Running games for 7U.
The goal of the match is to let players play in a game-like scenario. Score is not being kept at the 7U level and should not be the focus of the game. We are there for the kids on both teams to have fun and to develop a love for the game, not see how many points we can score.
Ball size: 3
No Goalkeeper or No Goaltending (Don’t have a player sit in the goal)
5v5 or 6v6 depending on the amount of players and coaches discretion
Four 10-minute periods. Halftime break of 5 minutes. The mid time half (quarter breaks) is for quick water and substitution. The clock does not stop for the quarter breaks (water/substitution breaks).
The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field. (No Goal Can be Scored Directly from the Kick-Off. Another Player must touch the ball before a goal is scored)
No offside in 7U/8U.
Also, there is no cherry picking either.
Goal Kicks: A goal kick is awarded to the opposing team when the attacking team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but without scoring a goal. The goal kick may be taken from any point on the Goal Line and passed to a teammate. IMPORTANT: The opposing team must retreat to the Half Line at the middle of the field from the ball when the goal kick is taken.
Corner Kicks: A corner kick is awarded to the opposing team when the defending team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but not scoring a goal. The opposing team must be at least ten feet from the ball when the corner kick is taken.
A Goal can be scored from a direct corner kick.
Hand Ball: A hand ball infraction occurs when a player handles the ball DELIBERATELY. The 'hand' includes the entire arm up to the top of the shoulder. Instinctive, self-protective reactions are not penalized at this young age. Accidental contact (ball striking hand or arm with no intent by the player) is not an offense and should not be penalized.
No Heading: Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division 11U (12U and below for programs without single age divisions) and below in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match (taken where the player touched the ball with his/her head).
Coach-Led Scrimmages
Two Coaches are allowed on the field during the scrimmage to help guide the game and keep it safe. You are not there as a referee which means you let the game run with as little interference as possible. The only game stoppages should be if the ball goes out of bounds, into a goal, or a player gets hurt. Quarter breaks should only be called during one of the mentioned stoppages. At this level, there should be plenty.
Coaches do not have training to call fouls and should not stop play unless a player is hurt. The restart of a game when a player is hurt can be a dropped ball preferably to the injured player or their teammate if they leave play. If a player is engaging in unsafe or unsportsmanlike behavior such as pushing (meaning outstretched arms or elbows), tripping, or dangerous slide tackles, at the next stoppage, coaches should take a moment to teach a more appropriate behavior or technique.
During the scrimmage, remember not to interfere with play. Make sure you are not blocking a goal or players moving down the field. Ideally coaches should remain on the sides of the field out of the way of players.
Sportsmanship
Coaches have the most direct contact with the parents and have the most influence, therefore we rely on you to help promote AYSO philosophy of good sportsmanship for both players and parents. Before a scrimmage I encourage you to talk to the parents from both teams, and remind them of proper game etiquette. You might say something like:
"We are there for the kids. We aren't keeping score, and today isn't about how many goals you can score. Our main focus is to let the kids have fun and learn soccer and hopefully develop a love of the game. Keep all comments positive and encouraging, cheer and encourage and congratulate both teams. Finally refrain from shouting where to run and what to do, in other words leave the coaching to the coach."
For your players, remind them about having good sportsmanship: not to push, trip, or brag to the other team. Remind them to congratulate the other team if they make a goal or do something well.
Limit Running up the score
Even though you aren't keeping score, if it is obvious that one team is stronger than the other, coaches should try to shift focus of that team away from scoring and toward other player development such as passing, ball control, or switching sides of the field. Have them play games that you might play during practice such as keep away where the objective is to see how many time they can pass the ball without it being stolen by the other team, or they get a "point" if they pass to all players on the team. See if they can play only using their "other foot" and they get points for how many times they use the non-dominant foot. If necessary you can even subtract "points" is they kick the ball into a goal. In general take the focus away from making goals and onto other skills. Practice these during practice so they know what to do at the game and so you know what works and what doesn't, particularly if you have a strong team. Above all, don't make it obvious to them or to the other team that you limiting the score, just try putting focus on other skills or objectives.