In general, AYSO plays by the FIFA international soccer rules. However, there are variations to fit the rules to youth soccer, as well as the AYSO philosophy. Some rule variations come from the AYSO national office. Some come from the AYSO Region 1046 board of directors.
Region 1046 Rules
Please Note that in special events (Area tournament, Select season games, Select tournament,) there may be rules that supercede what is listed here.
Participation: In general, "AYSO1046"
teams are required to have each player participate in 3/4 of the game. This
can be adjusted to a lower amount if the player arrives late to the game.
Coaches cannot limit a players participation for disciplinary reasons without
FIRST obtaining permission from the Player Agent or Regional
Quarter Breaks: All divisions from U6 through U14 will have a quarter break approximately midway in the half.
Substitution: You can substitute players only at the quarter break and halftime, or for an injury. EXCEPTIONS: free substitution is allowed ONLY IN U19/16 games. You can substitute at any break in play AT THE REFEREE'S DISCRETION.
U19/16: Ball size, 5. Game length, 80 minutes. Free substitution allowed. 11 players on the field per team. Players receiving a yellow card must leave the field for a 2 to 3 minute "cooling off" period (you can substitute for the player).
U14: Ball size, 5. Game length, 70 minutes. Substitute at quarter break and for injury. 11 players on the field per team.
U12: Ball size, 4. Game length, 60 minutes. Substitute at quarter break and for injury. 11 players on the field per team.
U10: Ball size, 4. Game length, 50 minutes. Substitute at quarter break and for injury. 9 players on the field per team. Red and Yellow cards should not be issued to a player (let the coach handle the issue).
U8: Ball size, 3. Game length, 40 minutes. Substitute at quarter break and for injury. 5 players on the field per team. Red and Yellow cards should not be issued to a player (let the coach handle the issue). NO penalty kicks (do a drop ball at a safe place).
U6: Ball size, 3. Game length, 20 minutes. Substitute at quarter break and for injury. 3 players on the field per team (coaches should decide at the beginning of the game). Red and Yellow cards should not be issued to a player (let the coach handle the issue). NO penalty kicks (do a drop ball at a safe place).
AYSO National Rules