FCSA In-House Under 7, 8 Playing Rules
(based on USYSA Recommendations)
Field of Play
Length - 25x35 yards Width – 20-30 yards
Goals – decided by club
NEW - No coaches on the field in U7,8 – coaches are on the sideline with the players and not on the field. Make any calls from the sideline – in general, let the players figure out some of the issues (i.e. who’s throw-in, goal kick or corner,…).
Ball – size 3
Number of players – 4
Substitutions – at any stoppage and unlimited.
Playing time – 50% of every game. All players should come off once before anyone comes off twice.
Game length – 4x10 minute quarters, 2 minute break between quarters, 5 minute halftime break
Offside – no
Start/Re-start – opponents must be 4 yards from the ball (not applied to throw-ins)
Free kicks – no penalty kicks, no cards. All fouls result in a direct free kick from where the foul occurred.
Throw-ins – YES. If a foul throw, re-take the throw-in.
Advantages of playing small sided games
>more time with the coach
>more time with the ball
>more activity – offense and defense
>greater success rate
USYSA recommendations
>opposing coaches, players and parents shake hands after each match
>parents, coaches and spectators should be there to enjoy and encourage the activity of the youngsters
>coaches recommended to attend U6/U8 youth module
Characteristics of U8 players
>short attention span
>still mainly individual play with some partner play
>need positive reinforcement
