U-8 GUIDELINES AND
FIFA RULES
Length of games and ball specifications:
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Under 8 Game length is four 12 min.
quarters Ball size is 3
Modified soccer rules for U8 players:
Law I The field:
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A. Dimensions: Recommendation: Length = 50
yards, width = 30 yards
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B. Markings:
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1.Distinctive lines not more than 5 inches
wide
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2.A halfway line shall be marked out across
the field
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3.A center circle with a 5 yard radius
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4.Four corner arcs each with a 2 foot radius
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5.Goal area: 3 yards from each goal post and
3 yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel with the
goal line
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C. Goals:
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1.The size of hockey goals or 6 x 12 feet
Law II The ball: Size 3
Law III Number of players:
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A. Maximum number of players on the field
at any one time is 4 and NO KEEPERS
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B. Maximum number of players on the roster
should not exceed 10
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C. Substitutions:
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1.Prior to throw-in, in your favor
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2.Prior to goal kick by either team
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3.After a goal by either team
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4.After any nature of injury by either team
when the referee stops play (includes exhausted children) (Children with
attitudes or emergencies can be withdrawn on the fly)
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5.At half-time
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D. Playing time: Each player shall play a
minimum of 50% of the total playing time
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E. Teams and games may be coed
Law IV Player equipment: Conform
to FIFA with the following exceptions:
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A. Footwear: Tennis shoes or soft-cleated
soccer shoes
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B. Shin-guards
Law V The referee:
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A. Registered or associate referee
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B. Parent/coach or assistant
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C. All rule infractions shall be briefly explained
to the offending player
Law VI Linesman: Referee only or
club linesmen
Law VII Duration of the game:
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A. The game shall be divided into 4 equal,
12 minute quarters
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B. There shall be 2 minute break between quarters
1 and 2 and another 2 minute break between quarters 3 and 4
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C. There shall be a half-time break of 5 minutes
Law VIII The start of play: Conform
to FIFA with the following exceptions:
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A. Opponent must be 5 yards from the center
mark while kick-off is in progress
Law IX Ball in and out of play: Conform
to FIFA
Law X Method of scoring: Conform
to FIFA
Law XI Off-side: NO OFFISIDE
Law XII Fouls and misconduct: Conform
to FIFA with the following exceptions:
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A. All fouls shall result in an indirect free
kick with opponent 5 yards away
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B. The referee/coach/parent must explain all
infractions to offending player
Law XIII Free kicks: Conform to FIFA
with the following exceptions:
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A. Shall be classified under one heading:
Indirect
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B. No kicks shall be taken by the attacking
team within the defending teams goal box
Law XIV Penalty kicks: No penalty
kicks are to be taken during these games
Law XV Throw-in:
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A. If the first throw-in is considered a foul
by definition, then the thrower will be allowed a second throw in after
the referee explains the proper method. The second throw-in will
be allowed without foul in any form.
Law XVI Goal kick: Conform to FIFA
with the following expecptions:
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A. Goal kick may be taken any where within
the goal box
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B. Opponents must be 5 yards away from the
ball
Law XVII Corner kick: Conform to
FIFA with the following exception:
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Opponents must be 5 yards away from the ball