Question Number: 24802

League Specific 4/11/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 24786

For what it's worth, I'd like to add a comment, as local rules may be different. In AYSO, we were told that for U8, we were never to give a red or yellow card.

Although I've never heard of it happening, if a player deliberately hit, spit, or swore at someone, as a ref, we would tell the coach to remove that player for the rest of the game. We would still report that incident. If it was a lesser infraction, we would just verbally inform the player of the correct behavior (no yellow).

At that level, we do not 'punish' the team (they don't have to play with one player less) because the idea is to give players as much time with the ball as possible.

Also, at U8, there's no offside, no IDFK (all are DFK), no DOGSO. At the beginning of the season, we allow 2nd chances on bad free throws (usually a foot in the air), let the 2nd 'bad' free throw count, & do not call fouls for handling (although we verbally instruct them not to, unless they're protecting themselves). Even later in the season, we're given discretion not to call certain infringements, when it's clear that some of the kids just haven't developed the skills to perform correctly.

Personally, I like the 'relaxed' attitude for U8. It's hard enough on these kids with parents (& sometimes coaches) yelling at them.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Your modifications for the little ones are common. (Although some leagues have all DFK's and some leagues have all IFK's - guess it depends on if you want to create scoring chances or if you think the U-littles can't understand indirect.)

As far as cards, they are not needed to control play at U8. The referee can do that without showing cards. While our local league doesn't forbid cards, I'd still use the technique you have for a player who is totally and violently out of control. I'd call the coach over to the player, explain what was wrong, and then tell her there is a choice, the hard way or the easy way. The hard way is a red card; the easy way is your method. Either way, the player is done for the day.

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Phil, I agree wholeheartedly with the your treatment of small sided games. U-8s are simply not hardened criminals and they can be treated by their coaches without cautions and send offs and reports.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I think your post brings up the question.'where do you draw the line?' While I have no problem with and would encourage many of your modifications, some things are so basic I think they should be enforced. Deliberately handling the ball is one of these things. U8 is a great place to teach youngsters what deliberate means. I feel the same way about tripping, pushing, holding and kicking. The sooner they learn the better and they'll learn more quickly if enforced by the referee. Just my opinion