Build Out Line (New Rule for Spring 2024)
What is the build out line?
Build out lines are lines that are halfway between the top of the penalty area and the midline, where the opponent must retreat to when the GK is in possession of a live ball or a goal kick is awarded. Once the ball is played by the goalkeeper the opposing players can rush back in over the build out line. These lines were created to help players learn how to build the ball out of the back instead of kicking it long.Situations for the build out line
There are 2 situations when the opposing team must retreat behind the build out line.
- The goalie saves the ball. After the goalie saves the ball, the other team must retreat to the build out line. The goalie can then use their hands to pass to a teammate. If they wish, they can throw the ball past the build out line in the air. The goalie can also put the ball on the ground to kick it. If they choose to do this, once the goalie puts the ball on the ground, the ball is “live” and the opposing team can cross the line. The ball can be kicked beyond the build out line. Goalies can NOT punt or drop kick the ball. The Goalie can choose to play the ball before the other team fully retreats, but does so at their own risk. The defending team can cross the build out line as soon as the ball is put into play.
- On a goal kick. On a goal kick, a player from the defending team plays the ball with their feet. The opposing team must retreat behind the build out line before a goal kick. The opposing team can cross the build out line as soon as the ball is put into play. For the ball to be considered in play it must have been kicked by the possessing team and clearly moved. The possessing team can play the ball before the other team has fully retreated, but does so at their own risk.
Offsides:
- For U7 & U8, offsides will only be called when a player is "cherry picking" inside of the box.
- For U9 & U10, we will now call offsides starting at the build out line.
For Spring 2024:
We understand that this new policy will take time to learn. For this reason, we will allow "do-overs" when teams accidentally violate the build out line rules. However, in U9 & U10 we will begin to award indirect free kicks for violations of the rule in our PLAYOFF games. Please work during the season to understand the rule and implement it correctly.