U-8 Game Format: 7v7
Ball Size: 3
Field Size: 30 x 50 yds, single 20 x 12 yard goal area
Goal sizes: 5 x 10 ft
Goalies: yes
Referees: none (see Modified Laws below)
Playing time: 2 x 25 minute halves with 5 minute breaks in between.
Substitutions: Unlimited substitutions at anytime THERE IS A BREAK IN PLAY.
Game Cancellation or Re-Schedule: A team which cannot field a squad for a scheduled game must 1) call the opposing coach (contact info is above the game schedule) and 2) email Recreational Match Scheduler John Baker. There are no make-ups scheduled by the league.
Spectators: All adults, coaches and players are to stay on the touchline at least one yard from the field. Besides expressing appropriate encouragement all adults should refrain from "coaching" from the sidelines. A single registered team official is permitted behind the goal to coach the goalie  no other adults, spectators, team officials etc. should be behind the goal line. (See ACCYSL Rules for Sideline Behavior for more information).

Modified Laws:
- All ACCYSL Rec Teams MUST adhere to the "4 Goal Rule". (See ACCYSL 4 GOAL RULE).
- No referees. Coaches agree to share the responsibility of maintaining balance and flow during the game. We recommend that one coach/adult from each team take turns supervising. Emphasis should be on keeping the kids engaged and moving.
- Goal kicks taken from anywhere inside the Goal Area.
- Players get 2 chances for a legal throw-in (has to be same player both times).
- Corner kicks are played at this age.
- Fouls are penalized with an *indirect* kick. Walls may be formed.
- No Penalty Kicks.
- Rough/Dangerous play results in game stoppage, a simple explanation to the players and award of a free kick to opposing team.
- No carding  if a player is mis-behaving they should be asked off the field.
- Adults do not keep score, remind players that score doesn't matter.
- Introduce offsides at this age. Players should never "camp" behind the defense. *Clear* offsides that result in an immediate shot on goal or goal should be called.
- Safety of the players is of primary concern. The game should be stopped if the supervisor believes that there is an injured player who needs attention. Adults should not come onto the field without the permission of the supervisor.

Other age group considerations:
- ACCYSL asks that *all* rec teams line up and shake hands with the other > team *before* the game starts. The home team should stand in a single line and all the visiting team members should walk by and shake each of the players and coaches hands. This handshake does not preclude a post game cheers, handshakes or "tunnels".
- All players play at least 50% of each game.
- Adults should only express positive encouragement and should complement players from either team when good play or sportspersonship is exhibited.
- Total allocated time for field use is 60 minutes  coaches MUST ensure that they don't run over.
- Coaches may "mix-in" teams if necessary  maximize everyone's playing time.