So what is “recreational” soccer? - Recreational soccer is, typically, an intraclub league that provides its participants the opportunity to learn the game of soccer, get exercise, gain new life skills and, most importantly, have fun.  We are proud to provide a recreational program which offers a fun, safe, and rich soccer experience for our youth in Three Rivers Athletic Club and the surrounding areas.  TRAC Soccer is a volunteer run organization that relies on, mainly, parents/adults to continue leading and improving the program.

All U8 games are currently played at TRAC soccer fields at the end of soccer field road , with a possibility of one or two home games.

Teams generally practice two times a week with games on Saturdays; occasionally there will be a Sunday afternoon game.

All players will need to get a Size 3 soccer ball.

All Practices will be at the TRAC soccer fields off of soccer field road.

For Coaches and Referees

• The U8 game is broken down into FOUR 8-minute quarters. Teams will only change ends at halftime.
• There are 3 players on the field, no goalie.
• Prior to the game the referee will call the team over to check their shin guards and cleats. The referee will then call for captains who will call a coin toss to determine possession preferences or side preferences.
• Uniforms-shirts should be tucked into their shorts, socks OVER shin guards and cleats tied tightly in double knots (to prevent unties).
• NO jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets…), metal or plastic hair clips are allowed on the playing field. Band-aids or tape to cover earrings is not allowed.
• The game starts with a kickoff in the center of the field. Team with possession must kick the ball forward over the centerline. Opposing team must stay out of the center circle until the ball is kicked.
• Out of bounds-
  • SIDE: The team that did not kick the ball out re-enters the ball with a throw-in which must be 2-handed, go straight back over the player’s head while their feet remain on the ground until the ball is released.
  • END: When the defensive team kicks the ball out of their own end, the offensive team re-enters the ball with a corner kick kicked from one of the corners (where the flag is – if present). If the offensive team kicks it out the opposition’s end, the defensive team re-enters the ball with a goal kick that is placed halfway between the goal line and the penalty area line. Either a defender or a goalie may take the kick.
• When a goal is scored, the game is re-started with a kick off by the non-scoring team from the center of the field in the same process as the starting kick-off.
• At half time ball possession changes teams and teams change sides of the field.
• Substitutions may be made on either teams throw-in, goal kick or any re-start kick off (half time or after a goal). Referee must be told if a goalie is being changed.
• Throw ins – U8 players are always allowed a second throw in if they violate on the first one. The referee along with the coach should explain the proper method for a throw in.
• There are NO direct free kicks in U8 soccer. This includes penalty kicks. All penalties (hand ball, push, trip, etc.) result in a free indirect kick (must touch another player before entering the goal to be counted as a goal). If the infraction occurred within the penalty area, the ball should be brought back to the line and an indirect free kick awarded. There are no direct penalty kicks. Remember, many of the kids and perhaps even the coaches will not know the difference in kicks. Opposing players must stay back 8 yards when an indirect kick is awarded.
• Slide Tackling is NOT allowed in U8 soccer. Keep players on their feet.
• In the case of an injury the child sits, the referee pauses the game and then the coach may enter the field. Each team may sub one player on an injury. The ball is restarted with a drop-ball where the referee drops the ball between two opposing players who then may kick the ball only after it has landed on the ground.
• Safety is the number one concern when dealing with this age group. Referees should not be afraid to stop play at anytime if they see a dangerous situation developing.
• Remember, this is the first game experience for these kids. If inappropriate, aggressive behavior is exhibited; the referee should speak with the individual involved. If this does not solve the problem, the referee should speak with the coach. The use of cards in U8 soccer should be avoided if at all possible.
• Referees should BLOW THEIR WHISTLES LOUD. These kids have a great deal of energy and the only way to get them to stop is with a loud, long whistle.

TRAC COACH’S CODE OF CONDUCT

The Board of Directors of ThreeRivers Athletic Youth Soccer Association, Incorporated (TRAC) and the leaders of the affiliated Leagues are concerned about the conduct of all coaches and referees during games at all levels, from recreational to premier to ODP.

We want to ensure that games are fair, positive and enjoyable experiences for all of the children and adults involved. A soccer game should be friendly and unifying - a spirited social and athletic occasion for players, coaches, referees and spectators.

To clarify expectations of coach conduct, we jointly expect all coaches to conform to this code of conduct.

• Before, during and after the game, be an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit.
• Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee.
• During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players. If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the player out of the game at least long enough for him/her to calm down.
• During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players. It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting.
• Encourage them to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. Discourage them and you may need to be forceful and direct from yelling at players and the referee.
• During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of spectators rooting for your team.
• During the game, do not address the referee at all. If you have a small issue, discuss it with the referee calmly and patiently after the game.
• If you have a major complaint, or if you think the referee was unfair, biased, unfit or incompetent, report your opinion to your League. Your reactions will be taken seriously if they are presented objectively and formally.
• After the game, thank the referee and ask your players to do the same.

We stress two points: (Continued from TRAC Coach’s Code of Conduct)

1. Referees - especially young and inexperienced ones - are like your players and yourself, in that they need time to develop. You can play an important role in helping them to improve by letting them concentrate on the game. You can help by encouraging them, by accepting their inevitable, occasional mistakes and by offering constructive post-game comments. On the other hand, you could discourage and demoralize the referees by criticizing their decisions, by verbally abusing them and inciting - or even accepting - your own players' overly aggressive behavior.
2. Your example is powerful, for better or worse. If you insist on fair play, if you concentrate on your players' enjoyment of the game and their overall, long term development, and if you support the referee, your players and their parents will notice. If you encourage (or allow) your players to play outside the rules, if you're overly concerned about results, and if you criticize the referee harshly, your players and their parents will also notice.

Think about what you're doing during a game! Uphold the Spirit of the Game! If you follow the expectations described above, the spirit of the game will be alive and well in Massachusetts and will grow, along with the enjoyment of all.

Coaches who don't follow the expectations described above will be disciplined or removed.