U7 / U8 Rules

CYSL U7 and U8 RULES AND REGULATIONS (effective Fall 2025)

REFEREES – None.  Coaches should determine before each game who will act as referee.  If teams choose a volunteer, they must be a registered member of the team/club or approved member that has completed all Risk Management requirements.

NUMBER OF FIELD PLAYERS – U7 will consist of 4 v 4 field players.  U8 will consist of 5 v 5 field players including a goalkeeper. A minimum of 3 players on each team must be present to start a game.

ROSTER SIZE - Maximum of 8 and 10 on game day roster for U7 and U8 respectively is recommended.  Each club should follow a balanced team concept if having multiple teams per age group.

CLUB PASS & SECONDARY PLAYERS - Club pass & secondary players are allowed on roster if needed

GAME PASSES – Not applicable. 

BALL - Size 3. Home team to provide a suitable game ball

SUBSTITUTIONS - Unlimited substitutions at any stoppage.  Each player should play a minimum of two (2) quarters at each game. Coaches are encouraged to control win margin if possible as high score differentials are counterproductive.

GAME LENGTH – Four 10 Minute Quarters.  2-minute break between quarters and 5-minute break at half  

FIELD SIZE – Recommended 25 x 35 yards.  Width minimum 15, maximum 25.  Length minimum 25, maximum 35 yards. 

GOAL SIZE – 4X6.

MARKINGS

  • Center Circle - 5 Yard Radius

  • Penalty Area – Not applicable.

  • Goal Area - Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, six (6) feet from the center of the goal. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of six (6) feet and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.

  • Corner arcs – Not applicable.

  • Build Out Line – Not applicable.

FLAGS - Conform to IFAB.  Each team provides three with the midfield flag placed 1 yard outside the touchline.

HEADERS - Intentional headers are NOT permitted. An intentional header shall result in the opposing team taking a direct free kick.

SLIDE TACKLES – Slide tackles are NOT permitted.  A slide tackle shall result in the opposing team taking a direct free kick.

GOALIES – For U7 all players are field players.  No defensive player is allowed to “camp out” in the goal area.  Players are allowed to play in the goal box area, but no one is allowed to play goalie.  Players are allowed to defend/attack the ball in the goal box but then must vacate the goal box when the ball is not in the area.

OFFSIDES – Not applicable.

FOULS & PENALTIES - All fouls and penalties shall result in a direct free kick for the opposing team.  Defending players must be at least 4 yards from the ball.

PENALTY KICKS – Not applicable.

THROW INS – Allow two do-over per thrower.

BUILD OUT LINE – Not applicable, but all defending players must retreat behind the mid field line on all goal kicks.

UNIFORMS - Each player must have the same color jersey. Numbers are not necessary. Pennies are allowed if needed and should be worn by the home team.

JEWELRY - NO jewelry of any kind is allowed. This includes taping piercings of a player’s ears. The only exceptions for “jewelry” are Medic Alert bracelets and religious items specifically required by the wearer’s religion.

CAST/BRACE - A player may play with a hard cast or brace if it is sufficiently padded and not a danger either to themself or to other players.

CYSL asks that team spectators sit directly across from their team benches on opposites sides (touch lines) of the field. Spectators/teams should be at least 3 feet back of the touch lines. No spectators should be behind the goal lines or goals.