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
Players may throw or kick 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

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 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
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