8 V 8 OFFICIAL RULES

8 V 8 OFFICIAL RULES

Ball Size: Size Four (4)
Field Size: 75 yds. X 50 yds.
Goal Size: 7' high x 21' wide

Number of Players:

1. The maximum number of players on the field per team at any one time is eight (8). The game is played with a goalkeeper.
2. The maximum number of players on roster should not exceed thirteen (13).
3. Substitutions are unlimited and are allowed at quarter end and half time, and when play stops for injuries, throw-ins, goal kicks, and kick-offs. No substitutions are permitted for free kicks or corner kicks.
4. Playing Time: Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time regardless of skill level, and, as long as the child arrives prepared to play in the proper uniform; is not under disciplinary suspension; is not physically handicapped due to illness or injury.

The Referee:

1. A GYSA referee will oversee all games. Two linesmen may assist the referee, but their presence is not guaranteed.
2. All rule infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending player.

Duration of the Game:

1. The game shall be divided into four (4) twelve (12) minute quarters.
2. There shall be a two (2) minute break between quarters one and two, and between quarters three and four.
3. There shall be a half-time break of five (5) minutes.

The Start of Play:

1. Play is started by kick-off at the center of the field. Opponents must be ten (10) yards from the center mark when the kick-off is taken.
2. To start the second half, the kick-off is taken by the team that did not take the kick-off at the beginning of the game.
3. At the start of the second and fourth quarters, play is started by a throw-in at midfield by the team that took the previous kick-off.

Ball In and Out of Play:

1. Any ball crossing the touch-line will result in a throw-in for the opposing team.
2. Any ball crossing the goal-line will result in a goal kick for the defending team or a corner kick for the attacking team.

Free Kicks:

1. The referee will indicate whether the free kick is a Direct or Indirect Free Kick.
2. No Penalty Kicks shall be awarded as a result of fouls occurring in the penalty area, that would otherwise be a Direct Free Kick.
3. Indirect Free Kicks shall be taken by the attacking team within the defending team's goal box.
4. Opponents must be ten (10) yards away from all free kicks.

Offside:
The offside rule will be in effect for this age group. However, it will be called at the referee's discretion, for plays in which off-sides is blatant. It is not the intent to stop plays in which an attacking player who participates in the play is technically in an offside position, to a relatively small degree. As the offsides rule is subject to the referee's discretion and the referee may not have assistant linesmen at the field, criticism directed to the referee is dissent and will not be tolerated. Please recognize this is the most controversial and disagreed upon rule in the game of soccer at all levels of play. Remember to demonstrate sportsmanship at all times.

Misc. Rules:

1. GYSA encourages healthy and positive sports competition and puts a priority on the developmental process and the quality of play instead of the game outcome. It is not our desire to instill the "killer instinct" in the player, but rather to foster physical fitness, knowledge of the sport, agility, quick thinking and aggressive offensive and defensive play. Dangerous play and/or abusive language to coaches, players, or referees will not be tolerated.
2. Parents/coaches and spectators should be there to enjoy the game, foster a positive sporting environment and to encourage the activity of all the youngsters participating in the game.

DO NOT KEEP SCORE!!!!

BUILDING CHARACTER THROUGH SOCCER!!