614-855-0506 info@gahannasoccer.com P.O. box 307121, Gahanna, OH 43230

U10 Co-Ed & Girls Game Format & Rules

Game Format

  • Play is conducted as 7 vs. 7, including a goalkeeper, using a size 4 ball.
  • No punting or drop kicks. Goalkeepers must roll the ball out when releasing it.
  • Players should participate in both offense and defense; no player should remain parked in front of the goal.
  • Coaches, parents, and supporters are NOT permitted on the pitch during play.

Game Duration

  • Matches consist of two 25‑minute halves.
  • 5–8 minute halftime.
  • Games must be completed within the scheduled time frame

Substitutions

  • Substitutions occur at the mid‑line only, after the ball is out of play and players have checked in with the referee.
  • Unlimited substitutions are allowed:
    • On goal kicks
    • After a goal
    • At the start of the second half
    • When any player is injured
  • The team in possession may substitute on throw‑ins or corner kicks.
  • The opposing team may substitute on these restarts only if the team in possession is substituting.

Fouls & Safety

  • Slide tackling and slide‑kicking are not allowed and result in an indirect free kick.
  • Offside exists, beginning at the build‑out line.
  • All other standard Laws of the Game apply (e.g., goalkeeper must wear a different color).

Scoring

  • Referees will keep score.
  • Games may end in a draw.
  • Results will be posted to the GSA website and used for season champion determination as well as tournament seeding.

Mercy Rule

  • If a team trails by 4 or more goals, they may add one extra player until the deficit is reduced to 2.
  • If the deficit reaches 8 or more goals, the trailing team may add two extra players until the deficit is reduced to 6.
  • Extra players must be removed once the deficit decreases to the appropriate threshold.

Build‑Out Line

  • The build‑out line is the dashed line between the penalty box and midfield.
  • Opponents must retreat behind the build‑out line when:
    • The goalkeeper has control of the ball
    • A goal kick is awarded
  • Opponents may not cross the build‑out line until:
    • Two touches have occurred, or
    • The ball crosses the build‑out line, or
    • The ball comes to a complete stop behind the build‑out line
  • Examples of two touches:
    • During a goal kick after the ball has been played and then touched again by any teammate
    • In the run of play, the release by the goalkeeper is the first touch and any subsequent touch by the goalkeeper or a teammate is the second. Dropping the ball on the ground is considered a touch.

Offside

  • A player is offside when ahead of the ball and closer to the opponent’s goal than the goalkeeper and one defender.
  • Offside is only called if the player is involved in active play.
  • The offside area begins at the build‑out line.

Advantage

  • Advantage is applied when the fouled team retains possession and attacking opportunity.
  • Referees may signal verbally (“play on”) or with arm motion.

Dangerous Play

  • Dangerous play is called when an action places any player at risk of injury. 
  • Examples include:
    • Playing the ball while on the ground
    • High kicks

Ball In & Out of Play

  • A player may stand outside the field while playing the ball, as long as the ball remains in bounds.
  • The ball is out of play only when it fully crosses the boundary line, on the ground or in the air.

Handling

  • Handling is called only when the referee determines the action was deliberate.
  • Referees may consider:
    • Whether the hand moved to the ball
    • Whether the ball moved to the hand
    • Whether an advantage was gained

Sideline Setup

    • Teams sit on separate halves of the same sideline
    • Parents/supporters must stay on the opposite sideline
    • Parents/supporters may NOT sit behind the goals