Chapter 3 : 9v9 FORMAT
3.3.01 : Modified Rules for 9v9 Play in Grade 5/6 Division [Updated Aug2016]
3.3.01(a) THE FIELD OF PLAY
The Field of Play for 9v9 matches in the Grade 5/6 Division shall have dimensions of approximately 70 yards long (Touch Line) by approximately 55 yards wide (Goal Line).
The Field of Play shall have the following markings :
1) Halfway Line with a Center Mark at its midpoint
2) Center Circle with a radius of approximately 8 yards from the Center Mark
3) Penalty Area marked by two lines drawn at right angles to the Goal Line, approximately 14 yards from the
inside of each goalpost, extending into the field of play for approximately 14 yards and joined by a Penalty
Line drawn parallel with the Goal Line.
4) Penalty Mark drawn 10 yards from the midpoint between the goalposts.
5) An arc of a circle with a radius of approximately 8 yards from the Penalty Mark drawn outside the Penalty
Line.
6) Goal Area marked by two lines drawn at right angles to the Goal Line, approximately 6 yards from the inside
of each goalpost, extending into the field of play for approximately 6 yards and joined by a line drawn parallel with the Goal Line.
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3.3.01(b) GOALS
The Goals for 9v9 matches in the Grade 5/6 Division shall have dimensions of approximately 6 feet tall by approximately 6 yards wide, where available. Goals must be firmly secured to the ground.
3.3.01(c) THE BALL
The Ball for 9v9 matches in the Grade 5/6 Division shall be Size #4.
3.3.01(d) NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Each Team must field no fewer than SEVEN (7) and no more than NINE (9) Players in order for a 9v9 match in the Grade 5/6 Division to begin or continue. One Player on each Team must be a Goalkeeper.
A Team is permitted to willingly and intentionally play shorthanded with fewer than NINE (9) but no fewer than SEVEN (7) Players, one of whom must be a Goalkeeper.
The maximum roster size for the Grade5/6 Division is 15 Players.
3.3.01(e) DURATION OF PLAY
All 9v9 matches in the Grade 5/6 Division shall consist of two 30 minute halves, with a half-time interval of 5 minutes.
3.3.01(f) 8-YARD RULE
Opposing Players shall be at least 8 yards from the ball on the kickoff, corner kicks, direct kicks, and indirect free kicks, rather than 10 yards as normally required for 11v11 play.
3.3.01(g) GOALKEEPER DISTRIBUTION
After a Goalkeeper takes possession and distributes the ball (e.g., by throw, punt, dropkick, etc.), the ball must next touch a Player or the Field prior to entering the Penalty Area of the opposing Team, or there is a loss of the ball and play restarts with an indirect free kick at the Halfway Line.
3.3.01(h) GOAL KICK
The Goal Kick shall be taken from anywhere in the Goal Area. The ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the Penalty Area.
Opposing Players must stand outside the Penalty Area until the ball is in play, or the Goal Kick shall be retaken. After the Goal Kick is put in play, the ball must next touch a Player or the Field prior to entering the Penalty Area of the opposing Team, or there is a loss of the ball and play restarts with an indirect free kick at the Halfway Line.
3.3.01(i) NO HEADING IN MATCHES IN THE Grade 5/6 DIVISION [Updated Mar2016]
NVYSL prohibits heading by Players during matches in the Grade 5/6 Division. Coaches are permitted to train Players in the Grade 5/6 Division proper technique for heading the ball only during practice, and must ensure that training is limited to a maximum of 30 minutes per week with no more than 15-20 headers per Player per week. Referees shall penalize any Player who deliberately heads or attempts to head the ball by awarding an indirect free kick for the opposing team from the spot of the infraction. If the heading infraction is committed by a defending Player inside the Goal Area or the Penalty Area, the indirect free kick shall be taken from the point on the Penalty Line nearest the spot of the infraction. An apparent goal scored as a result of deliberate heading shall be disallowed.