Duration of Game:
Four 10-minute periods. Halftime break of 5-10 minutes.
Players:
- No goalkeepers.
- Substitutions: Between quarters, at halftime, and for injuries.
- Playing Time: Minimum of two quarters per game and no player should play four quarters until everyone has played three quarters.
- Gameplay: Only players and referees (coaches) are allowed on the field.
Kick-In Restart After the Ball Crosses the Touchline:
Normally, the restart after the ball goes over the touchline is a throw-in. For games in 8U, the restart will be a "kick-in" where the player places the ball on the touch line near where it exited the field and restarts play with a kick to a teammate.
Free Kicks:
All free kicks in 8U are indirect kicks (ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored). Opponents must be at least ten feet from the ball or on the goal line between the goal posts during free kicks. Free kicks awarded to the attacking team inside the defending teams goal area are to be taken from the nearest point on the goal area line parallel to the goal line.
Offside:
No offside.
Goal Kick:
A goal kick is awarded to the opposing team, in 8U and older, when the attacking team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but without scoring a goal. The goal kick may be taken from any point inside the goal area. The opposing team must be at least ten feet away from the ball when the goal kick is taken in 8U games.
Corner Kick:
A corner kick is awarded to the opposing team, in 8U and older, when the defending team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but not scoring a goal. The opposing team must be at least ten feet from the ball when the corner kick is taken in 8U games.
Hand Ball:
A hand ball infraction occurs when a player handles the ball deliberately. The 'hand' includes the entire arm up to the top of the shoulder. Instinctive, self-protective reactions are not penalized at this young age. Accidental contact (ball striking hand or arm with no intent by the player) is not an offense and should not be penalized.
No Heading:
Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all divisions 12U and below in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match (taken where the player touched the ball with his/her head).