US Youth Soccer Under 7/ Under 8 Playing Recommendations

US Youth Soccer Under 7/ Under 8 Playing Recommendations
US Youth Soccer recommended modifications to the FIFA Laws of the Game including any
rules adapted by SSSC and SWSC. FIFA Laws of the Game can be found at
www.ussoccer.com/referees.
Law 1 – The Field of Play:
Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must
be greater than
the length of the goal line. Length: minimum 25 yards maximum 35 yards. Width:
minimum 20 yards
maximum 30 yards
Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than (5) inches wide. The field of play is
divided into two
halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the
halfway line. A circle with
a radius of four (4) yards is marked around it.
The Goal Area: A goal area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines
are drawn at right
angles to the goal line three (3) yards from the inside each goalpost. These lines
extend into the field of
play for a distance of three (3) yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with
the goal line. The area
bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.
The Penalty Area: none.
Corner Flags: none.
The Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA.
Goals: Goals must be placed on the center of each goal line. They consist of two upright
posts, equidistant from the corners and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The
recommended distance between the posts is eighteen (18) feet and the distance from the
lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is six (6) feet. Goals may be smaller in dimension.
Safety: Goals must be anchored securely to the ground.
Law 2 – The Ball: Size three (3).
Law 3 – The Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not
more than
four players per team on the field at one time.
There are NO goalkeepers or players allowed to stay in a defensive position.
Substitutions: At any stoppage of play and unlimited.
Playing time: Strive to attain 50% playing time for each player. Teams and
matches may be coed.
Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed
based on
weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams. Shin Guards are
required,
Jewelry is not allowed (this includes taping over any type of piercings)
Law 5 – The Referee: An OFFICIAL (Referee, Game Manager, Team Parent, Coach or
Grade 9
referee) may be used. All infringements should be briefly explained to the
offending player.
Law 6 – The Assistant Referees: None.
Law 7 – The Duration of the Match: The match shall be divided into four (4) equal,
twelve (12)
minute quarters. There shall be a two (2) minute break between quarters one and
two and
another two (2) minute break between quarters three and four. There shall be a
half-time
interval of five (5) minutes.
Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA, with the exception of the
opponents of the
team taking the kick-off are at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.
Law 10 – The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA.
Law 11 – Offside: None.
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: no caution or send off shall be issued to players. If a
child is being too
rambunctious then the game official will ask the coach to make a substitution of
that player to give
the child a chance to calm down before returning to play.
Law 13 – Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that all kicks are indirect and
all opponents are at
least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 14 – The Penalty Kick: None.
Law 15 – The Throw-In: some U8 players do not yet have the eye-hand coordination to
execute a
throw-in to the letter of the law. However, some U8 players have sufficient eyehand
coordination to attempt the throw-in. One ‘do-over’ per thrower should be the
normal
response if the throw-in is incorrect. The official of the match should explain to
the child
how to execute the throw-in correctly and accept anything reasonably close.
Law 16 – The Goal Kick: The goal kick should be taken anywhere within the goal area.
Opposing
players must be outside the goal area AND at least four (4) yards away from the
ball until it
is in play. It is suggested that if necessary that opponents are in their own half
of the field
until the ball is in play.
Law 17 – The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at
least four
(4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Additional Recommendations
 Spectator and team benches should be on opposite sides of the field. Spectators and the team
benches should be 2 yards from the field
 Parent/coaches, non-participating players and spectators should be there to enjoy and
encourage
the activity of the youngsters from both teams. Parent/coaches need to refrain from directing play
or undermining the authority of the game official. The game official has final decision on any and all
situations.
 No slide tackles to be allowed in this age group.
 Scores are not kept in this age group and competition is within the club. Teams are encouraged to
loan/share players to keep the games balanced. Adding an extra field player to a struggling team is
preferred to make the game fun for everyone involved. Player skills and not high scoring wins are
the objective at this age.
 Coaches are allowed to enter the field of play to assist the players in proper throw-ins, restarts and
player injuries. If the coach and game official determine the injury requires more assistance than
they can provide then a parent can be asked to enter the field also.
 Opposing coaches, players and parents should shake hands after each match.
 No alcoholic beverages or tobacco products will be consumed or allowed near the playing area.
 Your referees are younger and less experienced as a rule in this age group. Asking a question to
clarify a rule during player check in with the team is encouraged. Continuously suggesting a call for
the referee or discussing/arguing the rules before, during or after the game is not allowed. Any
issues or discussion of the rules or game performance may be done away from the players and
referee

#2420 wrote:US Youth Soccer Under 7/ Under 8 Playing Recommendations
US Youth Soccer recommended modifications to the FIFA Laws of the Game including any
rules adapted by SSSC and SWSC. FIFA Laws of the Game can be found at
www.ussoccer.com/referees.
Law 1 – The Field of Play:
Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must
be greater than
the length of the goal line. Length: minimum 25 yards maximum 35 yards. Width:
minimum 20 yards
maximum 30 yards
Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than (5) inches wide. The field of play is
divided into two
halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the
halfway line. A circle with
a radius of four (4) yards is marked around it.
The Goal Area: A goal area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines
are drawn at right
angles to the goal line three (3) yards from the inside each goalpost. These lines
extend into the field of
play for a distance of three (3) yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with
the goal line. The area
bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.
The Penalty Area: none.
Corner Flags: none.
The Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA.
Goals: Goals must be placed on the center of each goal line. They consist of two upright
posts, equidistant from the corners and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The
recommended distance between the posts is eighteen (18) feet and the distance from the
lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is six (6) feet. Goals may be smaller in dimension.
Safety: Goals must be anchored securely to the ground.
Law 2 – The Ball: Size three (3).
Law 3 – The Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not
more than
four players per team on the field at one time.
There are NO goalkeepers or players allowed to stay in a defensive position.
Substitutions: At any stoppage of play and unlimited.
Playing time: Strive to attain 50% playing time for each player. Teams and
matches may be coed.
Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed
based on
weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams. Shin Guards are
required,
Jewelry is not allowed (this includes taping over any type of piercings)
Law 5 – The Referee: An OFFICIAL (Referee, Game Manager, Team Parent, Coach or
Grade 9
referee) may be used. All infringements should be briefly explained to the
offending player.
Law 6 – The Assistant Referees: None.
Law 7 – The Duration of the Match: The match shall be divided into four (4) equal,
twelve (12)
minute quarters. There shall be a two (2) minute break between quarters one and
two and
another two (2) minute break between quarters three and four. There shall be a
half-time
interval of five (5) minutes.
Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA, with the exception of the
opponents of the
team taking the kick-off are at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.
Law 10 – The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA.
Law 11 – Offside: None.
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: no caution or send off shall be issued to players. If a
child is being too
rambunctious then the game official will ask the coach to make a substitution of
that player to give
the child a chance to calm down before returning to play.
Law 13 – Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that all kicks are indirect and
all opponents are at
least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 14 – The Penalty Kick: None.
Law 15 – The Throw-In: some U8 players do not yet have the eye-hand coordination to
execute a
throw-in to the letter of the law. However, some U8 players have sufficient eyehand
coordination to attempt the throw-in. One ‘do-over’ per thrower should be the
normal
response if the throw-in is incorrect. The official of the match should explain to
the child
how to execute the throw-in correctly and accept anything reasonably close.
Law 16 – The Goal Kick: The goal kick should be taken anywhere within the goal area.
Opposing
players must be outside the goal area AND at least four (4) yards away from the
ball until it
is in play. It is suggested that if necessary that opponents are in their own half
of the field
until the ball is in play.
Law 17 – The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at
least four
(4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Additional Recommendations
 Spectator and team benches should be on opposite sides of the field. Spectators and the team
benches should be 2 yards from the field
 Parent/coaches, non-participating players and spectators should be there to enjoy and
encourage
the activity of the youngsters from both teams. Parent/coaches need to refrain from directing play
or undermining the authority of the game official. The game official has final decision on any and all
situations.
 No slide tackles to be allowed in this age group.
 Scores are not kept in this age group and competition is within the club. Teams are encouraged to
loan/share players to keep the games balanced. Adding an extra field player to a struggling team is
preferred to make the game fun for everyone involved. Player skills and not high scoring wins are
the objective at this age.
 Coaches are allowed to enter the field of play to assist the players in proper throw-ins, restarts and
player injuries. If the coach and game official determine the injury requires more assistance than
they can provide then a parent can be asked to enter the field also.
 Opposing coaches, players and parents should shake hands after each match.
 No alcoholic beverages or tobacco products will be consumed or allowed near the playing area.
 Your referees are younger and less experienced as a rule in this age group. Asking a question to
clarify a rule during player check in with the team is encouraged. Continuously suggesting a call for
the referee or discussing/arguing the rules before, during or after the game is not allowed. Any
issues or discussion of the rules or game performance may be done away from the players and
referee

US Soccer is clueless.

No goalies, four v four and no slide tackles? Parents can't direct play? Might as well put in a mandatory tunnel at the end for the kids to run through.   

They can never implement this in North Texas. How would you have an FBR if they don't keep score and the teams shift players around?  

We are talking 06s ( already have an FBR) and 07s. Their time has come for real 11 v 11 soccer.