AYSO Soccer Game Rules

AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) generally follows current FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) and IFAB (International Football Association Board) guidelines and regulations. If your child plans to join an AYSO team, you should be aware of the additional rules the organization approves each year that provide structure, address issues particular to children and youth and help maintain a safe and fun environment.

  1. Teams and Eligibility

    • AYSO divides teams into 8 different age divisions: U-5 (Age 4), U-6 (under 6), U-8 (under 8), U-10 (under 10), U-12 (under 12), U-14 (under 14), U-16 (under 16) and U-19 (under 19). A player's age as of July 31st determines their division and eligibility for the following year. Children must be at least 4 years old and younger than 19 years old to qualify for participation. For each age division, AYSO sets a minimum and maximum number of players per team and fixes the total number of players on the field.

    Uniforms and Equipment

    • Each team must wear matching uniforms displaying the official AYSO logo and a number for each player. Teams may not print a player's name on the uniform. The organization does not require cleats, but they do require shin guards. Also, players may not wear jewelry, casts or other devices that might cause injury to themselves or others. The size of the ball varies according to age group, with younger children using a smaller ball.

    Participation and Game Play

    • A game consists of two halves (divided into two quarters each for player substitutions). The length of each half is set according to the age group, with a five to 10 minute break at halftime for all ages. Team members attending each game must play a total of two quarters. However, players arriving after the first quarter are only required to play a total of one quarter. Coaches may make substitutions each quarter, before overtime or in the event of an injury.

    Coaches

    • Coaches must ensure a safe, healthy, and positive environment. They are required to become familiar with the AYSO standards for the age and skill level they coach and to maintain all forms and required team paperwork. Additionally, they must keep to a marked coaches' area on the sideline and are only permitted to enter the field of play at the referee's discretion.

    Referees

    • While referees enforce the rules of the game, the main goal of an AYSO referee is to ensure each player's safety. Referees may stop the game at appropriate times in the event of a player injury and to protect the goalie from dangerous play.

    Regional Variations

    • AYSO allows each region to modify certain rules, such as determining field length or combining age groups, according to their needs. Contact your local region to discuss any questions or concerns you have regarding game rules.