Tyngsboro Youth Soccer Association
Under 8 Playing Recommendations
Based on US Soccer and FIFA Guidelines
FIFA Laws of the game can be found @
LAW 1 – Field of Play:
Dimensions – The dual field format will consist of two fields approximately 20 yards wide X 25-30 yards long.
Field Markings – The field of play shall be lined with lines of no wider than 5 inches. These markings shall mark the perimeter of the field of play as well as the halfway line; a four yard circle shall be marked around the center point of the field of play.
Goal Area – This “goal area” shall consist of an area marked approximately 2 yards out from the goal line, and 2 yards out towards the sidelines from each goal post. This goal area shall be used as a “no entry” zone. The objective of this zone is to promote shooting for the offensive players as well as defending in lieu of goaltending for the defense. If the ball is to come to rest in this zone, the defensive team is to retrieve the ball and continue on with the play of the game.
Flag posts – Flag posts will be used.
Corner Arc – A 1 yard quarter-circle will define the corner arc.
Goals – Goals of approximately 8 feet wide and 6 feet tall will be utilized.
LAW 2 – The Ball: Ball size shall be a size 3.
LAW 3 – Number of players: The match shall consist of two teams. The dual field format will allow for each team to field (2) four man teams, these two games will go on simultaneously. NO SCORE WILL BE KEPT!
There will be no use of goaltenders!
The teams will be placed in between the two fields (A&B), and substitutions into either game on field A or B (or between fields), AFTER requesting permission from the referee is allowed. There will be unlimited substitutions.
LAW 4 – Player Equipment: All players must wear shin-guards. Cleats are preferred, but sneakers are completely acceptable. Jewelry is not allowed to be worn under any circumstances.
LAW 5 – Referees: A referee will be used on Field “A” of the dual field format. A coach from one or both teams shall be utilized on Field “B”. The referee shall explain all infringements to the players.
LAW 6 – Assistant referees: No assistant referees will be used.
LAW 7 – Length of Play: The match shall consist of (4) ten minute quarters. There shall be two minute breaks between quarters and a five minute interval at halftime. The match shall begin fifteen minutes after the posted start time (i.e. 9:45 for a 9:30 posted game time). The fifteen minutes prior to the games will be used for warm-ups and for the referee to check player’s equipment.
LAW 8 – Start of Play: At the beginning of quarters and halves, the start of play will begin with the ball at the center mark. The teams will alternate start of play, starting with the Away team.
After Goals – This will be monitored and altered as deemed by the referee. Coaches shall supply feedback in regards to this placement of the ball after goals. To start the season we will place the ball back at the center-point and the team that was scored upon will start the play as at the beginning of the game, quarter or half. If this seems to take away from the flow of the game, the scoring team can be asked to go back to the half-line and the team which was scored upon can start the play like a goal kick; dribbling and passing the ball quickly towards the opposing team. Opposing team should wait until they reach the halfway point and begin the start of play as the ball approaches the halfway mark.
LAW 9 – The ball in & out of play: Conform to FIFA.
Drop balls should be avoided, if required the referee shall perform an approximate 3 yard roll to opposing players standing approximately 1 yard apart.
LAW 10 – Scoring: Conform to FIFA.
LAW 11 – Off-sides: Off-sides will not be called during these matches. “Goal-hanging” should be strongly discouraged.
LAW 12 – Fouls & Misconduct: The referee shall call and explain all fouls during the match. No misconduct cards are used at this level.
LAW 13 – Free Kicks: All free kicks are direct and opposing players must be 4 yards from the ball until it is put back into play by the team the penalty occurred on.
LAW 14 – Penalty Kicks: NONE. A free kick shall be utilized outside of the goal area at a point where the team committing the foul has the opportunity to start 4 yards from the ball and 1 yard outside of the defined goal area (the ball would be placed approximately 5 yards from the closest corner of the goal area).
LAW 15 – Throw-ins: Throw-ins will be used and shall conform to FIFA guidelines. Referees shall explain any infractions to the player and allow them to retry the throw once.
LAW 16 – Goal Kicks: Goal kicks can be kicked from any point within the goal area by a player on the defending team. The kicker cannot play the ball a second time until it has touched another player. The ball is in play as soon as it is kicked beyond the goal area.
LAW 17 – Corner Kicks: Corner kicks will be placed on the corner arc and will follow the guidelines of a free kick.