What Is the Build Out Line and Why Do We Use It In u8/9?

You can quickly find the full definition of the Build Out Line in our Laws of the Game here: https://westunitedsoccer.org/policies/west-united-youth-soccer-laws-of-the-game/#Build_Out_Line

Intent

Encourage development of the youth players by promoting playing out of the back in a less pressured setting.

Rules During Play

  1. When the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands during play from the opponent, the opposing team must move behind the build out line until the ball is put into play.
  2. Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw, or roll the ball into play (punts and drop kicks are not allowed) or can dribble the ball with the feet. All such actions put the ball into play.
  3. After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build out line and play resumes as normal.
  4. If a goalkeeper picks up the ball after the goalkeeper has put the ball into play, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.
  5. If a goalkeeper punts or dropkicks the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.
  6. If the punt or dropkick occurs within the goal area (not penalty area), the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.

How Can I Help Make the Build Out Line Effective

  • Ideally, the goalkeeper will wait to put the ball into play once all opponents are beyond the build out line.
  • The goalkeeper can put the ball into play sooner, but he or she does so accepting that the ball is in play with the positioning of the opponents at that time.
  • To support the intent of the development rule, coaches and referees should be mindful of any intentional delays being caused by opponents not retreating in a timely manner or encroaching over the build out line prior to the ball being put into play.
  • To support the intent of the development rule, coaches should be mindful of intentionally lining up their attacking players on the line and having them sprint to the ball.
  • Coaches are responsible for addressing these types of issues with their players.
  • Referees can manage the situation with misconduct if deemed appropriate. Referees can remind attacking players to move beyond the buildout line.
  • Referees should be flexible when enforcing the 6-second rule and counting the time of possession should only begin when all opponents have moved behind the build out line.