CMSA Build-out Line for 7 v 7

BUILD OUT LINE FOR 7 v 7 FIELD PLAY (REVISED 9/21/19)

US Soccer has introduced the following policy and field marking change in 7 v 7 play.  The use of a BUILD OUT LINE for the U8, U9 & U10 levels in now required.  The installation and use of the build out line will be used to promote playing the ball out of the back (defensive) in a less pressured setting.  PUNTING the ball by the goalie will no longer be allowed.

The updated guidelines regarding rules of the game for 7v7 games are as follows:

1.        All free kicks are indirect with the exception of PENALTY KICKS

2.        Goal kicks, the ball is in play once the kick is taken.  It can be played before leaving the penalty area. (this is the same for free kicks taken by the defending team in their own penalty area, the ball is in play once it is kicked, and does not have to leave the penalty area)

3.        Drop Balls are uncontested.

A.       If play is stopped inside the penalty area, the ball will be dropped to the goalkeeper.

B.       If play is stopped outside the penalty area, the ball will be dropped for one player of the team that last touched the ball at the point of the last touch; all other players (of both teams) must be 4.5 yards away.

4.        Heading the ball is not allowed.

A.       If a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the infringement.

a.        If the header occurs within the opposing team’s goal area, the indirect free kick must be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.

B.       If a player is hit by the ball in the head unintentionally, play will stop, and a drop ball will be awarded at the point of the occurrence to the other team except

a.         If play is stopped inside the penalty area, the ball will be dropped to the goalkeeper.

5.        The build out line will be used to denote where offside offenses can be called.

The guidelines regarding the use of the build out line are as follows:

1.        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.

2.        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).

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