goalkeeper Rules:

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

   • Gloves are required and provided by associations.

4. Player Sharing: Teams can share players if agreed upon, except during Cup Challenge matches.

5. Minimum/Maximum Players:

   • Teams must field a minimum of 5 players to start a game.

   • Maximum roster size is 15 players.

6. Registration: All players must be registered with BMSA, LYS, or TCMS clubs.

7. Playing Time: Equal playing/sitting time is mandatory for all players.

8. Call-Up Players: Approval by executives is required, and call-ups must come from U8 recreational divisions.

9. Field Ends: Teams switch ends at half-time.

10. Field Access:

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

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

Section 2 – The Play

1. Rules: F.I.F.A./O.S.A. regulations apply unless modified here.

2. Field & Ball:

   • Mini-sized pitches are used for U10 games.

   • Ball size: Size 4.

3. Game Timing:

   • Kick-off at 6:30 PM sharp.

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

4. Substitutions:

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

   • Not permitted during corner kicks or free kicks.

   • Requests are subject to referee discretion.

5. Additional Breaks: Water breaks must be agreed upon by both coaches and the referee before the game or at halftime.

6. Nets: Home teams must set up nets securely.

7. Officiating: A certified Level 1 or 2 official is preferred. If unavailable, coaches from both teams will officiate one half each.

8. Throw-ins: Follow proper procedure, with leniency for skill development upon referee discretion.

9. Fouls & Free Kicks: Referees explain infringements to players. Direct free kicks are awarded for offenses, with penalties for infractions inside the penalty box.

10. Penalty Kick:

    • Ball is placed at the center of the penalty box.

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

11. Indirect Free Kick: Awarded if goalkeepers handle the ball improperly. Taken outside the 12-yard penalty box nearest the infraction.

12. Goal Kick & Retreat Rule: Opponents must stay behind the retreat line until specified actions occur. Coaches mark retreat lines with cones before games.

13. Corner Kicks: Opponents remain at least 4 yards away from the ball until it’s in play.

14. Weather Rules:

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

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

    • Cancellation notifications are issued by home clubs.

Section 3 – Conduct

1. Handshakes: Players shake hands before the game.

2. Sideline Rules: Players, coaches, and spectators must stay 3 yards clear of the sidelines.

3. Net Area: Spectators cannot stand behind the net.

4. Behavior:

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

   • Encourage players to respect officials.

5. Ontario Soccer Initiative:

   • Take 5 approach to address spectator behavior. Stages include:

     1. Warning

     2. Timeout

     3. Abandonment

   • Details available at Ontario Soccer - Take 5.