Southeast Michigan Football Club

SOCCER RULES — U10, U12, U15

Updated: 11/2025

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this soccer program is to provide an instructional league that places emphasis on skill development, sportsmanship, and fun. All players in this league will play at least 50% of every game. Coaches should provide guidance for team play and instruction for all players and approach the recreational experience in a positive and enjoyable manner.

TEAMS / FORFEIT

1. Teams should arrive on time. Game start time may be delayed up to 15 minutes; however, if a team arrives more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time, they will forfeit the game unless prior arrangements were made with hosting staff and the opposing coach.

2. To avoid a forfeit, a team must have at least:

   • 6 players for 9v9

   • 7 players for 11v11

3. If one team is short players during a game, the opposing team is encouraged (not required) to match numbers.

4. In the case of a forfeit, teams may still scrimmage or practice without referees.

PLAYER AGE

The league follows the US Youth Soccer age-group formation cycle (August 1 – July 31).
Age Group Tool: https://www.ussoccer.com/ecosystem-review/player-registration/age-group-calculator

GAME CANCELLATION / WEATHER

1. If weather or field conditions are unplayable 1 hour prior to game time, league coordinators will notify coaches.

2. Coaches are responsible for notifying players.

3. Coordinators will also notify referees.

4. If conditions are playable 1 hour prior, teams should plan to play.

5. Referees decide if games should be delayed or ended once at the field.

6. Each thunder occurrence requires a 30-minute delay.

7. Games stopped after halftime are final. Games stopped in the first half may or may not be rescheduled.

COACHES

1. Coaches set the example for players and spectators.

2. Coaches should contact adults, not children.

3. Equal playing time is required.

4. Coaches must remain on the bench side, within 10 feet of the touchline.

5. Coaches should instruct players to listen for the whistle.

6. Concerns with officials should be addressed discreetly and respectfully.

7. Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in permanent dismissal from the league.

REFEREES

1. Only head coaches may address referees—at halftime or after the match.

2. Assistant referees may not be addressed directly.

3. Players may not address referees.

4. Issues should be reported to league directors.

5. Verbal abuse toward referees is not tolerated.

6. Referee decisions are final.

7. Warnings may escalate to red cards.

8. Coaches are responsible for their spectators.

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

Participants agree not to:

• Engage in unsportsmanlike conduct

• Endanger others

• Use drugs, alcohol, or tobacco

• Use profanity

• Use verbal or physical threats

• Initiate fights

An adult/site supervisor must be present at all games and is responsible for ejections.

EQUIPMENT

1. Shin guards are mandatory.

2. Prohibited:

   • Toe spikes

   • Metal cleats

   • Jewelry (including new piercings)

   • Brimmed hats

3. Hard casts are not allowed.

4. Medical alert jewelry must be taped.

5. No gum or candy.

6. Shoes required.

7. Athletic clothing recommended.

FIELD / SPECTATORS

1. Only players and referees on the field.

2. Spectators must be at least 5 feet from touchlines.

3. No spectators behind goals.

4. Help keep fields clean.

5. Team benches on one side; spectators on opposite side.

6. No smoking or vaping.

7. No dogs (service animals excepted).

RECOMMENDED FIELD, GOAL & BALL SIZE

U10

• Goal: 6’ x 18’ or smaller

• Field: 35–45 yards wide, 45–60 yards long

• Ball: Size 4

• Format: 9v9

• Duration: 2 x 25 minutes

U12

• Goal: 6’ x 18’

• Field: 45–55 yards wide, 70–80 yards long

• Ball: Size 4

• Format: 9v9

• Duration: 2 x 30 minutes

U15

• Goal: 8’ x 24’

• Field: 50–100 yards wide, 100–130 yards long

• Ball: Size 5

• Format: 11v11

• Duration: 2 x 35 minutes

SCORING / TIES

1. A goal is scored when the full ball crosses the goal line.

2. Tie games remain ties—no overtime.

3. Mercy Rule (U12/U15 only): 8-goal lead ends game after one full half.

   • No mercy rule for U10.

STARTING / RESTARTING PLAY

• Games begin with a coin toss.

• Kick-off from center; opponents must be 10 yards away.

• Ball is in play when kicked clearly.

• Goals may be scored directly from kick-off.

• Teams switch ends at halftime.

SUBSTITUTIONS

• Allowed between periods, after goals, during injuries, on throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks, and stoppages.

SLIDE TACKLING

• Not allowed at any level.

• First offense: Yellow card

• Second offense: Red card and ejection

HEADING

• Heading is banned for U12 and below.

• Deliberate heading results in an indirect free kick.

OFFSIDES

• Enforced at all levels.

• U10 uses build-out lines to teach offsides.

• No goalie punts or drop kicks at U10.

• Violations result in indirect free kicks or retakes.

GOALKEEPERS

1. 6-second possession limit.

2. Goalkeepers must wear a distinct jersey.

3. Only goalkeepers may handle the ball in the penalty area.

PENALTIES

Direct Free Kicks awarded for kicking, tripping, pushing, holding, striking, charging, or deliberate handling.

Penalty Kicks for defensive fouls inside the penalty area.

Indirect Free Kicks for dangerous play, obstruction, charging goalkeeper, time violations, and improper restarts.

DISCIPLINE

Yellow Cards: Unsporting behavior, dissent, delay of play, slide tackling.

Red Cards: Serious foul play, second yellow, violent conduct, denying a goal, offensive language.