FUN
The first rule is “The kids must have fun.”  The U8/6 league is geared toward learning basic soccer skills, getting some exercise, and most important for this age group, having fun.  Let’s face it, if the kids don’t have fun, they won’t be back.  The soccer season can be about winning, as long as a win is measured by what the child learned, and how much fun was had. 

DASC is striving to create a positive, fun, learning environment that will create a solid soccer foundation for kids to build upon.   The DASC volunteers welcome constructive feedback if it is in the best interest of ALL the children.  Thanks for participating.

BALL SIZE
The official ball for U-8 and U-6 play is size 3. Each player should have his/her own ball for practice and games. 

NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Under 6   
A team will start with 3 players on the field.

Under 8   
A team will start with 4 field players and 1 goalie on the field.  If a team can’t field 4 field players, the coaches can agree to a 3v3 plus a goalie, or the team short a player can ask to borrow an opposing team member. 

PLAYER’S EQUIPMENT
A.  Players shall not wear anything that is dangerous to another player (jewelry, including
      earrings, metal hair clips, etc).
B.  Footwear—tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes.
C.  Shin guards are REQUIRED.  If a player does not have shin guards, they will not be allowed
      to play during the game.

DURATION OF THE GAME
Under-8
The game shall be divided into two 24 minute halves with substitutes made at six-minute intervals.

Under-6
The game shall be divided into two 20 minute halves with substitutes made in five-minute intervals.  If the ball does not go out of play upon the completion of time interval, a drop ball will be used to restart the game.

There shall be a 5-minute break between halves.

START OF PLAY |
A.  Opponents must be outside the half-circle at mid-field while kick-off is in progress.  The ball
      must be kicked forward into opponent’s half of the field.  Initial kicker may not kick the ball a
      second time until it has been played or touched by another player.

B.   If there is an infraction on the start of play, the coach can demonstrate the proper technique,
      then the kick-off can be retaken.

BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY
The ball is in play until the entire ball crosses the sideline or the goal-line, or until the coach (Referee) stops play by blowing the whistle.

OFF-SIDES

Off-sides will NOT be called, but coaches will make sure that the players do not stand in front of the opposing team’s goal when the ball is not in play nearby.

FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

A.  All fouls will result in free kicks with the opponents five yards away. 
B.   The coach (Referee) will explain all infractions.

FREE KICKS
A.   Free kicks are indirect resulting from a foul.
B.   A goal may not be scored from an indirect kick until the ball has been touched or played by
      a second player of either team.
C.  No free kicks shall be taken by the attacking team within the defending team’s goal area. 
D.  NO PENALTY KICKS FOR UNDER-8 OR UNDER-6 !!!

THROW-INS
A.  For U8, a throw-in restarts the game after the ball has entirely crossed the sideline.  To keep
      the game moving, U6 will NOT use throw-ins, the ball will be kicked in bounds.
B.   In the event of an improper throw-in, a coach will demonstrate the proper technique, and a
      second attempt will be made.   Play can be resumed from a coaches throw-in. 

GOAL KICKS

A.  Goal kick restarts the game after the ball entirely crosses the goal line, outside the goal
     posts and was last touched by the attacking team.
B.   Goal kicks will be taken from any point inside the goal area (usually on the corner of the goal
      box).  The kick is taken by defending team. 
C.  Opponents must be 5 yards away from the ball.

CORNER KICKS
A.  Corner kicks restart the game after the ball has entirely crossed the goal line and was last
      touched by a player on the defending team.
B.   Balls must be placed along the goal line at the corner of the playing area.  Kick is taken by
      the attacking team.
C.  Opponents must be 5 yards away from the ball.    

FIELD POSITION
Teams will switch ends of the field after their 5-minute half time.

SUBSTITUTIONS
Substitutions are permitted if a player is injured and cannot resume play.    

Also see Duration Of Game

All players shall be given equal amount of playing time.

COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES

The coach is to referee the game and call all infractions as described.

The coach can delay or call a game due to potential lightning hazard/weather conditions.

Prior to the start of the game, the opposing coaches will call off games for rain/bad weather.  If the fields are determined unplayable the U-8 Coordinator(s) may call all games/practice.

Attend all coach’s meetings/clinics offered.

The coach shall not leave the field until all players have been picked-up.

Encourage fun and sportsmanship from all players, parents and coaches.

FIELD SIZE
The maximum field size shall be 80’ wide by 140’ long.