8U Guidelines  – 1st & 2nd Grade

A. THE FIELD

• Dimensions: Maximum 50 yards long by 25 yards wide (50 yds x 25 yds).
• Markings: Distinctive lines recommended.
  • 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 area in front of each goal measuring six yards by 12 yards (6 yds x 12 yds).
• Goals: Maximum 6 feet high by 6 yards wide (6 ft x 6 yds).

B. THE BALL

Size three (3)

C. NUMBER OF PLAYERS

• Maximum number of players on the field at any time: five (5); NO goalkeeper is used.
• Maximum number of players on roster: eight (8).
• Substitutions: Between periods and at halftime.
• 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.
• No co-ed teams. Separate girls teams should be promoted at this level of play.

D. PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT

• Footwear: Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes.
• Shin guards: MANDATORY for both practices and games.

E. REFEREE

• The referee could 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. ASSISTANT REFEREES

Parents may be used.

G. DURATION OF GAME

• Four 10-minute periods.
• Halftime break of five to ten minutes.

H. THE START OF PLAY

No change from regular play except that opponents must be six (6) yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

I. BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

No change from regular play.

J. METHOD OF SCORING

No change from regular play.

K. OFFSIDE

There should be no offside called.

L. FOULS & MISCONDUCT

No change from regular play except:

• Direct 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.

M. FREE KICKS

• All kicks are direct free kicks.
• 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.

N. PENALTY KICKS

No penalty kicks.

O. THROW-IN

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.

P. GOAL KICK

• May be taken from any point inside the goal area.
• Opponents must be six (6) yards away from ball.

Q. CORNER KICK

No change from regular play, except that opponents must be eight (8) yards from the ball.

Additional AYSO / Region Rules:

• Region standings are not recorded.
• Game scores are not recorded.
• Parents, coaches, and players from both teams exchange handshakes before and/or after each game.
• 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, but not coach or instruct during game time.
• Spectators are not allowed behind either goal or within three (3) yards outside the touchline.