New rules in Triple J Youth League to contribute to fun and development

[February 3, 2024 – Harmon, Guam] Matches in the Triple J Auto Group Robbie Webber Youth League will flow better and contribute more to player development following the application of a handful of new rules, as well as clarifications of rules and their enforcement, in various age divisions approved by the Guam Football Association Competitions and Technical Committees.

In the league’s Fall 2023 season, the implementation of the build-up line was introduced by the GFA Football Events Division in both the U6 and U8 Divisions. On both sides of the pitch, an additional line is painted across from one touchline to the other, essentially creating a space to “build up” play. Opposing teams must stay out of the build-up area to allow the attacking team to get the ball into the middle third of the pitch.

“The concept (of the build-up line) was factored in from assessment from the matches played throughout the youth league along with authentic feedback from our stakeholders,” said Ross Awa, GFA Technical Director. “We do not have a one solution fits all, but with the incorporation of the build-up line it allows our youth players to organically develop as footballers while having fun. Understanding the concept and benefits of the build-up line and how relatable it is to senior football will allow a better transition for the players and coaches in our youth recreational football leagues.

“As the players naturally progress, they must learn how to deal with all elements of the game; teammates, opponents, the officials (U8+ divisions), the Laws of the Game, the score etc. They must also learn to play as a team according to simplified guidelines when attacking (e.g. creating space, building up and creating scoring opportunities) and when defending (e.g. defending as a unit to regain the ball back),” Awa added.

For any infractions on the build-up line rule, an indirect free kick will be given to the attacking team where the ball was challenged in the build-up area. In the U6 Division, enforcement of the rule will be done by team coaches, while a referee will enforce rules in the U8 Division.

The U6 Division also will see the application of most of the new rules in the league. The major rule changes are:

• There are no throw-ins in the U6 Division: Throw-ins will be replaced by Kick-Ins
• There are no corner kicks in the U6 Division: If the defending team kicks the ball out past the goal line, it becomes the defending team’s goal kick

The kick-in rule, as well as the replacement of corner kicks with goal kicks, will help improve the flow of the game and make for quicker re-starts.

In the U10 Division, one of the major rule additions is the Goalkeeper Rotation Rule, which will allow teams that do not have a dedicated goalkeeper on its team to rotate players in and out of the specialized position on or around the ten-minute mark of each half. Team coaches will need to inform the match referee if they will be taking advantage of the Goalkeeper Rotation Rule or if the team has a dedicated goalkeeper and will not need to rotate field players in and out of the goalkeeper position.

In the U12 Division, a separate Competitive U12 Division and Developmental U12 Division will be featured. Clubs will decide if their U12 team will play in one or the other division.

For rules and regulations of all youth league divisions, as well as educational videos about the build-up line in both the U6 and U8 divisions, visit the official GFA Web site: https://guamfa.com/gfa-programs/all-leagues/youth/spring/rules-regulations-and-guidelines/

The 2024 Spring season of the Triple J Auto Group Robbie Webber Youth League will officially kick off Feb. 17 and will feature five age divisions: U6, U8, U10, U12, and U15. An all-girls division also is featured in the U6, U8, U10, and U15 age divisions.

In order to play in the youth league, players’ parents must contact one of the participating member clubs to register and also attend training sessions. A listing of participating clubs is available online at https://guamfa.com/gfa-programs/all-leagues/youth/spring/registration-form/

Once registered with a club, players’ parents will see all club fees, as well as GFA’s registration fee upon check out for payment. Players must be registered and have no outstanding balances to be placed on the team roster to play on game days. The entire registration process is done online via PowerUp Sports.