METHUEN YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION U7 AND U8 INTOWN LAWS OF THE GAME

1.       No abusive language is to be used at anytime towards the referee, by coaches, players, or spectators.

§         If a coach or player uses abusive language, stop play and give them a verbal warning.

§         If the abusive language continues ask the coach or player to leave the game and the field of play.  If they refuse to leave the field abandon the game.

§         If a parent uses abusive language, stop the game and notify the coach.  If this continues and the coach does not stop the parent abandon the game.  Do not talk to the parents!

§         Call the Referee Director immediately upon this type of occurrence.

 2.       No Slide Tackling.  If a player slide tackles stop the game (restart with an indirect kick).

§     First slide is a verbal warning to player and coach.

§     Second slide is a verbal warning to player and coach.

§     Third slide the player is out for the rest of the period.

§     Fourth slide the player is out for the remainder of that game.

 3.      If a player constantly or consistently fouls, stop the game (restart with an indirect kick):

§     First foul is a verbal warning to player and coach.

§     Second foul is a verbal warning to player and coach.

§     Third foul the player is out for the rest of the period.

§     Fourth foul the player is out for the remainder of that game.

 4.       ALL KICKS ARE INDIRECT!  NO DIRECT KICKS!

 5.      No offsides.

 6.      Games should be a minimum of 5v5 which includes the keeper.

7.      Allow two opportunities for throw-ins and corner kicks.  Explain to them the correct way.  If the 2nd throw-in or corner kick is incorrect let play continue or restart with the proper call.

8.      No goal kick, goalkeeper throw, or goalkeeper punt can travel past the half line (mid-field) in the air.  If this happens then an indirect kick is awarded to the opposing team nearest the spot where the ball crossed the half line.

9.      The keeper needs to step out of the goal to get the ball in play after he/she makes the save.  They can not go back into the net with the ball.  If this happens, do not call this a goal allow play to continue.

10.   If a player is injured, stop play immediately.  Injury stoppage of play, results in a drop ball.  Do not touch the player call the coach out immediately.  Remember: Safety first is very important. 

11.  Games are 2 – 20 minute halves.

12.  Substitutions: