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Soccer Rules Changes 1580-2000


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Question Number: 28305

Law 13 - Free Kicks 4/4/2014

RE: Select, Competive College

Jason of Philadelphia, PA USA asks...

For a Under 12 or below which uses the 8v8 format - during a free kick what is the required distance of the defense?

Is it 10 yards or is there a modified rule using 8 yards as the required distance?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jason
US Soccer recommends a modified eight yards distance at free kicks in small sided games. That though can be amended by a local competition rule or in line with field marking sizes such as the penalty area arc distance and the centre circle.



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Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

It depends on the local rules here. The recommendation by USSF is 8 yards for small sided games.



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