Fall 2016 U8 Rules – Key Distinctions from U9/U10 Divisions

[Complete U8 rules can be found at http://www.wyslsoccer.org/registration-and-procedures/new-u8-rules-for-fall-2016]

1. Field size: Two side-by-side 30’ by 20’ fields. Perimeters and a halfway line should be marked. Chalk, temporary lines, flat cones and spots are acceptable.
2. Goal size: 6’ wide and 4’ high
3. Ball size: Number 3
4. Game format: 4v4 with no goalie
5. Squad size: Each team (home team A and away team B) should be split into two Squads (1 and 2), each of at least four players (assuming the team has eight or more players present).
6. Game play and duration: Each Squad plays two 24-minute matches, each with two 12-minute halves separated by a 2-minute break. Simultaneously, Squad A1 plays Squad B1 on one field and Squad A2 plays Squad B2 on the other field. After each Squad finishes its first match, there will be a break of 5-10 minutes during which Squads A1 and A2 switch fields, after which Squad A2 will play Squad B1 and Squad A1 will play Squad B2.
7. Start of each match/half: Each B Squad decides which goal to attack and the A Squads start with the ball. For the second half, the Squads change ends and the B Squads start with the ball.
8. Restarts:
   1. Goal kicks should be taken from any point within five yards of the end line and should move at least five yards from that spot before touched by another player.
   2. All free kicks should be indirect free kicks (even where the Laws of the Game would call for a direct free kick).
   3. On all kicks, players on the defending team shall be required to remain five (5) yards away from the ball until the kick is taken.
   4. While throw-ins should follow the requirements of the Laws of the Game, referees should instruct players as to these requirements and allow players to retake throw-ins one or more times and allow non-blatant violations as they deem appropriate.
   5. The restart for deliberate heading should be an indirect free kick as with the U9/U10 divisions (provided, that, if the heading takes place at a spot less than ten (10) yards from the goal defended by the team of the player who deliberately headed the ball, the kick should be taken from a spot which is ten (10) yards from that goal).
9. Offside: The offside rule shall NOT be in effect
10. Miscellaneous: Referees will not be keeping/reporting game or sportsmanship scores. All participants should consider the developmental nature of play in this age group. The emphasis should be first on safety and then on playing and having fun, not strict interpretation of the Laws of the Game. Yellow and red cards are strongly discouraged except in extreme circumstances.