Under-7 and Under-8 Short Sided Games

The following policies and rules apply to the U7 and U8 games in Region 45.

A. THE FIELD

  1. Dimensions: Maximum 50 yards long by 25 yards wide (50 yds x 25 yards)
  2. Markings: Distinctive lines recommended.
    1. Halfway line the width of the field, marked equidistant between the goal lines
    2. Center circle with a six yard radius in the center of the field
    3. Corner arcs with a one yard radius at each corner of the field
    4. Goal area in front of each goal measuring six yards by 12 yards (6 yds x 12 yds)
  3. Goals: Maximum 6 feet high by 6 yards wide (6 ft x 6yds)

B. THE BALL

Size three (3) ball is to be used.

C. NUMBER OF PLAYERS

  1. Maximum number of players on the field at any time: five (5) for U7 and seven (7) for U8
  2. one of the players should be a goalkeeper
  3. Substitutions: Between periods and at halftime
  4. No one should play four periods until everyone has played three periods

D. PLAYERS' EQUIPMENT:

  1. Footwear: Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes
  2. Shinguards: MANDATORY for both practices and games

E. REFEREE:

  1. The referee could be either a registered referee , a youth referee, or a coach if no trained referee is available.
  2. Referees should emphasize: fun, fairness, safety, and learning.
NOTE: Referees should briefly explain any infringements to the player(s) and help players with instructions. All referees must be registered AYSO volunteers. Referee decisions are final and must not be questioned by coaches or parents.

F. ASSISTANT REFEREES

  • Not required
  • Parents may be used

G. DURATION OF GAME:

  1. Four 10-minute periods
  2. Halftime break of five to ten minutes

H. THE START OF PLAY:

No change from regular play except that opponents must be six (6) yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

I. BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY:

No change from regular play.

J. METHOD OF SCORING

No change from regular play.

K. OFFSIDE

There should be no offside called.

L. FOULS & MISCONDUCT

No change from regular play except:

  1. Direct free kick for all fouls, with the opponents six (6) yards away
  2. Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches and eliminate the need for cautions and send-offs. Do not show yellow or red cards.

M. FREE KICKS

  1. All kicks are direct free kicks
  2. Free kicks awarded the attacking team inside the defending team's goal area should be taken from the nearest point on the goal area line in front of the goal.

N. PENALTY KICKS

No penalty kicks.

O. THROW-IN

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

P. GOAL KICK

  1. May be taken from any point inside the goal area
  2. Opponents must be six (6) yards away from ball

Q. CORNER KICK

No change from regular play, except that opponents must be eight (8) yards from the ball.

R. General

  1. Region standings are not recorded
  2. Game scores are not recorded.
  3. Parents, coaches, and players from both teams exchange handshakes before and/or after each game
  4. All players receive participation awards
  5. No individual should be allowed to run the length of the field except participants of the game - coaches and parents stay in one place during the game.
  6. Parents and coaches should encourage players, but not coach or instruct during game time
  7. Spectators are not allowed behind either goal or within three (3) yards outside the touchline

S. U8 Game Day Basics

  1. Teams composed of 8 to 11 players
  2. U7 play 5 vs. 5.  U8  play 7 vs. 7.
  3. 4 x 10 minute periods. Subs at end of each period.
  4. Prep Work
    • Coaches: Game Cards filled out in numeric order before arriving at the pitch
    • Everyone Plays!
      • No one plays 4 periods until all have played 3.
      • No one plays 3 until all have played 2.
      • No one sits out 2 periods in a row.
  5. Referee holds cards during the game
  6. Ref makes a mark on the card for periods the player is out.
  7. At the start of each period - coach lines up the subs on the side line with their number facing the ref so the ref can mark the ?outs?
  8. Goals - help kids learn when the ball is in and out of play, how to start and restart play: kick off, throw ins, goal kicks, corner kicks, drop balls, free kicks, how to play fairly: avoid holding, pushing, tripping, and kicking opponents or handling the ball, and good sporting behavior -  shaking hands after the game

T. Coach's Code

  • Enthusiastically support and practice the "Everyone Plays," "Good Sportsmanship" and "Positive Coaching" philosophies of AYSO.
  • Be reasonable in your demands on a young player's time, energy, enthusiasm and performance on the field.
  • Impress on your players that they must abide by the Laws of the Game at all times.
  • Develop team respect for the ability of opponents and for the judgment of referees and opposing coaches.
  • Ensure that your players' soccer experience is one of fun and enjoyment (winning is only part of it). Players should never be yelled at or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game.
  • Set a good example and be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Children need a coach they can respect.
  • Keep informed of sound principles of coaching, growth and child development.
  • Check your equipment and playing facilities. The should meet safety standards and be appropriate for the age and ability of your players.
  • Follow the advice of a physician when determining when and injured child is ready to play again.