The Northern Illinois Soccer League (NISL) supports the US Soccer Player Development Initiative and agrees to assist in changing our soccer culture to prioritize the development of players ahead of team. The NISL has been established since 1975 and grown into one of the major youth leagues in the US, with over 13,000 players, with 150+ individual clubs, and is currently a member of US Club Soccer. The NISL, and its member clubs, has consistently developed players for college, professional, and national levels. Working together, the NISL hopes to continue to do that for many years to come with the support and execution at the local level. During the last 15 years, the NISL has played small-sided games and have included this matrix as an attachment for perusal and discussion (Please refer to small-side game attachments now, in order to follow along with the comments). At the core of our development there are a couple of statements we use: Winning easy makes players lazy. Constant losing demotivates. DESCRIPTION OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PLAYER A person who enjoys and plays a sport DEVELOPMENT Learning in stages COMMENTS ON SOME OF OUR DIFFERENCES PLAYING NUMBERS U7 & U8 NISL play 5 v 5 instead of 4 v 4 The NISL felt that children need to understand that a Goal Keeper is part of the game. This fifth person becomes a sweeper and part time GK and can be rotated easily without any detriment to the player s development. We agree with all of the playing numbers for other ages. PLAYTIME The NISL believes it is important that children learn early that soccer is a game of two halves not ¼, ⅓. The NISL clubs believe that game times should be determined by distance and time travelled, giving players more opportunity to play.
SUBSTITUTIONS Up to U12, players are permitted to substitute on the fly, making game fluent. ROSTER SIZES (MAX & MIN) Our roster sizes have been determined by economics versus playing time. FIELD SIZES These were determined by a 110 x 75 yards field and cut in half, quarter, and ⅛. We gave a variance on length and width so smaller fields could be accommodated easier by Park Districts that provide fields. All field sizes need flexibility in length and width to make it easier for clubs to accommodate the NISL requests. GOAL SIZES The NISL believes that goal sizes should be part of the stages of development (Goals grow as Field Sizes grow). Since beginning the Small-Sided games, all NISL clubs have persuaded soccer organizations and park districts to comply to the sizes we recommended, including the field marking. Even manufacturers adhere to the standard:
FALL BACK LINE With some of the level of development and some organizations, the NISL feels that players U10 and below need to have time before being closed down. Suggestion = No Tackling in opponent s half by the attacking team. Only interception and allowed pressure, but no contact. We look forward to a lively discussion with our DOC s and with their cooperation; we believe it can get done. The NISL believes that, based upon our playing formats, we should become a US Soccer-Sanctioned Competitive League. As a US Club member, we believe that clubs develop players and the league provides the environment to accomplish that. We have attachments for your perusal along with these comments to aid you with our thought process. The NISL awaits with interest your reply. Sincerely, Peter G. Richardson Northern Illinois Soccer League (NISL) President
YOUTH SOCCER PLAYING NUMBERS & SIZES U7 U8 U9 U10 U11 U12 U13 U14 11 vs 11 10 vs 10 9 vs 9 8 vs 8 7 vs 7 6 vs 6 5 vs 5 4 vs 4 Playing Numbers 5 vs 5 5 vs 5 7 vs 7 7 vs 7 9 vs 9 9 vs 9 11 vs 11 11 vs 11 4 vs 4 4 v 4 7 vs 7 7 vs 7 9 vs 9 9 vs 9 11 vs 11 11 vs 11 Playing Time 2 x 25 min 2 x 25 min 2 x 30 min 2 x 30 min 2 x 35 min 2 x 35 min 2 x 40 min 2 x 40 min 4 x 8 min 3 x 15 min 2 x 25 min 2 x 25 min 2 x 30 min 2 x 35 min 2 x 35 min 2 x 40 min Max Roster Size 10 10 12 12 14 14 18 18 Min Roster Size 5 5 7 7 9 9 11 11 Field Size - L 30-40 yds 30-40 yds 50-60 yds 50-60 yds 70-80 yds 70-80 yds 100-120 yds 100-120 yds x x x x x x x x Field Size - W 25-35 yds 25-35 yds 35-45 yds 35-45 yds 45-55 yds 45-55 yds 60-70 yds 60-70 yds + / - 5 yds 30 yds 30 yds 47 yds 47 yds 75 yds 75 yds 120 yds 120 yds x x x x x x x x 20 yds 20 yds 30 yds 30 yds 47 yds 47 yds 75 yds 75 yds Goal Size - H 4.5 ft 4.5 ft 6.5 ft 6.5 ft 6.5 ft 6.5 ft 8 ft 8 ft x x x x x x x x Goal Size - W 9 ft 9 ft 12 ft 12 ft 18 ft 18 ft 24 ft 24 ft 4 ft 4 ft 6.5 ft 6.5 ft 6.5 ft 6.5 ft 8 ft 8 ft x x x x x x x x 6 ft 6 ft 18 ft 18 ft 18 ft 18 ft 24 ft 24 ft Penalty Area 6 yds 6 yds 10 yds 10 yds 14 yds 14 yds 18 yds 18 yds Distance From Ball 4 yds 4 yds 6 yds 6 yds 8 yds 8 yds 10 yds 10 yds Ball Size 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 Substitution FLY FLY FLY FLY FLY FLY REG REG Offsides NO NO YES YES YES YES YES YES Kicks D D I & D I & D I & D I & D I & D I & D Penalty NO NO YES YES YES YES YES YES Red Cards (Players) NO NO NO NO YES YES YES YES US Soccer Recomendations
NISL RULES OF PLAY Player development, as well as administrative and economic concerns, have all been taken into consideration regarding the new playing standards. NOTE: Penalty areas for every age group are the measurements from the base of the goalpost towards the sidelines and the base of the goal post out into the field of play. Also note that player distances from the ball refer to Kick-offs and direct kicks. Level 1 Standards (U7 & U8 Groups) Playing Numbers: 5 vs 5 Playing Time: 2 x 25-minute halves Game Roster Size: Maximum of 10 players Minimum of 5 players Field Size: 30-40 yards long x 25-35 yards wide Goal Size: 4.5 feet high x 9 feet wide Penalty Area: 6 yards Player Distance from Ball: 4 yards Level 2 Standards (U9 & U10 Groups) Playing Numbers: 7 vs 7 Playing Time: 2 x 30-minute halves Game Roster Size: Maximum of 12 players Minimum of 7 players Field Size: 50-60 yards long x 35-45 yards wide Goal Size: 6.5 feet high x 12 feet wide Penalty Area: 10 yards Player Distance from Ball: 6 yards Level 3 Standards (U11 & U12 Groups) Playing Numbers: 9 vs 9 Playing Time: 2 x 35-minute halves Game Roster Size: Maximum of 14 players Minimum of 9 players Field Size: 70-80 yards long x 45-55 yards wide Goal Size: 6.5 feet high x 18 feet wide (7 feet x 21 feet is acceptable) Penalty Area: 14 yards Player Distance from the Ball: 8 yards Level 4 Standards ( U13 & above Groups) Playing Numbers: 11 vs 11 Playing Time: 2 x 40-minute halves (U13, U14, U15, & U16) 2 x 45-minute halves (U17, U18, & U19) Game Roster Size: Maximum of 18 players Minimum of 11 players Field Size: 100-120 yards long x 60-70 yards wide Goal Size: 8 feet high x 24 feet wide Penalty Area: 18 yards Player Distance from Ball: 10 yards
Ball Sizes Ball sizes will not follow the direct level of the charts. They will be secured as follows: Size 3: U7 & U8 Size 4: U9, U10, U11, & U12 Size 5: U13 & above Substitutions A. U7 through U12 (9v9) Age Group (Excluding Premiership & Championship) In all games played in the N.I.S.L. U7 through U11 age group, substitution will be allowed as follows: 1. Substitution shall be limited to a maximum of three players per substitution. 2. Players who have been substituted for may re-enter the game. 3. U10 Leagues and below for exuberant players, the referee should escort the player to the bench for a 5 minute time out penalty. This player may be substituted. 4. U11 & U12. Substitution is not allowed for players ejected from the game. 5. Substitution can be made without the consent of the referee under the following circumstances: A. The player being substituted for must have left the field of play at the touchline directly in front of his team s technical area. B. Each player must identify whom he or she is substituting for. (High five, hand shake, or hug) Failure to follow the above procedures could result in referee awarding a five-minute penalty against the offending team. (Play short) Technical area is the area directly in front of the team s bench. B. U12 through U19 Premiership & Championship Age Group In all games played in the N.I.S.L. U12 through U 19 age group substitution will be allowed as follows: 1. Substitution shall be unlimited. 2. Players who have been substituted for may re-enter the game. 3. Substitution is not allowed for players ejected from the game. 4. Substitution can be made with the consent of the referee at the following times: A. Prior to a throw in by the team who has possession B. Prior to a goal kick by either team C. After a goal by either team D. After an injury on either team- when referee stops the play E. After a caution by offending team- when referee stops the play F. At half-time N.B. Substitution is not permitted prior to a corner kick by either team. Offside There are no offside for U7 and U8. Kicks Every kick is direct at U7 & U8 age groups. Penalty Kicks There are no penalty kicks for U7 & U8 age groups. All kicks must be outside the area and must be direct. Red Cards No red cards are used for U7, U8, U9 and U10 Leagues. There is, however, a time-out for exuberant players. U11 Leagues and above, players can be red carded and ejected from a game. (Before, During or After) Matters not Provided For There are no throw-ins for Level 1. Kick-ins are permitted.
LEVEL 1 10 yrds Build Out Lines 4 yrds radius 25-35 yrds 4 yrds 6 yrds 15 yrds 30-40 yrds Goal Size - 4.5 ft High X 9 ft Wide LEVEL 2 12 yrds 35-45 yrds 6 yrds 6 yrds 4 yrds Build Out Lines 6 yrds radius 8 yrds 8 yrds 14 yrds 16 yrds 50-60 yrds Goal Size - 6.5 ft High X 12 ft Wide
LEVEL 3 14 yrds 45-55 yrds 6 yrds 8 yrds 8 yrds radius 10 yrds 10 yrds 17.5 yrds 70-80 yrds Goal Size - 6.5 ft High X 18 ft Wide LEVEL 4 18 yrds 60-70 yrds 6 yrds 10 yrds 10 yrds radius 12 yrds 10 yrds 22 yrds 100-120 yrds Goal Size - 8 ft High X 24 ft Wide
DEVELOPMENT PYRAMID 1. Chicago National Premier League 2. Chicago Premier League 3. Chicago Championship League 4. Platinum Division 5. Gold Divsion 6. Silver Division 7. Bronze Division 8. Red Division 9. White Divsion 10. Blue Division 11. Green Division 12. Orange Division
NISL AGE CUT-OFF FOR 2016 -`17 SEASON JAN 1997 FEB 1997 MAR 1997 APR 1997 MAY 1997 JUN 1997 1997 / 1 JUL 1997 AUG 1997 SEP 1997 OCT 1997 NOV 1997 DEC 1997 1997 / 2 JAN 1998 FEB 1998 MAR 1998 APR 1998 MAY 1998 JUN 1998 1998 / 1 JUL 1998 AUG 1998 SEP 1998 OCT 1998 NOV 1998 DEC 1998 1998 / 2 JAN 1999 FEB 1999 MAR 1999 APR 1999 MAY 1999 JUN 1999 1999 / 1 JUL 1999 AUG 1999 SEP 1999 OCT 1999 NOV 1999 DEC 1999 1999 / 2 JAN 2000 FEB 2000 MAR 2000 APR 2000 MAY 2000 JUN 2000 2000 / 1 JUL 2000 AUG 2000 SEP 2000 OCT 2000 NOV 2000 DEC 2000 2000 / 2 JAN 2001 FEB 2001 MAR 2001 APR 2001 MAY 2001 JUN 2001 2001 / 1 JUL 2001 AUG 2001 SEP 2001 OCT 2001 NOV 2001 DEC 2001 2001 / 2 JAN 2002 FEB 2002 MAR 2002 APR 2002 MAY 2002 JUN 2002 2002 / 1 JUL 2002 AUG 2002 SEP 2002 OCT 2002 NOV 2002 DEC 2002 2002 / 2 JAN 2003 FEB 2003 MAR 2003 APR 2003 MAY 2003 JUN 2003 2003 / 1 JUL 2003 AUG 2003 SEP 2003 OCT 2003 NOV 2003 DEC 2003 2003 / 2 JAN 2004 FEB 2004 MAR 2004 APR 2004 MAY 2004 JUN 2004 2004 / 1 JUL 2004 AUG 2004 SEP 2004 OCT 2004 NOV 2004 DEC 2004 2004 / 2 JAN 2005 FEB 2005 MAR 2005 APR 2005 MAY 2005 JUN 2005 2005 / 1 JUL 2005 AUG 2005 SEP 2005 OCT 2005 NOV 2005 DEC 2005 2005 / 2 JAN 2006 FEB 2006 MAR 2006 APR 2006 MAY 2006 JUN 2006 2006 / 1 JUL 2006 AUG 2006 SEP 2006 OCT 2006 NOV 2006 DEC 2006 2006 / 2 JAN 2007 FEB 2007 MAR 2007 APR 2007 MAY 2007 JUN 2007 2007 / 1 JUL 2007 AUG 2007 SEP 2007 OCT 2007 NOV 2007 DEC 2007 2007 / 2 JAN 2008 FEB 2008 MAR 2008 APR 2008 MAY 2008 JUN 2008 2008 / 1 JUL 2008 AUG 2008 SEP 2008 OCT 2008 NOV 2008 DEC 2008 2008 / 2 JAN 2009 FEB 2009 MAR 2009 APR 2009 MAY 2009 JUN 2009 2009 / 1 JUL 2009 AUG 2009 SEP 2009 OCT 2009 NOV 2009 DEC 2009 2009 / 2 U18 U17 U16 U15 U14 U13 U12 U11 U10 U09 U08 U07 97-2 98-2 99-2 00-2 01-2 02-2 03-2 04-2 05-2 06-2 07-2 08-2