Division Specifics: U14 (7th and 8th grades)

Player Equipment

• Size 5 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.
• 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

Girls and boys play on separate teams. U14 plays the standard soccer format with 11 players per team on the field, one of which is a goalkeeper. 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. While the rotation of players through all field positions is important in the younger divisions, some kids may request to specialize in certain roles.

The Officials

AYSO certified Intermediate or higher are required for U14 games. 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

The use of qualified Assistant Referees who have completed Assistant Referee Certification is recommended for all matches. 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 35-minute halves with a halftime break.
• Teams switch sides/goals at half-time and the team that didn’t kick off to start the game kicks off the second half.
• After the substitution breaks (which are about midway through each half), the game resumes where it was stopped or left off.

Fouls and Misconduct

The standard FIFA rules on play restarts and free kicks are enforced at this level. A holding foul against an attacking player in the defending team's penalty area, for example, will result in a penalty kick.

Scoring

A goal is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal. Goals should be enthusiastically celebrated by everyone. Beginning in the Fall of 2018, scores and game wins are tracked to establish seeding for an end-of-the spring Area tournament.