U9/U10 Retreat Line Rule
The Retreat Line is a tool that assists with the development of players, technically and as a team, tactically. The Retreat Line has been introduced around the country to allow younger players to learn and gain confidence in how to play the ball out from the back and forward to attack. The Retreat Line shall be marked a third (1/3) of the way from the goal line on each U9 & U10 Developmental and Recreational league field. When the ball goes out of play for a goal kick, the attacking players must back up to the Retreat Line. The players of the team taking the goal kick can position themselves anywhere on the pitch and any player may take the goal kick. The opposing team retreats to the middle third of the field and may not cross the Retreat Line until:
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The ball is touched by a player receiving the goal kick; or
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The ball leaves the field of play; or
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The ball is played directly into the middle third of the field.
If the defending team encroaches across the retreat line before a teammate receives a pass, the referee will stop the play and the goal kick will be retaken. If the opposing team repeatedly encroaches the retreat line, then an indirect free kick shall be awarded from the place where the offense occurred for not respecting the restart of play. However, if a team wants to play quickly, they can, and, if the goal kick is played before the opposing team players have moved behind the Retreat Line, the ball is considered live for all players. Clubs may mark the field with a dotted-line or place hash marks on the touch-line signifying the correct distance. If for whatever reason the field is not marked, teams must agree on the distance and place cones/markers down to signify the Retreat line. During the indoor season, we will use flags at the edge of the pitch as we do for the attacking line.
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