Please note that the club has decided NOT to assign licensed referees to U-8 games. We request that a parent from each team act as referee for each game.

Please read the CYSA Team Manual for Modified Rules and Summary of Laws of the Game. Our goal is to promote sportsmanship, fun and a positive soccer experience for everyone, including the players, coaches, referees, parents and spectators. Our focus is beyond competition, wins & losses!

Pre-Game : Teams should arrive at least 20 minutes before game time. Inspect fields & goals for safety. 5 minutes before game time, coaches line their teams up midfield. A referee parent should check equipment for safety. Shoes should be soccer cleats or turf shoes, but can be tennis shoes. No baseball shoes. No earrings, other jewelry, hard hair barrettes or watches. Shinguards must be under socks, jerseys tucked in and shoelaces double tied. Players must have shinguards or they will not be allowed to play.

It is the coach's responsibility to have a picture ID & registration form/medical release for each player at every game. Anyone without these should not be allowed to play in the game.

Coaches, parents & spectators are not permitted near the goals. Parents & coaches should stay 3 feet back from touch line (side line). Coaches should coach (positively and calmly to set an example) from their half near half-line.

Introduce team captains. Coin toss: visitors call toss. Winner chooses the goal they will attack first half. Loser of coin toss kicks off first half.

7 players per side (6 + Goalkeeper). Size 3 ball, home team provides

Game duration : 2 - 20 minute halves (no time is added). 5 minute half-time.

Substitution Break: at about the 10 minute mark of each half, indicate a sub break, with the clock running. Substituted players may return at the half or a sub break.

No slide tackling allowed, nor pushing, tripping, holding, spitting, grabbing jerseys. If inappropriate language, speak to player.

If a foul, stop play with whistle, explain the foul, and award an indirect free kick where the foul occurred. There are NO penalty kicks - award an indirect free kick, but place ball no closer to the goal line than the goal box line.

All free kicks are INDIRECT (ball must touch any other player before a goal counts). Opponents must be at least 6 yards from the ball.

Unintentional handballs, play on.

Do not call offside, but encourage any attackers consistently poaching to remain involved in active play.

Throw-ins: allow re-throws for bad throw-ins. Remind players how to throw-in properly.

Goal: when the whole of the ball crosses completely over the goal line.

Corner Kick: any offensive player from anywhere inside the corner arc.

Goal Kick:can be taken by any defensive player from anywhere in the goal box.

Injuries: When in doubt, whistle to stop play, check on player, with clock running. Also stop play for dangerous conditions: dogs running amok, small children, etc. Restart with a drop ball (ball dropped from waist high; it must touch ground before players can kick it!) from where the ball was when the whistle blew.

Safety is the number one priority.
If necessary, call fouls, explain to players, and remind them to play fairly; play the ball and not the opponent. Stay out of the way as much as possible . . . let the game flow, let the players play and have fun!!

End of Game: Encourage teams to shake hands.

Observe teams for unsportsmanlike gloating or unkind comments & discuss with the coach.

To play all prepared players at least 50% of the game.

Require that parents & spectators maintain a supportive & pleasant atmosphere.

Congratulate excellent, fair play by both teams.

No dogs please at game sites, and pack out trash . . . even organic trash! Thanks.

Please contact the Aptos Soccer Club referee coordinator through the Club phone at 688-8501 ext. 08, and we'll try to return with answers as soon as possible.