AYSO Area 4U
U-10 Short-side Rules

Soccer, by any measure, is the most popular game in the world. One reason is it's easy to play. It can be played just about anywhere and requires very little equipment - perhaps markers of some sort for the two goals and the four corners of the field, and, of course, a ball.

Soccer is non-stop action, played in two halves with far fewer interruptions than other team sports. For sheer exercise, it is hard to beat. In fact, it pro-vides one of the best cardiovascular workouts in all of sport.

There are normally eleven players on a soccer team. However, smaller teams are used for younger players. The following is the AYSO Under-10 program which includes only those aspects of the game which are age-appropriate.

GAME GUIDELINES FOR U-10

Field

Dimensions: 80 yards long and 40 yards wide maximum

Markings:

• Distinctive lines are recommended.
• Halfway line the width of the field, marked equidistant between the goal lines.
• Center circle with a 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 six yards by 15 yards.
• Penalty mark ten yards from the goal line.
• Penalty arc extending in a eight-yard radius from the penalty mark.

Goals:

• Maximum seven feet high and seven yards wide.

The Ball:

• Size four.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS:

• Maximum number of players on the field at any one time: seven, one of whom may be a goalkeeper.
• Maximum number of players on the roster not to exceed 10.
• Substitutions: Between periods and at halftime.
• Playing time: MINIMUM of 75% of the total playing time for each player, if possible. No one should play four periods until everyone has played three periods.
• No co-ed teams.  Separate girl teams should be promoted at all levels of play.

Player's Equipment:

• Footwear: Tennis shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes.
• Shinguards: MANDATORY for practices and games.

Referee:

• The referee should be either a
• registered referee
• certified youth referee
• Referees shall emphasize
• fun
• fairness
• safety
• learning
  NOTE: Referees should briefly explain any infringements to the players and help players with instructions.  All referees must be registered AYSO volunteers.
• Referee decisions are final and must not be questioned by coaches.

Assistant Referees:

• Parents may be used.

Duration of Game:

• Four 12-minute periods.
• Halftime break of five to ten minutes.

The Start of Play:

• No change from regular play except that opponents must be eight yards from the center mark while kickoff is in progress.

Ball In and Out of Play:

• No change from regular play.

Scoring Method:

• No change from regular play.

Offside:

• No change from regular play.

Fouls and Misconduct:

• No change from regular play.
• Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches and eliminate the needs for cautions and send-offs. Do not show yellow or red cards.

Free Kick:

• No change from regular play except opponents must retreat eight yards from the ball during opponents' free kicks.

Penalty Kicks:

• No change from regular play except opponents must be outside the penalty area and eight yards from the ball before a kick is allowed.

Throw-In:

• No change from regular play.

Goal Kick:

• No change from regular play.

Corner Kick:

• No change from regular play except opponents must be eight yards away from the ball.

AYSO Recommendations:

• Parents, coaches, and players from both teams exchange handshakes before and/or after each game.
• League standings are not recorded.
• Game scores are not recorded.
• All players receive participation awards.
• Spectators are not allowed behind either goal or within three yards outside the touchline
• Only game participants are allowed to run the length of the field.
• Parents and coaches should encourage players, but not coach or instruct players during games.