FREEDOM SC/FLSC Official Under 8 Playing
Recommendations
US Youth Soccer recommended
modifications to the FIFA Laws of the Game.
FIFA Laws of the Game can be found
at www.ussoccer.com/referees.
Law
1 The Field of Play
Dimensions:
The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be
greater than the length of the goal line.
Length:
35 yards
Width: 30 yards
Field
Markings: Distinctive lines not more than (5) inches wide. The field of play is
divided into two halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the
midpoint of the halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of
the halfway line. A circle with a radius of four (4) yards is marked around it.
The Goal Area: A goal area is
defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right
angles to the goal line three (3) yards from the inside each goalpost. These
lines extend into the field of play for a distance of three (3) yards and are
joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these
lines and the goal line is the goal area. . However, manufactured goals are not
mandatory for U8 Small Sided Games. Clubs are free to use cones, pop-up goals
or other items to designate the goal for this age group. Any goal must be
properly anchored to the ground.
The
Penalty Area: none.
Flagposts: none.
The
Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA.
Goals:
Goals must be placed on the center of each goal line. They consist of two
upright posts equidistant from the corners and joined at the top by a
horizontal crossbar. The recommended distance between the posts is eighteen
(18) feet and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is
six (6) feet. Goals may be smaller in dimension.
Law
2 The Ball: Size three (3).
Law
3 The Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each
consisting of not more than four players.
There are two games, side by side, of four versus four. There are NO
goalkeepers. Roster size is a maximum of 12 players.
Substitutions:
At any stoppage of play and unlimited.
Playing
time: Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. Teams
and matches may be coed.
Law
4 The Players Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is
allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams.
Law
5 The Referee: A game OFFICIAL will instruct coaches of the game
rules. Coaches must check in with the game official before each game. All
infringements shall be briefly explained to the offending player.
Law
6 The Assistant Referees: None.
Law
7 The Duration of the Match: The match shall be divided into four
(4) equal, twelve (12) minute quarters. There shall be a two (2) minute break
between quarters one and two and another two (2) minute break between quarters
three and four. There shall be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes.
Law
8 The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA, with the
exception of the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least four
(4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law
9 The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.
Law
10 The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA.
Law
11 Offside: None.
Law
12 Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA with the exception that
all fouls shall result in a direct free kick. The referee/coach/parent must
explain
Law
13 Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that all kicks
are direct and all opponents are at least four (4) yards from the ball until it
is in play.
Law
14 The Penalty Kick: None.
Law
15 The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA with the exception that an
improperly performed throw-in can be retaken once.
Law
16 The Goal Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents
must remain outside the goal area. If there is no goal area, opponents must
remain in their half until the ball is in play.
Law
17 The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that
opponents remain at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.