Player Development Initiatives

A resource for parents, coaches and referees supporting the growth and improvement of grassroots soccer
Current Landscape

The coaching and playing environment needs to be improved for 6-12

year olds

• Too much emphasis placed on the result of the game

• The priority should be to develop skills and abilities

• There is a need to educate and empower parents and coaches

-U.S. Soccer offers grassroots courses specifically designed for introductory

coaches working with players 12 and younger
2
Structural Change

We can’t keep doing the same thing and expect to get different results
• Long-term development of players is the top priority

-Kids under the age of 12 don’t win World Cups so we should not treat them like
adults or professional players

• Players need to be put in the best possible environment to succeed

• There are no shortcuts

-Success requires a long-term approach and commitment

• Individual development and fun soccer experience is a priority

3
Starting Point

First set of changes designed to grow and improve the game

• Birth Year Registration

-Registering players according to a January 1 to December 31 timeframe

• Small-Sided Games

-Development philosophy and playing standards for players 12 and

younger

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Birth Year Registration

Objectives
• The focus moves away from the team and onto the individual player

-Development and winning do not have to happen independently from one

another
-Our misguided desire to win at all costs at the youth levels often comes
at the expense of individual player development
-This change will cause many parents and coaches to rethink how teams
will be formed moving forward and this should take place with each
individual player in mind based on his or her developmental needs
5
Birth Year Registration

Objectives
• The focus moves away from bigger, faster, stronger

- Changing to birth year registration doesn’t eliminate relative age effect (RAE)
because whenever there is a defined age range, someone will be the oldest and
someone will be the youngest

- However, this change does help better understand and account for RAE

- Parents and coaches should have an increased awareness of a player’s birth month
relative to his or her peer group and level of performance

- This should help combat focusing on kids that appear to be better simply because
they are up to 364 days older than a teammate or opponent 6
Birth Year Registration

Objectives
• Uniformity across the country and across membership

- The current landscape is highly variable

- Having uniformity doesn’t mean that all soccer will look the same in all places at all
times

- It does mean that the soccer community can be better aligned with U.S. Soccer’s
player development objectives and we can collectively harness the advantage our
nation’s diversity and populations has to offer

- A uniform framework also allows U.S. Soccer, and the programs of our members, to
provide consistent messaging and education for parents, players, coaches and 7
referees
Birth Year Registration

Objectives
• Aligns with international standards for youth development

-This means aligning with the international standards used by the world’s
leading soccer nations so that kids in the United States are developing in
an environment similar to those playing in Germany, France, Spain, etc.

8
Birth Year Registration Chart

U6 U7 U8 U9 U10 U11 U12

6 years old and 7 years old and 8 years old and 9 years old and 10 years old and 11 years old and 12 years old and
younger younger younger younger younger younger younger

2016-17
Born in 2011 Born in 2010 Born in 2009 Born in 2008 Born in 2007 Born in 2006 Born in 2005
Season

2017-18
Born in 2012 Born in 2011 Born in 2010 Born in 2009 Born in 2008 Born in 2007 Born in 2006
Season

U13 U14 U15 U16 U17 U18 U19

13 years old and 14 years old and 15 years old and 16 years old and 17 years old and 18 years old and 19 years old and
younger younger younger younger younger younger younger

2016-17
Born in 2004 Born in 2003 Born in 2002 Born in 2001 Born in 2000 Born in 1999 Born in 1998
Season

2017-18
Born in 2005 Born in 2004 Born in 2003 Born in 2002 Born in 2001 Born in 2000 Born in 1999
Season
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Small-Sided Games

Objectives
• Develop improved skills with the ball

-Improve confidence and comfort

• Develop intelligence with and without the ball

-Promote faster decisions and better awareness

• Develop partnerships within the team

10
Small-Sided Games

Objectives

• Provide an age appropriate environment

- Standards align with physiological needs of players based on year of birth

• Uniformity across the country and across membership

- Similar to the outcomes listed for birth year registration, having consistent standards
allows U.S. Soccer, and the programs of our members, to provide more meaningful
messaging and education for parents, players, coaches and referees

11
Small-Sided Games Chart

U6 U7 U8 U9 U10 U11 U12

6 years old and 7 years old and 8 years old and 9 years old and 10 years old and 11 years old and 12 years old and
younger younger younger younger younger younger younger
Field Size
Length 25-35 Length 25-35 Length 25-35 Length 55-65 Length 55-65 Length 70-80 Length 70-80
Ranges
Width 15-25 Width 15-25 Width 15-25 Width 35-45 Width 35-45 Width 45-55 Width 45-55
(yards)
Maximum
Height 4 Height 4 Height 4 Height 6.5 Height 6.5 Height 7 Height 7
Goal Size
Width 6 Width 6 Width 6 Width 18.5 Width 18.5 Width 21 Width 21
(feet)

Ball Size 3 3 3 4 4 4 4

4v4 4v4 4v4 7v7 7v7 9v9 9v9

Players
No GK No GK No GK GK GK GK GK

Game Time
4x10 4x10 4x10 2x25 2x25 2x30 2x30
(minutes)

Offside No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes

12
4v4 Standards

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4v4 Player Development Philosophy

Player Development Philosophy

• Coaches should have the age appropriate license issued by U.S. Soccer
• Formal games are not needed so playing with and against teammates at
the end of each training session (1-2 per week) should be sufficient
• Formal rosters and teams are not needed so having a flexible and fluid
approach to training and playing is recommended
-While playing, everyone should participate a minimum of 50% of the time
-With 4 players on the field, having 6 players on each “team” when the
“game” is played helps maximize participation and engagement 14
4v4 Player Development Philosophy

Player Development Philosophy

• Here are some examples of having a flexible and fluid approach to training
and playing
-Utilize “in-house” programs that have everyone train and play as a pool of
players rather than as distinct teams
-This approach allows players to train and play with a variety of other kids
based on numbers, ability, age, height, weight, etc.
-If using teams with a set roster of players, players can be mixed up
during the game at the end of the training session to provide variety
15
4v4 Player Development Philosophy

Player Development Philosophy

• Results and standings should not be recorded

• Travel should be limited as much as possible

• Players should not be participating in events (tournaments, showcases,

festivals, etc.)

• Remember that safety and fun are the top priorities so make
adjustments as needed to ensure both are being promoted
16
4v4

Concussion Initiative
• Per U.S. Soccer’s Concussion Initiative, if a player is suspected to have a head injury the
referee* is instructed to stop play to allow for treatment/evaluation as needed

• If the player leaves the field of play for additional evaluation, a substitution can be made
in that moment

• The player with the suspected head injury may not return to the game unless a Health
Care Professional (HCP) or Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) has cleared the player

• Any coach or parent insisting on returning the player to the game without approved
clearance will result in the referee* ending the game

*Since there is no referee in 4v4, this responsibility falls to the coaches and parents 17
involved
4v4

Concussion Initiative
• Heading is not allowed in 4v4 games

• If a player heads the ball in a game, whether deliberately or accidentally,

an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the
spot of the offense

•In a controlled and individual environment (where heading is an isolated

skill being taught away from any form of opposition or other aspects of
the game), the use of lightweight balls (foam, balloon, etc.) would be
acceptable for teaching heading technique
18
4v4 Standards of Play

Standards of Play
• Field
-25-35 yards (length)
-15-25 yards (width)
-Goals should be no larger than 4 feet (height) x 6 feet (width)
-Corner flags are not needed
19
4v4 Standards of Play

20
4v4 Standards of Play

Standards of Play
• Games
- 4 quarters
- Size 3 ball
- No more than 10 minute quarters
- 4v4 (no goalkeepers)
- 5 minute breaks between quarters
- Shin guards are required
- Playing times can be less than 10 minutes
- Substitutions are unlimited and can
when managed by the coaches and
occur at any time
parents 21
4v4 Standards of Play

Standards of Play

• Games

- Kick offs, free kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks and

corner kicks are used to start or restart play - Opponents should be 10 feet away from the ball on
all restarts
- Kick-ins and/or dribble-ins are also acceptable as
restarts when the ball has gone out over the - No penalty kicks
sidelines
- No offside
- Goal kicks and corner kicks should be taken in the
general vicinity of the respective goal or corner

- If used, all free kicks are indirect 22

4v4 Standards of Play

Standards of Play
• Games

-Registered and certified referees are not needed at this level

-Since there is no referee, coaches are expected to manage the game

environment from the touchline using these standards of play and their
best judgement

-Together, coaches and parents are expected to create and promote a

fun and safe environment for the players
23
7v7 Standards

24
7v7 Player Development Philosophy

Player Development Philosophy

• Coaches should have the age appropriate license issued by U.S. Soccer
• The training-to-game ratio should be 2-3 training sessions per game
played
• Rosters should include no more than 12 players
• Players should participate in no more than 20 games per calendar year
and in no more than one game per day
• Every player should play a minimum of 50% of the time in each game
25
7v7 Player Development Philosophy

Player Development Philosophy

• Results and standings should not be recorded

• Players should have a minimum of 2 rest days per week during the season
along with planned breaks from organized soccer during the calendar year

• Any travel should be limited to no more than an hour away

• Events (tournaments, showcases, festivals, etc.) should provide a

predetermined number of games with no advancement, placement
games or champions
26
7v7

Concussion Initiative
• Per U.S. Soccer’s Concussion Initiative, if a player is suspected to have a head injury the
referee is instructed to stop play to allow for treatment/evaluation as needed

• If the player leaves the field of play for additional evaluation, a substitution can be made
in that moment

• The player with the suspected head injury may not return to the game unless a Health
Care Professional (HCP) or Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) has cleared the player

• Any coach or parent insisting on returning the player to the game without approved
clearance will result in the referee ending the game

27
7v7

Concussion Initiative
• Heading is not allowed in 7v7 games

• If a player heads the ball in a game, whether deliberately or accidentally, an indirect free
kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense

• If a header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal
area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement
occurred

•In a controlled and individual environment (where heading is an isolated skill being
taught away from any form of opposition or other aspects of the game), the use of
lightweight balls (foam, balloon, etc.) would be acceptable for teaching heading
technique
28
7v7 Standards of Play

Build Out Line

• The build out line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting

• When the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands during play from the opponent, the
opposing team must move behind the build out line until the ball is put into play

• Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or
roll the ball into play (punts and drop kicks are not allowed)

• After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build
out line and play resumes as normal

• The opposing team must also move behind the build out line prior to a goal kick and
may only cross the build out line once the ball has left the penalty area 29
7v7 Standards of Play

Build Out Line

• If a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball, an indirect free kick should be
awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense

• If the punt or drop kick occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick
should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest
point to where the infringement occurred

30
7v7 Standards of Play

Build Out Line

• The build out line will also be used to denote where offside offenses can
be called

• Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway

line and the build out line

• Players can be penalized for an offside offense between the build out line
and goal line

31
7v7 Standards of Play

Build Out Line Practical Applications

• Ideally, the goalkeeper will wait to put the ball into play once all opponents
are past the build out line

• However, the goalkeeper can put the ball into play sooner but he or she
does so accepting the positioning of the opponents and the
consequences of how play resumes

32
7v7 Standards of Play

Build Out Line Practical Applications

• To support the intent of the development rule, coaches and referees should be mindful
of any intentional delays being caused by opponents not retreating in a timely manner
or encroaching over the build out line prior to the ball being put into play

• Coaches are responsible for addressing these types of issues with their players

• Referees can manage the situation with misconduct if deemed appropriate

• Referees should be flexible when enforcing the 6 second rule and counting the time of
possession should only begin when all opponents have moved behind the build out line
33
7v7 Standards of Play

Modified Laws of the Game

• Law 1 – Field of Play

- 55-65 yards (length)

- 35-45 yards (width)

- Goals should be no larger than 6.5 feet (height) x 18.5 feet (width)

- A 6.5 feet (height) x 12 feet (width) goal is recommended based on the age and ability of the players

- Diagram contains recommended field markings and dimensions

- Build out lines should be equidistant between the penalty area line and halfway line

34
7v7 Standards of Play

35
7v7 Standards of Play

Modified Laws of the Game

• Law 2 – Ball

- Size 4

• Law 3 – Players

- 7v7 (6 field players and 1 goalkeeper)

- Game may not start or continue if there are less than 5 players on a team

- Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any stoppage

36
7v7 Standards of Play

Modified Laws of the Game

• Law 5 – Referee

-Minimum certification as a U.S. Soccer Grade 9 Referee

• Law 6 – Other Match Officials

-Used at the discretion of the competition

37
7v7 Standards of Play

Modified Laws of the Game

• Law 7 – Duration of the Match

-2 halves

-25 minutes halves

-10 minute halftime

-No added time

38
7v7 Standards of Play

Standard Laws of the Game

Law 4 – Players’ Equipment Law 13 – Free Kicks

Law 8 – Start and Restart of Play Law 14 – Penalty Kick

Law 9 – Ball In and Out of Play Law 15 – Throw-in

Law 10 – Method of Scoring Law 16 – Goal Kick

Law 11 – Offside Law 17 – Corner kick

Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct*

*With the exception of deliberate heading and punting 39

9v9 Standards

40
9v9 Player Development Philosophy

Player Development Philosophy

• Coaches should have the age appropriate license issued by U.S. Soccer
• The training-to-game ratio should be 2-3 training sessions per game
played
• Rosters should include no more than 16 players
• Players should participate in no more than 30 games per calendar year
and in no more than one game per day
• Every player should play a minimum of 50% of the time in each game
41
9v9 Player Development Philosophy

Player Development Philosophy

• Results and standings should not be recorded
• Players should have a minimum of 2 rest days per week during the season
along with planned breaks from organized soccer during the calendar year
• Any travel should be limited to day trips with limited allowances for
overnight stays
• Events (ex: tournaments, showcases, festivals, etc.) should provide a
predetermined number of games with no advancement, placement
games or champions
42
9v9

Concussion Initiative
• Per U.S. Soccer’s Concussion Initiative, if a player is suspected to have a head injury the
referee is instructed to stop play to allow for treatment/evaluation as needed

• If the player leaves the field of play for additional evaluation, a substitution can be made
in that moment

• The player with the suspected head injury may not return to the game unless a Health
Care Professional (HCP) or Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) has cleared the player

• Any coach or parent insisting on returning the player to the game without approved
clearance will result in the referee ending the game

43
9v9

Concussion Initiative
• Heading is not allowed in 9v9 games in U11 play

• If a player heads the ball in U11 play, whether deliberately or accidentally, an indirect free
kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense

• If a header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal
area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred

•In a controlled and individual environment (where heading is an isolated skill being taught
away from any form of opposition or other aspects of the game), the use of lightweight
balls (foam, balloon, etc.) would be acceptable for teaching heading technique
44
9v9 Standards of Play

Modified Laws of the Game

• Law 1 – Field of Play

- 70-80 yards (length)

- 45-55 yards (width)

- Goals should be no larger than 7 feet (height) x 21 feet (width)

- A 6.5 feet (height) x 18.5 feet (width) goal is recommended based on the age and
ability of the players

- Diagram contains recommended field markings and dimensions 45

9v9 Standards of Play

46
9v9 Standards of Play

Modified Laws of the Game

• Law 2 – Ball

-Size 4
• Law 3 – Number of Players

-9v9 (8 field players and 1 goalkeeper)

-Game may not start or continue if there are less than 6 players on a team

-Substitutions are unlimited and can occur at any stoppage 47

9v9 Standards of Play

Modified Laws of the Game

• Law 5 – Referee

-Minimum certification as a U.S. Soccer Grade 9 Referee

• Law 6 – Other Match Officials

-Used at the discretion of the competition authority

48
9v9 Standards of Play

Modified Laws of the Game

• Law 7 – Duration of the Match

-2 halves

-30 minutes halves

-10 minute halftime

-No added time

49
9v9 Standards of Play

Standard Laws of the Game

Law 4 – Players’ Equipment Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct*

Law 5 – The Referee Law 13 – Free kicks

Law 8 – Start and Restart of Play Law 14 – Penalty Kick

Law 9 – Ball In and Out of Play Law 15 – Throw-in

Law 10 – Method of Scoring Law 16 – Goal kick

Law 11 – Offside Law 17 – Corner kick

*With the exception of deliberate heading in U11 games 50

Implementation

Timeline
• All information about the Concussion Initiative is implemented with immediate effect

• Birth year registration and the small sided standards is mandated as of August 2017

- Members were provided 24-months to prepare the implementation

- Please contact your local member for more information on implementation

• The Player Development Philosophy information is provided as best practice standards

- Although not currently mandated, U.S. Soccer believes members should adopt these
principles to align with our values and objectives for player development
51
What You Can Do

How to Best Support the Changes

• Have patience

• Stick to the facts

• Read the FAQ

• Communicate with and get answers from your local member and leaders

52
 Player Development Initiatives
A resource for parents, coaches and referees supporting the growth and improvement of grassroots soccer