Question Number: 25858

League Specific 12/30/2011

RE: competitive Under 11

chai of sanger, ca us asks...

are there different rules/laws applied to certain age groups or does everone follow the fifa official rules and laws.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

All ages start with the Laws of the Game as a basis. But youth, women and veterans (over 35) leagues are allowed to make modifications per page 3 of the Laws:

Any or all of the following modifications are permissible:
* size of the field of play
* size, weight and material of the ball
* width between the goalposts and height of the crossbar from the ground
* duration of the periods of play
* substitutions

Indeed, many competitions go well beyond those specifications. For example, USYS recommends to eliminate Law 11 (Offside) in all younger competitions. And several competitions that do not meet youth or veteran status make modifications as well.

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Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Chai
As Referee Voshol points out the Laws can be modified for certain groups. However the main elements of the Laws are the same for all

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Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Best answer is to check your local playing rules - they differ by association and state. Whatever is the league rule or competition rule will determine how the game is called in your area for different age and skill levels.

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