US Youth Soccer Official Under 8 Playing Rules, Laws & Recommendations
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.
Flagposts: 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.
(Arizona FC will use 4x6 foot goals or 6 foot pop up goals)
Safety: Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may only
be used if they satisfy this requirement.
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. There are NO goalkeepers.
Substitutions: At any stoppage of play and unlimited.
Playing time: Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time.
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.
Law 5 – The Referee: An OFFICIAL (Game Manager or Coordinator or Parent or Coach
or Grade 9 referee) may be used. All infringements shall 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: Conform to FIFA with the exception that all fouls shall
result in a direct free kick. The referee/coach/parent must explain ALL infringements to
the offending player. No cards shown for misconduct.
Law 13 – Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that all kicks are direct 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 Pass-In: A pass-in is considered as a direct free kick with the
opponents four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
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.