Pass-In/Dribble-In Addition to U10/11

In alignment with Canada Soccer’s Grassroots Standards, CMSA is adding a Pass-In as an acceptable restart option when the ball exits the field of play over a sideline.

The Pass-In/Dribble-In restart will work like this:

• IFAB Law 15 will be modified to a choice of either a Pass-In or Dribble-In. This modification will see players restart the game by either passing the ball directly to a teammate or dribbling the ball back into play. 
• The Pass-In/Dribble-In is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball passes over the touchline, on the ground or in the air. 
• The ball is to be placed on the touchline and stationary. 
• Play must be restarted in a maximum of four (4) seconds. 
• Failure to restart the game within four (4) seconds results in a change of possession. 
• The ball may not directly enter the opponent’s goal as this restart is indirect (same as a Throw-In). If a Pass-In/Dribble-In directly enters the opponent’s goal, the restart is a goal kick for the defending team. Should the ball not enter the field of play on a Pass-In/Dribble-In, the Pass-In/Dribble-In is to be retaken.
• All opponents are to be a minimum of three (3) metres from the restart location.
  • If, when a Pass-In/Dribble-In is taken and the opponent is closer than 3 meters to the ball, the restart is retaken unless an advantage can be applied, but if a player takes the restart quickly and the opponent is less than the required distance from the ball and intercepts it, the referee allows play to continue.

The addition of the Pass-In as a restart option for the U10 and U11 age groups. This restart option will see players improve in the following areas:

• Visual scanning to find appropriate teammates
• Recognition of verbal and non-verbal cues from teammates and opponents
• Making appropriate decisions when faced with a time constraint
• Ball striking and a variety of passing techniques
• Find and exploit opportunities based on cues from teammates and opponents
• The Pass-In intends to have play restarted quickly, while players make soccer decisions based on the cues and information presented to them. This will allow players to continue to hone soccer techniques and actions that are fundamental to their development and continued enjoyment of soccer. The Pass-In is NOT an opportunity for coaches to have a set-piece opportunity and kick the ball aimlessly down the field towards the opponent’s goal, hoping to take advantage of children’s lack of willingness to head the ball or capitalize on mistakes that young/developing children will make in these situations. Should this be the common use of the Pass-In, CMSA will continue to evaluate and modify the Laws of the Game if adults cannot operate within the developmental spirit of this Modified Law.

U10 - U11 Retreat Line to 1/3

With revisions to the Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards and feedback locally from coaches, Member Clubs, and Technical staff, CMSA is modifying the U10 and U11 Retreat Line to one-third of the pitch. This amendment will see the Retreat Line move from the halfway line to the one-third (18 meters) mark on the pitch. This modification was made in consultation with the CMSA Member Clubs at the June 2025 Club Connect. At this meeting, it was determined that coaches would bring cones to their matches and place them at the one-third mark (18 meters) of the pitch, on the half where their bench is. Referees will check the location of the Retreat Line before kick-off to ensure it is at the correct place.

Coaches are asked to ensure that the cones match in colour and are placed prior to kick-off. The cones will be used to denote the Retreat Line in the Indoor seasons, with a painted line being used in Outdoor seasons starting in 2026. CMSA cannot paint additional lines on the fields used for Indoor Seasons. Should CMSA be able to place lines on the Calgary Soccer Center Boarded fields, we will send out a communication denoting what these lines look like. 

A reminder that within the Modified Laws of the Game, the Retreat Line is explained:
The Retreat Line will come into effect in two (2) situations during the game: 

• A Goal Kick
• A Free Kick to the defending team within its own goal area 

At these two (2) restarts, the opposing team is required to move beyond the Retreat Line. The goalkeeper or player taking the goal kick or free kick can then pass the ball to one of their teammates without the pressure of an opposing player nearby. Once the ball is kicked or clearly moves, the opposition players may advance over the Retreat Line.

The Retreat Line in 7v7 will be at 18 metres (1/3 of the pitch) for U10/11. 

If a member of the opposing team comes inside the Retreat Line before the ball leaves the penalty area or a teammate touches the ball, or fails to drop behind the line, the referee will stop play, and the restart will be retaken from the original restart location.

Should a goalkeeper or player play the ball over the Retreat Line, the game continues as normal.