CORE PROGRAM

Our core program is the foundation for all the fun, excitement and learning that happens on the fields. AYSO is best known for our core program – it’s where the large majority of kids fall in love with soccer and make memories that will last a lifetime.

There are six core values – or what we call AYSO’s Six Philosophies – that are the foundation of our core program, and all others: Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship and Player Development. These are the essence of AYSO and it all starts with Everyone Plays.

Here in AYSO, Everyone Plays means that no kid spends their soccer experience sitting on the bench. Every kid plays at least half of every game. 

Also, teams are put together in a way that makes playing soccer about the experience, not wins or losses. It’s not about blowing out another team with an unbelievable score; it’s about sportsmanship and learning to be the best possible team mate and opponent.

AYSO is a volunteer organization with more than 250,000 parents and friends, many of them working as coaches, referees and administrators. It's not unusual to find two, three or more children in the same family playing AYSO soccer - while Dad serves as referee and Mom as coach. It can be a total family experience!

Developing players is what we’re about, because soccer skills and life skills go hand in hand. AYSO’s main purpose is to get kids on the field, provide them with good coaches, and teach them to play soccer.

AYSO works because our volunteers work. The volunteers work because they believe in the AYSO philosophies. Our phenomenal growth underscores AYSO's commitment to a healthy competitive atmosphere for youth soccer players, combined with dedication toward the development of responsible individuals.

AYSO was founded on community involvement. Volunteer staff members are encouraged to organize in ways best suited to their needs. The foundation of AYSO is the "Region," or basic community program. Each Region is headed by a Regional Commissioner who, with the help of a regional board, conducts business within the framework of AYSO's philosophies, Rules and Regulations and Bylaws. 

Age Determination Chart for Both the Fall 2024 Season
When you register your child through the Sports Connect system, the system will automatically place your child in the correct division based on their birth year. For your reference, here's the Fall 2024 Age Determination Chart. 

Playground & Schoolyard Programs

OVERVIEW
The AYSO Region 1438 5 & Under (5U) division is broken into two programs, according to the age of the player when they join: Playground and Schoolyard. In Playground and Schoolyard, parent volunteer coaches lead you and your child through a 60-minute practice designed for 3 to 5-year-olds. We say "you and your child" because it is important that you help your child through the drills during practice. Playground and Schoolyard groups are coed and play only on Saturdays. 

KEY NOTES
Ball Size: 3
Equipment: 
  Water Bottle 
  Shin Guards (required for Schoolyard, recommended for Playground)
  Tennis Shoes (plastic cleats are recommended, but not required)


AYSO PLAYGROUND

In the Playground program, your 3 to 4-year-old will be introduced to soccer, through a program designed to develop their fundamental motor  skills (FMS); not only will this give them a great start to their soccer career, many of the FMS movements are transferable to other sports and  activities. After one season in Playground, your child may progress to the Schoolyard program. This program takes place Saturdays from 9:00- 10:00 a.m. at the Community Center Soccer Fields. 

AYSO SCHOOLYARD

     In Schoolyard, your 4 to 5-year-old will be introduced to a little more competition while continuing to develop their motor skills. After the  Schoolyard practice, the coaches will divide the kids into small teams (usually 3 or 4 children) to play in short scrimmages. This program 
takes place on Saturdays at the  Community Center Soccer Fields.

6U Division Program

OVERVIEW
The 6U Co-ed Division is designed to encourage a player to explore, experiment, and participate in their very first team vs. team environment. The children will play short-sided games (3 on a side) on small fields with highly simplified laws. Short-sided games help ensure that children have fun and at the same time, maximize their learning opportunities.

Field Size: 20 yards by 30 yards
Ball Size: 3
Roster Maximum: 7
Players on field: 4 per team on field / No Goalkeepers
Game Length: 30 Minutes (15 minute halves) 
Practice Sessions: Maximum: 30-45 minute session - 1 per week

Rules / Notes:

• 1st game of the day responsible for field setup (please arrive 45 minutes early); last game of the day responsible for tear down at our home fields only
  6U is a time for freedom and EXPLORATION! Let them Play!
  
• Training should be based on fun games, adventures, storytelling and colorful landscapes. Talk in their terms and language.
  
• Animate! Paint vivid pictures! Demonstrate! Keep sessions moving or boredom will quickly creep in.
  
• No Goalkeepers
• Throw-ins for balls played outside the touchline
• No Corner kicks (use corner throw in)
• Goal kicks: Ball to be placed 1 yard in front of the goal
• No slide tackling
• No free kicks (explain infraction t both teams, restart with drop ball)
• No heading the ball - penalty will be a throw in for the opposing team
• In the event that one team is short of the normal number of players, the opposing team is required to reduce the number of players on the field. This is mandatory unless the coaches agree otherwise

Coaching Modifications
Coaches may enter the field of play to coach in a positive manner

Referee Modifications
No Referees. Coaches manage the game from the touchline. 

Practice Modification
Practice at this age should be informal and optional. Make these sessions a fun time for everyone.

8U Division Program

OVERVIEW
The 8U division is a learning division and is designed to introduce young players to the game of soccer. The children will play short-sided games (6 on a side) on small fields with simplified laws. Short-sided games help ensure that children have fun and at the same time, maximize their learning opportunities. 

Field Size: The field size for 8U games is 25-35 yards long, 15-25 yards wide (max).
Goals: Maximum six feet high and six yards wide.
Ball Size: 3
Players on Field: 5 per team on field; no goalkeepers. Seven maximum on roster.
Game Length: 40 Minutes (20 Minute Halves - Time should include breaks between quarters and halftime)
Practice Session: 45-60 Minutes Max / No more than twice a week

Rules / Notes: 

• 1st game of the day responsible for field setup (please arrive 45 minutes early); last game of the day responsible for tear down at our home fields only
  
  
• 8U is a time for DISCOVERY! Let them Play!
  
  
• Prioritize FUN and INSPIRE your players!
  
  
• Player Equipment: Shoes and shinguards, covered by the socks are mandatory at all practice and game activities. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.
  
  
• Start of Play: The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field.
  
  
• Kick-off: A coin toss is used to determine which team kicks off to start the game and the other team kicks off to start the second half. Opponents must be six yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.
  
  
• Goals will not be recognized from a kick-off.  If the ball crosses the goal line and into the goal directly from a kick-off, the restart shall be a goal kick.
  
  
• Fouls & Misconduct: The coaches will assess direct free kicks for all fouls, with the opponents six yards away from the ball.Direct free kicks for all fouls, with the opponents six yards away from the ball. Free kicks are awarded the attacking team inside the defending team's goal area should be taken from the nearest point on the goal area line in front of the goal. There are no penalty kicks. Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches and eliminate the need for cautions and send-offs. Do not show yellow or red cards
  
  
• Substitutions: Substitutions are between periods, at halftime and for injuries. The players will be separated by girls and boys teams at all levels of play. Playing time is a minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three. Separate girls and boys teams should be promoted at all levels of play.
  

• One coach from each team referees the game. Each coach is on the field with the kids.
  
  
• Restarts – kick off, throw in, goal kick, corner kick and direct kicks only.
  
  
• If the defending team kicked the ball out past the goal line, it is a corner kick for the offensive team. If the offensive player kicked it out, then the restart is a goal kick for the defending team.
  
  
• Throw-ins – if the child makes an error (ie. Jumps or doesn’t put ball behind the head before throw) have them re-throw. If it happens again, the ball goes to the opposing team for a throw
  
  
• Handballs – DILBERATE handballs - direct kick awarded to opposing team. If the ball is with in the goal box, place ball to outside the box for the kick.
  
  
• Whistle – please do not blow the whistle for everything. The children need to learn that a whistle means to freeze and is only used for important items.
  
  
• Positions should be taught and enforced. At a minimum, players should know what a defender, striker and goalkeeper’s jobs are.
  
  
• No player should play more than 2 quarters in the goal. If they play 2 quarters in the goal you must maximize their time on the field (ie. They don’t sit out 2 quarters then).
  
  
• NO ONE should be behind the goal area. Not parents or coaches.
  
  
• Medical Release Forms must be with you at ALL soccer functions, including but not limited to, practice, games, team parties, etc.
  
  
• All volunteers that will be working with the children need to register as a volunteer and complete the online training program Safe Haven.
  
  
• Opposing teams MUST sit on opposite sides of the field. The home team (the one listed first on the schedule) picks the side they want to sit on; the visiting team therefore takes the opposite side.

10U Division Program

OVERVIEW 
In the 10U division, players start to develop basic techniques and begin to play as a team.

Field Size: The field size for 10U games is 55-65 yards long, 35-45 yards wide.
Goals: Maximum 6.5 feet high and 18.5 feet wide.
Ball Size: 4 
Player on Field: 7 per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper. Ten maximum on roster.
Game Length: 50 Minutes (25 Minute Halves - Time should include breaks between quarters and halftime)
Practice Session: 60 Minutes Max / No more than twice a week

Rules / Notes: 

• 1st game of the day responsible for field setup (please arrive 45 minutes early); last game of the day responsible for tear down at our hole field only. 
  
  
• 9-12 years is the golden age for learning and the perfect age to increase focus on specific techniques and skills. It is the time for ADVENTURE!
  
  
• Player Equipment: Shoes and shin guards, covered by the socks are mandatory at all practice and game activities. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.

• Referee: AYSO certified Regional Referees or higher are required for U-10 and older games.The referee should briefly explain any infringements to the player(s) and encourage proper play and sporting behavior. As with all games, every effort should be made to keep the game moving and free from stoppages for doubtful infractions. Let them play and enjoy.
  

• Assistant Referees/Club Linesmen: If available, qualified assistant referees who have completed Assistant Referee Certification may be used to assist the referee. This is an opportunity for new assistant referees to begin getting experience. If qualified assistant referees are not available, Club Linesmen (untrained volunteers who may be affiliated with one of the teams/clubs) may be recruited from the spectators to assist the referee with calling the ball in and out of play only. This is an opportunity for parents to get involved.

• The Start of Play: The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field.

• The Kick-off: A coin toss is used to determine which team kicks off to start the game and the other team kicks off to start the second half. Opponents must be eight yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

• Ball In and Out of Play: The ball is out of play in all age group games when it completely crosses the touch line (side line) or goal line (end line), either on the ground or in the air.
  
  
• Method of Scoring: A goal, in all age groups, is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal.
  
  
• Fouls: For 10U and older games, all fouls identified in Law 12 apply. Refer to the Laws of the Game for more information. 
  
  
• Misconduct: Misconduct should still be relatively rare in 10U games. Coaches at all levels of play have the option of calling players to the touchline to receive words of 'positive instruction' concerning player's behavior. 
  
  
• Free Kicks: Free kicks, in 10U and older games, may be either direct (may score directly), or indirect (must be touched or played by another player before a goal can be scored). Opponents must be at least eight yards from the ball or on the goal line between the goal posts during free kicks.
  
  
• Penalty Kicks: Penalty kicks may be awarded in 10U and older games. A penalty kick results from a player committing one of the ten direct free kick fouls inside his/her own penalty area. The penalty kick is taken from the penalty mark with all other players outside the penalty area except the opposing teams goalkeeper.
  
  
• Throw-In: Second chances are not given for improper throw-ins for U10 and older players. An improper throw-in results in a throw-in for the opposing team. 
  
  
• Goal Kick: A goal kick is awarded to the opposing team, in 10U and older, when the attacking team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but without scoring a goal. The goal kick may be taken from any point inside the goal area. The goal kick is retaken if the ball is touched or played by either team before leaving the penalty area.
  
  
• Goalkeeper Punts: For 9U to 12U, the goalkeeper shall not punt the ball. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the offense if a goalkeeper deliberately punts the ball during a match. An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the opposing team's goal area must be taken on the goal area line at the point nearest to where the goalkeeper punted the ball.
  
  
• Corner Kick: A corner kick is awarded to the opposing team when the defending team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but not scoring a goal. The opposing team must be at least eight yards from the ball when the corner kick is taken in 10U games.

• Offside: The offside law applies in 10U and older games.
  
  
• Handling the Ball: A handling infraction occurs when a player handles the ball deliberately. The 'hand' includes the entire arm up to the top of the shoulder. Accidental contact (ball striking hand or arm with no intent by the player) is not an offense and should not be penalized.
  
  
• Substitutions: Between periods, at halftime and for injuries.
  
  
• Playing Time: Minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three.

• Build-Out Line: The build-out line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting. For more information on the Build Out line, please view the video at the link below. 
  
  BUILD-OUT LINE OVERVIEW

• The build-out lone shall be placed across the field equidistant between the top of the penalty area and the halfway line.
  
  
• The opposing team must move back behind the build-out line for a goal kick or when the goalkeeper has possession. At any time, the goalkeeper may pass, throw or roll the ball to a teammate who is behind or in front of the build-out line. See above video link (Build Out Line Overview) for clarification of build out line rules.
  
  
• The goalkeeper or the player taking the goal kick does not have to wait for the opposing players to move behind the build-out line. The play from the goalkeeper or from the goal kick must be played to a teammate behind the build-out line. After the ball is put into play, the opposing team can cross the build-out line and play may resume as normal. The first touch is from the goal kick or the pass from the goalkeeper.
  
  
• The build-out line shall be used as the line to determine offside. Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build-out line

• No Heading: Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division 11U (12U and below for programs without single age divisions) and below in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match (taken where the player touched the ball with his/her head).

Field Markings: Distinctive lines recommended.

• Halfway line the width of the field, marked equidistant between the goal lines.
• Center circle with an eight-yard radius in the center of the field.
• Corner arcs with a one-yard radius at each corner of the field.
• Goal area in front of each goal measuring 4 x 8 yards.
• Penalty area in front of each goal measuring 12 x 24 yards.
• Penalty mark ten yards from the goal line.
• Penalty arc extending in a eight-yard radius from the penalty mark.
• Build-out line runs across the field equidistant between the top of the penalty area and halfway line.

12U Division Program

OVERVIEW
In the 12U division, players begin to bring their basic techniques and skills to the next level of play. The level of play in this division is more competitive than in the younger divisions, but is still in line with the AYSO philosophy of everyone plays and has fun.

Field Size: The Field Size for 12U games is 70-80 yards long and 44-55 yards wide.
Goals: Goal Size is 6.5 feet high x 18.5 feet wide. (Max size - 7 feet high x 21 feet wide).
Ball Size: 4
Players on Field: 9 per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper. 12 maximum on roster.
Game Length: 60 Minutes (30 Minute Halves - Time should include breaks between quarters and halftime)
Practice Session: 60 Minutes no more than twice a week

• 1st game of the day responsible for field setup (please arrive 45 minutes early); last game of the day responsible for tear down at our home fields only.
  
  
• Players have increased understanding of strategy and tactics so small-sided matches can help develop basic attacking and defensive principles. 
  
  
• 12U is the time for polishing the player's technical skills.
  
  
• Throw-ins: if the child makes an error the ball goes to the opposing team for a throw.
  
  
• Handling: DILBERATE handballs - direct kick awarded to opposing team
  
  
• Whistle: please do not blow the whistle for everything. The children need to learn that a whistle means to freeze and is only used for important items.
  
  
• Positions should be taught and enforced. At a minimum, players should know what a defender, midfield, striker and goalkeeper’s jobs are. Rotate players into different positions (not all in the same game) to give them a taste of the game
  
  
• Goalkeepers: No player should play more than 3 quarters in the goal. If they play 3 quarters in the goal you must maximize their time on the field (ie. They don’t sit out the last quarter then). Keeper jerseys will be available at the check-in station on the first day.
  
  
• "Headers" or intentionally hitting the ball with head, is not allowed. Restart - Indirect Free Kick
  
  
• Substitutions: Between periods, at halftime and for injuries.
  
  
• Playing Time: Minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three
  
  
• Teams: Separate girls and boys teams should be promoted at all levels of play.
  
  
• NO ONE should be behind the goal area. Not parents or coaches
  
  
• Medical Release Forms must be with you at ALL soccer functions, including but not limited to, practice, games, team parties, etc.
  
  
• All volunteers that will be working with the children need to register as a volunteer and complete the online training program Safe Haven.
  
  
• Injuries: Incident reports are available on our website or at the snackbar. Please report all injuries to the Board promptly.
  
  
• Do not run up the score; no one should win by more than 5 goals.
  
  
• Opposing teams MUST sit on opposite sides of the field. The home team (the one listed first on the schedule) picks the side they want to sit on; the visiting team therefore takes the opposite side.

Field Markings:
The Center Circle Radius is 8 yards, the Goal Area is 5 yards x 16 yards, Penalty Area is 14 yards x 36 yards, and Goal Line to Penalty is 10 yards.

14U / 16U Division Programs

OVERVIEW
In the 14U and 16U divisions, players advance in speed and overall athletic ability, and their understanding of the game deepens. Rivalries begin to form and the players tend to keep close track of the standings.

Field Size:  The minimum field size for is 100 x 50 yards. 
Goals: Official size goals (8 feet high and 8 yards wide) are used in 14U games. 
Ball Size: 5
Players on Field: 11 players per team on the field (11v11) – one of whom is the goalkeeper. Maximum of 15 on the roster.
Game Length: 70 Minutes (35 Minute Halves - Time should include breaks between quarters and halftime)
Practice Session: 90 Minutes / No more than 3 hours per week

Rules / Notes: 

* Player Equipment: The basic compulsory equipment of a player includes: a jersey or shirt, shorts, stockings, footwear and shin guards. Shoes and shin guards are mandatory at all practices and games. The shin guards need to provide a reasonable degree of protection and be covered entirely by the stockings. 

* Start of Play: The referee conducts a coin toss with captains of both teams. The team that wins the coin toss chooses direction of play and the other team kicks off at the center circle. After half time, the teams switch directions and the team that won the first half coin toss kicks-off. Opponents must be ten yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

*Fouls & Misconduct: Opponents must be ten yards from the ball on restart kicks. Coaches should work cooperatively with players to eliminate the need for cautions and send-offs. Referees will issue cautions and send-offs if such action, in the opinion of the referee, is warranted. The referee will complete a misconduct report should a yellow or red card be issued. Players receiving a send-off will not be allowed to participate in their next scheduled match. It is the coach’s responsibility to notify the referee of the next match of this requirement. 

* Referee: AYSO certified Regional Referees or higher (recommended) are required for 14U games. 

* Assistant Referees/Club Linesmen: If available, qualified, neutral assistant referees who have completed Regional Referee Certification (or higher) may be used to assist the referee. This is an opportunity for new intermediate referees or seasoned regional referees to gain experience. If qualified assistant referees are not available, Club Linesmen (someone who is affiliated with one of the teams/clubs) may be recruited from the spectators to assist the referee with calling the ball in and out of play only. This is an opportunity for parents to get involved. 

* General Play Requirements: There are no field position play requirements for goalkeeper. A player may play the position of goalkeeper the entire match. 

* Injury Substitutions: If a player is injured during the course of a game and is forced to leave the field, there are two options: 

• The coach may substitute for the injured player for the quarter. However the injured player may not return to the game for the remainder of the quarter in which they left the field or 
• The coach can elect to play short a player for that quarter and when the injured player can continue he may substitute back into the game at a break in play with the referee's permission. 

Playing time credit in injury cases: The player who starts the quarter will get credit for the whole quarter regardless of how much time they play. This means time played by the substitute cannot be applied toward the three quarters they are required to play. 

* Substituted Players: Substituted players should sit between the halfway line and the top of the penalty area (the 18) on the side of the assistant referee (usually the right side) of their respective touchlines. Substituted players should wear a scrimmage vest over their jersey while on the touchline to help prevent the assistant referee from mistaking a substitute player in an offside position from a player on the field. 

* Spectators: Spectators should sit approximately 3 yards off the touchline and between the halfway line and the top of the penalty area (the 18) on the side opposite the assistant referee (usually to the left side of the coach) of their respective touchlines.