2019/20Laws of the Game

AYSO ADDENDUM

Printed for the American Youth Soccer Organization with the permission of FIFA.

224

AYSO AddendumAYSO Rules The changes listed below are approved within FIFA's authorization that allows Federations to make changes in the following five (5) areas:

• Size of the field of play

• Width between the goalposts and height of the crossbar from the ground

• Size, weight and material of the ball

• Duration of the periods of play

• Substitutions

AYSO RULES OF COMPETITION

The dimensions and markings of the field of play and goals shall be at the discretion of the Region and, whenever possible, conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game or to AYSO Small-Sided game requirements.

A coaches' area extending ten yards on each side of the halfway line shall be marked by two lines off the field of play and perpendicular to the touch line. Where possible, the coaches' area shall include two additional lines, with one line parallel to and at least one yard from the touch line, and a second parallel line no more than three yards from the touch line.

The field shall be marked, where possible, with a spectator control line parallel to the touch line at a distance of at least three yards from the touch line. Coaches and officials should help the assistant referees keep spectators behind the spectator control line.

225L a w s o f t h e G a m e 2 0 1 9 / 2 0 | AYSO Addendum

Law 1 - The Field of Play (Field size)

AYSO FIELD – YARDS (MAX)8U & Younger

Length 25 to 35 Width 15 to 25

9U & 10U Length 55 to 65 Width 35 to 45

11U & 12U Length 70 to 80 Width 45 to 55

14U & Older Length 100 to 130 Width 50 to 100

Law 1 - The Field of Play (Goal size)

AYSO GOAL SIZE – FEET (MAX)8U & Younger

Height 4 Width 6

9U & 10U Height 6.5 Width 18.5

11U & 12U Height 7 Width 21

14U & Older Height 8 Width 24

226

Law 2 – The Ball

AYSO SIZE and WEIGHT OF BALL

Age Division Size Circumference Weight

8U & Younger 3 23.0 -25.0 inches 10 - 12 oz.

9U to 12U 4 25.0 - 26.5 inches 12 - 14 oz.

26 .5- 28.0 inches 14 - 16 oz. 5 14U & Older

Law 3 – The Players

AYSO SMALL-SIDED GAMES

Age Division No. of Players

8U & Younger 4 v 4 – No Goal Keeper

9U & 10U 7 vs 7 – Goal Keeper

11U & 12U 9 vs 9 – Goal Keeper

Small-sided games are permitted for all age divisions.

AYSO Addendum (Cont.)

227Laws of the Game 2019/20 | AYSO Addendum

AYSO

Shinguards must be worn in all AYSO practices and games.

The exceptions are sanctioned beach soccer playand AYSO Playground Soccer.

Team members may not practice or participate in any game with any type of cast or splint.

Law 7 – The Duration of the Match

AYSO MAX DURATION OF EACH HALF – mins.

U-5 (Schoolyard) 10 13U & 14U 35

8U & Younger 20 15U & 16U 40

9U& 10U 25 17U & 18U/19U 45

11U & 12U 30

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF AYSO PARTICIPANTS

It shall be the duty of each coach, referee, official volunteer, team member, spectator and other participants to:

Conduct himself/herself in a manner becoming a member of AYSO and consistent with the AYSO Philosophies and the highest standards of conduct. Comply with and promote compliance with the Bylaws, Rules & Regulations and Policies, including those related to registration, certification and training. Encourage clean competition and good sportsmanship.Prohibit and abstain from making negative comments and complaintsabout officiating.Present a healthy, athletic environment for team members, including but not limited to, not consuming alcoholic beverages, using tobacco products or smoking or simulating smoking or the use of tobacco products, during practices or games or in the immediate vicinity of the soccer fields.

228

AYSO Addentum (cont.)

PLAYERSAll eligible team members in attendance must play at least half of the game, excluding overtime, except players arriving during the second or third "quarters" who must play a minimum of one "quarter."Except for injuries, substitution is permitted only at approximately the mid-point of each half upon the referee's stoppage of the game (the "quarters"), at halftime, and at the start of any overtime periods. When substituting for an injured player, only the injured player is credited with a "quarter's" play.Small-sided games (i.e. fewer than 11 vs 11 players) are permitted for all divisions and are strongly encouraged for younger players to help develop their soccer skills. Small-sided games also help older divisions when they are low in number of participants.

COACHESSideline participation is limited to comments that are positive, instructionaland/or encouraging.

A maximum of two coaches are permitted for each team. Coaches must remain within the coaches’ areas.

229L a w s o f t h e G a m e 2 0 1 9 / 2 0 | AYSO Addendum

SPIRIT OF THE LAWS

The Laws of the Game are intended to provide that games should be played with as little interference as possible and in this view, it is the duty of the referees to penalize only deliberate breaches of the Law. Constant whistling for tri�ling and doubtful breaches produces bad feelings and loss of temper on the part of the players and spoils the pleasure of spectators.

246