Western Bergen Soccer League

Buildout Line (Pioneer Division Only)

Last revised September 14, 2021

GOAL KICK or Offsides: When a team is awarded a goal kick or offsides, the defending team must retreat past the build out line (or 10 yards…the greater of the two) in a timely fashion. Once the ball is put into play (i.e., is kicked and clearly moves), the defending team may pressure the ball. The attacking team may choose to restart play before the defending team retreats to the build out line subject to any consequences of such action.

GOALKEEPER POSSESSION WITH HANDS: The same process that occurs with goal kicks (defending team retreats past the build out line) must also occur when the goalkeeper has possession of the ball in their hands. Once this occurs, the goalkeeper may distribute the ball by roll, throw, or kick from the ground. The defending team may pressure the ball once it is released from the keeper’s hands back into play. The goalkeeper may choose to distribute the ball before the defending team retreats to the build out line; when this occurs, the defending team may pressure immediately.

“REDO”: If the defensive team is judged to cross the build out line without attempting to retreat and before the ball is released by the goalie or any offensive player taking a goal kick or offsides re-start, the referee shall allow do-overs until the defensive team properly waits behind the build out line (or 10 yards, whichever is greater).  This is not applicable if the goalie releases the ball before the defensive team is given a chance to reset beyond the build out line.

OFFSIDES: The build out line acts as the half-way line for offsides. That is, an attacking team is never offsides in the case that a player is between the half and the attacking build out line.