Escalon commission adopts youth soccer rule book and changes U‑10 format to 8v8

The Escalon City Recreation Commission voted to adopt the 2026 youth soccer rule book with an amendment changing the U‑10 format from 7v7 to 8v8.

Staff told the commission the rule book update reinstitutes goalkeepers for the younger division (with adjusted goal size), aligns U‑10 and older play with standard direct and indirect free‑kick distinctions, adds a suggested player‑participation clause, and introduces optional tournament standings for several age groups. "We surveyed the U‑10 head coaches, and 6 of 8 indicated support for the proposed change," a staff member said during the presentation.

The decision followed extended discussion from coaches and parents about inconsistent on‑field practice last season, when some teams used informal "gentleman's agreements" to field more players than the rule book allowed. One coach who spoke during public comment said informal agreements had led to midseason referee enforcement that surprised teams: "The referee came in and said, 'I was told by the city this is what we're going by,'" the coach said, arguing for clearer, roster‑based rules. Commissioners said putting the format in the written rule book would reduce confusion for referees and parents.

Staff also summarized written coach feedback from Kevin Hall and an unofficial poll of U‑10 coaches; commissioners discussed a compromise approach that would tie allowable on‑field numbers to roster size. Commissioner Hogan moved to approve the rule book with the U‑10 amendment to 8v8; the motion was seconded and passed with no recorded opposition.

The commission directed staff to incorporate coach feedback and to continue monitoring roster numbers and referee guidance in future seasons. The adoption takes effect for the upcoming season pending final packet updates and publication.