7U/8U Game Rules
Due to the referee shortage NYSL will not be assigning referees for 7U/8U, teams can play without a referee in these age groups. If a team wants to use a volunteer referee, it will be the responsibility of the home team to schedule. If a team chooses to use a volunteer to referee a game, they must be a registered member of the team/club staff or approved member that has completed all Risk Management requirements. The fees for these age groups does not include referee fees, so if a team chooses to use a referee it will be only as a volunteer - NYSL will not be paying them.
Referees
7U will consist of 4 vs. 4 field players
8U will consist of 5 vs 5 field players.
Field Players
7U can have 8 players on a roster
8U can have 10 on a roster
roster size
All players must be field players. No defensive player is allowed to “camp out” in the goal area. Players are allowed to play in the goal box area, but no one is allowed to play goalie. Players are allowed to defend/attack the ball in the goal box then must vacate the goal box when the ball in not in the area
no goal keepers
CLUB PASS & SECONDARY PLAYERS
Club pass and secondary players are allowed on a team’s roster if needed
Game day rosters are necessary to bring to each game and give to the opposing team/referee during check in. All Player’s/Coaches must be listed on the roster or have laminated USYS cards to be allowed in the coaching/technical area.
game rosters
Size 3. Home team to provide a suitable game ball.
ball
substitutions
Unlimited substitutions at any stoppage, with the permission of the referee
Four 10 minute quarters
2 minute break between quarters
5 minute halftime break
game length
35 yards by 25 yards
Center Circle, 5 yd radius
Goal box, 6x12 feet (not penalty area)
field size
4x6 feet
goal size
Intentional headers are not permitted. A purposeful header shall result in the opposing team taking a direct free kick.
heading
Slide tackles are NOT permitted.
slide tackles
Players must retreat behind the mid field line on all goal kicks
build out line
offsides
Does not apply
The ball is in play once the player taking the kick touches the ball. All defending players must be 4 yards away at the time of the corner kick FREE KICKS The ball is in play once the attacking player touches the ball. All defending players must be 4 yards away at the time of the kick, to include kicks when ball is played from sideline
GOAL KICKS, CORNER KICKS
Fouls & penalties
All fouls/penalties shall result in a direct free kick for the opposing team.
There are no penalty kicks.
throw ins
No Throw Ins. All restarts should be played by the feet as a free kick.
Each player must have the same color jersey, Numbers are not necessary. Pennies are allowed if needed.
equipment
jewelry
No jewelry of any kind is allowed. This includes taping of piercings of a player’s ears
NYSL asks that team spectators sit directly across from their team benches on opposites sides (touch lines) of the field. Spectators/teams should be at least 15 feet back of the touch lines. No Spectators should be behind the goal lines or goals.