7 v 7 BUILD OUT LINE
The purpose of the Build Out Line (BOL) is to promote playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting. It also denotes where offside offences can be called.
MAKING OF THE BUILD OUT LINE
The BOL is equidistant from the penalty area line and the halfway line. It can be painted on the field or marked with flags or cones.
OFFSIDE
Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the BOL. Players can be penalized for an offside offense between the BOL and the goal line.
GOAL KICKS
Defenders/Opponents may not pass the BOL until the ball has left the penalty area. The ball is in play when it leaves the penalty area. Repeat the goal kick for an infraction.
BALL IN GOALKEEPERS HANDS AFTER A SAVE
- Opponents must retreat behind the BOL before they can pressure the ball/attacking team.
- The opponent must remain passive and cannot pressure the ball if they have not retreated beyond the BOL.
- If an opponent pressures the ball before retreating beyond the BOL, an IFK is awarded to the attacking team at the point of the infraction. Players that are not involved in the play are considered passive and need not be penalized.
- Goalkeepers must throw, roll or play with their feet to put the ball into play.
- Goalkeepers cannot punt or drop-kick the ball.
A. If a punt or drop-kick occurs the restart is an IFK at the point of the infraction.
B. If a punt or drop-kick occurs inside the goal area the IFK is taken at the penalty area line parallel with the goal line at the point where the infringement occurred.
- The goalkeeper has 6 seconds to release the ball. The count starts when the opponents have retreated behind the BOL. If a 6 second violation occurs an IFK is awarded to the opponent. See points A and B for placement of the ball. Referees are encouraged to be flexible in enforcement and verbal warnings are initially recommended.
