Question Number: 29894

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/7/2015

RE: Red Under 8

Zach R of Westport, Connecticut United States asks...

I am refereeing, and the rule for this age group is no direct kicks. (PK, free kick) What should I do for a foul?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Zach
I suspect that all free kicks are to be indirect which means that a goal cannot be scored directly from any kick. It certainly does not mean that fouls are not called.
That competition rule is used to encourage young player to pass and to create chances rather than say just shooting from everywhere on free kicks in the chance that the goalkeeper will make an error.
So when the foul happens, call it and restart with an IDFK from the location of the infraction. If the ball enters the goal directly the restart is a goal kick.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Zach,
youth soccer has mini sided matches and alters the LOTG to accommodate fun. allow greater time on the ball and promote gradual understanding of both the spirit and letter of the laws. This maximizes their time on the ball with a reduced # of players and alteration of the field sizes .Fouls that in normal play are direct free kicks where a goal can be scored directly are altered to INDFKs only, possibly to promote the sharing of the ball and the fact a PA may not be present in its true form. I often urge parents to surround the field and keep the ball in play by not letting the ball exit the smaller field. Usually the coaches are on the field as well as the referee keep in mind you are all on the same team here which is to coax our youth to have fun , respect the LOTG and each other,. Most fouls are clumsy attempts to get to the ball rather than malicious tackles designed to stop an opponent. A bit of an explanation, some hand shakes to apologize and craft an awareness it is wrong to do the fouls! Fair play begins with examples so they can later emulate it on their own. Pointing out what these fouls are your responsibility to educate and with help from the coaches teach the youth what they can and can not do on the pitch!
Cheers