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Soccer Rules Changes 1580-2000


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Question Number: 19180

Law 2 - The Ball 5/23/2008

RE: rec Under 14

neil hynett of birmingham, england asks...

why do you use size 4 balls for saturday football( under 13) but on a sunday use size 5( under 13) ??

also why only 35 mins per half

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The Laws of the Game allow youth leagues to make modifications including the size of the ball and length of game. As an example, the United States Youth Soccer recommendation for U13/U14 games is to use size 5 balls and play 35-minute halves. You will have to ask your specific league for their rationale on deciding what they did.



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Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Neil, The Laws of the Game are written for males between the ages of 16 to 35. For all others, modifications to the Laws are permitted for five different things (see page 3 of the LOTG) two of which are the size of the ball and duration of the game. Leagues can apply these modfications on Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays or actually on any day as they please. I am thinking on Sundays God is watching and they do not want to get on the wrong side of the big guy.



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