5U, 6U, 7U, & 8U Rules and Regulations

We follow and comply with the AYSO National Rules and Regulations. You can find these complete rules and regulations here. Below are key highlights, better clarification, or specific adaptions for our region of the rules and regulations. 

I. Match Conduct

B. Duration of Matches

A game is split into 4 quarters to allow water breaks and substitution of players.  The table show the maximum time allowed for 2 quarters (ex. 5U game is 4- 5 minute quarters).  The 5U, 6U and 7U divisions have 20 minutes of practice time built into their time slots on game days. The 8U division should hold a practice of no more than 60 minutes outside of the allotted game time.

F. Size of Ball

Ball size for each division shall be as follows:

G. Field of Play

1. Spectators shall not be allowed behind the goal lines.

2. See COVID protocols for additional guidance on spectator seating.

I. Heading the Ball

1.Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division players 12U and below.

J. Throw - Ins

1. For 5U & 6U, the throw-in is replaced with the pass-in. Opposing players must be at least two yards from the ball until it is kicked.

2. For 7U & 8U, use throw-ins to restart play. 

II. Teams

C. Team Size

1.  The following are the recommended team sizes:

E. Balanced Teams

• Each primary season, every effort shall be made to balance team strengths within each age division.
  • If a team is short players it is expected for the other time to share players. A different player can be provided each quarter.
    
  • If a team is obviously stronger than the team they're playing, this means only one team is making all the goals, coaches will try to evenly balance both teams by trading players after the other team is up by 4 goals.

   

VI. Players Equipment

A. The team listed first on the schedule will wear the blue (or home) uniform.

C. Athletic footwear (with or without cleats) are permissible in all AYSO competitions.  A player is allowed to wear tennis shoes to play.

D. Team members must wear shin guards that provide a reasonable degree of protection, and that are completely covered by their socks, to participate in any practice or match.  The shin guard must be under the sock, this means you cannot put on the sock first, then the shin guard, then pull the soccer over the shin guard. This is NOT acceptable, and a coach will ask you to switch the shin guard to completely under the sock.