General guideline for scheduling purpose
Season and Game Schedule
Fall Season: Practices Start, Early August, Games are scheduled 2nd or 3rd week in September
Spring Season: Practices Start Early January Games are scheduled 3rd or last week of January10 Week Program - There is only One (1) required weekday practices at this age division, but team are allowed to have 2 practices no longer than 60 mins.
The Field: The field size for 8U games is 35 yards long, 25 yards wide (max).
The Markings:
Distinctive lines recommended.
Corner Flag to mark corners of Field
Technical Area Coached must remain in marked area (Spectators should not sit within technical area)a maximum of two coaches is permitted for each team.
Halfway line the width of the field, marked equidistant between the goal lines. Center circle with an five-(5)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.
The Goals:
8U - Three feet high and Five feet wide (3' x 5')
The Ball:
A size 3 ball is used for 8U games.
The Players:
8U There will be Four (4) per team on Field; no goalkeepers. Six (6) Maximum on roster.
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:
20 minutes halves - Running time. Games is divided into Four approximately 10-minute periods (time stoppage for quarter breaks NOT allowed). Quarter breaks are for water and substitution only and last 1 to 2 minutes. Halftime break of 5-10 minutes.
Substitutions are between periods, at halftime and for injuries.
Playing time is a minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three.
Player Safety is paramount. Additional Water breaks are allowed at the referee’s discretion when heat conditions warrant this consideration.
THROW-INS Teaching of proper throw-in begins at 8U, Opposing players must be at least five yards away to allow player space to make a proper throw-in
HEADING THE BALL (NOT ALLOWED) Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division players 11U (12U and below for programs without single age divisions) and below in both practices and matches.
RESTARTS
Goal Kick - All opposing players must retreat beyond the halfway line. Can not score directly from a Goal kick.
Corner Kicks - Can not score directly from a Corner Kick
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 Five yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress. Can not score directly from a kick off.
Fouls & Misconduct
The referee will assess indirect free kicks for all fouls, with the opponents five yards away from the ball.
In-Direct free kicks for all fouls, with the opponents Five yards away from the ball. There are no penalty kicks. Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches and eliminate the need for cautions and send-offs. Do not show yellow or red cards
U-8 Officials:
AYSO certified U-8 Officials or higher are required for U-8 games. The U-8 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.
Assistant Referees/Club Linesmen:
If available, qualified assistant referees who have completed Assistant Referee Certification may be used to assist the referee. This is an opportunity for new assistant referees to begin getting experience. If qualified assistant referees are not available, Club Linesmen (untrained volunteers who may be affiliated with one of the teams/clubs) may be recruited from the spectators to assist the referee with calling the ball in and out of play only. This is an opportunity for parents to get involved.
TEAM NAMES
Team names shall bear no resemblance to a religion, race, ethnicity or nationality
NO personalizing/altering of uniforms.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF COACHES, REFEREES, OFFICIALS, OTHER VOLUNTEERS, SPECTATORS, TEAM MEMBERS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS
It shall be the duty of each coach, referee, official, other volunteer, spectator, team member and other participant to:
a. Conduct himself/herself in a manner becoming a member of AYSO and consistent with the AYSO Six Philosophies and the highest standards of conduct.
b. Work together as a team in support of the children playing the match and in alignment with the Stewards of the Game and Kids Zone programs to promote a safe, fair, fun environment.
c. Comply with and promote compliance with the Bylaws, Rules & Regulations and policies, including those related to registration, certification and training.
d. Encourage clean competition and good sportsmanship.
e. Prohibit and abstain from making negative comments and complaints about officiating.
f. Present a healthy and safe athletic environment for team members, including but not limited to, not consuming alcoholic beverages, using tobacco products or smoking or simulating smoking or the use of tobacco products during practices or matches or in the immediate vicinity of the soccer fields.