U8 Guidelines For Belmont-Redwood Shores:
Goals: Maximum six feet high and six yards wide.
Ball Size 3
Players
Number: Six to Seven per team plus goalkeeper on field (fielded team size must allow for each player to play at least 3 quarters of the game).
Ten maximum on roster.
Substitutions: Between periods, at halftime and for injuries.
Playing time: Minimum of three periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three.
Teams: Separate girls and boys teams should be promoted at all levels of play.
Duration of Game
Four 10-minute periods. Halftime break of 5 minutes.
Players’ Equipment
Footwear: Soccer shoes are recommended, tennis shoes or similar type athletic shoes are allowed. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.
Shinguards: MANDATORY for both practices and games, and must be covered entirely by socks.
Note: No jewelry is allowed. Ear rings must be removed--CANNOT be left in and taped over.
Start of Play
The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field.
The coaches determine which team starts the game with a coin flip and the opposing team starts the second half.
Opponents must be six yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.
Method of Scoring: See U-8 Coaching Manual.
Fouls & Misconduct
Direct free kicks for all fouls, with the opponents six yards away from the ball.
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.
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.