Advanced Development Soccer League (ADSL) Rules & Procedures Mission Statement
The Advanced Development Soccer League (ADSL) is dedicated to creating and maintaining an environment that provides the best opportunities for young players to develop their soccer skills. The league operates under the philosophy that tracking scores and standings does not enhance player development; therefore, scores and standings will not be recorded.
Each club must designate one main point of contact for all league communications.
Bylaws, Rules & Procedures
League Governance
● The ADSL is structured as a club-based system, where each full member club has one vote on all governing matters. The founding clubs each have 2 votes.
● Directors of Coaching (or club representatives) serve as voting representatives.
● The ADSL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer, and all players and staff must be carded through US Club Soccer.
Level of Competition
● The Board of Directors will determine divisions and competitive groupings based on the number and level of participating teams.
● The primary objective is to ensure competitive balance, minimize lopsided results, and to create maximum meaningful soccer interaction for all players.
Facilities & Field Requirements
Field Dimensions
● U10:
○ Width: 35–45 yards (Recommended: 45)
○ Length: 55–65 yards (Recommended: 65)
○ Build-Out Line: Marked with a broken line, equidistant between the penalty area and midfield. ***Note: The U10 Boys "A" Division will not use a build-out line.
● U11–U12:
○ Width: 45–55 yards (Recommended: 55)
○ Length: 70–80 yards (Recommended: 80)
Goal Sizes
● U10: 6.5 x 18.5 ft
● U11–U12: 7 x 21 ft
Ball Size
● Size 4 for U9–U12
Game Format
● U9/U10: 7v7
● U11/U12: 9v9
Match Length
● U9–U10: Four (4) quarters of 14 minutes each. 1-2 minutes between quarters, 5 min. half time.
○ REFEREES MUST STAY ON FIELD DURING QUARTER BREAKS!
● U11–U12: Two (2) halves of 30 minutes each, 5 min. half time
Game Rules
Goal Kicks
● U10: Opposing players must remain behind the build-out line until the ball is played. If the ball is played beyond the build-out line, anyone may play it.
● U11–U12: Opponents may enter the penalty area after the ball is kicked.
Build-Out Line (U9/U10 Only)
● Opponents must retreat behind the build-out line when GK gains possession of the ball, is taking a goal kick, or there is a restart within the build out line . However, they may engage as soon as the ball is played (not necessarily touched by a second player).
Heading Rules
● Prohibited: U9, U10, and U11 (including U11 vs U12 matches)
● Allowed: U12-only games
● Enforcement:
○ Intentional heading results in an indirect free kick for the opponent.
○ If inside the goal area, the kick is taken from the goal area line nearest the offense.
○ UNINTENTIONAL heading: No stoppage unless there's concern for player safety.
Punting Restrictions
● U9–U10: No punting or drop-kicking by the goalkeeper.
○ Violations result in the ball being returned to the goalkeeper for a retake.
Goalkeeper Possession Time *NEW*
● Goalkeepers must release the ball within 8 seconds of gaining full control (when not under immediate pressure).
● Referee will visually count down the last 5 seconds so that the goalkeeper can see.
● Exceeding the time limit results in a corner kick for the opposing team. ● **ONLY ENFORCED IN U11 + U12 GAMES**
Player Equipment
● Mandatory: Shin guards
● Prohibited: Jewelry of any kind
● Casts/Braces: Allowed at referee’s discretion
● Eyeglasses: Permitted at referee’s discretion
Spectators
● Spectators must remain on the opposite side of the field from players and coaches.
Referees
● Final authority on weather-related suspensions or cancellations.
● Lightning/Thunder: All play must stop immediately.
● The league contracts with an official referee association.
Referee Assignments
● U10: One referee per game
● U11–U12: Three-referee system
● If officials are absent: Directors of Coaching may appoint a suitable replacement (coach, spectator, etc.).
Weather Policy
● Home teams must check and communicate field status before the visiting team departs.
● Each club must maintain a Weather Hotline.
● Home club reps must also notify the visiting team’s main contact if games are canceled. ● If fields are closed, the home club must notify the referee assignor.
Rosters & Players
● U10 Teams:
○ Minimum: 9 players
○ Maximum: 15 players
● U11–U12 Teams:
○ Minimum: 10 players
○ Maximum: 15 players
Game Day Minimum
● A minimum of 6 healthy players is required to play for 7v7, and 8 healthy players for 9v9.
● If a home team cannot meet the requirement or does not show up, the game may be rescheduled at the visitor’s field.
● If a visiting team cannot meet the requirement or does not show up, the game may be rescheduled at the home field.
Code of Conduct
Red Cards
● Players:
○ Must leave the game immediately and miss the next league game. ○ The suspension carries into future seasons or leagues if necessary. ● Coaches:
○ Must leave the premises immediately.
○ May not attend the next league game.
○ Suspension carries over to future seasons or leagues if necessary.
Substitutions
Allowed during the following situations:
1. On any throw-in (either team)
2. On goal kicks
3. After an injury
4. At halftime
5. When a player is cautioned (yellow card)
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