Division Specifics: U9/U10 (3rd & 4th grades)

Player Equipment

• Size 4 ball
• Uniform: team jersey, black shorts and team socks.  Long-sleeved shirts, fleeces or sweatpants can be added, but must be worn UNDER the uniform, not over it, or players can't tell whose on their team.
• Soccer shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.
• Shinguards covered by socks are mandatory at both practices and games. Shinguards may NOT be worn over socks.
• No jewelry may be worn for practices or games (this includes earrings), unless they are required religious or medical items. The official at the game must determine the safety of these items.

The Players

Boys and girls play on separate teams. There will be 7 players per team on the field. Substitutions are between periods, at halftime, and for injuries. Only AYSO players are allowed on the field. Each player must play at least 3 quarters before any player can play a full game. Players should rotate positions frequently, including goalkeeper.

The Officials

AYSO certified Basic (Regional) Referees or higher are required for U9 and older games. The referee should briefly explain any infringements to the player(s) and encourage proper play and sporting behavior. As with all games, every effort should be made to keep the game moving and free from stoppages for doubtful infractions. Let them play and enjoy.

Assistant Referee/Club Linesmen

If available, qualified Assistant Referees who have completed Assistant Referee Certification may be used to assist the referee. This is an opportunity for new assistant referees to begin getting experience. If qualified assistant referees are not available, Club Linesmen (untrained volunteers who may be affiliated with one of the teams) may be recruited from the spectators to assist the referee with calling the ball in and out of play only. This is an opportunity for parents to get involved.

Game Play

• Two 25-minute halves with a break at halftime.
• A coin toss is performed before the game. The winner decides which goal it will attack, and the other team kicks off.
• Teams switch sides at half-time and the team that didn’t kick off to start the game kicks off the second half.
• At a midway point within each half, when there's a stoppage in play (e.g. ball goes out of bounds, goal is scored), a brief substitution break will be called. The game will resume at the spot on the field where it left off.

The Kick-Off

• All players, except the player taking the kick-off, must be in their own half of the field.
• While the kick-off is in progress, opponents must be 8 yards from the center mark, i.e. outside of the center circle.
• The ball is placed at the center mark. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves (in any direction).

Goalkeeping & Punts

Of a team's 7 players on the field, 1 will be the goalkeeper. The keeper must wear a different colored jersey or pinny to differentiate them from their own team and the opposing players.
The goalkeeper is NOT allowed to punt or drop kick the ball. They may distribute only by throwing or kicking the ball from the ground. A deliberate punt will entail an Indirect Free Kick being awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the foul.

The Build Out Line (BOL)

Among the many Player Development Initiatives implemented in 2017 by US Soccer and AYSO was the establishment of a Build Out Line (BOL) on U9 & U10 fields. It determines where opposing players must be when the keeper has the ball, when goal kicks are taken and how an offside can be called. See the Referee Resource page for details.

Fouls and Misconduct

• Opponents must be 8 yards from the ball on restart kicks.
• Headers are NOT allowed at this level. If a ball is deliberately headed, the Referee stops play and explains the policy. The opposing team is awarded an Indirect Free Kick at the spot of the foul.
• Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches to eliminate the need for cautions and send-offs.

Scoring

A goal is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal. Goals should be enthusiastically celebrated by everyone. Goals are not recorded to determine who wins.