How do the Laws change for youth games?

The Laws of the Game 2026/27 let national associations such as Canada Soccer modify the following for youth, veterans, disability and grassroots football:

• size of the field of play
• size, weight and material of the ball
• width between the goalposts and height of the crossbar
• duration of the two equal halves (and of extra time)
• number of players
• use of return substitutes
• use of temporary dismissals (sin bins) for some or all cautions
• specific requirements for the captain's compulsory armband

For all levels, the number of substitutes in official competitions may be set up to five, except in youth football, where the maximum is determined by the national association. National associations also decide the age limits for youth and veterans football, and which lowest-level competitions count as grassroots.

Law 7 says the 45-minute halves may be reduced only if agreed between the referee and the two teams before the start and if the competition rules allow it.

For Canada Soccer's own referee rules: referees under 16 may officiate only in competitions for players under 16, and small-sided referees take a separate course for soccer played with fewer than 11 a side.

Sources: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Notes and modifications and Law 7 (https://www.theifab.com/laws-of-the-game-documents/); Canada Soccer Rules and Regulations, Regulations 19.2 and 19.7 (https://canadasoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CS_2025_RR_FINAL_EN-1.pdf).