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Official Under 8 Playing Guidelines
Black Swamp Soccer League/US Youth Soccer modifications to the FIFA Laws of the Game.
Effective Beginning Spring 2011 Season
Roster size: Min 5 – Max 8 players
Law 1 – The Field of Play
Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line.
Length: minimum 25 yards maximum 35 yards
Width: minimum 20 yards maximum 30 yards
Field Markings: Distinctive lines not more than (5) inches wide. The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. The center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of six (6) yards is marked around it.
The Goal Area: A goal area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line three (3) yards from the inside each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of three (3) yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.
The Penalty Area: A penalty area is defined at each end of the field as follows: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, six (6) yards from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of six (6) yards and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area.
Flagposts: optional
The Corner Arc: Conform to FIFA.
Goals: Goals must be placed on the center of each goal line. They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corners and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The recommended distance between the posts is twenty-one (21) feet and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is seven (7) feet. Goals may be smaller in dimension.
Safety: Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement.
Law 2 – The Ball: Size three (3).
Law 3 – The Number of Players: A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than five players. One of those players being a goalkeeper.
Substitutions: At any stoppage and unlimited by both teams at the referee’s discretion.
Playing time: Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. Teams and matches may be coed.
Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment: Conform to FIFA. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniforms must still distinguish teams.
Law 5 – The Referee: Registered referee, especially Grade 9 or parent/coach or assistant coach. All rule infringements shall be briefly explained to the offending player.
Law 6 – The Assistant Referees: None.
Law 7 – The Duration of the Match: Conform to FIFA with the exception of the match being divided into two (2) equal halves of twenty (20) minutes each. There shall be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes.
Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play: Conform to FIFA, with the exception of the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 9 – The Ball In and Out of Play: Conform to FIFA.
Law 10 – The Method of Scoring: Conform to FIFA.
Law 11 – Offside: None.
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: Conform to FIFA with the exception that all fouls shall result in a direct free kick. The referee/coach/parent must explain ALL infringements to the offending player. No cards shown for misconduct. A goalie may not pick up a deliberately kicked or thrown ball to them by a teammate (conform to FIFA)( This will result in an indirect free kick for the opponent.).
Law 13 – Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exceptions that all kicks are direct and all opponents are at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 14 – The Penalty Kick: None.
Law 15 – The Throw-In: Conform to FIFA with the exception that an improperly performed throw-in can be retaken once.
Law 16 – The Goal Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents must remain outside the goal area and at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
Law 17 – The Corner Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.
BSSL Rule -- Goalie – All goalies when handling the ball MUST throw the ball, not kick it. If the ball is kicked, the goalie shall reaccomplish with a throw.
BSSL Rule – When a start or restart occurs at the center mark, the ball must leave the center circle before a goal may be scored. Restart shall be a goal kick for the opposing team if the ball enters the goal.
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