CYSL Rules of Competition for U-12 8v8 Matches

The ball is out of play once it wholly crosses the midfield line, in the air directly from a goal kick or from a punt, throw or drop-kick by the goalkeeper. The restart is an indirect free kick for the opposing team, at the point where the ball crossed the midfield line.

Explanation: This Rule of Completion (ROC) is intended to promote better ball distribution and avoid the possibility of a “keeper war” due to the smaller field size for the U12 division only.

What Not to Call: If the keeper only plays the ball with their feet, parries or punches the ball without establishing possession, they are, as any field player, free to clear the ball across midfield. If the keeper returns the ball to their feet so that it may be freely challenged, and they then clear the ball across midfield, play continues. If, from a goal kick or the keeper returning the ball to play, the ball touches the field or any player, before crossing the line, play continues. Further, if the ball bounces on the line, again, play should continue

Comment: If you are correctly positioned with play, the keeper’s punt or throw could be a difficult call to make, particularly when the ball travels to a group of players near the midfield line or the ball lands close to the line. I recommend using your assistant referees to assist you with this and follow the same mechanics as if it were an offside infraction with the exception that the restart will always be at midfield.

It is important for the assistant referees to remember that once the ball has gone out of play, the only restart permissible under the ROC is an IFK. Therefore, make sure the flag stays up until recognized by the referee. No goal can be scored without the proper restart. Referees are also reminded to make sure they clearly give the IFK signal (arm straight up) since a goal cannot be scored directly from the restart.