South Pasadena • San Marino
AYSO Region 214
Highlights of Special Rules for U6 &U8 matches
Fall 2010
Special rules of play are allowed under FIFA and AYSO, established by the local Regional Board of Directors. scroll down for complete set of rules.
Common rules (for both U6 & U8)
- These games not competitive; game scores are not kept and there are no league champions.
- All free kicks are INDIRECT: goals are not allowed directly from a free kick.
- There are no penalty kicks.
- If an attacking team is awarded a foul in the defending team’s goal area, the ball is moved just outside the goal area, close to the point of infraction. (Actually, this is not a special law, it is standard FIFA.)
- No offside calls.
- No red or yellow cards.
- On throw-ins, all opposing team members must be at least 5 yards away from the ball.
U6
- 15 minute half (5-10 minute break at half-time)
- Number of players during play - Max: 6 Min: 5
- No goal keepers.
- No corner kicks: no matter who kicks the ball over the goal line, if no goal is scored, the defending team puts the ball back into play with an indirect free kick from anywhere within its own goal area, ie, a goal kick.
- For all free kicks, the opposing team must be at least 5 yards away.
U8
- 20 minute half (5-10 minute break at half-time)
- Number of players during play - Max: 7 Min: 5
- Goal keepers are introduced in U8, but no player may be a keeper for more than 2 quarters.
- Corner kicks are awarded (to attackers when a defender kicks the ball across the goal line but no goal is scored).
- Coaches are not allowed on field during play (unless requested by the referee).
- For all free kicks, the opposing team must be at least 8 yards away.
Special Rules for
Divisions U6 & U8
Section 9 -- SPECIAL RULES FOR DIVISIONS U6 &U8
SECTION 9--SPECIAL RULES FOR DIVISIONS U6 & U8
All games for divisions U6 and U8 shall be conducted in accordance with the current FIFA Laws of the Game and decisions of the International Board in effect as of September 1, except as amended by the AYSO National Rules and Regulations, the rules and regulations of Region 214 set forth in the section of this manual entitled “Rules of Play,” and the special rules for divisions U6 and U8 that are set forth in sections 9 through 11.
Section 9.1 -- Statistics, Standings and Awards
9.1.1 Statistics and Standings. Region 214 does not record individual statistics, game results or team standings for divisions U6 and U8. Therefore, coaches are encouraged not to keep individual statistics, games results or team standings.
9.1.2 Awards. All U6 and U8 players receive participation awards from Region 214. In accordance with AYSO National Rules and Regulations, therefore, no trophy, medal or other award may be distributed to any team or to any individual player or players other than those provided by the region.
Section 9.2 -- Playing the Game
9.2.1. Heading. Region 214 discourages the instruction and use of heading for players in divisions U6 and U8. Because of potential danger of neck injuries and the age and maturity of the players, please avoid the use of heading in these divisions both in practice and games and instruct your players not to head the ball.
9.2.2. Method of Scoring. Score shall not be kept.
9.2.3. Restarts. Restarts shall conform to FIFA laws, except for the following:
· Free Kicks.
(1) All free kicks shall be INDIRECT FREE KICKS; and
(2) no free kick shall be taken by the attacking team within the defending team’s goal box.
· Penalty Kicks. No penalty kicks are to be taken during division U6 and U8 games.
· Throw-Ins.
(1) Opponents must be 5 yards away from the ball.
(2) A second throw-in must be allowed if the player commits a foul on the initial attempt.
(3) Referees shall explain the proper method before allowing the player to re-throw.
· Corner kicks. No corner kicks allowed for U6 games. All restarts in U6 games when the ball crosses the goal line, but a goal is not scored, will be goal kicks.
ction 10 -- DION U8 RULES
SECTION 10--DIVISION U8 RULES
Section 10.1 -- Team Formation
10.1.1. Division U8 is open to players who are age 6 and 7 as of July 31.
10.1.2. Division U8 girls play in the GU8 Division; boys in BU8. No co-ed teams or games allowed.
Section 10.2 -- Field of Play
10.2.1. Dimensions. The field of play should be no more than 80 yards long and no more than 50 yards wide. In all cases the length shall exceed the width.
10.2.2. Markings
· Distinctive lines not more than 5 inches wide.
· A halfway line shall be marked out across the field.
· A center circle with an 8-yard radius.
· Four corner arcs with a 2-foot radius.
· Goal area - 6 yards from each goal post and 6 yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.
· Penalty area -- 14 yards into the field of play, joined by a line drawn parallel to the goal line.
10.2.3. Goals. The maximum size should be 7 feet high and 21 feet wide. The minimum size should approximate a hockey goal.
Section 10.3 -- Players and Coaches
10.3.1. A division U8 team roster shall have not more than 9 players.
10.3.2. The maximum number of players on the field for one team at any one time is 7, one of whom may be a goal keeper. The minimum number of players is 6.
10.3.3. No player may play goal keeper for more than 2 quarters in any game.
10.3.4. Coaches are not allowed on the field of play during play. Coaches, spectators and players shall not enter the field of play unless requested by the referee.
Section 10.4 – Referees
10.4.1. Each team shall be assigned a Team Referee or it is the responsibility of the team coach to recruit a volunteer to attend the U8 Referee course. Team Refs in U6-U8 officiate their player's game. The Referee’s main role is to ensure that the players have a fun, safe and fair game experience.
10.4.2. All rule infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending player.
Section 10.5 -- Playing the Game
10.5.1. Duration of Game. The game shall be divided into four equal 10 minute quarters. There shall be a 2 minute break between quarters one and two, and another 2 minute break between quarters three and four. There shall be a 5 minute halftime break.
10.5.2. Start of Play. The start of play (i.e. kickoff) shall conform to FIFA, except that opponents must be 5 yards from the center mark while the kickoff is in progress.
10.5.3. Fouls and Misconduct. Player fouls and misconduct shall be treated in conformity with FIFA laws, except that:
(1) all fouls will result in an INDIRECT FREE KICK with oppponents at least 8 yards away;
(2) referees should explain the foul or infraction to the offending player; and
(3) no yellow or red cards shall be issued to players.
10.5.4. Offside. There shall be no offside called. However, players should be encouraged to move up and down the field with the flow of play as opposed to taking a stationary offensive position in
front of the opponents goal (i.e. “cherrypicking”).
10.5.5. Restarts. Restarts shall conform to FIFA laws, except for the following:
· Goal Kicks. Goal kicks may be taken from any point inside the goal area. Opponents must be outside the penalty area.
· Corner Kicks. Opponents must be 8 yards away from the ball.
Section 11 -- DIVISION U6 RULES
SECTION 11-- DIVISION U6 RULES
Section 11.1 -- Team Formation
11.1.1. Division U6 (Under 6) is open to players who are age 4½ and 5 as of July 31.
11.1.2. Division U6 girls play in the GU6 Division; boys in BU6. No co-ed teams or games allowed.
Section 11.2 -- Field of Play
11.2.1. Dimensions. The field of play should be no more than 50 yards long and no more than 30 yards wide. In all cases the length shall exceed the width.
11.2.2. Markings
· Distinctive lines not more than 5 inches wide.
· A halfway line shall be marked out across the field.
· A center circle with a 5-yard radius.
· Four corner arcs with a 2-foot radius.
· Goal area - 6 yards from each goal post and 6 yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.
· No penalty area.
11.2.3. Goals. The maximum size should be 6 feet high and 12 feet wide. The minimum size should approximate a hockey goal.
Section 11.3 – Players
11.3.1. A division U6 team roster shall have not more than 8 players.
11.3.2. The maximum number of players on the field for one team at any one time is 6. The minimum number of players is 5.
11.3.3. There will be no goal keeper in division U6 games. Players may be assigned to defensive positions on the field. However, a player should not be assigned to stay put in front of the goal.
Section 11.4 -- Coaches and Referees
11.4.1. Game Referees. Each team shall be assigned a Team Referee or it is the responsibility of the team coach to recruit a volunteer to attend the U8 Referee course. Team Refs in U6-U8 officiate thir player's game. The Referee’s main role is to ensure that the players have a fun, safe and fair game experience.
11.4.2. Two-Referee System. The two-referee system should be used (i.e. the two aligned diagonally on the field with each primarily responsible for one half of the field, one touchline and one goal line. Linespersons are unnecessary. Prior to the start of the game, the two referees shall agree on who will keep time.
11.4.3. Referee. The region shall provide an experienced neutral referee at the fields where Division U19 –U10 games are played. The neutral referee is available for consultation with the game referees should either of the game referees request such consultation.
11.4.4. Coach/Referees. Coach/referees are allowed to provide instruction and direction to players during the game. ONE Coach from each team (either the Head Coach OR the Assistant Coach) is allowed on the field of play in U6 (not U8). However coach/referees should allow the players to play the game and should take care not to impede, obstruct or participate in the flow of play. Spectators shall not enter the field of play unless requested by the referee.
11.4.5. All rule infractions may be briefly explained to the offending player.
Section 11.5 -- Playing the Game
11.5.1. Duration of Game. The game shall be divided into 4 equal 8 minute quarters. There shall be a 2 minute break between quarters one and two, and another 2 minute break between quarters three and four. There shall be a 5 minute halftime break.
11.5.2. Start of Play. The start of play (i.e. kickoff) should conform to FIFA laws, except that opponents must be 5 yards from the center mark while the kickoff is in progress.
11.5.3. Offside. There shall be no offside called. However, players should be encouraged to move up and down the field with the flow of play as opposed to taking a stationary offensive position infront of the opponents goal (i.e. “cherrypicking”).
11.5.4. Fouls and Misconduct. Player fouls and misconduct shall be treated in conformity with FIFA laws, except that (1) all fouls will result in an INDIRECT FREE KICK with oppponents at least 5 yards away; (2) referees should explain the foul or infraction to the offending player; and (3) no yellow or red cards shall be issued to players.
11.5.6. Restarts. Restarts shall conform to FIFA, except for the following:
· Goal Kicks. Goal kicks may be taken from any point inside the goal area. Opponents must be outside the goal box AND at least 5 yards away from the ball.
· Corner Kicks. Does not apply. All restarts in U6 games, when the ball crosses the goal line, but a goal is not scored, will be goal kicks.