MODIFIED LAWS OF THE GAME FOR U8
Law 1: The Field of Play Dimensions:
The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line.
Length: minimum 35 yards maximum 45 yards
Width: minimum 25 yards maximum 35 yards
Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than (5) inches wide. The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of four (4) yards is marked around it.
The Goal Area: A goal area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line two (2) yards from the inside of each goalpost.
These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of three (3) yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.
The Penalty Area: A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line three (3) yards from the inside of each goalpost.
These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of three (5) yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.
Flag posts: none required. Cones can be used at referee’s discretion if needed
The Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA.
Goals: Goals must be placed on the center of each goal line. They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corners and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The distance between the posts is twelve (12) feet and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is six (6) feet.
The Field of Play: dimensions are smaller to accommodate the Five-versus-Five game and are appropriate for the movement capabilities of six- and seven-year-old children. These adjusted dimensions provide more practical space allowing players to be successful.
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Law 2: The Ball: must be a size three. The smaller ball is lighter and more easily kicked, received, dribbled and passed.
Law 3: The Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than seven players including a goalkeeper.
Law 4: The Players’ Equipment: per FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams. Shin-guards and cleats are required. Shin-guards shall be completely covered by the socks
All players with casts must have a signed permission slip from their doctor. The cast must be padded with ¼” of foam or an acceptable cloth material. The player must also have parental consent as well.
NO JEWELRY is permitted at all. This includes watches, earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, hair beads (metal or plastic). All hair accessories should be cloth.
Medical alert bracelets are acceptable provided that they are securely taped down.
Any player that requires special equipment must first be checked by the referee to ensure that the equipment is safe.
Hats are not allowed, toboggans are okay. Sweatbands are okay as well.
Law 5: The Referee: A minimum of one referee will be present. All rule infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending player.
Law 6: The Assistant Referees: none are needed.
Law 7: The Duration of the Match: The match shall be divided into four (4) equal, eight (8) minute quarters. There shall be a two (2) minute break between quarters one and two and another two (2) minute break between quarters three and four. There shall be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes. Clubs may make the quarters shorter in duration if necessary. Quarters are played in the 8 and under age group to accommodate the attention span and physical limitations of the children.
Law 8: The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA, with the exception of the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.
Law 10: The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA.
Law 11: Offside: there shall be no offside called during these games.
Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct: no caution or send off shall be issued to players. If a child is being too rambunctious then the game official will ask the coach to make a substitution of that player to give the child a chance to calm down before returning to play.
Law 13: Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA.
Law 14: The Penalty Kick: According to FIFA
Law 15: The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA with the exception that an improperly performed throw-in can be retaken once. Some 7 and under players do not yet have the eye-hand coordination to execute a throw-in to the letter of the law. However, some 7 and under players have sufficient eye-hand coordination to attempt the throw-in. One ‘do-over’ per thrower should be the normal response if the throw-in is incorrect. The adult officiating the match should explain to the child how to execute the throw-in correctly.
Law 16: The Goal Kick: per FIFA. The defending players must stand at least four yards away from the ball until it is in play. The ball is in play once it has left the goal area.
Law 17: The Corner Kick: per FIFA. The defending players must stand at least four yards away from the ball until it is in play.
Additional Rules
• Opposing coaches and players should shake hands after each match.
• Parent/coaches, non-participating players and spectators should be there to enjoy and encourage the activity of the youngsters.
• Spectator and team benches should be on opposite sides of the field.
• No alcoholic beverages will be consumed or allowed near the playing area.
• No tobacco products will be consumed near the playing area.
• No slide tackles to be allowed in this age group.
· No heading in the U8 age group. If a player purposefully heads the ball, it will be an indirect free kick for the opposing team at the spot of the header. If the header occurs inside the penalty box, the restart will be outside of the penalty box.
· No slide tackling is allowed in U8.
· There are no overtimes, if tied at the end of regulation, game will go down as a tie.
Scores are kept for the season and trophies will be awarded to 1st place. All other teams will be awarded medals for participation.