Note: U8 Coaches/Referees: Please be aware of the
Goal-kick guidelines.
A. THE FIELD
Dimensions: Maximum 50 yards long and 30 yards wide (50 yds x
30 yds)
Halfway line the width of the field, marked equidistant between
the goal lines
Center circle with a six yard radius in the center of the field
Corner arcs with a one yard radius at each corner of the field
Goal "Penalty" area
in front of each goal measuring six yards by 12 yards (6 yds
x 12 yds)
- Only the goalkeeper is allowed to use his/her hands in this "penalty" area.
There is no smaller
goal area.
Goals: Maximum 6 feet high by 6 yards wide (6 ft x
6yds)
B. THE BALL
Size three (3)
C. NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Maximum number of players PER TEAM on the field at any time: five
(5); one of whom may be a goalkeeper
Maximum number of players PER TEAM on roster: thirteen (13)
(Two teams are split and play on two side-by-side fields at the same time)
Substitutions: Between quarters and at halftime Notes:
- Split teams should be evenly balanced. Do not make an "A" and
a "B" team
- Each week players should play with different teammates
Goalies should rotate each quarter
Playing time: Minimum of 75% of the total playing time for each
player, if possible. No one should play four periods until everyone
has played three periods
D. PLAYER'S EQUIPMENT:
Shinguards: MANDATORY for practices and games
Footwear: Soccer shoes or tennis shoes
Each player will be given their own jersey, shorts, and socks
E. REFEREE:
The referee can be either a:
registered referee
youth referee
coach
Referees should emphasize:
fun
fairness
safety
learning
NOTE: Referees should briefly explain any infringements to
the player(s) and help players with instructions.
- All referees must be registered AYSO volunteers.
- Referee decisions are final and must not be questioned by coaches
F. DURATION OF GAME
Four 10-minute periods, if necessary for substitutions or water
break
Two minutes between quarters
One 5 to 10 minute half time
G. THE START OF PLAY
The game should be started with a indirect free kick ("kickoff")
in the middle of the field.
The coaches should determine which team starts the game and the
opposing team should start the second half.
The referee will ensure that opponents are at least six (6) yards
from the spot of the free kick.
H. BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY
No change from regular play. See Throw-in, Goal kick and Corner
Kick for special circumstances
N. THROW-IN
In the Under-8 division, throw-ins are introduced. A second throw-in
should be allowed if the player commits a foul on the initial attempt.
The referee should explain the proper method before allowing the
player to re-throw
O. GOAL KICK
All goal kicks are direct kicks.
The goal kick may be taken from any point inside
their Penalty Area ("large box").
The referee will ensure that opponents are
at least ten (10) yards from the edge of the Penalty Area ("large
box"). Important: The goal kick should not be taken
until the referee enforces this.
The ball must go outside the large Penalty
Area before a player on either team can kick the ball.
Coaching/Referee Tips for
a goal kick:
- First, on a goal kick, guide the opposing team back towards the center
of the field near the center circle (about 10 yards back from the Penalty
Area). The kicking team can position themselves where ever they want.
- Have the kicking player place the ball anywhere on the ground within
the Penalty Area (preferably "near" one of the corners of the
penalty area furthest from their goal) .
- Have the kicking player attempt to pass the ball to one of the open teammates
who has moved toward a sideline to receive the pass.
- Remind the kicker to pass to his/her open teammates, not to the opposing
teams.
- If needed, remind the opposing players that they can only try for the
ball after the goalkick is taken. It's almost like a "free" kick.
- For each goal-kick, have a different player (including the goalkeeper)
take it, so everybody gets a chance.
P. CORNER KICK
In the Under-8 division, corner-kicks are introduced.
All corner kicks are indirect kicks,
Opponents must be eight (8) yards from the ball.
I. METHOD OF SCORING
No change from regular play.
Scores are not kept.
If a goal is scored, players should be brought back to their
half, and the ball shall be placed at the center spot. The game
shall continue with a free kick from the team that was scored upon.
The referee will ensure that opponents are at least six (6) yards
from the spot of the kick
K. FOULS & MISCONDUCT
Indirect free kick for all fouls, with the opponents six (6)
yards away
Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches and eliminate
the need for cautions and send-offs. Do not show yellow or red
cards.
Referee should briefly explain infractions.
If necessary, the referee should stop the game when any player
has fallen on or near the ball and is in danger of being kicked.
The quick restart will be a dropped ball.
All fouls are indirect free kicks, with the opponents six (6)
yards away
Indirect free kicks awarded the attacking team inside the defending
team's goal area should be taken from the nearest point on the
goal area line in front of the goal.
M. PENALTY KICKS
There are no penalty kicks in the Under-8 division
J. OFFSIDE
There is no offside in the Under-8 division
AYSO RECOMMENDATIONS
Both coaches should work together, not as opponents, to keep
the game flowing freely and to help teach the children (and parents)
the basics of the game
Parents should encourage players, but not coach or instruct during
game time
Parents, coaches, and players from both teams exchange handshakes
before and/or after each game
Region standings are not recorded
Game scores are not recorded
All players receive participation awards
No individual should be allowed to run the length of the field
except participants of the game
Parents and coaches should encourage players from both teams,
but not coach or instruct during game time
Spectators are not allowed behind either goal or within three
(3) yards outside the touchline
Spectators are not allowed on the field during game play.
