U7 & U8 Game Rules (4 v 4)
U7 & U8 League Features
- Field size is 30 yards by 40 yards
- 4'x6' goals with no goalkeeper
- No standings or scores are recorded
- 10 minute quarters
Player Eligibility: Each player must be registered with Dynamo Soccer Club and can only be registered to one recreational team or program. Players who are registered Travel Players with Virginia Youth Soccer Association, may not play on a Dynamo Soccer Club Team.
Coaching and Spectators: There is to be no coaching from behind the goals or from the spectator side of the field. All teams and coaches will be on the designated side of the field with the spectators on the opposite side. Spectators are asked to remain off of the field line in order to give the players room to play.
Number of Players: There is a maximum of 8 players per team. U7 & U8 teams compete with 4 v 4. Four field players and no goalkeeper. Teams are encouraged to play down a player if their team is winning by 5 goals or more.
Minimum Number of Players to Start a Game: 3 per team. Coaches are encouraged, but not required, to play-down when the opposing team is playing short, without jeopardizing the minimum playing time for each player.
Positioning: 4 field players. (Starting with the defenders) 1-2-1 formation. 1 Defender, 2 Midfielders (left/right), 1 Forward.
Goalkeeper: None, Players are not allowed to stand in their defensive goal mouth (or arch) and defend the goal.
Referees: Referees are High School players. They have been instructed to teach the game of soccer to the younger children as they officiate. They may work with some children in order to teach them the proper technique. Please let them do their job, and if there are any problems or concerns, please contact Shawn Martin at [email protected] .
Playing Time: There is a minimum of two quarters of playing time allowed for each player.
Game Length: Each game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 10 minutes. There is a 2 minute rest period between quarters and 5 minutes at halftime.
Ball size: Size 3
**Kick-ins: Kick-ins will be taken when the opposing team kicks the ball across one of the sidelines. The kick will be taken from where the ball went out of bounds. This is an indirect free kick and teams cannot directly score.
Goal kicks: Goal kicks are taken when the opposing team kicks the ball across the defending team's end-line. The opposing team must stand behind the midfield line while the kick is taken. The team kicking the ball may stand where they choose. Once the kick is taken the game is live.
Corner Kicks: Corner kicks are taken when the ball crosses the end-line, and is last touched by a member of the defending team.
Fouls: Fouls such as handballs, tripping and pushing will occasionally occur, usually unintentionally. If an obvious foul occurs (at the discretion of the referee) then an indirect free kick will be awarded.
Slide Tackles: There shall be no slide tackles. An indirect free kick may be awarded for any infringement based at the discretion of the referee.
Heading: If the ball hits a player in the head accidentally, play will be stopped and restarted with a drop-ball. If a player uses their head purposefully to hit the ball, play will stop and be restarted with a free kick for the opposing team.
Off-side: Not applicable.
Penalty Kicks: None
Jewelry: Stud earrings are permitted to be worn as long as they are completely covered by tape or band aids.
**ALL OTHER RULES WILL FOLLOW FIFA LAWS**