KGFC "Local Youth Soccer Club. Lasting Impact. Built for our community
Rules of the Game
If you're interested in deepening your understanding of soccer, we encourage you to explore the FIFA Laws of the Game. This is the official rulebook that guides how the game is played at every level around the world—from youth leagues to the World Cup.
View FIFA Laws of the Game
We’ll continue to expand this page with helpful links, rule breakdowns, and occasional updates to support players, parents, and coaches in learning the game more thoroughly.
Whether you're brand new to soccer or looking to refresh your knowledge, this is a great place to start!
FIFA Laws of the Game
King George FC Sports Club
FIFA Laws of the Game as Modified By U.S. Youth Soccer & SYS For Youth Play and Small Sided Games
Law 1: Field of Play
size for U11-U12 players is reduced for small- sided play. U14 –U19 play on regulation size fields.
Law 2: The Ball
U11 & U12 play with size 4 soccer balls. U14-U19 play with size 5 soccer balls.
Law 3: Number of Players
U11- 9v9, U13 and Up-11v11 Substitutions for U6 may be made at any time but should be made during a stoppage in play. U11 are allowed unlimited substitutions by both teams at any stoppage in play. U14-U19 are allowed unlimited substitutions but may only sub on kick-offs, goal kicks, at the beginning of a half or on own throw-in. All players will be given the opportunity to play 50 percent of the game.
Law 4: Player Equipment
Shin guards worn under the socks are mandatory. Cleats are recommended but not required. No baseball cleats with a “toe cleat” or metal spikes are allowed. Absolutely no Jewelry is permitted during play. Tape over earrings is not permitted even if the earrings are new and may not be removed. If the jewelry may not be removed the player may not play.
Law 5 and Law 6: The Referee and Assistant Referee
U11 games and higher are officiated by a Center Referee and two Assistant Referees/Club Linesmen.
Law 7: Duration of the Match
U11 play two 30-minute halves with a 10-minute half-time break. U14 play two 35-minute halves with a 10-minute half-time break. U16 play two 40-minute halves with a 10-minute half-time break. U19 play two 45-minute halves with a 10-minute half-time break.
Law 8: Start and Restart of Play
The team that wins the coin toss chooses which goal to defend. The other team starts play with a kick from the center mark. Teams alternate kicks from the center mark to start play at the beginning of each quarter or half. Players may not touch the ball twice at the start of play.
Law 9: Ball In and Out of Play
The ball is in play until it completely crosses over the goal line or touchline.
Law 10: Method of Scoring
A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses over the goal line, between the goal posts and below the crossbar. Game scores are not counted for division standings or playoff seeding.
Law 11: Offside
A player is offside when he/she is in the opponent's half of the field, nearer the goal than the second to last defender and/or the ball and involved in play.
Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct
Fouls are classified as either Penal (Contact) or Technical (Non-Contact) Penal fouls include tripping, pushing, etc. Technical fouls include dangerous play and impeding (obstruction). Yellow or red cards are administered for fouls committed carelessly or recklessly for U11 and up. Coaches for younger players deal with inappropriate behavior by removing the players from the game for a “cool down” period.
Law 13: Free Kicks
Free kicks are either direct or indirect. A goal can be scored from a direct free kick. Indirect kicks must be touched by another player before going in the goal for the score to count.
Law 14: Penalty Kick
Penalty kicks are awarded when the defense commits a direct free kick foul in the penalty area.
Law 15: Throw-In
A throw-in is taken when the ball completely crosses the touchlines (sidelines).
Law 16: Goal Kick
A goal kick is awarded when the offense kicks the ball over the opponents’ goal line. The ball must leave the goal area to be in play or the kick is retaken.
Law 17: Corner Kick
A corner kick is awarded when the defense kicks the ball over their goal line.
