Glendale Soccer Association Inc.

General Rules:

Canceling a game or practice:  The head coach is responsible for canceling a game or practice due to inclement weather conditions (always for lightning, at the coach's discretion for rain) and scheduling conflicts (school breaks, etc.).  Parents/guardians are asked to NOT leave the field area in case of weather or physical emergencies. 

The ball: Size three (3)

Number of Players:  The maximum number of players on the field at any one time is four (4).  The maximum number of players on the roster should not exceed eight (8).  Teams and games are co-ed.  No team shall have less than two (2) of either gender.  The coach should make every effort so that every player shall play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time.

Equipment:  Athletic shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes are recommended.  Shinguards are MANDATORY.  For insurance purposes, and player safety, all teams shall follow FIFA Law 4 - Equipment Safety - "A player must not use equipemnt or wear anything that is dangerous to him/herself or another player, including any kind of jewelery" (including post earrings). 

Player Positions:  The positions are two forwards and a sweeper and a goalie.  The sweeper position will play in a defensive mode when the ball is in their offensive end.  The sweeper should be coached to remain between the ball and their goal when in the offensive end.  The sweeper will be allowed to cross the centerline.  The sweeper should not cross into the goalie box on the offensive end.  The sweeper can play any position in their defensive half of the field.

Referee:  Rather than require a Certified Referee, team coaches will act as an official for games.  Their job is to keep the playing environment FUN, SAFE and focused on the child.  Duties are the same as a Referee: keep time, enforce the rules, stop and restart play.  When a play is stopped for a foul or other reason, the coach is advised to take the time to explain WHY to the players.  This is their first experience with soccer and the best time to educate all on the Laws of The Game.

Duration of the Game:  The game shall be divided into eight (8) equal, five (5) minute periods.  There shall also be a half-time break of five (5) minutes.

Keeping Score:  U8 teams DO NOT keep score.  The emphasis should be on learing and having fun.

ALL RULES ARE GUIDELINES,

NOT REASONS TO DISCOURAGE KIDS OR ENCOURAGE OVER-COACHING

Playing the Game: 

The Start of Play:  Two players from each team meet at the half (1/2) line and a player from the "offensive team", as determined by the coaches, begins play by kicking the ball to a teammate.  The opponents must be three (3) yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

Ball in and out of play:  The ball must completely cross the line to be out of play.

Off-Side:  There is no off-side in small-sided games.

Fouls and Misconduct:  Coaches should protect all players by stoping play for pushing, tripping or unsportsman like conduct.  Both coaches should be notified of any unsafe play.  No ejections shall be issued to players except by the player's coach or an independent neutral referee.

Free Kicks:  All free kicks will be indirect.  Opponents must be three (3) yards away.

Penalty Kicks:  There are no penalty kicks in small-sided games.

Throw-In:  A throw-in is awarded when the ball completely crosses the sideline.  After the ball has completely crossed the side boundary lines ("touchlines"), a throw-in is awarded against the team that last touched the ball.  The throw-in is taken from where the ball left the field and must be thrown with two hands from behind and over the head, while both feet are on or behind the touchline.  A throw-in is considered an indirect free kick with the opponents three (3) yards away from the ball.

Goal Kick/Throw:  If the team attempting to score a goal kicks the ball over the goal line outside the goal posts, the defending team's goalie puts the ball back into play with a goal kick/throw.  The goal kick/throw should be taken within 2-3 yards of the goal and opposing players must be 5-6 yards away.

Corner Kick:  If the team defending the goal last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line, the attacking team puts it into play with an indirect kick from the corner of the field nearest to where the ball went out of play.  The opposing players must be 2-3 yards away.