Soccer ages 6-8 rules

This age group plays on a 1/2 field, with either the coach or assistant on the field with the players, to provide guidance and encouragement


1. There will be one (1) referee on the field. The referee’s call is final.

2. All players must wear shin guards while on the field. This will be strictly enforced.

3. Cleats are not required, but encouraged. Cleats/running shoes must be tied tightly and properly.

4. Only one coach per team is permitted on the field during play.

5. Each team must have a minimum of five (5) players in order for the game to commence. The referee will allow a fifteen (15) minute grace period, after which the game will be called. The team at full strength will be awarded a default win.

6. If neither team has the required number, coaches may agree to play with the available players, reschedule the game or declare a tie

7. Each half will be 20 min. in length with a 5 min. break between. Teams will exchange ends following the break. An appropriate amount of time will be added to the end of each half to account for injuries and other delays.

8. Maximum of six (6) players per team on the field at any one time. Positional play is encouraged, 3 forwards, 2 defence and 1 goalie.

9. The game will commence with a kick-off (at the half field line) by the ‘home’ team. The second half will commence the opposing team kick-off.

10. Should the player taking the kick-off, play or touch the ball a second time before it has been played or touched by another player, a free-kick shall be awarded to the opposing team.

11. Line changes will occur simultaneously for both teams, approximately every 5 minutes with referees whistle. Additional substitutions may occur at the coach’s discretion.

12. After a goal has been scored, the game shall be restarted by a kick-off, to be taken by a player of the team against which the goal was scored.

13. Hand balls are not permitted. The ‘hand’ includes the entire arm and hand. The team not charged with the hand ball will be awarded a free kick.

14. Although the offside rule will not be in effect, blatant ‘cherry picking’ is not permitted and will be called, resulting in a free kick for the defending team.

15. Balls out of bounds along the sideline will result in a throw-in by the team not responsible for the out of bounds. Proper throw-in form must be followed.
Proper throw-in form - with all parts of both feet on the ground, from either on or behind the sideline, both hands must be on the ball, thrown straight and from behind the head and land in bounds. The thrower cannot be the first to touch the ball after it is in play.

16. Balls out at the end will result in
i) a goalie kick, if kicked out by the advancing (offensive) team. Prior to the goalie kick, all opposing players must return to their end prior to the kick.
or
ii) a corner kick by an offensive player, if kicked out by the defending team. The corner kicker cannot be the first player to touch the ball after it is in play.

17. There will be no penalty kicks.

18. Dangerous play will not be tolerated. i.e. slide tackles, tripping, holding etc.
Infractions will result in the referee awarding an indirect free kick.

19. For any stoppage not mentioned elsewhere in these rules, the referee shall restart the game by dropping the ball at the place where it was when play was stopped

20. The referee is responsible for keeping the score: completing score card, obtaining verification initials of both coaches and submitting results to Park Monitor.

All coaches, players, parents/guardians are reminded that we are here to have fun, exhibit good sportsmanship and a positive attitude.

April 2008