Derry Hawks Information

Rules by Age Group

Official Rules: The Hawks program conforms to the game rules under the USYSA.

U8 - Division
(4 v 4 format with no goalie. Goals is to promote as many player touches on the ball as possible in a game environment.)

Game times - Four twelve minute quarters with a five minute half time
Dress Code - No earrings/jewelry are allowed on the playing field. Medical or religious bracelets/necklaces are the only exception and these must be taped down.
Play time – Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of the game. No exceptions.
Ball Size – 3
Goal Nets – Cones or pop-up nets are to be used
Corner Flags – No flag posts at this level
Players on the field – Each team shall be permitted to have 4 players on the field at one time.
Goal Keepers – There are no goalkeepers at this level. This age group plays with fewer players on the field at one time and all players should chase the ball around the field.
Substitutions – At any stoppage of play and unlimited
Throw ins – Players have one do over for a throw-in violation. At this level we are trying to teach players how to execute a proper throw in. After second violation the opposing team is awarded a throw in. All players must be at least 4 yards from ball until it is in play.
Offside’s – No offside’s called at this level
Goal Kicks and direct/indirect kicks – players on the non-kicking team will be required to start in their own half on any goal kicks or direct/indirect kicks.
Corner Kicks – Opposing players must be at least 8 yards from the ball until the ball is in played by the kicking team.
Penalty Kicks – There are no penalty kicks awarded at this level

U10 - Division
(6 v 6 format. Five players and a goalie.)

Game times - Two twenty-five minute halves with a five minute half time
Dress Code - No earrings/jewelry are allowed on the playing field. Medical or religious bracelets/necklaces are the only exception and these must be taped down.
Play time – Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of the game. No exceptions.
Ball Size – 4
Goal Nets – U10 goals are to be used
Corner Flags – Corner Flags are used at this level
Players on the field – Six-a-side games and now includes the goalkeeper.
Substitutions – At any stoppage of play and unlimited
Throw ins – with one do over permitted. At this level we are trying to teach players how to execute a proper throw in. Opposing players must be at least 4 yards from ball until it is in play.
Offside’s – No offside’s called at this level
Goal Kicks and direct/indirect kicks – players on the non-kicking team will be required to start in their own half on any goal kicks or direct/indirect kicks.
Corner Kicks – Opposing players must be at least 8 yards from the ball until the ball is in played by the kicking team.
Penalty Kicks – Ball is placed at least 8 yards from the goal until the ball is played by the kicking team.

U12 - Division
(8 v 8 format. Seven players and a goalie.)

Game times – Two twenty-five minute halves with a five minute half time
Dress Code - No earrings/jewelry are allowed on the playing field. Medical or religious bracelets/necklaces are the only exception and these must be taped down.
Play time – Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of the game. No exceptions.
Ball Size – 5
Goal Nets – U12 goals are to be used
Corner Flags – Corner Flags are used at this level
Players on the field – Eight-a-side games and includes the goalkeeper.
Substitutions – At any stoppage of play and unlimited
Throw ins – At this level each player should be able to properly execute a throw in. Violation will result in the other team being awarded a throw-in at the same spot.
Offside’s –Offside’s “is” called at this level. Note: An off sides offense is called when the offensive team plays a ball to an offensive player that is behind the last defensive player (not including the goalie). Offensive players can not have “any” part of heir body (i.e. arms, hands, legs, etc.) behind the last defender at the time the ball is played to them. Once the ball is played, and offensive player may move to collect the ball behind the last defender.
Goal Kicks – All players must be outside the penalty. The ball can not be touched inside the penalty area with the exception of the player playing the ball.
Goal Kicks and direct/indirect kicks – Opposing players must be at least 8 yards from the ball.

U14 - Division
(8 v 8 format. Seven players and a goalie.)

Game times – Two thirty minute halves with a five minute half time
Dress Code - No earrings/jewelry are allowed on the playing field. Medical or religious bracelets/necklaces are the only exception and these must be taped down.
Play time – Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of the game. No exceptions.
Ball Size – 5
Goal Nets – 8 v 8 goals are to be used
Corner Flags – Corner Flags are used at this level
Players on the field – Eight-a-side games and includes the goalkeeper.
Substitutions – Own team throw ins and goal kicks
Throw ins – At this level each player should be able to properly execute a throw in. Violation will result in the opposing team being awarded a throw-in at the same spot.
Offside’s –Offside’s “is” called at this level. Note: An off sides offense is called when the offensive team plays a ball to an offensive player that is behind the last defensive player (not including the goalie). Offensive players can not have “any” part of heir body (i.e. arms, hands, legs, etc.) behind the last defender at the time the ball is played to them. Once the ball is played, and offensive player may move to collect the ball behind the last defender.
Goal Kicks – All players must be outside the penalty. The ball can not be touched inside the penalty area with the exception of the player playing the ball.
Goal Kicks and direct/indirect kicks – Opposing players must be at least 8 yards from the ball.
Corner Kicks – Opposing players must be at least 8 yards from the ball until the ball is in played by the kicking team.
Penalty Kicks – Ball is placed at least 10 yards from the goal and all other players must be at least 8 yards from the ball until the ball is played by the kicking team.

U16 - Division
(11 v 11 format. Ten players and a goalie. )

Game times – Two forty minute halves with a five minute half time
Dress Code - No earrings/jewelry are allowed on the playing field. Medical or religious bracelets/necklaces are the only exception and these must be taped down.
Play time – Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of the game. No exceptions.
Ball Size – 5
Goal Nets – 11 v 11 goals are to be used
Corner Flags – Corner Flags are used at this level
Players on the field – Eleven-a-side games and includes the goalkeeper.
Substitutions – Own team throw ins and goal kicks
Throw ins – At this level each player should be able to properly execute a throw in. Violation will result in the opposing team being awarded a throw-in at the same spot.
Offside’s –Offside’s “is” called at this level. Note: An off sides offense is called when the offensive team plays a ball to an offensive player that is behind the last defensive player (not including the goalie). Offensive players can not have “any” part of heir body (i.e. arms, hands, legs, etc.) behind the last defender at the time the ball is played to them. Once the ball is played, and offensive player may move to collect the ball behind the last defender.
Goal Kicks – All players must be outside the penalty. The ball can not be touched inside the penalty area with the exception of the player playing the ball.
Goal Kicks and direct/indirect kicks – Opposing players must be at least 10 yards from the ball.
Corner Kicks – Opposing players must be at least 10 yards from the ball until the ball is in played by the kicking team.
Penalty Kicks – Ball is placed at least 10 yards from the goal and all other players must be at least 10 yards from the ball until the ball is played by the kicking team.