6.2.3. Under-8 Players

GENERAL: FIFA rules shall apply except where such rules conflict with these rules and, in these instances,

these guidelines are recommended. (Effective 9/1/2005 – The following will no longer be guidelines; they will become rules.)

6.2.3.1. Number of Players

a. Each League / Club shall have the option to organize a U8 program with teams playing either 4v4 ,there shall be no goalkeeper.

b. It is the policy of this Association to prohibit eleven (11) aside teams in Under-8 divisions in both league play and invitational tournaments.

c. Coaches must play each registered player who is present one half of the game unless unable to do so due to player’s illness or injury or for disciplinary reasons. In the event that a player is present but will not be playing, the coach must inform the referee and the opposing coach as to the reason that the player will not participate.

6.2.3.2. Forfeits for too few players: If playing 7v7, the referee shall declare a forfeit if a team has fewer than the requisite number of payers on the field ready to play within a reasonable time

after the game was scheduled to start. The number is to be specified by the Member Association, but in no event shall the minimum number of players to cause a forfeit exceed five

(5). If playing 4v4, provided that at least two (2) players from each team are present at game time, there shall be no forfeit. Coaches shall accommodate the situation to insure that the game is played by sharing players.

6.2.3.3. Size of Team: If playing 4v4: For teams playing on a single field, the maximum number of players is eight (8) per team; however, seven (7) is recommended.

The Dual Field Method is played on two side-by-side parallel Under-8 fields with a channel area separating the fields. The channel is designated as the bench area. During the course of the matches on the two fields, played simultaneously, players may participate in either match. For teams participating in the Dual Field Method, the maximum number of players is twelve (12) per team.

6.2.3.4. Goalkeeper: If playing 4v4, there is no goalkeeper

6.2.3.5. Ball: Size #3

6.2.3.6. Goals: If playing 7v7, 15 feet wide by 5 feet high or 18 feet wide by 6 feet high are recommended. If playing 4v4, the goals shall be the size of hockey goals up to 6 feet high by 12 feet wide.

6.2.3.7. Fields:

Size: 40 to 50 yards wide by 60 to 70 yards long if playing 7v7; 25 to 40 yards wide by 35 to 60 yards long, with the length longer than the width, if playing 4v4.

Center Circle: 8 yards in radius if playing 7v7; 5 yards in radius if playing 4v4

Penalty Area: 14 yards by 35 yards if playing 7v7; None if playing 4v4

Goal Area: 6 yards by 19 yards if playing 7v7; 3 yards from each goal post and 3 yards deep if playing 4v4

6.2.3.8. Length of Games: Effective 9/1/2005 – four ten (10) minute quarters

6.2.3.9. Awards. Standings will not be maintained, and no trophies or awards will be given except for participation and / or sportsmanship.

6.2.3.10. Penalties for fouls:

a. If playing 7v7, there shall be no penalty shots for fouls within the penalty area. If playing

4v4, there will be no penalty area.

b. All fouls shall be penalized with indirect kicks.

c. From the point of taking an indirect kick or corner kick, opponents shall not be any closer than six (6) yards if playing 7v7; From the point of taking an indirect kick or corner kick, opponents shall not be any closer than five (5) yards if playing 4v4.

6.2.3.11. Offside: The Offside rule shall be interpreted liberally; however, no player may play in an obvious offside position in front of or near the goal such as a designated scorer if playing 7v7.

If playing 4v4, there shall be no offside.

6.2.3.12. Throw-ins: If there is an infraction of the FIFA throw-in rules, the player throwing the ball in shall receive one additional throw-in after a correcting instruction from the Referee. If the player violates the FIFA throw-in rule on his / her second throw-in, then the opposing team shall be awarded a throw-in.