AYSO Short-sided Rules U8

Field Dimensions: The field of play shall be rectangular, with length no more than 70 yards nor less than 50 yards, and its width no more than 50 yards or less than 30 yards. The length in all cases shall exceed the width. AYSO Recommendation: Length: 60 yards, Width: 40 yards

Markings: Distinctive lines not more than five inches wide.

a. A halfway line shall be marked out across the field.

b. A center circle with a six yard radius.

c. Four corner arcs with a two foot radius.

d. Goal area - six yards from each goalpost and six yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.

Goals: Maximum six feet high and 12 feet wide, minimum size of hockey goals.

The Ball: Size three.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS: Maximum number of players on the field at any one time: seven, one of whom may be a goalkeeper. Should a goalkeeper be used, no one plays more than one quarter in goal. Maximum number of players on the roster should not exceed 9. Coaches must provide line-up card for the referee with players listed in numerical order by jersey number. Substitutions: At quarters. Playing time: MINIMUM of 75% of the total playing time. Coaches will substitute between quarters to ensure that all players present play a minimum of 75% of the game

Player's Equipment:

Footwear: Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes.

Shinguards: MANDATORY

Referee:
Registered referee. Referee's decisions final on points of fact connected with the game.

All rule infractions briefly explained to the offending player. Referees will not be paid.

Duration of Game: Four equal 10 minute quarters. A two minute break between quarter one and quarter two, and another two minute break between quarters three and four. A half time break of five minutes between quarters two and three.

The Start of Play: No change from regular play except: opponents must be six yards from the center mark while kickoff is in progress.

Ball In and Out of Play: No change from regular play. Scoring Method: No change from regular play.

Offside: Blatant Offside may be enforced.

Fouls and Misconduct: No change from regular play except: Opponents six yards away. Referee to explain ALL infractions to the offending player. No caution or ejections issued to players, coaches will sit player out at referee’s request.

Free Kick:
INDIRECT FREE KICK. A goal may not be scored until the ball has been played or touched by a second player of either team. Indirect free kick shall be placed on six yard line when awarded to attackers and the infraction occurred in the defending goal area. DIRECT FREE KICK may score immediately in opponent’s goal.

Penalty Kicks: Penalty kicks taken from penalty spot.

Throw-In: A second throw-in allowed if a player commits a foul on initial attempt. The referee shall explain the proper method before allowing the player to re-throw.

Goal Kick: May be taken from any point inside the goal area. Ball is not in play until the whole ball has crossed the penalty area line.

Corner Kick: No change from regular play except opponents must be six yards away from the ball.

AYSO Recommendations:

Opposing parent/coaches and players should shake hands before/after each game.

Do not record league standings.

Parent/coaches, non-playing players, parents and spectators should be located not less than six yards from outside the touchline nor should they be closer than 20 yards to the goal line. No individual should be allowed to run the length of the field except participants of the games.

Parents and coaches should encourage players, but not coach/instruct during game time.