7 V 7
Build Out Line
The build out line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting
When the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands during play from the opponent, the opposing team must move behind the build out line until the ball is put into play
Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball into play (punts and drop kicks are not allowed)
After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build out line and play resumes as normal
The opposing team must also move behind the build out line during a goal kick until the ball is put into play
If a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense
If the punt or drop kick occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred
The build out line will also be used to denote where offside offenses can be called
Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build out line
Players can be penalized for an offside offense between the build out line and goal line
Ideally, the goalkeeper will wait to put the ball into play once all opponents are past the build out line
However, the goalkeeper can put the ball into play sooner but he or she does so accepting the positioning of the opponents and the consequences of how play resumes
To support the intent of the development rule, coaches and referees should be mindful of any intentional delays being caused by opponents not retreating in a timely manner or encroaching over the build out line prior to the ball being put into play
Coaches are responsible for addressing these types of issues with their players
Referees can manage the situation with misconduct if deemed appropriate
Referees should be flexible when enforcing the 6 second rule and counting the time of possession should only begin when all opponents have moved behind the build out line
Modified Laws of the Game
Law 1 – Field of Play