U7/8 Playing Rules

Law I-The Field:

Dimensions: The field of play shall be rectangular 25 Yards by 35 Yards.

Markings: Distinctive lines not more than (5) inches wide. A halfway line shall be marked out across the field. A center circle with a five (5) yard radius.

Four corner arcs each with a two (2) foot radius.

Goal area: Ten (10) feet Wide and five (5) feet into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.

Penalty Area: None

Goals: The size of goals will be 4 x 6 feet.

Law II-The Ball:

Size three (3)

Law III-Number of Players:

Maximum number of players on the field at any one time is four (4), there is no Goalkeeper.

However – If a team is up by 5 goals, the opposing team is allowed to add an additional player on the field of play (making it 4v3).  If the goal difference goes below 5, then they have to remove the player.  If a team is up by 10 goals, the opposing team is allowed to add another player (making it 5v3).  If the goal difference goes below 10, then they have to remove the player (back down to 4v3).  

Maximum number of players on the roster should not exceed eight (8) players.

Substitutions: Anytime ball is out of play with the permission of the Referee.

Playing time: Each player should play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time

Law IV-Players Equipment:

Players may not wear any item of equipment that may be dangerous to themselves or others. Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes are recommended.

Shinguards are mandatory.

Ear rings, necklaces, wrist bracelets and “hard” hair barrettes are examples of jewelry that should be removed.

Law V-The Referee:

Two (2) official licensed referees will be assigned to each field.

Their job is to keep the playing environment FUN, SAFE and focused on the child.

Duties are: keep time, enforce the rules, stop and restart play. When you stop play for a foul or other reason, take the time to explain to the players WHY! This is their first experience with soccer and the best time to educate.

Law VI- Assistant Referee:

Not used at the U7/8 Level.

Law VII-Duration of the Game:

The game shall be divided into four (4) equal, ten (10) minute quarters.

There shall be a half-time break not to exceed five (5) minutes.

Breaks between first and second quarter AND third and fourth quarters shall not exceed two (2) minutes.

Law VIII-The Start of Play:

Conform to FIFA, with the following exception: Opponent must be five (5) yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

Double touches are enforced by a retake of the kick.  Team does not loose possession.

Law IX-Ball In and Out of Play:

Conform to FIFA: Ball must completely cross over goal line to be out of play.  

Law X-Method of Scoring:

Conform to FIFA: Ball must completely cross over goal line and between posts and beneath crossbar to be a goal.

Law XI-Off-Side:

There is no offside.

Law XII-Fouls and Misconduct:

Conform to FIFA with the following exception: All fouls shall result in an indirect free kick with opponent five (5) yards away. The referee must explain ALL infractions to offending player.

There is no deliberate heading of the ball an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

Slide tackles are not allowed an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

Law XIII-Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the following exception: All free kicks will be indirect.

Opponents must be five (5) yards away

Law XIV-Penalty Kicks: There are no Penalty Kicks.

Law XV-Throw-In:

Replaced by a Kick-in. Awarded when ball completely crosses sideline.

Kick-in is considered as an indirect free kick with the opponent five (5) yards away from the ball.

Law XVI-Goal Kick:

Conform to FIFA.

Opponents must be behind midfield and cannot apply pressure until the ball is touched.

Law XVII-Corner Kick:

Conform to FIFA with the following exception: Opponents must be five (5) yards away from the ball.

Corner Kicks are Indirect Free Kicks.

Coaches are encouraged to ensure that all players on the field (including the opposing team) are having fun and have the opportunity to touch the ball and experience soccer at this young age!