8U MATCH KNOWLEDGE
We do NOT keep score in 8u, please cheer and encourage both teams.
NO SLIDE TACKLING
NO PUNTING
NO DROP KICKING
NO HEADING
NO GOALKEEPER (players can play defense but cannot stay in the goal area as a goalkeeper)
Size 3 ball used
4 players vs. 4 players
20 minutes halves
Substitutions at "Quarters" and "Halves" encouraged (these are little kids if they need a break or water, allow it anytime)
EVERY PLAYER MUST PLAY AT LEAST 50% OF EACH GAME
3 BEFORE 4 RULE, MEANING NO PLAYER SHALL PLAY 4 QUARTERS UNTIL EVERY PLAYER HAS PLAYED AT LEAST 3 QUARTERS (again these are little kids, you cannot force a player to play, encourage them to help their team even if that means them just standing on the field, but don't make them miserable, keep it fun)
Clock stops at midpoint of half (quarter) for 1-2 minutes to allow for water breaks and substitutions
Clock stops at half for 5 minutes to allow for water breaks and substitutions
Teams switch sides at half
The below is taken from the AYSO 8u Coach Manual accessible in AYSOU with modifications made for Region 318 to sections "Throw Ins" and "Goal Kick"
The Start of Play
To start the first and second halves and following each goal in all age group games, play is started or restarted with a kick-off in the
center of the field. A coin toss is used to determine which team kicks off to start the game and the other team kicks off to start the
second half. Following a goal, the team scored upon kicks off.
The Kick-off
The kick-off is taken from the center of the field with each team in their own half and the team not kicking off at least 5 yards from
the ball. The player taking the kick off may be on the opposing side so he/she can kick to their teammate.
The Ball In and Out of Play
The ball is out of play in all age group games when it completely crosses the touchline (side line) or goal line (end line), either on
the ground or in the air.
Method of Scoring
A goal, in all age group games, is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal.
Fouls
The opposing team must be at least 5 yards from the ball when free kicks are taken in 8U games. The following are the fouls most
likely to occur in 8U games: kicking, tripping, pushing, holding, handling the ball and dangerous play (the most frequent call in 8U
games). Officials must remember that there is no need to stop play for technical violations that do not interrupt the flow of the
game. It’s a player’s game and not a game of how many infractions can be identified, so keep the fun going and let them play.
Misconduct
Misconduct should be rare in 8U games. There is no need for the public cautioning and sending off of young players. Officials
should work cooperatively with the coach when an 8U player may need a “time out.”
Free Kicks
All free kicks in 8U games are indirect free kicks (must be touched or played by another player before a goal can be scored) . Opponents must be at least 5 yards from the ball.
Offside
No offside.
The Throw-in
For 8U, each region shall have the discretion to use either throw-ins, pass-ins or dribble-ins to restart play. For Spring 2026, Region 318 Carson Valley is allowing throw ins for 8u. Throw ins can have as many chances as needed to be successful, we are trying to teach the kids how to do a throw in, not penalize them. Opponents should be at least 5 yards from the ball during throw ins or kick ins.
The Goal Kick
A goal kick is awarded to the opposing team, in 8U and older, when the attacking team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but not scoring a goal.
The goal kick may be taken from the general vicinity of the goal. For Spring 2026, Region 318 Carson Valley is ruling the opposing team must be
BEHIND THE HALF LINE when the goal kick is taken, this is to get kids ready for 10u when the build out line rule is in effect.
The Corner Kick
A corner kick is awarded to the opposing team, in 8U and older, when the defending team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the
goal line but not scoring a goal. The opposing team must be at least 5 yards from the ball when the corner kick is taken in 8U games.
Hand Ball
A hand ball infraction occurs when a player handles the ball The “hand” includes the entire arm up to the top of the shoulder.
Instinctive, self-protective reactions are not penalized at this young age. Accidental contact (ball striking hand or arm with no
intent by the player) is not an offense and should not be penalized.
No Heading!
Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division players 11U (12U for programs
without single age divisions) and below in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team
if a player age 10 or younger deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match. The indirect free kick will be taken
from the place where the player touched the ball with his/her head.
Players 10 years old and younger, approved to play up in a division where is heading is allowed, are still prohibited from heading
the ball. The player, parents and coaches are responsible for ensuring the player does not head the ball in practice or in matches
consistent with the standards set by US Soccer.