Chatham Soccer League

4 v. 4: Under 8

Law I - The Field: 
     A.  Dimensions:  No more than 50 yards long, no less than 40 yards long; No more than 30 yards wide, no less than 20 yards wide.  US Youth Soccer Optimal recommendation: 50 yards length by 30 yards width.
     B.  Markings: Distinctive lines not more than five (5) inches wide) to mark: a halfway line across the width of the field; a center circle with a five (5) yard radius, four (4) corner arcs each with a three (3) 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 line.
     C.  Goals: The size of hockey goals and up to 6 x 12 feet.
     D.  Technical Area:  An area in the middle between the two fields reserved for coaches and players only.

Law II - The Ball: Size three (3).

Law III - Number of Players: 
     A.  Maximum number of players per team on each field at a time is four (4). No goalkeeper. Two games are played simultaneously. 
     B.  Maximum number of players on the roster should not exceed twelve (12).
     C.  Substitutions: Made at the Halfway line, between quarters and at half time, with the permission of the Referee after a goal or before a goal kick, and with the permission of the Referee any time the ball is out of play, where your team has possession, and when the other team substitutes.  The player must come off the field before the new player goes on.
     D.  Playing Time:  Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of total playing time.
     E.  Teams may be coed.

Law IV - Players Equipment: Conform to FIFA laws with the following exceptions: 
     A.  footwear may include tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes.

Law V - Referee: 
     A. Registered or Associate referee
     B.  Parent/Coach or assistant.
     C.  All rule infractions should be briefly explained to the offending player.

Law VI - Linesman: Use club linesmen.  Each team to supply two (2).

Law VII - Duration of the game: 
     A.  Four (4) equal twelve (12) minute quarters. 
     B.  Two (2) minute break between quarters one and two and another two (2) minute break between quarters three and four. 
     C.  Halftime break of five (5) minutes.

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

Law IX - Ball In and Out of Play:  Conform to FIFA.

Law X - Method of Scoring:  Conform to FIFA.

Law XI - Offside:  There shall be No offside called during these games.

Law XII - Fouls and Misconduct:  Conform to FIFA with following exceptions: 
     A.  The Referee/coach/parent must explain ALL infractions to the offending player.

Law XIII - Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with following exceptions: 
     A.  All kicks are INDIRECT.
    B. No kicks shall be taken by the attacking team within the defending team's goal area.
     C.  Opponents must be five (5) yards away before kick is allowed.

Law XIV - Penalty Kicks: No penalty kicks are to be taken during these games.

Law XV - Throw-In.  Conform to FIFA with following exceptions: 
     A.  A second throw must be allowed if the player commits a foul on the initial attempt.  The referee or game official shall explain the proper method before allowing the player to throw-in again.  A second foul results in loss of possession and the other team takes a throw-in.

Law XVI - Goal Kick: Conform to FIFA with the following exceptions: 
     A.  The Goal Kick may be taken anywhere within the goal box.
     B.  Opponents must retreat behind the Halfway Line before the kick is taken.

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