Regional Rules and Information
For All Divisions:
● The games end on time. On time is NO LESS THAN 10 minutes before the beginning of the next game. No exceptions!
● Home team is the first team on the schedule. Home team is to wear their RED uniform, while the away team wears their BLUE Uniform
● Referees for games are assigned by the Referee Administrator. In the event where a referee is not scheduled for a game, the home team provides the referee. If the home team does not have a referee, the visiting team’s referee is expected to cover the game. If the visiting team does not have a referee, the home team is responsible for finding one.
● Each referee is responsible for finding his/her own substitute.
● Concession stand workers are not affiliated with AYSO, and do not carry information regarding games. If you have any questions please direct them to a Board Member.
Coaches:
You are required to have access to player registration forms at ALL practices and games. These can be found on your mobile device at AYSO419.org.
Bad Weather:
Weather cancellations run through two different parties. The DSA (Dubuque Soccer Alliance) makes their call by 1:00 whether they permit games to be played on their fields. AYSO makes a final call by 3:00 whether we believe games can/should be played. CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.
Absolutely:
● No one under the influence of alcohol or drugs allowed at games or practices.
● No smoking or alcoholic beverages anywhere within the Soccer Complex or at practice fields. This includes E-Cigarettes
● No pets of any kind at games or practices.
Conduct:
1 Spectators and coaches are not allowed to yell at the referees or assistant referees before, during, or after the game. We respect our volunteer referees and are grateful that they are helping us out
2 Spectators must maintain a minimum of 3 feet from the touchline.
-Assistant referees may stop the game if the spectators infringe into this area.
3 Coaches leaving the team area during the game will receive a warning. Coaches leaving a second time will receive a verbal caution.
4 Referees and active Players are the only ones allowed on the field during the game.
5 Players not currently playing in the game must stay in the team area with the coach
6 If a player is injured and needs immediate attention, signal the referee and/or coach. If a player becomes ill (heat exhaustion, upset stomach, etc) while playing, have the player sit down where he/she is and signal the referee and/or coach. The game will be stopped immediately.
7 Any player issued a red card must sit out his/her next two games but will not be allowed to play. A player may NOT play until he/she has attended two games without playing. Red cards MUST be reported to the Regional Commissioner, Referee Administrator, and Coach Administrator
8 A second red card to the same player, in the same season, will result in an AYSO Board review.
9 Sportsmanship Rule: At the referee’s discretion, if there is a game where a team is leading by 10 goals, the referee may stop the game, mix up the players across teams, put pennies on one team and restart play.
Referee, Safety and Pre-Game Inspection:
1 No jewelry on any part of the body. Jewelry must be removed. No taping allowed.
2 Shin guards are mandatory for all practices and games. Socks must completely cover the shin guards.
3 Soft hair ties only (nothing loose or hanging). No metal barrettes or hairclips.
4 Compression Shorts may extend below the shorts as long as they are the same color as the shorts.
5 Medical bracelets/necklaces taped (recommend removal-give to parent or coach).
6 Sports straps for glasses are not required but recommended.
7 Mouth guards for players with braces is strongly recommended.
8 Inspect shoes, only soccer cleats or tennis shoes allowed. No toe cleats or metal cleats.
9 First referee will inspect the field and net before the game begins.
10 If a player is injured, the coach will be allowed onto the field. All players are to kneel and wait for further instruction. Referees should stop play immediately.
11 Parent, Guardian, or ambulance attendant are the only people allowed to transport a player for medical care. Coaches and referees may not.
12 Players are not allowed to wear hard cast or any type of metal splint. Any knee braces with exposed metal must have the metal covered. The referee on the field will decide.
13 Special request/circumstances need to be reviewed and approved by the AYSO Board.
AYSO Six Philosophies:
Everyone Plays
Balanced Teams
Open Registration
Positive Coaching
Good Sportsmanship
Player Development
FIFA Laws apply with the following exceptions:
5 and Under (5U)
● Practice is scheduled the first 20-30 minutes of the game and lead by the 5U Master Coach. The 5U division will be Jamboree style. Practices and games will be conducted by the Master Coach with the assistance of Parent/Coach helpers.
1 Referees are NOT present at this division. Game play is conducted by Parent/Coach helpers
2 Throw-ins are not done in this division. Kick-ins are to be done when the ball leaves play.
3 No penalty kicks.
4 No red or yellow cards are given to players – time out used as necessary.
5 10 minute halves; four 5 minutes quarters.
6 All kicks are direct.
7 No goalkeepers.
8 All players are attacking – this allows more scoring.
9 No heading the ball:
10 Substitution at quarter breaks only. (Exception: injury).
11 Size 3 soccer ball.
4v4 players.
6 and Under (6U)
● Practice is scheduled the first 15 minutes of the game. Game starts per discretion of the coaches.
1 Referees will not be used in this division. Games are to be conducted by having (1) coach from each team present on field.
2 Throw-ins are not done in this division. Kick-ins are to be done when the ball leaves play.
3 No penalty kicks.
4 No red or yellow cards are given to players – time out used as necessary.
5 Four 5 minutes quarters. 5 Minute break time
6 All kicks are direct.
7 No goalkeepers.
8 All players are attacking – this allows more scoring.
9 No heading the ball: Attacking the ball and intentionally heading the ball results in an indirect free kick.
10 Substitution at quarter breaks only. (Exception: injury).
11 Size 3 soccer ball.
12 4v4 players.
8 and Under (8U)
1 NO Goalkeepers in this division.
2 Throw-ins are not done in this division. Kick-ins are to be done when the ball leaves play
3 Offsides is NOT ENFORCED in this division
4 All kicks are direct free kicks.
5 20 minute halves, 10 minute quarters. 10 Minute Half Time
6 No slide tackling. A player leaving their feet and tackling the ball with an opponent within playing distance is dangerous play
7 No heading the ball – attacking the ball and intentionally heading it is dangerous play
8 Substitution at quarter break only. (Exception: injury).
9 Size 3 soccer ball.
10 4v4 players.
10 and Under (10U)
1 Build-Out Line: When the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands during play from the opponent, both the opposing team and defending team must move behind the build out line until the ball is put into play
2 NO PUNTING/DROP KICKS: If a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense If the punt or drop kick occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred
3 When Goal Keeper reaches for the ball and is within reasonable distance with the ball, the ball belongs to the goal keeper. A player may NOT kick the ball when goal keeper is about to pick it up. This can result in injury
4 Goalkeeper starting the 2nd half must be different that the goalkeeper that ended the first half.
5 25 minute halves. No Quarter Break (Exception: heat). 10 Minute Half Time
6 Per discretion of the referee, a player may substitute on their teams’ throw-in, all goal kicks, or before kick-off. If the other team has substitution rights and is utilizing it, the other team may also substitute. All players who plan on substituting MUST be behind the touch line AT center line BEFORE the ball goes out.
7 No slide tackling. A player leaving their feet and tackling the ball with an opponent within playing distance. Dangerous play
8 No heading the ball – attacking the ball and intentionally heading it is dangerous play. This is MANDATORY among all US Soccer leagues
9 Size 4 soccer ball.
10 7v7 players.
12 and Under (12U)
1 Dead ball – goalkeeper has ball in control.
2 Goalkeeper starting the 2nd half must be different that the goalkeeper that ended the first half.
3 NO PUNTING/DROP KICKS: If a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense If the punt or drop kick occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the infringement occurred.
4 25 minute halves. No quarter break (Exception: heat). 10 minute half time
5 Per discretion of the referee, a player may substitute on their teams’ throw-in, all goal kicks, or before kick-off. If the other team has substitution rights and is utilizing it, the other team may also substitute. All players who plan on substituting MUST be behind the touch line AT center line BEFORE the ball goes out
6 No slide tackling. A player leaving their feet and tackling the ball with an opponent within playing distance. Dangerous play – indirect free kick.
7 No Heading the ball – attacking the ball and intentionally heading it is dangerous play – indirect free kick. This is MANDATORY among all US Soccer leagues
8 Size 4 soccer ball.
9 9v9 players.
14 and Under (14U) and 19 and Under (19U)
1 Follows FIFA, Laws of the Game.
2 Goalkeeper starting the 2nd half must be different that the goalkeeper that ended the first half.
3 Punting/Drop Kicks Permitted
4 35 minutes halves. No quarter breaks (Exception: heat). 10 minute half time
5 Per discretion of the referee, a player may substitute on their teams’ throw-in, all goal kicks, or before kick-off. If the other team has substitution rights and is utilizing it, the other team may also substitute. All players who plan on substituting MUST be behind the touch line AT center line BEFORE the ball goes out
6 No slide tackling. A player leaving their feet and tackling the ball with an opponent within playing distance. Dangerous play – indirect free kick.
7 No bicycle-kick or flip throw-ins allowed.
8 Size 5 soccer ball.
9 11v11 players.
Very Important Player (VIP)
● Practice is scheduled the first 20 minutes of the game.
1 No penalty kicks.
2 No red or yellow cards are given to players – time out used as necessary.
3 10 minute halves; four 5 minutes quarters.
4 No goalkeepers.
5 All players are attacking – this allows more scoring.
6 Size 5 soccer ball.