UNITED SOCCER ASSOCIATION

BUILD OUT LINE RULE

2026-2027 Seasonal Year 
BUILD OUT LINE RULE
Build Out lines are mandatory per USSF for 7v7 play and promote playing out of the back in an unpressured 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 prior to a goal kick and may only cross the build out line once the ball has left the penalty area.
  • 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.