U8 Division

U8 Games: 
Teams of 6 players max play games on Saturdays.

Practices: 
Practices are held once per week on a separate day from game day. Duration of practice should not last longer than 60-minutes. Practices are held at Mountain's Edge Regional Park.


The Field: 
The field size for U8 games is 25-35 yards long, 15-25 yards wide.

The Markings:
Distinctive lines recommended. Halfway line the width of the field, marked equidistant between the goal lines. 

The Goals: 
Max size goals for U8 and the preferred size is 4 feet high and six feet wide.

The Ball: 
A size 3 ball is used for U8 games.

The Players:

• Numbers: Four per team on field; No goalkeepers. Six - seven maximum on roster.
• Substitutions: Only between periods, at halftime and for injuries.
• Playing Time: Minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three.
• Teams: Separate girls and boys teams exist at the U8 level.

Player Equipment: 
Shoes and shin guards, covered by the socks are mandatory at all practice and game activities. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.

Duration of Game:
Four 10-minute periods. Halftime break of 5 minutes.

8U Officials:
AYSO certified U8 Officials or higher are required for 8U games. U8 games only utilize one center official. The U8 Official should briefly explain any infringements to the player(s) and encourage proper play and sporting behavior. As with all games, every effort should be made to keep the game moving and free from stoppages for doubtful infractions. Let them play and enjoy.

The Start of Play: 
The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field.

The Kick-off: 
A coin toss is used to determine which team kicks off to start the game and the other team kicks off to start the second half. Opponents must be eight yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

Ball In and Out of Play:
The ball is out of play in all age group games when it completely crosses the touch line (side line) or goal line (end line), either on the ground or in the air.

Method of Scoring:
A goal, in all age groups, is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal.

Fouls:
The opposing team must be at least ten feet from the ball when free kicks are taken in U8 games. The following, if done deliberately, are the fouls most likely to occur in U8 games: kicking, tripping, pushing, holding, handling the ball and dangerous play. Officials must remember that there is no need to stop play for technical violations that do not interrupt the flow of the game. It's a players' game and not a game of how many infractions can be identified, so keep the fun going and let them play.

Misconduct: 
Misconduct should be rare in U8 games. There is no need for the public cautioning and sending off of young players (leave the red and yellow cards at home). Officials should work cooperatively with the coach when a player may need a 'time out'.

Free Kicks:
All free kicks in U8 are indirect kicks. Opponents must be at least ten feet from the ball or on the goal line between the goal posts during free kicks. Free kicks awarded to the attacking team inside the defending teams goal area are to be taken from the nearest point on the goal area line parallel to the goal line.

Offside:
No offside.

Throw-In: 
Throw-ins used for U8. Opponents should be ten feet from the ball.

Goal Kick:
A goal kick is awarded to the opposing team, in U8 and older, when the attacking team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but without scoring a goal. The goal kick may be taken from any point inside the goal area. The opposing team must be behind the field half-way line when the goal kick is taken in 8U games.

Corner Kick:
A corner kick is awarded to the opposing team, in U8 and older, when the defending team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but not scoring a goal. The opposing team must be at least ten feet from the ball when the corner kick is taken in U8 games.

Hand Ball:
A hand ball infraction occurs when a player handles the ball deliberately. The 'hand' includes the entire arm up to the top of the shoulder. Instinctive, self-protective reactions are not penalized at this young age. Accidental contact (ball striking hand or arm with no intent by the player) is not an offense and should not be penalized.

No Heading:
Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division U12 and below in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match (taken where the player touched the ball with his/her head).