VALLEY AA UNDER 8 Boys and Girls RULES
Valley AA has the following rules of play and conduct. The Under 8 will play 6 v 6 (5 field players plus a goalie). This is an instructional league to teach the basics of soccer and team concepts. The concept of reducing the number of players in the game is to give all players a lot of ball contact during the game The game will consist of four (4) quarters of 12 minutes in length with a 2 minute break between quarters and a 5 minute half time break.
1. The ball will be a size 3.
2. No direct penalty kicks on goal. The ball will be brought outside the penalty area for an indirect kick.
3. Maximum number of players on the field at any time is six. One of which will be the goal keeper.
4. Substitutions may be made at any stoppage of play.
5. Each player must start in every other quarter and play at least half the scheduled game time.
6. Players may be denied half playing time for refusing to play assigned positions or other disciplinary problems. The opposing coach must be notified. The U8 Coordinator must also be made aware of the problem your having ( this is necessary for us to know what is happening before a disgruntled parent approaches us ).
7. Coaches will act as the referee's for all games. Two coaches from each team will be permitted on the field and will officiate the game. Coaches are responsible for providing their own whistle and keeping track of the game time. If at game time there is a shortage of players and there are at least 12 total players present, the players will be evenly divided and a game will be played.
8. There will be 1 goalie per quarter. Goalies must be switched out after the quarter is over. (minimum of 4 goalies per game)
9. Only intentional hand balls will be called. The player must intentionally use their hand to catch or deflect the ball and gain an advantage.
10. A second throw in attempt will be given to a player for a foul throw in.
11. The Head Coach and/or Team Manager will be responsible for the conduct of the players and parents on your team. Be quick to stop any negative actions or comments by parents on the first occurrence. We expect the Head Coach and/or Team Manager to set the tone and keep control during a game. If you have a parent that persists after you advise them to stop their rude behavior, the game will be suspended, and the Head Coach/Team Manager will leave the field for assistance. Only a VAA Executive Board Member Commissioner may restart the game.
12. Slide tackling or pushing from behind and taking a player down will result in an indirect penalty kick .
13. The minimum number of players for a team to start a game will be five (5).
14. If a coach knows in advance that there will be less than five (5) players in attendance the Jr. Soccer Commissioner is to be notified. The determination as to whether to reschedule a game for any reason will be determined by the Jr. Soccer Commissioner and the Athletic Director. A game will be rescheduled for any school or community activity reasons. The schedules are put out in advance so that if there is a scheduling conflict the Jr. Soccer Commissioner must be notified ASAP so that scheduling changes can be made prior to the start of the season.
15.For teams playing with 5 players the opposing team will play will be permitted to play with plus one player over the team with five players ( 5 v 6 ). This is to allow the coach to provide adequate playing time to all players.
16.There will be one (1) coach appreciation games at the end of the year. No league standings will be kept and there will be no playoffs at this level.
17. Games will not be rescheduled until a team falls below the minimum of 12 games.
18. No Head ball are permitted. Penalty indirect kick
19. No punting by the goalie is permitted. Goalie must throw the ball.
19. DROPPED BALL Procedure The ball is dropped for the defending team goalkeeper in their penalty area if, when play was stopped: the ball was in the penalty area or the last touch of the ball was in the penalty area In all other cases, the referee drops the ball for one player of the team that last touched the ball at the position where it last touched a player, an outside agent or, a match official. If it touches a match official and remains on the field of play and: a team starts a promising attack or the ball goes directly into the goal or the team in possession of the ball changes All other players (of both teams) must remain at least 4 m (4.5 yds) from the ball until it is in play The ball is in play when it touches the ground. Offences and sanctions The ball is dropped again if it: touches a player before it touches the ground leaves the field of play after it touches the ground, without touching a player If a dropped ball enters the goal without touching at least two players, play is restarted with: a goal kick if it enters the opponents’ goal a corner kick if it enters the team’s goal
20. Penalty Kick The goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot on/in line with the goal line when the kick is taken; cannot stand behind the line
21. The Goal Kick PROCEDURE The ball must be stationary and is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves Opponents must be outside the penalty area until the ball is in play OFFENCES AND SANCTIONS If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded; if the kicker commits a handball offence: a direct free kick is awarded; a penalty kick is awarded if the offence occurred inside the kicker’s penalty area, unless the kicker was the goalkeeper, in which case an indirect free kick is awarded If, when a goal kick is taken, any opponents are inside the penalty area because they did not have time to leave, the referee allows play to continue. If an opponent who is in the penalty area when the goal kick is taken, or enters the penalty area before the ball is in play, touches or challenges for the ball before it is in play, the goal kick is retaken. If a player enters the penalty area before the ball is in play and fouls or is fouled by an opponent, the goal kick is retaken and the offender may be cautioned or sent off, depending on the offence. For any other offence, the kick is retaken.
Quick reference
Ball in and out of play The whole ball must cross the out of bounds lines to be considered out of play. The team last touching the ball before going out of bounds turns the ball over to the other team. The ball is put back in play under one of the following 3 ways: Goal Kick - occurs when the offensive team is the last to touch the ball before going out of bounds behind the defending goal line. The ball is placed on the 6 yard line of the defending team and a free kick is given. The ball must leave the 18 yard penalty area before any other player touches the ball. Both teams may make substitutions on a goal kick. Corner Kick - occurs when the defending team is the last to touch the ball before going out of bounds behind the goal that they are defending. The ball is placed on the nearest corner and the offensive team is granted a free kick. Throw in - is given to the other team when your team is the last to touch the ball before going of bounds on the sidelines. When you are in possession of a throw you may make substitutions. On the tap off - the ball must roll forward and be touched by another player before the player taping off can touch the ball.