U6-U8-U10 Build-out Line
Background and Philosophy
The purpose of the build-out line is to teach players how to advance the ball out of the back by keeping the ball in possession, now becoming the attacking team. This will facilitate player development by allowing the attacking team the opportunity to receive and play the ball in a controlled method rather than the chaotic, more common method of punting the ball up the field and the ensuing scramble for possession (which is usually lost to the opposing team 80% of the time).
In addition, players learn to control the ball, have less opportunity to head the ball, and reduce the dangerous play of high kicking because the ball remains on the ground.
Application, Game Play, and Instructions to Referees with the Build-Out Line
1. A build-out line will be marked on the field approximately 1/2 the distance from the top of the penalty area to the midfield line. This will be used for the attacking team, bringing the ball back into play, to have the opportunity to control and maintain the initial possession. U6- may use the half line for the build-out line.
a. For example, a goal kick or the goalkeeper making a save and putting the ball back into play via a distribution by throwing the ball, rolling the ball, or making a foot pass on the ground.
2. The opposing team may cross the build-out line once the ball is in play.
a. The ball is in play once it has been kicked and clearly moved.
b. If the attacking team chooses to play the ball out by throwing, rolling, or with a foot pass while there are opponents inside the build-out line, the ball is in play once released by the goalkeeper and does not need to be touched by a second attacking player.
c. If an opposing player crosses the build-out line before the ball is in play (except when the attacking team decides to put the ball in play without waiting for all opponents to get across the build-out line), the referee shall stop play and restart play by allowing the goalkeeper to retake the distribution.
d. For this player development method, the six-second goalkeeper release requirement does not start until the opposing team has crossed the Build Out Line. However, the goalkeeper may not utilize this relief for the purposes of intentional time-wasting on behalf of their team. If the Referee believes that time is intentionally being wasted as an advantage to their team, the Referee shall stop play and warn the goalkeeper to put the ball in play as soon as possible. If the goalkeeper continues to waste time, the goalkeeper may be cautioned (U10 only) and an Indirect Free Kick given to the opposing team.
e. The goalkeeper may participate in play by passing the ball to another player at any point on the field (no longer has to be behind the build-out line). Once play has proceeded beyond the build-out line, the goalkeeper may play any ball that comes to them in any method they chose (e.g., pass, long kick, receive with the hands if within the penalty area, etc.).
3. Goalkeepers can no longer punt or drop-kick the ball. The ball will be kept on the ground to reinforce the development of soccer play out of the back, reduces opportunities for the ball to hit a player's head (following the 'No Header ' rule), and reduce the incidents of high kicking which could lead to player injuries.
a. A punt or drop-kick results in a retake of the distribution and the team is warned. Further violations will be an INDFK for the attacking team at the point where the violation occurred.
b. Goalkeepers can pass (foot or throw) or roll the ball out to their team member either:
i. Prior to the other team moving past the build-out line knowing that the opposing team can attack the ball sooner OR
ii. Wait until the opposing team has moved past the build-out line to give them time and space to move the ball upfield in a controlled fashion.
4. The line to determine offside is the build-out line (not the halfway line).
SUMMARY
U6 build-out line may be the half line
U8 build-out line would be approximately between the top of the penalty area and the half line
U10 build-out line would be approximately between the top of the penalty area and the half line
If a team encroaches before the ball is put into play, the referee stops play, moves the defenders back behind the build-out line, and then proceeds with the same restart or a drop ball to the keeper if it was ball in hand.
Offside would begin at the build-out line closest to the attacking goal.
Goalkeepers can roll, throw or put the ball on the ground to put it in play. They may not kick it.
If a goalkeeper does punt the ball, the referee would stop play and bring the ball back for a proper restart.