Teams

• 9 v 9. 8 field players and GK.  Minimum 7 v 7 to start and finish the game.

Ball

• Size 4 or 5 home team provides the game ball

Field and Goal Sizes

• Approximately Max: 55 x 80 yards Min 45 x 70 yards
• Goal Size: 7 X 21 feet
  

Game Length/Halftime

• Two 30-minute halves
• 5-minute halftime Officials
• A referee is provided.
• In the event a referee does not arrive the coach from each team will officiate and will be responsible for calls within their team’s defensive half of the field, or a qualified risk management approved person.
• All rule infractions shall be briefly explained to the offending player.

Substitutions

• Each player should play at least one half of the game.
• There are free substitutions in this age group. Substitutions should be made during goal kicks, or out of bounds when the subbing team has possession, or that team has subbed
  

Equipment

• Shin guards (under socks) are required
• Jewelry is not permitted
• Stokes United Uniforms are required. If your team is playing a team from the same division the away team should be gray.
• Goalkeepers should wear another color other than the teams color. Gloves and pads recommended.

Age & League Specific Rules

• Throw-ins are now taken.
• NO Coach allowed on the field at 8U
• After a goal is scored, game is restarted with a Kick-Off
• Corner kicks are now taken on the corner arch
• Hand balls are called if they remove an advantage and result in a direct kick if outside the penalty area, or result in a penalty kick inside the penalty area.
• The ball can not be pick up by the goalkeeper if  directly be passed back with the Foot from a team mate.  The result is a hand ball inside the Penalty area.
• Offsides is enforced but must be clear.
• There is NO heading the soccer ball.
• Direct and indirect kicks are now taken.
• All other rules abide by FIFA Laws of the Game.

Our Refs do the best they can while trying to help the kids, please let them do their job

• Soccer at this age is a fun activity for kids that should encourage a lot of games to goals and experimentation with the ball. The focus is on developing a relationship with the ball in a joyful environment. Building comfort with the ball will provide players with a variety of crucial tools that they will need as they get older.