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How Long Are LIJSL Soccer Games?

Understanding the duration of Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) matches is essential for coaches, players, and parents alike. Game length varies by age group to match players’ developmental stages and maintain safety, competitiveness, and enjoyment. Review LIJSL’s prescribed game durations—including regulation time, halftime intervals, and overtime procedures—so you know exactly what to expect at every age level.


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lijsl soccer game duration

LIJSL Age Groups & Game Durations

LIJSL organizes youth soccer divisions in ten age brackets, from Under‑9 (U9) through Under‑19 (U19). Each bracket has tailored match lengths to balance skill development and player stamina. Here’s the breakdown of age groups:

  • U9 & U10 (Birth years 2015–2017 and 2014–2016)

  • U11 & U12 (2013–2015 and 2012–2014)

  • U13 & U14 (2011–2013 and 2010–2012)

  • U15 & U16 (2009–2011 and 2008–2010)

  • U17 & U19 (2007–2009 and 2005–2008)


Regulation Time by Age Division

LIJSL’s Section III, Rule 1.3 specifies the length of regulation play for each division. All matches consist of two equal halves, with durations decreasing for younger players to ensure safety and enjoyment:

Age Division

Half Length

Total Regulation Time

U17 & U19

45 minutes

90 minutes

U15 & U16

40 minutes

80 minutes

U13 & U14

35 minutes

70 minutes

U11 & U12

30 minutes

60 minutes

U9 & U10

25 minutes

50 minutes

These adjustments help maintain a high tempo of play without overtaxing younger athletes.


Halftime Interval

Between the two halves, LIJSL mandates a five‑minute halftime for all age groups. This break allows teams to regroup, hydrate, and receive tactical feedback before resuming play .


Overtime & Golden Goal Procedures

In cup or playoff matches where a winner is required, LIJSL employs a Golden Goal overtime following a tied regulation:

  • U17 through U9 Divisions all follow this format, but with age‑appropriate half lengths:

    • U17 & U19, U15 & U16, U13 & U14: Two 7‑minute halves

    • U11 & U12, U9 & U10: Two 5‑minute halves

  • A five‑minute interval separates regulation and overtime periods.

  • The first team to score in overtime wins immediately, ending the match.

Penalty Kick Competitions

If the score remains tied after Golden Goal overtime, LIJSL advances to penalties to determine a winner:

  1. Eligible Kickers: Only players on the field at the end of overtime.

  2. Distance:

    • U9–U12 kick from 10 yards.

    • U13–U19 kick from 12 yards.

  3. Format: Best of five kicks alternately; sudden‑death thereafter until one team leads after both have taken an equal number of kicks.

This structure ensures fairness and excitement in deciding close matches .


Tips for Coaches & Teams

  1. Time Management: Assign someone to track official time or use a visible clock to avoid disputes.

  2. Substitution Planning: LIJSL allows unlimited substitutions; use halftime and natural breaks to rotate players and manage fatigue.

  3. Overtime Awareness: Remind players before full time that Golden Goal rules apply, so they understand sudden‑death stakes.

  4. Penalty Practice: Incorporate spot‑kick drills in training, especially for cup play where penalties may decide outcomes.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do all LIJSL matches use the same ball size?A1: No—U9–U12 use Size 4; U13 and above use Size 5, aligning with FIFA guidelines .

Q2: Can a team forfeit to avoid overtime?A2: No—overtime and penalties are mandatory in elimination rounds, per LIJSL rules. Forfeits incur fines and default scores.

Q3: Who enforces game timing and intervals?A3: The match referee tracks time, but coaches should verify and can request time checks at stoppages.

Q4: What happens if weather delays the game?A4: Cancellations and reschedules follow strict LIJSL protocols; see Section IV, Game Regulations, for detailed procedures .


Conclusion

Knowing the precise duration of LIJSL matches is crucial for effective coaching, player preparation, and game-day logistics. From U9’s 25‑minute halves to U19’s regulation‑length contests, LIJSL’s structured timings support developmentally appropriate play while ensuring competitive integrity. With clear rules on halftime, overtime, and penalties, teams can focus on performance—confident in the league’s framework for fair and enjoyable matches.

 
 
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