LCGSA SOCCER - RECREATION DIVISION - Modified U-8 Soccer Laws
** Referees are encouraged to explain the infractions to the players.
*** The players, coaches, and spectators may not challenge the referee’s ruling.
**** Technical Area: Coaches must stay in their technical area.
***** Spectators and teams must be on opposite sides of the field.

Law 1: The Field of Play ~ Field Size (60-70yds x 35-45yds).  Midfield circle has a radius of 8yds.  The goal area is 6yds from each goal post, extended 6yds into the field of play.  The penalty areas are 14yds from each goal post, extended 14yds into the field of play. Penalty marks are 8yds into the field of play from the center of the goal.  The goal size does not exceed 6ft x 18ft.  All other FIFA rules apply.

Law 2: The Ball ~ A size 4 ball is used.  All other FIFA rules apply.

Law 3: The Players ~ Matches are played 7 v 7, including the goalkeeper.  Each player plays a least half of the game unless for disciplinary purposes or injury.  The referee and opposing coach must be notified if any player doesn’t play half of the game.  Substitutions occur after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarters.  If a player is substituted because of injury, the opposing coach may also substitute.  The coach must inform the referee before they re-substitute the injured player.  FIFA rules apply. 

Law 4: The Players’ Equipment ~ FIFA rules apply.  (No earrings period.)

Law 5: The Referee ~ Coaches are required to officiate their own games when the referee is not present.  Coaches, as referees must not be biased toward either team during the match.  All other FIFA rules apply.

Law 6: The Other Match Officials ~ There are no assistant referees.

Law 7: The Duration of the Match ~ There will be four 12-minute quarters and a 5-minute halftime break.  The break between 1st and 2nd quarters and the 3rd and 4th 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 preceding quarter (i.e., throw in, goal kick, corner kick, kick off).  Referees should only use the drop ball method as last resort.  All other FIFA rules apply.

Laws 9 & 10: The Ball In and Out of Play & Determining the Outcome of a Match ~ All FIFA rules apply.

Law 11: Offside ~ Offside will be called but must be obvious for the referee to see.  The referee does not have the aid of assistant referees.  The offside line will be the build-up line on the opposite side of the midfield line in the attacking direction.
Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct ~ All fouls and misconduct will result in an in-direct free kick awarded to the opposing team.  All other FIFA rules apply.  Please see special section below on deliberate heading and punting.

Law 13: Free Kicks ~ All free kicks will be indirect.  There are no direct free kicks.  All opponents must be 5yds from the ball.

Law 14: The Penalty Kick ~ Penalty kicks will not be awarded.  See Law 13.

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 ~ Goal kicks should be taken from within the goal area.  Opponents must be six yards from the ball before it is kicked.  All FIFA rules apply.

Law 17: The Corner Kick ~ Opponents must be 6yds from the ball until it is in play.  All other FIFA rules apply.

Special Considerations and Modifications to the Laws
Heading the Ball:  Players at this level shall not engage in deliberate heading, either in practices or in games.  Violations of this rule during games will result in an indirect free kick from the spot of the violation.  If the violation occurs within the goal area, the ball will be placed at the closest point on the goal box line.

Punting the Ball:  No punting at this level is allowed.  Bouncing the ball on the ground and then kicking the ball is also a violation of this rule.  Violations of this rule during games will result in an indirect free kick from the spot of the violation.  If the violation occurs within the goal area, the ball will be placed at the closest point on the goal box line.

Build-Up Line:
1) All opposing players must retreat behind the build-up line on goal kick or when the goalkeeper has the ball in their hands following a save.
2)  Once the opposing players are behind the build-up line, the goalkeeper may distribute the ball to their teammates.  Note: See the no punting rule above.
3) Once the goalkeeper distributes the ball, the opposing players may cross the build-up line to challenge for the ball.
4) Restart on any infraction of this rule will be an in-direct free kick from the spot where the opponent illegally crossed the build-up line. Placing or rolling the ball on the ground (without bouncing), the goalkeeper may pass the ball to their teammates.