Players on Field: 6 v 6 with a minimum of 5 players, per team, on the field (NO Goalkeepers: until weeks 6-10 - introduction of goal keepers). 

Game Length: 40 Minutes of game time divided by (4) 10-minute quarters. Halftime break of 5-minutes at the end of the 2nd quarter.

Substitutions: Player substitutions are to be made at the end of the 1st quarter, halftime, or the end of the 3rd quarter. Running clock, time does not stop for substitutions. (1-minute time allotment for substitution breaks between quarters)

3/4 Play Rule: All players must play 3/4 of every game. Coaches will rotate players in/out at the "Substitution Breaks" as described above.

Coaches: If a referee is not present, head coaches can be on the field to provide player guidance and maintain order (like a referee). Home team will supply the referee the first half and the visiting team the second half. When a referee is present, coaches are to remain on the touchline. 

Referees: Region 6 will do our best to provide a single referee for the U8 division games. Because we do not keep score of standings in the U8 division, it is not mandatory to have a referee present at all games. It is highly recommended that parents in the U6 and U8 divisions consider becoming certified as a Regional Referee. This will allow you to gain experience and equip your children’s teams with enough eligible volunteer referees when your children begin to play in U10 Divisions and above.  Plus, you’ll be giving back to the Region! 

• The overall purpose of the referee is to keep the game safe, fair, and fun.
  It is better to ignore minor infractions than to destroy the flow of the game. Players of this age rarely commit deliberate infractions; however, they may be more likely to engage in dangerous or reckless play as they may not appreciate the impact of their action. While direct free kicks will be substituted with indirect free kick foul still apply, referees are encouraged to take opportunities to instruct the players, remembering that 8U players are just learning the game and rarely understand its laws.

Game Day- Additional Information:

• Home Team sits on West (Gaffey) or South (SP smokestack) sideline. Visitors sit on the opposite side. Home team is listed first on the schedule.
• 1st game of the day responsible for field setup, including goals and corner flags (please arrive 45 minutes early); last game of the day responsible for tear down.
  
• Substitutions are made at each quarter, halftime, or for injuries.
• No game cards required for U8.
• No standings are kept for U8.
  

Kick-off:

• The Home Team will supply the game balls. Make sure all balls are properly inflated prior to start of game.
• The Visiting Team kicks off to start the first half.
  
• The teams change ends of the field for the second half and attack the opposite goals.
• The Home Team kicks off to start the second half.
• Goals will not be recognized from a kick-off.  If the ball crosses the goal line and into the goal directly from a kick-off, the restart shall be a goal kick.

Rules for U8:

• No Goalkeepers (weeks 6,7,8, 9, and 10 - introduction of goal keepers) 
  
• Throw-ins for balls played outside the touchline
  
• Corner kicks allowed
  
• Goal kicks: Ball to be placed 1 yard in front of the goal
  
• No slide tackling
  
• No free kicks (explain infraction to both teams, restart with drop ball)
  
• No heading the ball: Penalty will be a dropped ball for the team who last touched the ball BEFORE it touched the player's head.  
  
• In the event that one team is playing short (less than 5-players), the opposing team should reduce the number of players on the field in an effort to show good sportsmanship. 
  
• No penalty kicks.
  
• No running up the score. 
• U8 is a time for freedom and EXPLORATION! Let them Play!