FUN

The first rule is “The kids must have fun.” The U8/6 league is geared toward learning basic soccer skills, getting some exercise, and most important for this age group, having fun. We want this to be a positive experience so the players return for seasons to come. The soccer season can be about competing but we won't record scores. We measure success in what the players have learned, and how much fun was had.

DASC is striving to create a positive, fun, learning environment that will create a solid soccer foundation for kids to build upon. The DASC volunteers welcome constructive feedback if it is in the best interest of ALL the children. Thanks for participating.

BALL SIZE

The official ball for U6/8 players is a size 3. Each player should have his/her own ball for practice and games

NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Under 6

A team will start with 4 field players and no goalies. If a team can’t field 4 field players, the coaches can agree to a 3v3, or the team short a player can ask to borrow an opposing team member.

PLAYER’S EQUIPMENT
Players shall not wear anything that is dangerous to another player (jewelry, including earrings, metal hair clips, etc).

Footwear—sneakers or soft-cleated soccer shoes.

Shin guards are REQUIRED. If a player does not have shin guards, they will not be allowed to play during the game.

DURATION OF THE GAME
Under 6 & 8

The game shall be divided into three 10 minute quarters substitutes made at any stoppage.

There shall be approximately 3-5 minutes between thirds.

START OF PLAY

Opponents must be outside the half-circle at mid-field while kick-off is in progress. The ball can be kicker forward or backward.  The ball can be dribbled or passed.

BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

The ball is in play until the entire ball crosses the sideline or the goal-line, or until the coach (Referee) stops play by blowing the whistle.

GOAL BOX

We encourage players not to defend or shoot in the goal box. In past seasons we have enforced this as a rule but it was too disruptive to play and cause unnecessary confusion about whether they should try to get the ball. 

OFF-SIDES

Off-sides will NOT be called, but coaches will make sure that the players do not stand in front of the opposing team’s goal when the ball is not in play nearby.

FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

All fouls will result in free kicks with the opponents five yards away. The coach (Referee) will explain all infractions.

FREE KICKS

Free kicks are indirect resulting from a foul. A goal may not be scored from an indirect kick until the ball has been touched or played by a second player of either team. No free kicks shall be taken by the attacking team within the defending team’s goal area.

NO PENALTY KICKS FOR UNDER-6/7/8

Restarts

When the ball goes out of bounds on the side line you can use the following to restart the game:

Throw-in
Kick- in
Dribble-in

 In the event of an improper throw-in, a coach will demonstrate the proper technique, and a second attempt will be made. Play can be resumed from a coaches throw-in.

GOAL KICKS

Goal kick restarts the game after the ball entirely crosses the goal line, outside the goal posts and was last touched by the attacking team. Goal kicks will be taken from any point inside the goal area (usually on the corner of the goal box). The kick is taken by defending team. Opponents must be in their own half until the ball is played.

CORNER KICKS

Corner kicks restart the game after the ball has entirely crossed the goal line and was last touched by a player on the defending team. Balls must be placed along the goal line at the corner of the playing area. Kick is taken by the attacking team. Opponents must be 5 yards away from the ball.

FIELD POSITION

Teams may switch ends if they wish but it is not essential.

FIELD SIZE

The maximum field size shall be 60’ wide by 85’ long.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Substitutions are permitted at any stoppage, all players shall be given an equal amount of playing time.

COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES

The coach is to referee the game and call all infractions.

The coach can delay or call a game due to potential lightning hazard/weather conditions.

Prior to the start of the game, the opposing coaches will call off games for rain/bad weather.If the fields are determined unplayable the U-8 Coordinator(s) may call all games/practice.

Attend all coach’s meetings/clinics offered.

The coach shall not leave the field until all players have been picked-up.

Encourage fun and sportsmanship from all players, parents, and coaches.