Question Number: 9139

Law 1- The Field

RE: competitive Under 10

todd cook of council bluffs, Iowa usa asks...

In u-10 division boys in Iowa are fields are 50x40 yards. We play 6 vs 6 including a keeper. Every goalie punt is a threat to score with a good bounce. I understand the Iowa association wants kids to have more touches on the ball however, my request for 10-15 yards longer fields goes on deaf ears. How can parents and coaches change an Iowa rule when the local association doesnt seem to care one way or the other? Secondly, why would the Iowa association allow a boys division to beable to put there arms up to there chest to protect themselves instead of using the chest?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Life is not always as one would like Todd. While the field seems a bit small the size does challenge the younger players. Not only that, but its shortness offers a more lively game because of the possibility of a long ball from the keeper. The players learn to defend in depth and if the opposite keeper is half asleep he soon learns the penalty for not paying attention. ..With the field this size the players can learn the value of a long ball and wide play. The relative speed of play is near that of a men's game and is very exciting at times. Throw-ins are more than just a restart of play, just like upper age groups. ..Work with what you're given, teach the things that can be used to advantage on the short field and enjoy the efforts of the Youngstars as they learn the Beautiful Game. ..Regards,

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See Question: 15750