Special Rules for MASC 8V8 Matches

In addition to (or in modification of) the regular playing rules of soccer, the following special rules for MASC 8v8 boys’ and girls’ divisions shall apply:

 A. Roster

The limit on the number of players allowed on a 8v8 team is unlimited.  MASC, however, strongly encourages limiting rosters to 12 to 14 players so that a reasonable amount of playing time will be available for each player.  Instead of the regulation eleven players on the field, there shall be eight players including the goalkeeper. A minimum of six players must be present to start a game, and a minimum of five qualified players must be available to continue a game.

B. Rules Modifications 

1. Goal kicks shall be taken from within six yards of the goal line.

2. Indirect kicks awarded to the attacking team within the penalty area will be placed at the spot of the infraction, but no closer than six yards from the goal / goal line.

3. Penalty kicks will be taken from a point twelve yards directly in front of the midpoint of the goal. All other players must stand beyond the midfield line.

C. Field Dimensions 

The ideal field size for 8-vs-8 is fifty yards wide by seventy yards long. This will not be a rigid requirement, as some organizations will, because of limited space, have to play their games across the width of regulation fields.  An acceptable range for field size is forty to fifty-five yards wide and sixty to eighty yards long.

Click here for the USYSA 8v8 rules and field and equipment rules. 

Click here for USYSA 8v8 Field Layout

Options to Field Layout:   

The penalty area should be 12 yards deep and extend across the width of the field in use. A separate goal area may, but need not be marked.  Clearly visible dots or dotted lines may be used to mark the penalty areas to avoid excessive lining and confusion on regulation fields.  Cones may not be used to mark the areas of the field.  No cones may be placed in the field of play.

Downsized goals will be used which should be minimally twelve feet wide by six feet high, or the next adjustable size larger.  They must be anchored securely to the ground.