U7/U8 Referee Guide

Please arrive at the field in your referee uniform.  Shirt should be tucked in.  Black referee shorts with black referee socks (3 stripes) & socks pulled up.  Black shoes (if possible), whistle, referee book, watch (on your wrist), and a pen.  HOME TEAM PROVIDES THE CENTER REFEREE.  There are no ARs.

U7/U8 are non-competitive games.  No score is kept.  The Referee may have to remind the coaches and parents of this point.  The Referee is in charge of making the game kid friendly at all times.  SAFE, FUN, FAIR!  If certain players get overly aggressive, call the fouls and talk to them about what is an acceptable challenge for the ball.  Talk to their coach if necessary. 

U7/U8 Game

• Goals must be anchored with sand bags or the game is not played 
• No dogs on any Region 630 Fields (spread the word around)
• 2 x 20 minute halves (clock runs the entire half)
• Start the game on time
• No game cards or rosters – Check players for proper equipment
• 1-2 minute break for Subs half way through each half (clock runs during sub break)
• 5-10 Minute Half Time
• No Penalty Kicks
• All Free Kicks are Direct Free Kicks at the spot of the foul
• No Offside (however, if “poaching” becomes a problem you may take action – talk to the attacking teams coach or go ahead and start calling it and explain to the offside player that he/she needs to stay behind the second to last defender)
• Ok to help players with restarts (Goal Kick, Throw In, Corner Kick, Kick Off, Free Kicks, etc.)
• FIFA Laws of the Game apply besides above exceptions 
• There are no referee point requirements in U7/U8.  Home team provides the Referee.  If they are unable to do so, the away team may provide the Referee.  
• No Certified AYSO Referee = NO GAME - NO EXCEPTIONS
• Coach, Parent, and Spectator Policy
• The AYSO Referee Staff will be enforcing a ZERO TOLERACE POLICY for coach, parent, and spectator behavior that is contrary to AYSO’s philosophy.  All adults are expected to set a positive example for the kids.  Referees are PARENT VOLUNTEERS and should be treated respectfully.