Youth Soccer Rules by Age Group
US Club Soccer / USSF / Washington Premier League — 2025–26 Season
Heading Restrictions (USSF Mandate)
| Age group | Games | Practice | Violation |
|---|---|---|---|
| U11 and younger | No heading | No heading | Indirect free kick (IFK) from the spot of the offense |
| U12 & U13 | No restriction | Max 30 min/week — ≤15–20 headers per player | No in-game enforcement; practice limit is coach responsibility |
| U14 and older | No restriction | No restriction | — |
No Re-Entry Protocol: any player removed for a suspected head injury may not return without healthcare professional clearance.
Universal WPL Rules — Competitive / League Play Only
US Club Soccer ID required for players, coaches, and staff participating in WPL league play. These roster and ID requirements do not apply to recreational play.
Roster and transfer rules: official rosters, transfer deadlines, and waiting periods apply to WPL teams only, not recreational formats.
Club Pass: max 3 per game in Classic/Copa divisions. This is a league-play rule for competitive teams.
Play up only — never down. Written WPL approval is required before registration for league teams wishing to play up.
Match-day posting rules such as host scheduling deadlines apply to WPL league matches and competitive administration.
Points and standings: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss in WPL play. Recreational programs do not use league point tracking or standings.
Sources: WPL League Rules (Oct 2024) · USSF Small-Sided Guidelines · US Club Soccer