U.S. Youth Soccer

8 v 8 Official Laws

Under 10

LAW I. The Field
A. Dimensions:
The field of play shall be rectangular, its length being not more than 80 yards nor less than 70 yards and its width not more than 50 yardsnor less than 40 yards. The length in all cases shall exceed the width.
US Youth Soccer Recommendations:
Length:70 Yards Width: 50 Yards
B. Markings:
1. Distinctive lines not more than five (5) inches wide.
2. A halfway line shall be marked out across the field.
3. A center circle with a eight (8) yard radius.
4. Four corner arcs with a two (2) foot radius.
5. Goal area: six (6) yards from each goal poast and six (6) yards into the field of play, joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.
C. Goals: Seven (7) feet high and twenty-one (21) feet wide.

LAW II. The Ball: Size Four(4)

LAW III. Number of Players
A. Maximum number of players on the field at anyone time is eight (8). One of whom may be the goalkeeper.
B. Maximum number of players on the roster should not exceed: fourteen (14).
C. Substitutions:
1. Prior to throw-in, in your favor.
2. Prior to a goal kick, by either team.
3. After a goal, by either team.
4. After an injury, by either team, when the referee stops the play.
5. At half-time.
D. Playing time: Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time.
E. Teams and games may be co-ed.

LAW IV. Player Equipment:
Conform to FIFA with the following exceptions:
A. Footwear: Tennis shoe or soft cleated soccer shoes.
B. Shinguards: MANDATORY.

LAW V. REFEREE:
A. Registered referee/new referee program.
B. Associate Referees.
C.Parent/Coach or assistant.
D. All rule infractions shall be breifly explained to the offending player.

LAW VI. Linesmen: Use club linesmen.

LAW VII. DURATION OF THE GAME
A. The game shall be divided into two (2) equal halfs of twenty-five (25) minutes each.
B. Half-time break of five (5) minutes.

LAW VIII. START OF PLAY
Conform to FIFA, with the following exceptions:
A. Opponent must be eight (8) yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

LAW IX. BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY:
Conform to FIFA.

LAW X. METHOD OF SCORING:
Conform to FIFA.

LAW XI. OFF-SIDE:
Conform to FIFA.

LAW XII. FOULS AND MISCONDUCT:
Conform to FIFA, with the following exception:
A. No cautions or ejections shall be issued to players except by an independent neutral Referee.

LAW XIII. FREE KICKS:
Conform to FIFA, with the following exception:
A. Opponents must be eight (8) yards away before kick is allowed.

LAW XIV. PENALTY KICKS:
Conform to FIFA, with the following exception:
A. Opponents must be eight (8) yards away before kick is allowed.

LAW V. THROW-INS:
Conform to FIFA.

LAW VI. GOAL KICK:
Conform to FIFA.

LAW VII. CORNER KICK:
Conform to FIFA, with the following exception:
A. Opponents must be ten (10) yards away from the ball.

US Youth Soccer Recommendations

Opposing parent/coaches and players should shake hands after each game.
Participation awards for ALL-No trophies or awards just for the best team.
Parent/Coaches, non playing players, parents and spectators should be there to enjoy and encourage the activity of the youngsters.
No alcoholic beverages will be consumed or allowed near the playing field.

If national state associations have accepted U-10 competative/travel play, it is our hopes that they adopt the modified playing rules for this age division. This will help the players develop at a better rate and is a natural progression from U-8 to U-12.

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