The information below applies to our 1631 region home games. Other regions may have varying rules that you should understand if volunteering for another region's games.  Check their website for details or contact their RRA at rra@aysoxx.org where xx = region number.

Players 

• No jewelry including earrings, hard hair clips, bracelets, watches and necklaces.
• No casts. If a player arrives at the field in a cast and takes off a removable cast, they still are not able to play
• Shin guards are required and should be worn inside socks.
• Soccer cleats are highly recommended, though players can play in closed toe sneakers.

Games 

• For interlocking games, home rules apply and referees should review the key rules with the coaches prior to the pre-game ceremony.
• One Center Referee (CR) and 2 Assistant Referees (AR).
• 7v7 with subs at quarters and halftime
• 25 minute halves with quarter breaks at approximate 12 minute and 30 second mark.
• All players need to substitute once before a player subs twice. GK is a position on the field and is considered an active player for the quarter.
• If a player gets injured and is substituted out by the coach (the coach has the option to let them sit out, playing down a player, until they feel better and then reenter the game with the permission of the CR), the player that started the quarter is given credit for playing that quarter. No exceptions.
• Size 4 ball
  

Additional Details

• No INTENTIONAL headers.  If intentional header occurs, indirect kick to the other team at the point of the foul
• 10U has Goal keepers.  No one person should GK the full game (enforced in tournaments, so best to help teams develop multiple keepers).  GK can NOT count for being out of the game for substitutions.
• Punting or Drop Kicks by the goal keeper is NOT allowed. Results in an indirect kick from the point of infraction.
• No SLIDE TACKLES at this age.
• Build out line is applicable in 3 situations;
  • Goal kicks require all players on the opposing team to be outside the build out line.  Ball is in play when kicked / moves.  Once the ball is in play, game continues as normal.
  • Goal keeper has the ball in their hands requires all players on the opposing team to start to head outside the build out line.  Goal keeper can play the ball at any time, including prior to the opposing team being outside the build out line.  Once the ball is in play, game continues as normal.
  • The build out line will determine the offside position of players, not the center line.

Referee Recommendations

• Coach, Parents and players should be placed on opposite sides of the field.
• Referee should have a pre-game meeting with coaches to discuss the game and show parents and players we are friendly toward each other and working together as a team. Have a cheat sheet of topics; throw-ins, build-out line, substitutions, GKs, etc.
• Consider giving players a second chance at throw-ins for the first 2 weeks of the season (mention in coach meeting if you plan to do this), but should not be longer as we need to teach the players the proper way to inbound the ball via a throw-in.
• Watch the pulling on jerseys and late kicks that miss ball and kicks players.  Call the foul, as we need to teach the kids the rules.  Take a minute to explain the call to the player in a non-intimidating way.
• Calls that may have reactions or complaints by sidelines, we recommend talking to the coach at halftime or end of game to explain your viewpoint and why a foul was called.  Build a trusted relationship.
• Monitor handshakes and encourage players to be good sports if you see anything that may cause issues
• Adding time at the end of the half or end of game is at the discretion of the CR.  Examples include if there are unintentional long substitutions or injuries. Be mindful if schedules are tight, such as next game or end of permit time, which may restrict the ability to add more time.