U-8 Rules
3.4.1 U-8 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 50 yards
Width: minimum 20 yards maximum 30 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. 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
three (3) yards from the inside 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:
28 feet by 60 wide
Flag post: none.
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
recommended 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. Goals may not be
smaller in dimension. Safety: Goals must be anchored securely to the ground.
Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement.
3.4.2 U-8 Law 2 – The Ball:
Size four
(4).
3.4.3 U-8 Law 3 – The Number of Players:
A match is played by two teams, each consisting of
four (4) but not more than five field players and a goalkeeper.
Substitutions: To ensure that each player receives
a minimum of 50% playing time substitutions will be made between the quarters.
Should injury or fatigue render a player incapable of finishing a quarter they
may be substituted at any stoppage of play.
Playing time: Each player
SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the
total playing time. Teams and matches may
not be coed.
3.4.4 U-8 Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment:
Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed
based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams. All
players must wear shin guards and each player shall have a number on the back of
the jersey not less than 4” high. No player shall be permitted to wear any
equipment that the referee might consider dangerous to the player, his team or
the opponents.
3.4.5 U-8 Law 5 – The Referee:
An OFFICIAL (Game Manager or Coordinator or Parent
or Coach or Grade 9 referee) may be used. All infringements shall be briefly
explained to the offending player.
3.4.6 U-8 Law 6 – The Assistant Referees:
None.
3.4.7 U-8 Law 7 – The Duration of the Match:
The match shall be divided into four (4) equal,
twelve (12) 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 halftime interval of five (5) minutes.
3.4.8 U-8 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.
3.4.9 U-8 Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play:
Conform to FIFA.
3.4.10 U-8 Law 10 – The Method of Scoring:
Conform to FIFA.
3.4.11 U-8 Law 11 – Offside:
None.
3.4.12 U-8 Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that all fouls
shall result in a direct free kick. The referee/coach/parent must explain ALL
infringements to the offending player. No cards shown for misconduct. All fouls
within the penalty area will be placed a minimum of four (4) yards from the
goal.
3.4.13 U-8 Law 13 – Free Kicks:
Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that all kicks
are direct and all opponents are at least four (4) yards from the ball until it
is in play.
3.4.14 U-8 Law 14 – The Penalty Kick:
None.
3.4.15 U-8 Law 15 – The Throw-In:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that an
improperly performed throw-in can be retaken once.
3.4.16 U-8 Law 16 – The Goal Kick:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents
must remain outside the goal area and at least four (4) yards from the ball
until it is in play.
3.4.17 U-8 Law 17 – The Corner Kick:
Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents
remain at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.