U8 Modified Laws

OPEN YOUTH LEAGUE

U8 RULES SUMMARY (Modified March 19, 2016)

Rules Reference: See Full PDF presentation at the US Soccer Player Development Initiatives Page :

-4v4 for (minimum roster: 5) (no goalies);

-Ball Size: 3;

-Field Size: 30 yards X 20 yards;

-Goal Size: 4 feet X 6 feet

-Duration: 15 minutes thirds (Rest between Thirds: 5 minutes)

-No offsides

-No heading allowed. (This is from the new US Soccer rules as part of the player development initiatives: U10 and younger. shall not engage in heading, either in practices or in games).

Other Rules:

-FIFA Throw-ins (not kick-ins)

-5 yards wall distance

U8 modified laws – LAW BY LAW

Law 1: The field of play – (MINI FIELD 4v4)

See page 8 of the USSF document for picture with measurements.

Length of the Field: 30 yards
Width of the Field: 20 yards

Goals will be 4′ tall by 6′ wide.

No Goalies.

Center line and Center Circle are Optional.

A 3 yards X 10 yards goal area for goal kick restarts is also optional

Law 2: The ball

Size #3 balls will be used.

Law 3: The number of players

Maximum of 4 players and minimum of 2. Unlimited substitutions with unlimited re-entry.
Otherwise per FIFA

Law 4: The players equipment

As per FIFA, no modifications.

Law 5: The referee

Referees are not mandatory at this age. Otherwise, as per FIFA, no modifications.

Law 6: The assistant referee

Assistant Referees are not mandatory at this age. Otherwise, as per FIFA, no modifications.

Law 7: The duration of the game

Duration: 15 minutes thirds (Rest between Thirds: 5 minutes).

Law 8: The start and restart of play

All kicks maybe direct or indirect kicks.

Law 9: The ball in and out of play

As per FIFA, no modifications.

Law 10: The method of scoring

As per FIFA, no modifications.

Law 11: Offside

Not enforced at this age.

Law 12: Fouls and misconduct

No slide tackling is allowed.

If it is determined by the referee that a player INTENTIONALLY headed the ball, this will result in an indirect free kick for the opposing team from the spot of the infringement.

Otherwise as per FIFA.

Law 13: Free kicks

Walls will be placed 5 yards from the ball.

As per FIFA, no modifications.

Law 14: The penalty kick

No penalty kicks at this age.

Law 15: The thrown-in

As per FIFA, no modifications.

Law 16: The goal kick

Goal kicks will be taken from the goal line if a goal area is not present.

Otherwise as per FIFA.

Law 17: The corner kick