Field Setup & Equipment

General Field Requirements

Fields must be properly lined and safe for play.
Field size, goal measurements, and markings must meet CJSL age group standards.
Goals must be age-appropriate and properly secured.
Home clubs are responsible for making sure the field is ready before kickoff.

Allowed Field Equipment

Cones may be used for corner flags when necessary.
Flat vinyl markers may be used for sidelines, goal boxes, and temporary field markings.
Temporary markings must be clear enough for the referee, players, and coaches.
All equipment must be safe and not create a hazard for players.

Home clubs must ensure the field is safe, properly marked, and free from public encroachment before the match begins.

Bownet Style Goals

4v4 Developmental Games

Clubs are allowed to use Bownet style goals for 4v4 Developmental Games.

Approved 4v4 Bownet style goal size: 4x6.
Goals must be properly positioned and safe for play.
Goals must be secured or weighted when needed to prevent movement or tipping.

Regular CJSL Travel Games

CJSL uses and allows Bownet style goals for regular travel games in all sizes, as long as the goals meet the required minimum and maximum standards for the age group.

7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 goals must match the approved age group goal size range.
Goals must be safe, stable, and appropriate for the level of play.
The referee may not allow play to begin if goals are unsafe or do not meet the age group standard.

Team & Spectator Setup

CJSL field setup diagram: teams and coaches on one side, parents and spectators on the opposite side. No spectators are permitted behind the goals.

Sideline Standards

Both teams must be on the same side of the field.
Spectators must remain on the opposite side of the field.
No parents or spectators are allowed behind either goal.
Both clubs are responsible for the conduct of their players, coaches, and spectators.
The referee may delay or stop the match if sideline behavior or field setup creates a safety or game management issue.

Build-Out Lines

Build-Out Line Guidance

Build-out lines apply to 7v7 play. These lines support proper player development by encouraging teams to play out of the back.

Build-out lines may be marked with field paint, flat markers, cones, or other safe temporary indicators.
The lines must be visible to the referee, coaches, and players.
Coaches should review the build-out line expectations with their players before the match.
The home club is responsible for ensuring the field is properly prepared.

Build-Out Line

7v7 Small-Sided Field

Example build-out line layout for 7v7 play. Lines should be clear, safe, and easy for the referee and teams to identify.

4v4 Developmental Field Setup

4v4 Developmental Field

4v4 field image example: simple field layout with clear touchlines, goal areas, and 4x6 Bownet style goals.

4v4 Field Expectations

2 (40x20) Fields should be clearly marked using paint, cones, or flat field markers.
4v4 games may use Bownet style goals sized 4x6.
Goals must be safely positioned and secured when needed.
The playing area must be free of hazards, equipment, and public interference.
Parents and spectators should remain away from the team area and should not stand behind goals.
Host clubs must make sure fields are ready before the first scheduled match.

Age Group Standards of Play

Age Group	Format	Roster Max / Min	Min to Play	Ball	Rules	Duration	Goal Size	Field Size / USSF Max Field Dimensions
U7–U8	4v4	—	—	3	AED: YES Heading: NO Build Out: NO	20 mins	4x6 Bownet Style Goal	Field: 40 x 20
U8–U9–U10	7v7	14 max / 5 min	5	4	AED: YES Heading: NO Build Out: YES	2 x 25 min	6x12 – 6x18	USSF Recommended – Max: 55–65 length x 35–45 width
U11	9v9	16 max / 6 min	6	4	AED: YES Heading: NO Build Out: NO	2 x 30 min	6x18 – 7x21	USSF Recommended – Max: 70–80 length x 45–55 width
U12	9v9	16 max / 6 min	6	4	AED: YES Heading: YES Build Out: NO	2 x 30 min	6x18 – 7x21	USSF Recommended – Max: 70–80 length x 45–55 width
U13 9v9	9v9	16 max / 6 min	6	5	AED: YES Heading: YES Build Out: NO	2 x 35 min	6x18 – 7x21	USSF Recommended – Max: 70–80 length x 45–55 width
U13 11v11	11v11	18 max / 7 min	7	5	AED: YES Heading: YES Build Out: NO	2 x 35 min	8x24	USSF Recommended – Regulation Field
U14	11v11	18 max / 7 min	7	5	AED: YES Heading: YES Build Out: NO	2 x 35 min	8x24	USSF Recommended – Regulation Field
U15–U16	11v11	18 max / 7 min	7	5	AED: YES Heading: YES Build Out: NO	2 x 40 min	8x24	USSF Recommended – Regulation Field
U17–U18–U19	11v11	18 max / 7 min	7	5	AED: YES Heading: YES Build Out: NO	2 x 45 min	8x24	USSF Recommended – Regulation Field

Note: Clubs must schedule fields large enough to meet minimum dimensions and must use goals that fall within the approved minimum and maximum standards for the age group.

Quick Reference

Item	CJSL Expectation
Field Markings	Clear, complete, and visible before kickoff.
Goals	Age-appropriate, safe, and properly secured.
4v4 Goals	Bownet style goals are allowed. Standard size: 4x6.
Travel Goals	Bownet style goals are allowed in all sizes as long as they meet the minimum and maximum standards for the age group.
Corner Flags	Cones may be used when corner flags are not available.
Temporary Lines	Flat vinyl markers, cones, or safe temporary markings may be used.
Team Areas	Both teams on the same side of the field.
Spectators	Opposite side from teams. No spectators behind goals.
Build-Out Lines	Required for 7v7 play and must be clearly marked or identified.

CJSL Game Guidelines CJSL Rules & Regulations AED Compliance