U8 Rules

Rules for U8 Division

Games Played 4v4

Law 1. The Field of Play

  • The dimensions of the field shall be at a maximum 25 yds wide and 30 yds long.
  • There will be a goal area that is 3 yds from each goal post and 3 yds into the field of play. The goal area shall be an Exclusion Zone. Any defending player inside the exclusion zone prior to the ball’s entrance shall be considered goalkeeping and an indirect kick shall be awarded to the attacking team. The attacking team’s players may also not enter the exclusion zone prior to the ball. If this occurs a goal kick shall be awarded for the defending team.
  • The center mark has a circle with a radius of 4 yds enclosing it.
  • Goals shall be 4 ft X 6 ft.

Law 2. The Ball

  • The ball will be a size 3 and be provided by the home team.

Law 3. The Number of Players

  • Two teams play a match, each having not more than 4 players on the field at any given time. There SHALL BE NO goalkeepers.
  • Substitutions can be made at any stoppage in play and are unlimited.

Law 4. The Player’s Equipment

  • Shall conform to FIFA.

Law 5. The Referee

  • MYSA will provide a licensed referee at a level of Grade 9 or above.
  • In the event that MYSA is unable to provide a licensed referee. The coaches are allowed to referee the match.

Law 6. The Assistant Referee

  • None shall be utilized.

Law 7. The Duration of the Match

  • The match shall consist of 4 equal 8 minute quarters. There shall be 2 minutes between each quarter with a 5 minute break for halftime between quarters 2 and 3.

Law 8. The Start and Restart of Play

  • The opponent’s players must be 4 yards away until the ball is played.
  • The kick-offs must go either be backwards or if kicked forward, must go to a teammate. This is to ensure the attacking team maintains possession for at least two touches. If this does not occur a re-kick shall be taken.

Law 9. The Ball In and Out of Play

  • Shall conform to FIFA.

Law 10. The Method of Scoring

  • Shall conform to FIFA.
  • No goals shall be scored from kick-offs or kick-ins.

Law 11. Offside

  • There is no offside. “Cherry Picking” is strongly discouraged and shall be enforced by the referee. Resulting in a free kick for the opposing team.

Law 12. Fouls and Misconduct

  • Shall conform to FIFA, with the exceptions that all free kicks are indirect.
  • The referee/coach MUST explain ALL infringements to the offending player.
  • There shall be no slide tackling at this age group.
  • There are no cards for misconduct, however a player with consistent infringement shall be substituted and after a “cool down” period and having had the reason for the infringement reemphasized may reenter play.

Law 13. Free Kicks

  • All free kicks shall be indirect with opponents at least 4 yards from the ball until played.

Law 14. The Penalty Kick

  • None

Law 15. The Throw-In

  • Shall conform to FIFA with the exception that in improperly performed throw-in may be retaken once.
  • The second improperly performed throw-in shall result in a kick-in for the offending thrower. The kick-in shall be considered an indirect free kick with the opponents 4 yards from the ball until played.

Law 16. The Goal Kick

  • Shall conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain 4 yards from the ball until played.

Law 17. The Corner Kick

  • Shall confirm to FIFA, with the exception that opponents remain 4 yards from the ball until played.