Jonesborough Soccer Association

Jonesborough Soccer Modified Rules of the Game (U8)

Law 1 – The Field of Play

The field dimensions should measure as follows:

Length: Minimum - 25 yds| Maximum - 40 yds

Width: Minimum - 15 yds | Maximum - 25 yds

The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line

Players and Spectators should sit on opposite sidelines. Spectators should be at least 3 yards away from the sideline.

Law 2 – The Ball

Size 3 Ball

Law 3 – The Number of Players

A match is played by two (2) teams, each consisting of not more than five (5) players, one of whom is the designated goalkeeper. A match may not start or continue if either team consists of fewer than five (3) players.

Substitutions are unlimited and may occur at any stoppage of play.

Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time, which is controlled by the coach.

The maximum team roster size is twelve (12). Teams and matches may be coed.

Law 4 – The Players Equipment

Shin guards are MANDATORY for both practices and games and must be covered entirely by socks. If needed, teams can be distinguished by scrimmage vests.

A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player - including any kind of jewelry (with the exception of a medical alert bracelet).

Law 5 – The Referee

1 USSF Certified Referee of at least 13 years of age

All rule infringements should be briefly explained to the offending player.

Law 6 – The Other Match Officials

It is permissible to use club linesmen/women (preferably parents) to signal ball out of play only.

Law 7 – The Duration of the Match

The match shall be divided into two (2) equal halves of twenty (20) minutes. There shall be a halftime interval of up to five (5) minutes. No added time at the end of either half.

During warm weather, the referee may stop play for up to 5 minutes per half for a water break.

Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play

Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game

Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play

Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game.

Law 10 – The Method of Scoring

Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game.

Law 11 – Offside

Offsides shall not be called

Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct

Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game with the following exceptions:

Heading is not allowed.

Punting is not allowed.

Slide Tackles are not allowed.

When a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.

If a goalkeeper punts or drop-kicks the ball, indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the punt occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.

All rule infringements should be briefly explained to the offending player.

Law 13 – Free Kicks

Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game

Law 14 – The Penalty Kick

Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game

Law 15 – The Throw-In

Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game.

Law 16 – The Goal Kick

Conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game - with the exception that the defending players must stand at least at the build-out line until the ball is in play.