Build Out Rule
FOS refereed games of size 7v7 and smaller will implement build-out lines, to encourage learning how to play the ball forward from the defensive third of the field, in a less pressured environment.
The build-out line is a line placed halfway between the top of the Penalty Box and the Halfway line, parallel to both the top of the Penalty Box and halfway line, running from touch line to touch line, during play initiated from possession of the ball by a goalkeeper or a Goal Kick.
- When a goalkeeper has possession of the ball during play, or at the start of a Goal Kick, the opposing team must move behind the build-out line.
- When possessing the ball, the goalkeeper can release the ball by passing (NOT dribbling), throwing, or rolling the ball to a teammate who is on their side of the build-out line, or beyond the build-out line. The pass from the goalkeeper may be initiated by rolling the ball first, but not by bouncing the ball. The goalkeeper cannot punt or drop-kick the ball, including by bouncing the ball to initiate a drop-kick.
- If a goalkeeper punts or drop-kicks the ball, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team at a spot outside of the Penalty Area, at the nearest point to where the punt or drop-kick occurred. (NOTE: This follows FOS’s small-sided rules placing awarded indirect free kicks for penalties occurring within a team’s Penalty Area.)
- After the ball is released from the goalkeeper’s possession, or a Goal Kick is taken by the goalkeeper (or any player taking the Goal Kick), and is touched by another player on the same team as the kick taker, or the ball crosses the build-out line, the opposing team may then cross the build-out line and play resumes as normal.
- The goalkeeper releasing the ball from possession or the player taking the Goal Kick does not have to wait for the opposing players to move behind the build-out line, but must accept the consequences if they restart play before the opposing team has taken position.
- If an opposing player crosses the build-out line before permitted (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 or Goal Kick taker to restart.
- The build-out line now serves as the designation for offside at 7v7 play, when Offside calls are made. Players can be penalized for an Offside offense when between the build-out line and the goal line , but cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build-out line. (NOTE: FOS does not generally make Offside calls in small-sided games, but repeated and egregious Offside play may be penalized at the referee’s discretion.)
Warnings
If a referee determines that actions by a team are intended to circumvent the intent of this rule, a referee may stop play and explain to the coach that their team’s actions are not complying with the spirit and intent of the rule and conduct a restart with the goalkeeper or award an indirect free kick on the build-out line placed closest to where offense occurred, and a coach may be cautioned for Unsporting Behavior.
Examples of not following the intent of the rule include:
- Goalkeepers repeatedly throwing or kicking the ball beyond the build-out line but not directly to a teammate or after a save.
- Goalkeepers putting the ball on the ground and clearing it down field rather than purposely passing the ball to a teammate.
- Opposing team members repeatedly crossing the build-out line early, attempting to delay the game through restarts.
- Opposing team members slow walking, or delaying movement toward the build-out line.
For Referees
- Referees should encourage opponents to move quickly beyond the build-out line.
- Some flexibility should be given to the “8 second clock”, allowing it to start when all opponents have retreated behind the build-out line. But goalkeepers should not be allowed to extend the time by delaying tactics.
- The referee should position themselves on or very close to the build-out line and ask the players to stay behind until the ball is played out.
- In games with Offside calls, ARs should position themselves on or very close to the build-out line when marking Offside calls.
8 Second Rule for Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers now have a maximum of eight seconds to release the ball after gaining possession.
Enforcement
The referee will visually (and maybe verbally) count down the final five seconds of the eight-second limit. The initial 3 second count will not be visible to spectators/parents.
Consequences
If the goalkeeper fails to release the ball within the allotted time, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team.
The first time a goalkeeper breaks this law there is no additional consequences. Upon the referee’s discretion, the second time a goalkeeper commits this offense a caution/yellow card shall be issued to the goalkeeper. Upon the referee’s discretion, for additional offenses a further caution/yellow card can be issued for persistent offenses.
Referees will be given leeway in issuing warnings and cards, based on the age level of play.
Interference
If an opposing player prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball, causing the goalkeeper to hold onto the ball for more than 8 seconds:
- The referee may play advantage if the goalkeeper is able to successfully release the ball and the play continues.
- An indirect free kick will be issued if no contact was made to the goalkeeper.
- A direct free kick will be issued if the opposing player made contact with the goalkeeper.
If the interference was reckless or stopped a promising attack the opposing player can be issued a Yellow card, at the referee’s discretion.
If a goalkeeper has possession and is on the ground, without an opposing player challenging them, the countdown starts from when the goalkeeper was considered to have possession. If the goalkeeper is being challenged from an opposing player while on the ground, the countdown starts when the referee deems the goalkeeper as unchallenged.
Caution and Red Cards
Updates to the current policy:
- When a Player is issued a Yellow card, the Player must be substituted out immediately to address. The player can be subbed back in during the next substitution, after a minimum of 5 minutes, after the Coach has addressed the situation.
- Yellow and red cards will carry over into the playoffs. They no longer reset. And they will apply to the next game in the season, regardless of it’s a Playoff, Championship, or All-Star game.
NOTE: Any bans and suspensions may be reviewed and adjusted by the FOS Executive Board.