U-8 - MODIFIED LAWS OF THE GAME
Questions regarding the rules of play may be brought to the attention of Rich Devenney,
Director of Referees; Heather Mayfield, U-8; Paul Rutledge, Recreation Director; or Jody
Millians, VRSA President. In their absence, Jason Warmoth, U-6 Director; Keith Shedd,
VRSA Vice President; or Bill Rucker, Director of Coaching will be able to help. If still
not satisfied, contact the VR Rec Dept Director of Athletics, Michael Best.
The rules for U-8 are modified from FIFA, USYSA, GYSA, and VRSA rules. The GYSA
rules of play are covered in Section 500.1 through 670.2. The following briefly explains
the modified 17 Laws of the Game (LOTG) for U-8:
Law 1 – The Field of Play
The minimum and maximum field dimensions and goal sizes are defined in the GYSA
modified rules for U-8 play. VRSA follows their guidelines for youth games with 30x40
fields. There are no center circles, goal boxes, penalty marks (no PKs in Tot Shot, U-6,
and U-8), and no corner arcs or corner flags in Tot Shot, U-6, and U-8. The field lines
are defined in the sketch under Law 8.
Law 2 – The Ball
#3 ball size for Tot Shot, U-6, and U-8. Referee will check ball safety and inflation
before the game. The team listed as the Home team (first listed) provides the game ball.
Law 3 – Number of Players
Maximum roster size is 10 players per team. Games are 5v5 (5 against 5) with one of the
players a goalkeeper. Each game MUST begin and end with at least “4” players. Each
player will play a minimum of 50% of each game, with some playing possibly as much as
an entire game depending on the number of players present at the game. At each
substitution, the BENCH WILL BE CLEARED unless a reason from player’s parent
why their child cannot play the minimum of the game! The goal keeper will be swapped
each substitution period with four different keepers used in each game. All players must
play a minimum of one half. If a player plays keeper they can only play keeper once.
Also, if a player plays keeper they must play one-half of the game on the field. This
means EVERY PLAYER will play as a field player 2 times in a game.
NO EXCEPTIONS.
In the event of an injury substitution, each team is allowed a substitution. It is strongly
suggested that a parent from each team stand behind the bench of the opposing team to
track substitutions. Some coaches are into “winning” at all costs keeping their weakest
players benched most of the game. Bring this to the attention of one of the officials listed
above. Failure of a coach to follow the substitution rules could result in a forfeit. No
coaches are allowed on the field during a game. No coach or parent is allowed behind the
goal keeper during games. Prior to the start of a match, two complete team rosters (game
cards) may be prepared by each team coach/manager and presented to the referee. GYSA
required for intra-scheduled games (against other leagues) and tournaments U-10 and
above. Referees will grade sportsmanship.
Law 4 – Players’ Equipment
The players uniform consists of color matched team shirts/jerseys, shorts, socks, storebought shin guards, and SOCCER shoes. Tennis shoes/sports shoes without cleats are
allowed. Cleats must be rubber and not have the center toe cleat (baseball and football
shoes). Shin guards must be completely covered by the socks. Shirts/jerseys must be
tucked into shorts before the game begins. Goal keepers must wear a different color than
their teammates and opposing teams. T-shirts or pinnies are allowed for keepers.
Anything other than the mandatory equipment listed will be checked by the referee for
safety. Cold weather: dark blue or black long sleeve shirt “under” jersey and dark blue
or black sweat pants or pants “over” shorts. Players in casts or splints will not be allowed
to play even if wrapped or padded. No hair beads! ABSOLUTELY NO JEWELRY IS
ALLOWED DURING GAMES - NOT EVEN COVERED AND TAPED.
Law 5 – The Referee
One Certified Referee is used in each game. The referee enforces the Laws of the Game
(LOTG) and is the official timekeeper and scorekeeper. The referee’s authority begins
once he/she enters the field before the game, and until they leave after the game. The
referee has sole authority on the rules of play. If there is a dispute, do not take it to the
YOUNG referee. This could be intimidating. Bring it to an older official’s attention
listed above. We do not want to lose referees by parents and/or coaches using
intimidation. Coaches or parents/spectators could be ejected for such behavior. A report
could be made to the Rec. Dept for proper disposition. Sanctions for coaches and parents
behavior towards the referees are discussed in GYSA Section 700 Sportsmanship. See
Law 12 for the sanctions that may be imposed. This has happened in the past, and we
hope we do not have to resort to these methods in the future. In MOST cases, the
referees know more about the rules of play than the parents and coaches. In the absence
of a referee, the coaches will take turns refereeing each half of the game or use a
knowledgeable parent as a referee.
Law 6 – Assistant Referees
None in Tot Shot, U-6, and U-8. A 4th Official (adult referee) are used for training and
evaluation purposes of referees, and may be used for questionable games where teams,
parents, or coaches have presented problems in the past and must be monitored for their
behavior.
Law 7 – Duration of the Match
Games will start within 5 minutes of their scheduled times. The first half is 20 minutes
followed by a 5-minute half-time. Substitution is called on first dead ball near the 9minute mark, and play is restarted with the proper restart for the call after substitution.
The second half is the same 20 minutes. The clock does not stop for substitutions so
quickly make your substitutions and get back out on the field. There are no allowances
for time lost. However, if a player or team is deemed to be wasting time (6 second
warning), they will be warned. If the player persists, they will be asked to leave the field.
Games tied end in a tie. There are no overtime periods.
Law 8 – Start and Restart of Play
Each team must have a minimum of 4 players to start the game. If a team does not have
the minimum within 5 minutes of game-time, that team may have to forfeit (0-3 loss),
unless arrangements can be made by the other coach to replay the game at a later date.
The winning team DOES NOT have to make the game up; however, VR Officials may
have the authority to waive this ruling depending on the circumstances. If both teams do
not have the minimum, then by GYSA rules both teams forfeit. The game can be made
up or remain not played by VRSA rules. Each team must be represented by a coach. In
the absence of a coach, a parent may act as the coach for that game. Home team (1st team
listed on the schedule) provides the game ball. The game starts with a coin toss. The
Visitors make the call. The winner of the coin toss decides “which goal they want to
defend/attack.” The loser kicks off. Second half, teams swap ends of the field and the
other team kicks off. The kick off is made at the start of the first and second half and
after a goal scored by either team. In the illustration below, the kick-off team (A) lines
up behind the halfway line. The defending team (B) lines up behind the goal box line.
No one is to move across their line until the ball is kicked forward. On the kick off, the
ball must be touched by another player before it is touched by the kicker again. The same
for goal kicks. For any infringement on the kick off (player crossing their line before the
ball is kicked), the kick is retaken by the same team. Unlike FIFA rules, in Tot Shot, U6, and U-8, a goal CANNOT be scored directly from a kick off. We illustrate a typical
kick off lineup below. They may line up anywhere behind their respective lines.
Typical Kick Off Lineup
goal line
B
(keeper)
B
goal box line
B
B
Halfway line
B
O
A
A
A
A
goal box line
A
(keeper)
goal line
A drop ball is a way of restarting the match after a temporary stoppage, which becomes
necessary while the ball is in play for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in LOTG. The
dropped ball must touch the ground before it is kicked. If it does not touch, the drop is
retaken. If the same player infringes, then it becomes an indirect kick to the other team.
Examples are injuries requiring immediate attention or cautions. If a parent or coaches
enters the field to tend to an injured player (referee will motion coach and/or parent onto
field), the player must step off the field or be substituted. If the player elects to continue
playing, he must remain on the touch line until the referee blows the whistle and motions
them on to the field. If not, the other team is allowed equal substitution privileges. If the
restart is within the goal box, the drop ball is made at the nearest point on the goal box
line. No space is required for a drop ball.
Law 9 – Ball in and out of Play
The ball is in play until it completely leaves the field across the goal line or touch line
(side lines). The ball is still in play even if it hits the goal post, cross bar, or referee and
remains on the playing field. If the ball crosses the “goal line” as a result of the attacking
team touching the ball last, the restart is a goal kick from anywhere on or inside the goal
box line. We show the illustration under Law 16.
If the ball crosses the “goal line” as a result of the defending team touching the ball last,
provided it is not a hand ball or foul, the restart is a corner kick from the nearest corner
the ball left the field (see Law 17).
Law 10 – Method of Scoring
A goal is scored if the ball completely crosses the goal line between the goal posts and
under the cross bar. The restart is a kickoff by the opposing team. A goal cannot be
counted if it is the result of a foul by the attacking team or if it is a Direct Kick by the
attacking team. The restart is a goal kick by the defending team. The game can end in a
tie with no tie-breakers. Scores are kept in U-8 games with the U-8 Director and Villa
Rica Scorekeeper receiving the game results.
Law 11 – Offside
There is no offside in Tot Shot, U-6, and U-8.
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct
No slide tackling allowed near players! There are no Direct Kicks for fouls or
misconduct in Tot Shot, U-6, and U-8, nor are there Penalty Kicks. The “6-yard” rule
comes into affect in U-8 for such offenses that are not goal kicks or kick offs. The
difference in a penalty kick situation is that the defending team is allowed within the goal
box area (6-yard rule) and the kick must be indirect. The offenses are too numerous to
mention. Please refer to the Laws of the Game for the lists. Some typical examples are
shown below:
 Using hands/arms for pushing, shoving, pulling, grabbing, hitting, blocking, etc.
could result an indirect kick for the other team after a verbal warning to the player
involved. The next time the same player commits a similar foul, the ball goes to the
other team. Persistent infringing may result in the player being asked to leave the
field for an undetermined amount of time. Continuing this behavior could result in a
yellow or red card depending on the severity or offense.
 Intentionally kicking a player or fighting will result in the player leaving the field to
cool off for an undetermined amount of time. It could be as little as the next
substitution period to as long as the rest of the game. For persistent infractions of the
same nature in future games, the child could be removed for the remainder of that
game and the next scheduled game. This has never happened, but we have had
border-line instances in the past. The result of such behavior could lead to a drop ball
or a free kick to the other team depending on the offense.
 Disruptive or foul language is a direct kick situation; however, indirect kicks are used
in Tot Shot, U-6, and U-8 age groups. Foul language is a “red card” offense and may
result in the player leaving for the remainder of the game and the next scheduled
game.
Yellow cards and red cards MAY be used for persistent infringements after the second
verbal warning. In some cases, the child may be asked to leave the field but rarely does
this happen. Again, the list is too long to show here. Please refer to the LOTG.
Handballs by any field player will result in an indirect kick by the opposing team from
the point of infraction. If the handball or foul is made between the goal box line and the
goal line by either team, the ball is moved to the goal box line at the nearest point. If the
hand ball is made by the defending player that is a PK situation shown in the same
illustration in red. We illustrate these placements below:
Fouls inside the goal box and PKs
goal line
B
B (keeper)
B
x (Area where foul occurred)
A
A
B
(6 yds)B
Goal box line
x1 (spot where restart is taken)
A
X1 (PK)
A
A
Mid-field line
A (keeper)
The coaches are ultimately responsible for the behavior of their players, parents,
and fans. Parents/coaches/fans are asked to behave in a good sportsmanlike manner to
reinforce positive role modeling for the players. Verbal comments/expressions should be
limited to positive cheering for the teams. We do not expect our young referees to handle
poor coaching and parent behavior situations. If a conflict arises, referees or Directors
listed above retain the right to handle the situation. The young referee may temporarily
stop the game to seek assistance from an older official. If none are found, the young
referee is instructed to abandon the match. Please read Section 700 Sportsmanship in the
GYSA Rules and Regulations. The following steps VRSA Officials may utilize:
 Issue an initial verbal warning to the coach to control fans and/or themselves and to
remind them to conduct themselves in a good sportsman-like manner.
 Issue a final verbal warning to the person involved as a formal warning. This step
could result in the person being asked to move to the parking lot and remaining silent
for the remainder of the game.
 Remove the person from the recreational fields for the remainder of the game; and, if
necessary call the police. The Official listed will fill out a form to be turned into the
Age-Group Director and the Rec Dept. The Rec Dept and VRSA will have a D&P
(Discipline and Protest) Hearing to determine if additional sanctions will be placed on
the individual involved. GYSA mandates the coach being removed for the next two
games, with parents an indefinite period depending on the severity of the offense.
VRSA could mandate less or more of a sanction since we play in-house.
Law 13 – Free Kicks
All kicks in Tot Shot, U-6, and U-8 are Indirect. If a goal is scored as a result of a Direct
kick, the restart is a goal kick by the opposing team. In FIFA, if a direct kick is kicked
into the team’s own goal, then a corner kick is award to the opposing team. The “6-yard”
rule is in affect for corner kicks. If the opponent infringes before the kick is taken, the
kick is retaken. If the attacking team infringes, the player will be warned and the kick
will still be retaken by the attacking team. If done again by the attacking team, the kick
goes to the other team. The circumstances for direct and indirect kicks and the placement
of the ball are too numerous to mention. Please read Law 13 for the various conditions
for direct and indirect kicks and placement of the ball and players. Remember, all kicks
are indirect. See Law 12 for yellow and red card offenses.
Law 14 – Penalty Kick
There are no penalty kicks in Tot Shot, U-6, and U-8. In the event of a penalty kick
situation, an indirect kick is made from the goal box line in front of the goal with the
opponent giving 6-yard space. The team making the free kick does not have to remain
behind the line (see illustration Law 12).
Law 15 – The Throw In
A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw in. The throw in is made by the opposing
team when the ball crosses the touch line (side line). Both feet must be on or behind the
touch line and remain on the ground until the ball is released. The ball must be thrown
directly behind and over their head by both hands. All opponents must be at least 2 yards
from the thrower and the ball is in play once it enters the field. The thrower must not
touch the ball until it has been touched by another player. Please read FIFA Law 15 for
more details.
Law 16 – The Goal Kick
In U-8, the ball must be touched by another player in a goal kick. If the ball is not
touched by another player before the kicker kicks again, the ball goes to the other team.
Unlike FIFA rules, in Tot Shot or U-6 or U-8, a goal CANNOT be scored directly from a
goal kick. The keeper or any of their teammates can take the goal kick. The opponents
(B) must move behind the halfway line. The kickoff team (A) can be anywhere on the
field. There is no offside in Tot Shot, U-6, and U-8 games. We show a typical lineup on
the following page.
Example of Goal Kick Line Up
goal line
A
A
goal box line
O
A
A
Halfway line
B
B
B
A
(No offside in U-8)
goal box line
B
B
goal line
Law 17 – The Corner Kick
The corner kick is made by the opposing team when the defending team last touched the
ball before it crossed the goal line. The “6-yard” rule comes into affect for the opposing
team on corner kicks. The referee may move the opponents back 6 yards. In U-8, the
ball must be touched by another player before the kicker can kick again.
Technical Area
Players and coaches line up on the designated coaches/players side of the field with
parents and spectators on the other side opposite the coaches/players. “First come first
served” for coaches picking their bench. The coaches and players must remain on their
end of the half way line for the duration of the game. No swapping “benches” for the
second half. No coaches or parents are allowed behind the goal. If parents or coaches
are yelling instructions beyond the goal box line, then they will be asked to move out of
that area. Instructions should only be given by the coaches to minimize confusing the
players. Unreasonable outburst and the parents may be asked to leave the field.
Clarification of some of the rules can be found in the FIFA “Additional Instructions for
Referees…” pages 59 through 77 of the LOTG. Other clarifications of the Laws are
found in various memos distributed to referees from USSF and booklets passed out in
classrooms and recertification for referees, too numerous to cover. When in doubt,
TRUST THE REFEREES JUDGEMENT!