Question Number: 34004

League Specific 9/26/2020

RE: Rec Under 11

Carsen Cachelin of Lititz, Pennsylvania USA asks...

I had a coach tell me that there are no penalty kick if a player is fouled inside the box for u10 and that it is supposed to be an indirect free kick. Is this true

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Carsen,
This would depend on the specific Rules of Competition that are in force in this competition. You would have to contact the Competition Organisers who are responsible in your area to get a definitive ruling.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Carsen
The Laws of the Game are allowed ro amended for small sided and underage games.
So the Rules of Competition could state that there are no penalty kicks in Under 10 in your area. This need to be checked with the competition organisers or the Referee assignor. If something like this arises at a game I always checked with the opponents coaches as to their understanding of a rule. Sometimes a rule can be introduced as a one off in a tournament yet not in league or travel games.
At U10 and below I have seen ROCs that do not have any direct free kicks and all free kicks are indirect to others where certain deliberate offences are punished with a direct free kick including a penalty kick. Examples would included handling to deny a goal.
Generally at U10 it should be about fun with limited involvement of a referee.

Answer provided by Referee MrRef

Hi Carsen,
as mentioned the LOTG do allow for modifications especially for youth, so checking with local bylaws is certainly your best option. Also mentioned these alterations should foster enjoyment and be useful to the overall player experience. Given the various social constructs embraced by the organizational adults, winning and losing is at time at odds with fun and participation,
from out pitch to your pitch in the spirit of fair play