FIFA - Laws of the Game

Please also see Parents Code of Conduct!

Referees are encouraged to explain the infractions to the players.  The players, coaches, and spectators may not challenge the referee's rulings.

U-7&8 Exceptions

Law 1: Field of play: Dimensions: 50 yards by 30 yards. The midfield circle has a radius of 5 (five) yards. The goal area is 3 (three) yards from each goal post, extended 3 (three) yards into the field of play. There are no penalty areas or penalty marks.  The corner arcs have a 2 (two) foot radius. The goal size is 6 (six) feet by 12 (twelve) feet All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 2: The Ball: A size 3 ball is used. All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 3: The Number of Players: Matches are played 6 versus 6 including goalkeepers. Each player plays at least half the game unless for disciplinary purposes or injury. The referee and opposing coach must be notified, if any player doesn't play half the game.
There are only substitutions after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarters. If a player is substituted because of an injury, the opposing coach may also substitute. The injured player may return to the field during the same quarter after he / she has been examined by the coach. The coach must inform the referee before he / she re-substitutes the injured player. All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 4: The Player's Equipment: All FIFA rules apply.
Law 5: The Referee: All FIFA rules apply. Coaches are required to officiate their own games -when the referee is not present. Coaches, as referees, must not be biased towards either team during the match.
Law 6: The Assistant Referees: There are no assistant referees.
Law 7: The Duration of the Match: There will be 4 (four) 10 (ten) minute quarters and a 5 minute half-time break. The break between the 1s t& 2nd quarters and the 3rd &4thi quarters will not exceed 2 minutes. There will be no extra time. All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 8: The Start and Restart of Play: The start of the 2nd and 4th quarters will be where the referee stopped play at the end of the proceeding quarter (i.e. throw-in, goal kick, comer kick, kick off). Referees should only use the drop ball method as last resort. All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play: All FIFA rules apply.
Law 10: The Method of Scoring: All FIFA rules apply.
Law 11: Offside: Offside will not be called. Coaches are not to encourage "cherry picking" (leaving an attacker (not even with an opponent) at the opponent's goal). However, coaches are encouraged to teach players to stay with the last defender.
Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct: All fouls and misconduct will result in with an indirect free kick awarded to the opposing team. All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 13: Free Kicks: All free kicks will be indirect There are no direct free kicks. All opponents must be 5 (five) yards from the ball.
Law 14: The Penalty Kick Penalty kicks will not be awarded
Law 15: The Throw-In: Players will be allowed one extra attempt after an improper throw-in. If the player has subsequent improper throw-in, then the opposing team is awarded a throw-in. Subsequent throw-ins are not cumulative throughout the game, only at the time of that restart of play. The player that takes the throw-in must make the subsequent throw-in. All other FIFA rules apply.
Law 16: The Goal Kick: Opponents must be 6 (six) from the ball before it is kicked. All FIFA rules apply.
Law 17: The Corner Kick: , Opponents must be 6 (six) yards from the ball until it is in play. All other FIFA rules apply.
Technical Area: Coaches and players must stay in their technical area. Spectators and teams must be on opposite sides of the field.