This page provides a general overview of the referee's role in U8 Soccer. For more detailed information, please refere to the RSC U8 Referee Guide [PDF].

Role of the Referee

The role of the referee is to ensure that play is safe, fair, and enjoyable. At the U8 level, the emphasis should be on explaining the rules of the game rather than penalizing. However, it should always be clear that the referee is in charge of the match.

Referee Equipment

• Comfortable running shoes (cleats are not required, but are useful),
• Whistle
• Coin
• Wristwatch with either a count-up or count-down feature (wearing a timer around the neck is not recommended).
• Referee shirt (black shirt with white collar and trim recommended).

Pregame Preparation

• Arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start.
• Introduce yourself to the coaches.
• Obtain the game ball from the home team.
• Check players’ equipment (see section below).
• Remind players to stop play whenever the whistle is blown.
• Conduct coin toss.

The Field of Play

• For U8 soccer, the field dimensions are @ 50-60 yards long and @ 30-40 yards wide.
• The lines that define the outer edges of the field (down the sides) are called the
• Sidelines. Goal lines define the bottom edges (across the ends).
• The field should be marked with a Halfway Line, a Center Circle with a radius of 6 yards, four Corner Arcs with a radius of 1 yard, and a Goal Area. The Goal Area is essentially a box which is marked by lines. The box is 15 yards long and is parallel to the goal line. The box is 6 yards wide and extends perpendicularly from the goal line.
• Goals will be 5 feet high and 15 feet wide.
• Corner flags, if used, must be on posts at least 5 feet tall.

The Ball

• A size 3 ball is used in U8 soccer.
• The home team supplies the ball.

Players on the Field

• Each team may have 7 players maximum on the field, including a goal keeper. There should never be more than 14 players on the field at any give time; however, there can be less than 14 players.
• Any player may change places with the goalkeeper at any stoppage of play, provided that the referee is informed of the change.

Substitutions

• A substitution occurs when any player off the field trades places with a player on the field.
• The referee must grant permission for every substitution.
• Substitutions may only occur in these circumstances:
• Prior to a throw-in in the substituting team’s favor.
• Prior to a goal kick by any team.
• After a goal by either team (before play is restarted).
• When play is stopped for an injury (either team may substitute).
• If a player is cautioned, only the cautioned player may substitute.
• At half time.
• During the “substitution break” which for U8 soccer occurs midway through each half.
• There are NO substitutions at the taking of a corner kick.

Rules of play

• One referee and two linesmen officiate each game. However, games will be played even if a referee is not available. The home team supplies the referee.
• Referees are in control of games. Players, coaches, and parents should respect the referees ruling. Dissent towards the referee will not be tolerated.
• If the ball goes completely over the sideline, the ball is out of bounds. The ball reenters play by a throw in.
• If a ball goes over the end line, the ball reenters play through a corner kick or a goal kick.
• Corner kicks and kick offs are direct kicks. All free kicks are indirect with opponents at least 6 yards away from the ball.
• No penalty kicks should be awarded. Infractions within the goal area should be handled in two ways. For all free kicks against the defending team, the kick will be taken on the edge of the goals area at the point on the same line as the infraction. Free kicks against the attacking team may be taken at any point within the goal area in which the infraction occurred.
• The offside rule does not apply in U8 soccer. However, serious violations of the offside rule will not be allowed. This exception may be enforced only by the referee.
• Slide tackling is prohibited.
• Good sportsmanship is always required in any game.
• Any team leading by four goals should take measures to even the match. If a team is leading by three goals, the coach must remove a player from the field of play.

Player Equipment

• Each team must wear distinctive jerseys. If there is a color conflict, the home team must change. Jersey numbers on the back of jerseys are not required for U8.
• Each goalkeeper must wear a jersey that is different from all other players (including the other goalkeeper) and the referee.
• Shinguards are mandatory and must be covered by socks.
• Players may not wear anything that is dangerous to themselves or other players. Dangerous items include all types of jewelry, hats, shoes with sharp cleats, or baseball shoes with toe cleats.
• Orthopedic casts are forbidden, even covered casts.
• Players must wear an athletic type shoe (no street shoes, or bear feet). However, the shoes do not need to be soccer cleats, tennis shoes are acceptable.

SEE ALSO: U8 General Information | U8 Coaching Overview | U8 Parents Guide