Question Number: 16490

League Specific 8/30/2007

RE: Recreational Under 9

Joan Bailey of Washington, NC USA asks...

Should offside be called for 8 year olds?
In our league, they call offside and coach the offside trap. I was told that it was because we play 11 on 11 on a bigger field(it's not even close to a full size field). Is this practice ok?
I thought it was virtually unheard of, but everyone acts like I've lost my mind for even bringing it up.
Thanks for your help!

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Yes. We ought to be teaching our youngsters to play by the laws of the game. If they learn offside now, it won't be an issue later, when you would have to teach them anyway.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Our local rec association includes offside for our 5v5 U8's. Then when they move up into the 6v6 U9's and U10's select league, offside goes away (we keep it in the rec league). The select players can't figure out offside, but the younger rec players can? Go figure.

And when it's time for the U10's to move up to the U11's (8v8) select league, you'd better have a pair of good AR's, because you'll see a whole lot of offside-positioned players all game long. Half the time getting involved in play, half the time not. Sometimes half the team will be offside!

Can you tell I'm not in favor of dumbing-down the game just because it's small-sided?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Teach all players how to play within the Laws of the Game, do not modify things just because it makes you feel good to do so.

Should offside be an issue in matches played by the very young? I believe so. Why teach them something you have to unteach later on? Something about that just smells.

You'll note these "rules" were made by folks who probably don't understand much about The Game and wanted to make it easy for themselves. We teach so many ways to play The Game it's no wonder the United States has trouble in international competition... Another thing is our referees have to learn so many different sets of rules and Laws they, all but the one or two, never reach the skills necessary for assignment at the very top of international competition.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

If you are playing 11 x 11, then yes, offside should be part of the game. If you're playing small sided games, like a version of 3 x 3, except a few more players, then offside doesn't normally apply. The goal here is fewer players, more touches on the ball. It's not hard to add learning as they grow, although it can be hard to undo incorrect learning. I can't believe they are coaching an offside trap for 8 year olds, but bully on them if it works. The U10 Girls championship at the Orange Classic in Florida had some mighty fine young lady soccer players.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

I agree with my colleagues. Why train them to be cherry pickers. They have to learn some time.