1. Duration of games is as follows: 6,7 and 8,9 divisions play four 12 minute quarters. The 10-12 division will play four 15 minute quarters.

2. Suggested number of players on the field: 6,7 and 8,9 divisions should play 8 players per team. ( 7 plus a goalie) The 10-12 division should play 11 per team. These numbers may vary depending on several different factors such as total number of players present and weather.

3. Players can be shared between two opposing teams on game day to provide for adequate substitutions on each team. A player cannot play on several teams during the week.

4. All games will be cancelled for thunder and lightning. Games can be played during a light rain but common sense must prevail . Games will only be cancelled at the fields and never prior to a game.

5. Both teams should sit on the same side of the field opposite the spectators. Only the 6,7 coaches are allowed on the field to coach. The exception to this rule is if the coaches have to referee their own game.

6. Each team is limited to three practices before their first game. Once the season has begun each team will be limited to one practice per week. Practice length is no more than 90 minutes.

7. Each team can call one time-out per half. This time-out should be limited to 2 minutes in order to keep the game moving. Exceptions can be made due to weather conditions or the mutual consent of the coaches. The time-out should be called when a team would be allowed to substitute.

8. Both teams can substitute at the end of a quarter, at half time or on a goal kick. New this year: Either team may substitute on a throw-in or corner kick.

9. If a team is leading by 3 goals, the coach must make changes so that the final scores are not one-sided. (This is what makes AYSO different from the rest of the pack.)

10. Coaches are encouraged to let all players play all positions. (Remember, the game is for the players’ enjoyment.)

11. Slide tackles are not allowed in AYSO.

12. A goalie has roughly six seconds to put the ball in play, after making a save.

13. All practices and games should be held on approved fields covered by AYSO accident insurance.

14. Heading a ball directly from a goalie punt or goal kick is discouraged and if done, the player should be warned, and an indirect kick given at the spot of the foul.

Rules pertaining to parents

1. As a courtesy, parents should notify coaches if a player is going to miss a practice or a game.

2. There is no smoking on or near the field of play.

3. There are no alcoholic beverages allowed on or near the field of play.

4. Anyone may be ejected from the game site for unsportsmanlike conduct or actions “detrimental to the game.” This includes players, coaches, and/or parents.

5. Any player, coach or spectator who is ejected from a game may be further disciplined pending a review by the AYSO Region 426 board of directors.

6. All players are encouraged to purchase soccer cleats and must have shin guards covered by socks during practices and games.

7. Our league is a “recreational league” designed for player and family fun.

Special rules for the 6,7 division

1. There will be no offside called in the 6,7 division.

2. All free kicks will be indirect kicks. There will be no penalty kicks in this division. If there is a foul in the penalty area , the ball will be taken outside the area.

3. For goal kicks, the ball may be moved closer to the outside of the penalty area to assist the kicker in “getting it out” of the penalty area.

4. For both goal kicks and corner kicks it is highly encouraged for the opposing coach to “pull back” his or her players so that the ball may move easily forward into play.

Special rules for the 4,5 division

These rules are included in a special packet given to the 4, 5 coaches.