This summer, there were several rule updates instituted by Washington Youth Soccer in an effort to improve "player safety and create a shared understanding among all stakeholders – referees, coaches, players, parents, etc. – for a better playing experience." These changes were decided upon by a group that included the State Youth Referee Administrator, Richard Meeks, and league and association leaders across all levels of competition of WYS.
What are the changes to take note of?
No heading at U12, heading is now only allowed U13 and up
No punting at U12, punting is now only allowed U13 and up
Offsides is now called from the midfield line at U9 - U12, NOT at the build-out line (there is no offsides at U8 and below, there is a build-out line U12 and below)
Why did these changes occur and who made them?
Washington Youth Soccer has said that "the goal is to align rule modifications in WYS-sanctioned play to create a shared understanding and alleviate confusion across all stakeholders."
The groups that participated in the discussion and aligned around the new modifications are:
District 2 (EYSA, LWYSA, NYSA, SnVYSA)
North Puget Sound League
Regional Club League
Seattle Youth Soccer Association
South Sound United League
Washington Inland Soccer League
This SYSA Rules of Play chart reflects the current changes and is accurate:
Be sure to check the SYSA Rules & Regulations for a full explanation of all of our league rules.
