US Youth Soccer Official Under 8 and Under 9 Playing Rules As Adopted By HVYSL 4v4 Small Sided Games 2003 
(effective September 1, 2003)

Rule 303, LENGTH OF GAMES, NUMBER OF PLAYERS, OVERTIME PERIODS AND BALL SPECIFICATIONS SECTION 1.(a) Except as provided by USYSA or a State Association, the length of games, overtime periods, ball size, ball circumference, ball weight and number of players for Under 8 and Under 9 is as follows: Four 12 minute quarters, Ball size = #3, Players on field = 4 v 4, No goalie/keeper! (goal hanging by players is strongly discouraged). US Youth Soccer Recommended modifications to the FIFA Laws of the Game.  FIFA Laws of the Game can be found @ www.fifa.com

Law I - The Field: (optional as per HVYSL)
A. Dimensions:  The field of play shall be rectangular, its length being not more than 50 yards nor less than 40 yards and its width not more than 30 yards and not less than 20 yards.  The length in all cases shall exceed the width.  US Youth Soccer Recommendation:  Length - 50 yards; Width - 30 yards.
HVYSL:  Length 40 yards x Width 20 yards

B.  Markings:  Distinctive lines not more than five (5) inches wide.  A halfway line shall be marked out across the field.  A center circle with a five (5) yard radius.  Four corner arcs each with a two (2) foot radius.  Goal area:  Three (3) yards from each goal post and three (3) yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel  with the goal lines.

C.  Goals:  The size of hockey goals up to 6 x 12 feet (HVYSL: 6 x 4 feet), no nets required, cones or corner flags.

HVYSL:  Markings for lines can be substituted with cones!  Example:  Regular size field can be quartered with cones, allowing 4 games to go on simultaneously.  Minimum requirements:  Goals (cones or hockey or size above) and corners are to be marked with cones or flags (preferred to outline toal field size)

Law II - The Ball:  Size three (3)

Law III - Number off Players:
A.  Maximum number of players on the field at any one time is four (4)
HVYSL:  If any team goes ahead by 3 goals, the team behind is allowed to add a player until the goal differential is under 3 (applies only if substitutes are available).

B.  Maximum number of players on the roster should not exceed seven (7).  NOTE:  If using Dual Field Method (= two adjacent 4v4 fields) up to twelve (12) player rosters may be used.

C.  There are NO goalkeepers.

U-8 Age eligibility - 2003/2004 born after 8/1/1995
U-9 Age eligibility - 2003/2004 born after 8/1/1994

51% of a U8 and U9 team must be the proper age, i.e. Roster of 7 = 4, Roster of 12 = 7.  Younger players on older teams are not recommended.

D.  Substitutions:  Anytime the ball is out of play with the permission of the Game Official/Supervisor.

E.  Playing Time:  Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time.

F.  Teams and games may be coed.

Law IV - Players Equipment:
Must conform to FIFA with the following exceptions -
A.  Footwear:  Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes.

B.  Shinguards are mandatory.

Law V - The Referee: 
Rather than require a Certified Referee, an OFFICIAL (Game Manager, Coordinator, Observer, Parent/Coach) may be used.  Their job is to keep the playing environment FUN, SAFE and focused on the child.  Duties are the same as a Referee under the FIFA Laws of the Game:  keep time, enforce the rules, stop and restart play.  When you stop play for a foul or other reason, take the time to explain to the players WHY!  This is their first experience with soccer, too, and the best time to educate all on the Laws of the Game.

Law VI - Assistant Referee:
Not used in the small-sided game.

Law VII - Duration of the Game:
A.  The game shall be divided into four (4) equal, ten (10) minute quarters.

B.  There shall be a two (2) minute break between quarters one and two and another tow (2) minute break between quarters three and four.

C.  There shall be a half-time break of five (5) minutes between quarters two and three.

Law VIII - The Start of Play:  Conform to FIFA, with the following exception:
A.  Opponent must be five (5) yards from the center mark while the kick-off is in progress.

Law IX - Ball In and Out of Play:  Conform to FIFA:  Ball must completely cross over the goal line or touch line to be out of play.

Law X - Method of Scoring:  Conform to FIFA:  Ball must completely cross over the goal line and between the goal posts (if applicable) and under the cross bar (if applicable).

Law XI - Off Side:  There is no offside in small sided games. 

Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct:  Conform to FIFA with the following exception:
A.  All fouls shall result in an indirect free kick with opponent five (5) yards away.

b.  The referee/coach/parent must explain ALL infractions to the offending player.

Law XIII - Free Kicks:  Conform to FIFA with the following exception:
A.  All free kicks will be indirect.

B.  Opponents must be five (5) yards away.

Law XIV - Penalty Kicks: 
There will be no penalty kicks in small sided games.

Law XV -  Throw-In:  Replaced by a kick-in.  Awarded when the ball completely crosses the sideline.
A.  Kick-In is considered as an indirect free kick with the opponent five (5) yards away from the ball.

Law XVI - Goal Kick:  Conform to FIFA with the following exception:
A.  Goal kick may be taken any where within the goal area.

B.  Opponents must be five (5) yards away from the ball.

Law XVII - Corner Kick:  Conform to FIFA with the following exception:
A.  Opponents must be five (5) yards away from the ball.

B.  Corner Kicks are Indirect Free Kicks.

- Opposing parent/coaches and players should shake hands after each game.
- Participation awards for ALL - No trophies or awards just for the best team.
- Parent/coaches, non-playing players and spectators should be there to enjoy and encourage the activity of the youngsters.
- No alcoholic beverages will be consumed or allowed near the playing area.

SPECIAL U8 PLAYING RULES U8s will play with "mixed" teams. Upon arrival, players will be assigned numbers and put together into teams of four at random. At the end of every quarter, players on a winning team will be awarded 3 points, players in a tied game will be awarded 1 point. After each quarter, players will switch teams and be sent to a new field and a new team of 4 is created.  The League will provide the switching matrix. After the games have been played, coaches will fax their line up sheets with the totaled point scores to the league office --- 845-236-3380. SPECIAL U9 PLAYING RULES U9s will play 4 v 4 as teams from their club. In case of uneven amounts of players, a 4 v 4 team may have substitutes or the remaining players or all players can be grouped into 3 v 3 competitions.  It is also allowed to mix teams! (Maximum playing time for all kids is the goal and preferably you will have no subs!) NOTE:  League competition for U8s and U9s is without standings (individual points are given to identify players for the select programs).