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Laws of the Game

Laws of the Game


All rules shall follow NTSSA rules and IFAB Laws of the Game except as specified in the CFBSA Modified Playing Rules.
Revised 09-27-23


CFBSA Modified Playing Rules Chart

League Roster Format Min Field Keeper Heading Game Length Offiside Ball Size Field (Yds) Goal (Ft) Referee
Under 5 - 6*†‡§ 8 4v4 2 No No 10 Min 1/4 No 3 20x30 4x6 1
Under 7 - 8*ठ8 4v4 2 No No 12 Min 1/4 No 3 20x30 4x6 1
Under 9 - 10*‡‖ 12 7v7 4 Yes No 25 Min 1/2 Yes 4 40x60 6.5x18.5 3
Under 11 - 12*‡ 16 9v9 6 Yes No 30 Min 1/2 Yes 4 50x80 7x21 3
Under 13 - 14* 18 11v11 7 Yes Yes 35 Min 1/2 Yes 5 75x112 8x24 3
Under 15 - 16* 22 11v11 7 Yes Yes 40 Min 1/2 Yes 5 75x112 8x24 3
Under 17 - 19* 22 11v11 7 Yes Yes 45 Min 1/2 Yes 5 75x112 8x24 3

*All divisions the following modifications apply:

- It is mandatory that each player participate in at least 50 percent of each game he or she attends. If a player shows up after a match has started in an Under 5 through Under 8 game, he or she must play at least one of the remaining quarters. If a player shows up after a match has started in an Under 9 through Under 19 game he or she must play at least half of the remaining time in the game.

- Coaches are to remain in a specified area, referred to as the technical area, while instructing players during a game. Exceptions to this rule are defined by age group within the CFBSA Modified Playing Rules. The technical area is defined as follows:

  • On the opposite touchline from all spectators with his or her players that are not currently participating in the game.
  • Approximately two feet from the touch line outside of the pitch.
  • Up to the halfway line on one side of the pitch.
  • No closer to the endline than 3 yards for Under 5 through under 8 games.
  • No closer to the endline than the area parallel to the penalty area line furthest from the endline on Under 9 through Under 19 games.


- The CFBSA Goal Differential Policy applies to all seasonal games. The policy is detailed in the document below.


Under 5 & Under 6 divisions the following modification applies:

- One coach from each team may enter the field for part or all of the match in order to instruct players.


Under 5 through Under 12 divisions the following modification applies:

- A player is not permitted to use his or her head to play the ball. A player is considered to have used his or her head to play the ball when he or she uses their head to control the direction of the ball. It is not considered a violation of this rule when the ball makes contact with a players head and the player does not make an effort to control the direction of the ball.


§Under 5 through Under 8 divisions the following modifications apply:

- Substitutions may be made after a goal is scored, between quarters, at half time, or if there is an injury or other unsafe condition.

- A goal may not be scored directly from any start or restart.

- "Slide tackling" is not permitted. A player is considered to commit a "slide tackle" when he or she leaps forward or slides on the ground while attempting to take the ball away from an opponent.

- Coaches for Under 4 through Under 8 teams are highly discouraged from stationing a player directly in front of the goal at all times during games. You may assign various players to be defenders during the course of the game to move around in relation to the position of the ball on the field but not to “guard the goal”.

- A coach may request from the referee that he or she be allowed access to instruct a player in a throw in or corner kick that is taking place on any part of the touchline on the same side of the pitch as the technical areas.


 Under 9 and Under 10 divisions the following modifications apply:

- The goalkeeper may not punt or drop kick the ball.

- A build out line will be marked on the field between the penalty area and the half line.

- When the goalkeeper has possession of the ball in his or her hands the opposing team must move behind the build out line.

- During a goal kick the opposing team must move behind the build out line.

​​​​- Offside will not apply between halfway line and the build out line.

For a more detailed explanation of the Under 9 & Under 10 modifications review the memo below.


IFAB Laws of the Game Website