[pacref]

Without getting into the merits or lack of them in regard to small sided games at U11 and U12.

Have any of you had the pleasure of working an 8v8 u12 match and how was the match assigned (iron man, full crew or what).

Curious on how many state assoc are already doing this or are moving toward it. There is a definate impact on the referee pool, but a good place for the younger kids to get experience.

[IASocFan]

In Central Iowa, they are usually covered by a certified ref 8 with club linesman - one from each team. The CR is frequently a 14-16 year old kid.

[nsa]

Massachusetts has been playing "6v6" at the U10 level for a number of years. We have wholeheartedly embraced the Associate Referee program and use these folk in most of the matches. Single ref, club ARs (if used). No offside makes this a good entry for young new refs.

If 11v11 is dis-affiliated, I'd expect the leagues here to stick with the 6v6 program and continue using the Associate Referees (aka Grade 11).

[MPJ334]

i do'nt know how the state does it, but my club for U10...8v8, i think. we don't have U11 or U12 (yet), and U13 is 11v11. U6 and U8 have a ELR only. U10 and up has a three man crew of ELRs. (entry level referees). to my knowledge, we have nothing lower than grade 8 in my club.

[gkeck]

I just returned from the Surf Cup last night..the youngers weekend. The U10's were 8v8, smaller fields, and had 3 officials on each game, National Emeritus, State Emeritus, plus less experienced referees.

[nsa]

What sized field is used for 8v8?

[GlennAA11]

I did a couple of 8v8 games at the beginning of this past season, they were U9 and U10. I had club linesmen. The field was small, probably about 50x30 or so. One GK could punt the ball from his PA all the way to the other goal with little effort. I tend to find those young age groups rather taxing because it's all so random and completely unpredictable. By the time they get to U13 or so it's much easier to anticipate what's going to happen.

[pacref]

from NSA...
What sized field is used for 8v8?

Most clubs size the 8v8 field to be roughly one-half the size of 11v11 field and put the goals on the touchline sides (of course). This the example from our club's website
http://www.pacsports.org/u10dim.htm

from GlennAA11...
I tend to find those young age groups rather taxing because it's all so random and completely unpredictable. By the time they get to U13 or so it's much easier to anticipate what's going to happen.

You are SOOOO correct. The field may be smaller but you probably do as much running just to keep up with the constant change of direction.

[nsa]

8v8 on half field sounds too crowded. The game must look like pinball.

[pacref]

Originally posted by nsa
8v8 on half field sounds too crowded. The game must look like pinball.

Not really 7 field players on say a 70yd x 50yd pitch leaves a lot of room, especially since they tend to bunch up, and you really have to watch out for the down field pass that angles off the kickers foot right for your head.....