U8/U9 HOSA Recreational Rules
- Games consist of 2, 25-minute, halves.
- Subbing is allowed anytime during a natural stoppage (or after a goal being scored), and at the referee’s discretion.
- 7 players on field per team (including goalie).
- 1st year playing with goalies and referees.
- Players should have equal (or close to equal) playing time during every game.
- Players should play different positions each game.
- Coaches are allowed on the field during games for the first two weeks of the season. However, coaches may only spend 1 minute doing minor alterations so that the game does not run over time. This must be done during a natural stoppage (goal kicks, corners, and kickoffs ONLY)
- NO PUNTING by the goalkeeper.
- Players are not allowed to intentionally head the ball.
- Players are not allowed to slide tackle.
- If a penalty kick is awarded, the player who is the goalie must remain in goal to face the shot unless they are injured on the play.
- Players get 1 redo on an illegal throw-in. After that, the throw goes to the other team if the player does a second illegal throw-in. (illegal just means that the player uses improper throw-in technique. The player should keep feet on the ground, and the ball is thrown with two hands. The ball should be thrown over the head; side throws are not allowed)
- The buildout line will be enforced for all games played on the 7v7 size fields.
- The buildout line is the dotted line that is located between the top of the penalty box and half field.
- Whenever the goalie has possession of the ball (either the ball is in the goalie’s hands OR there is a goal kick), the opposing team MUST retreat behind the buildout line. That team cannot encroach until the second player touches the ball.
- FOR EXAMPLE: Team A shot on goal and the keeper for Team B saved it. Team A must back up behind the buildout line immediately. Team B keeper tosses the ball to a defender. Once the ball touches the defender, Team A can now go for the ball again.
- IF the ball is in the keeper’s hands, the keeper is allowed to play the ball out to a defender before the opposing team retreats behind the buildout line; however, if the goalkeeper decides to play early, then the opposing team can encroach over the buildout line without penalty.
-If the Keeper drops the ball at their own feet, once the ball is touched on the ground, the opposing team can encroach over the buildout line without penalty.
-The referee will raise their arm above their shoulder/head while the buildout line is being enforced. Once the ball is released, the referee will drop their arm upon the ball being touched by a second player. Once the referee’s arm drops below their shoulder, the opposing team may encroach.
- Offside can only be called in the final 4th of the field (between the buildout line and the goal line).