Rules (Soccer)
Official Rules & Regulations
A. General
The Maryland Developmental Soccer League (MDSL) serves as the official league and tournament coordinator.
All matches follow FIFA Laws of the Game, except where amended by MDSL rules.
⚠️ Important: Lack of knowledge of these rules does not excuse any coach, player, parent, or team official from compliance or penalties. By participating in MDSL play, all clubs, team officials, parents, and players agree to abide by these rules.
The USYS Seasonal Year runs from August 1 – July 31 and includes:
- Fall Season
- Spring Season
- Summer Season
- Optional Winter (Futsal) League
The MDSL season of play begins with the first league game and ends with the final match of the season.
B. Affiliation
MDSL is officially affiliated with the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA).
C. Club Entry & Obligations
- Entry of a new club must be approved by the MDSL Head Office.
- New clubs must provide:
- Club name
- Geographic location
- Number of teams entered
- Player recruitment from other MDSL teams is prohibited.
- Contact the league office if any recruiting issues arise.
D. Registration & Administration
Team Rosters
- Official MDSL Team Rosters must be submitted via GotSport.
- Required uploads:
- Player birth certificates
- Medical release forms
- Team roster
- Rosters become official upon MDSL approval.
- Each team must designate at least one adult official.
Player Eligibility
- A team official is any non-playing adult listed on the official roster.
Scheduling
- Teams are scheduled for 7–8 league games per season.
- Schedule requests submitted by the deadline will be considered.
- Teams may use GotSport chat to mutually agree on rescheduling prior to the Schedule Lock Date.
E. Referees
- All referees are assigned and paid by MDSL.
- Both experienced and junior referees are utilized.
- Abuse of referees by coaches, players, or spectators will not be tolerated.
- Incidents are reviewed by the Rules & Disciplinary Committee.
- All game results are final.
- Please review the MSYSA Behavior Expectation Policy (English / Español).
F. Standings & Awards
- Standings kept: U-9 (Division 1) and older
- No public scores: U-9 (Division 2 and below), U-7, U-8 (internal tracking only)
- Scores must be reported within 24 hours by the winning or home team.
- Points System:
- Win = 3 points
- Tie = 1 point
- Loss = 0 points
Awards:
- Trophies for Champions (U-9 and up)
- Medals for Finalists
- MVP awards for tournaments or divisions
Playoff / Championship Games:
If tied after regulation → proceed directly to penalty kicks.
Team Withdrawal or Forfeit:
- Withdrawal = all results nullified; games become “BYE.”
- Multiple forfeits may result in removal from the league.
G. Outdoor / Field Rules
Game Postponement
- Matches may be postponed due to hazardous weather (lightning, ice, snow).
- Rain is not a valid reason for postponement unless field officials determine otherwise.
- The MDSL Sports Coordinator will reschedule postponed matches if possible.
Team Responsibilities
- Teams must clean up the sidelines and field after each match.
H. Field Dimensions
| Age Group | Format | Max Field Size (yds) | Goal Size (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| U7–U8 | 4v4 / 5v5 | 40 x 25 | Cones or flags |
| U8–U10 | 7v7 | 65 x 45 | 6 x 18 |
| U11–U12 | 9v9 | 80 x 60 | 6 x 18 or 7 x 21 |
| U13+ | 11v11 | 120 x 80 | 8 x 24 |
I. Game Format, Duration & Ball Size
League Play
| Age Group | Format | Game Duration | Ball Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| U7 | 4v4 | 4 × 12 min quarters | 3 |
| U8 | 5v5 | 2 × 25 min halves | 4 |
| U9–U10 | 7v7 | 2 × 30 min halves | 4 |
| U11 | 9v9 | 2 × 30 min halves | 4 |
| U12 | 9v9 | 2 × 35 min halves | 4 |
| U13–U14 | 11v11 | 2 × 35 min halves | 5 |
| U15–U16 | 11v11 | 2 × 40 min halves | 5 |
| U17–U19 | 11v11 | 2 × 45 min halves | 5 |
Playoffs: If tied after regulation → two 10-min halves, then penalties if still tied.
Tournament Play
| Age Group | Format | Game Duration | Ball Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| U8–U10 | 7v7 | 2 × 25 min halves | 4 |
| U11–U12 | 9v9 | 2 × 25 min halves | 4 |
| U13+ | 11v11 | 2 × 30 min halves | 5 |
Roster Limits
| Age Group | Max Roster Size |
|---|---|
| U7 | 12 |
| U8 | 12 |
| U9–U10 | 14 |
| U11–U12 | 16 |
| U13–U15 | 18 |
| U16–U18 | 22 |
Gameplay Modifications
- No heading for U-11 and younger.
- No slide tackling for U-8 and younger.
- Build-out lines enforced for U-7 to U-10.
- No punting by goalkeepers (U-7 to U-10).
- Offside applies beginning at U-9.
Substitutions
- Allowed at any stoppage with referee consent.
- Recommended: each player should play at least 50% of game time.
Player Equipment
- Shin guards required (socks worn over).
- No jewelry allowed.
- Uniforms must be consistent (same jersey, shorts, socks).
- Cleats without toe spikes only.
- Protective clothing permitted in cold weather (must be safe).
- Injured players require medical clearance before returning.
Officiating & Coaching Standards
- U-8 to U-12: 1 referee
- U-13 and up: 3 referees
- U-7: Coaches may officiate
- Coaches are responsible for team, player, and parent conduct.
- Zero tolerance for referee abuse.
- Every player must participate in each match (minimum 50% playtime).
Rules of Play (Summary)
- Kickoff: Ball must move forward; cannot score directly.
- Ball in/out of play: Fully crosses lines.
- Scoring: Entire ball crosses the goal line.
- Offside: Applies U-9 and up.
- Free kicks: Direct and indirect, 6–8 yards distance.
- Penalty kicks: U-9 and older only.
- Kick-ins: U-7/U-8 may dribble or pass in.
- Goal kicks: Taken inside goal area; opponents 6 yards away.
- Corner kicks: Within 3-ft arc; opponents 6 yards away.
Sportsmanship & Conduct
- Good judgment and fair play are required at all times.
- Coaches, parents, and spectators must stay on designated sidelines.
- No one is allowed behind goals.
- Mercy Rule (U-9 and under):
- If ahead by 7 goals → remove a player.
- Encourage position changes and team play.
J. Three-Strike Policy
Applies to all MDSL leagues:
| Strike | Infraction | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Strike 1 | Forfeit, late cancellation (within 3 days), or no-show | Warning |
| Strike 2 | Second offense | Final warning before removal |
| Strike 3 | Third offense | Team removed from league; forfeits remaining games |
Teams removed under this rule must repay their team bond before rejoining in a future season.
End of Rules
Maryland Developmental Soccer League (MDSL)
📍 PO Box 302, Sandy Spring, MD 20860
📧 info@mdslsoccer.com
🌐 www.mdslsoccer.com