U7-8 RECREATIONAL RULES

Age: 6-7 years old 
Gender: Coed 
Players on Field: 4 v 4 (all field players - no keepers) 
Minimum # on Field: 3 
Total Players per Team: 6-8 
Referees: 0 (coaches oversee game – some games may have a ref) 
Ball size: 4 
Substitutions: Any stoppage, and or, on the fly (during flow of match if it does not interrupt current play)

Duration of Game:
4 x 10-minute quarters 
2 minutes between quarters
5 minutes at half time 
49 minutes total time

​

Laws:
FIFA Laws of the game, except
No deliberate heading the ball (indirect kick for other team) 
All kick-ins (no throw-ins) 
All indirect kicks
No penalty kicks
Goals cannot be scored from kickoffs
No offside calls (No “poaching”, leaving a player close to attacking goal)
Coaches/Referees explain various calls/rules to players during game play as a teaching aid
No scores/standings kept

​

​Injuries:
If a coach enters the field to check an injured player, the player must leave the field. Coaches should try to re-enter the player, if possible, to maximize playing time for each player. Do not abuse. Both teams are allowed to substitute at the stoppage of play with permission.

​

Special Laws:
No "camping out" in front of the goal to simulate a goalkeeper
Opposing players must be 5 yards from the ball on goal kicks, corner kicks and free kicks 
Goal kicks taken from point approximately 1/2 distance from goal post to corner flag