6U - 8U Guidelines

Content




	6U Guidelines
	THE FIELD Dimensions: Maximum 30 yards long and 15 yards wide (90 ft x 45ft) Markings: Distinctive lines not required. Field can be marked using 10 flat pro-cones and four regular cones Goals: Maximum 4 feet high and 6 feet wide (4′ x 6′) THE BALL Size three (3) NUMBER OF PLAYERS PER TEAM Maximum number of players on the field at any time:four (4) Maximum number of players on roster: six (6) Substitutions: Halfway through each period and at halftime Playing time: Minimum of 50% of the total playing time for each player and 75% when possible. No one should play four periods until everyone has played three No co-ed teams. Separate girls teams should be promoted at this level of play PLAYERS’EQUIPMENT Footwear: Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes Shin guards: MANDATORY for both practices and games REFEREE The referee will be either a coach or a parent. Referees should emphasize: Fun Fairness Safety Learning NOTE: Referees should briefly explain any infringements to the player(s) and help players with instructions. All referees must be registered AYSO volunteers. DURATION OF GAME Four 5 minute “quarters” Halftime breaks of five to ten minutes THE START OF PLAY The game should be started with a kick off in the middle of the field. The coaches should determine which team starts the game and the opposing team should start the second half. The referee will ensure that opponents are at least five (5) yards from the spot of the free kick BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY: When the whole ball passes over the touchline, either on the ground or in the air, a player of the opposite team should throw it in from where the ball crossed the line. When the whole ball passes over the goal line (not into the goal), it should be kicked into play by a player of the opposing team at a point nearest where the ball crossed the line. METHOD OF SCORING No change from regular play. Score not kept FOULS & MISCONDUCT Fouls not generally called at this level. If foul is called, Referee should explain ALL infractions AYSO RECOMMENDATIONS Region standings are not recorded Game scores are not recorded Parents, coaches, and players from both teams exchange handshakes before and/or after each game No individual should be allowed to run the length of the field except participants of the game Parents and coaches should encourage players. Parents should refrain from coaching and instructing during game time Spectators are not allowed behind either goal or within three (3) yards outside the touchline
	8U Guidelines
	THE FIELD Dimensions: Maximum 50 yards long by 25 yards wide (150 ft x 75 ft) Markings: Distinctive lines recommended. Halfway line the width of the field, marked equidistant between the goal line. Center circle with a six-yard radius in the center of the field. Corner arcs with a one-yard radius at each corner of the field. Goal area in front of each goal measuring 6 yards by 12 yards (18 ft x 36 ft) Goals: Maximum 6 feet high by 6 yards wide (6 ft x 18 ft) THE BALL Size three (3) NUMBER OF PLAYERS PER TEAM Maximum number of players on the field at any time: four (4) no goalkeeper Maximum number of players on roster: six (6) 2018 Area Q gave permission to have seven (7) players on a roster Substitutions: Halfway through each period and at halftime Playing time: Minimum of 50% of the total playing time for each player and 75% when possible. For Region 599, No one should play four periods until everyone has played three No co-ed teams. Separate girls teams should be promoted at this level of play PLAYERS’EQUIPMENT Footwear: Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes Shin guards: MANDATORY for both practices and games REFEREE The referee could be either a Registered Referee, Youth Referee, or 8U Referee. A Coach or parent will be used if no referee is available. Referees should emphasize: Fun Fairness Safety 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. DURATION OF GAME Two (up to) 20 minute periods. The game may be shortened if the overall game schedule is falling behind for the day. 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. BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY: No change from regular play METHOD OF SCORING No change from regular play. OFFSIDE There should be no offside called FOULS & MISCONDUCT No change from regular play except: Direct free kick for all fouls, with the opponents six (6) yards away Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches and eliminate the need for cautions and send-offs. Do not show yellow or red cards. FREE KICKS All kicks are direct free kicks 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. PENALTY KICKS No penalty kicks THROW-IN Throw-Ins were voted back in at the 2018 AYSO National meeting, have the players throw the ball in. GOAL KICK May be taken from any point inside the goal area. Opponents must be six (6) yards away from ball. CORNER KICK No change from regular play, except that opponents must be eight (8) yards from the ball AYSO RECOMMENDATIONS Region standings are not recorded Game scores are not recorded Parents, coaches, and players from both teams exchange handshakes before and/or after each game No individual should be allowed to run the length of the field except participants of the game Parents and coaches should encourage players. Parents should refrain from coaching and instructing during game time Spectators are not allowed behind either goal or within three (3) yards outside the touchline