U8 Rules

1) The ball will be size three (3).

2) Maximum number of players on the field shall be four (4) for boys and four (4) for girls.  Goal keepers are not used. If one team does not have the maximum number players, teams must play even up soccer.
Two fields will be played at once between two teams.
3) Unlimited substitutions:
a) Prior to a throw-in, your team's
b) Prior to a goal-kick by either team
c) After a goal by either team
d) After an injury on either team when referee stops play
e) At half time and quarter breaks

4) Play Time: The game shall be four (4) quarters of 12 running minutes each with a five (5) minute half and 2 minute break between quarters.  Each player shall play a Minimum of 50% of the total playing time. Substitute Players shall remain along the sideline in between the two parallel fields with the coaches.  No parents allowed to sit between the fields.
 
5) Players equipment: Each player shall wear league shirt, shorts and socks for all league games. Sweats may be worn underneath uniforms. Socks must show so referee may see color.  Each player must wear shin guards for all practices & games.  Tennis shoes or rounded cleats must be worn.  NO JEWELRY OF ANY TYPE. NO HARD HAIR BANDS, HATS OR SUN GLASSES. Water Bottles a must.

6) Referees: Coaches or Co-coaches shall referee their own games if no referee is available. The kickoff team's coach shall do the first and third quarters. The receiving team's coach shall do the second & fourth quarters. This applies if no Youth Referees are available.

7) Linesmen: No linesmen shall be used. No offsides shall be called.

8) Start of Play and Free kicks will take place with all players at least 4 yards away from the ball. All other procedures on these items shall conform to FIFA rules & regulations.  All kicks shall be direct. (Meaning may go directly into goal.) except the kick off. This kick is an indirect kick.  Player kicking the ball cannot touch the ball again until a second player from either team has touched it. No Free kicks shall be taken within a defending teams goal box.  NO PENALTY KICKS are to be taken. Free direct kicks will be taken for fouls called.

9) Ball in and out of play, method of scoring, throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks shall be conform to FIFA. Incorrect throw ins will result a second try after explanation of error is given by referee. A second foul is a ball possession change. The player throwing the ball in, cannot touch ball until another player has touched it in play. All in & out of bounds is ruled by ball position, not player position. A 6’ radius arc has been drawn in from of the goal. This area is the “No Man’s Zone” as no player may be in this area and touch the ball. The definition is the “PLAYER” so if a player touches the ball he’s in the zone, (any body part) it shall become a dead ball. If offense touches the ball, it becomes a goal kick. If defense touches the ball, it is a goal. If the ball dies inside the zone, it becomes a goal kick. All calls shall be deemed by the opinion of the referee.

10) Fouls and misconduct: Rules of FIFA shall apply as well as NP United sportsmanship guidelines. The referee shall explain all infractions to offending player.

11) THERE SHALL BE NO SLIDE TACKLES or ROUGH & OUT OF CONTROL PLAY.