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The following rules do not represent all rules applying to a match. This is intended to be a general reference for most situations and to clarify any modifications or AYSA specific rules. In all other instances, current IFAB/FIFA rules would apply.

The Field

The field size is 55-65 yards long, 35-45 yards wide.

Field Markings (suggested layout)

Halfway Line: width of field, marked equidistant between Goal Lines
Center Circle: 8-yard radius
Goal Area: 4 x 12 yards
Penalty Area: 12 x 24 yards
Penalty Mark: 10 yards from Goal Line
Penalty Arc: extends to an 8-yard radius from Penalty Mark
Offside Line (Build-Out Line): width of field equidistant between the top of the Penalty Area and the Halfway Line

Corner Flags

At least 4 feet high and having a non-pointed top.

Goals

Height: 6ft minimum / 7ft maximum
Width: 14ft minimum / 18ft maximum
All goals must be securely anchored before beginning play.

Ball

Size 4 ball

Number of Players

Seven (7) per team on the field, one of which is a goalkeeper; minimum of 5 players to continue.

Substitutions

Unlimited for both teams between periods, on goal kicks, after a goal, and during an extended time-out (e.g. injury, cautions, send-offs).
No substitutions on corner kicks.
Unlimited for team taking throw-in; opponents may only substitute (unlimited) if team taking throw-in substitutes.

Playing Time

All players play a minimum of half the game.
Preferably all players play equal amount of time.

Player Equipment

Shirts, shorts, shin guards, socks, shoes (no baseball shoes or shoes with a toe cleat).
Same color shirts (except goalkeeper).
Socks to cover shin guards.
No jewelry or earrings; nothing dangerous.

Duration of Game

Two 25-minute halves; halftime interval 5 minutes. Teams change sides at half.

Referees

AYSA’s top priority is player safety. Every effort should be made to keep the game moving and free from stoppages for doubtful infractions. AYSA will try to schedule referees for games, but coaches or competent volunteers may need to act as the referees should one not be available.

Ball Out-of-Play

Ball is out of play when it completely leaves the field of play over the Touchline or Goal Line – either on the ground or in the air. Ball is also considered to be out of play and the game is stopped whenever the whistle is blown.

Restarts

Player may not touch the ball again at the taking of a free kick, goal kick, corner kick, kick off, or throw-in until it has touched another player (restart is an IFK to opponents).

Kick-off

Kicker may stand in opponent’s half of field.
All other players on both teams must be in own half of field and opponents must be outside the Center Circle. Ball is in play when kicked and clearly moves in any direction.

Dropped Ball

Restart when Referee stops game for an injury, outside interference, weather, or accidental whistle. Only one player may take part in the dropped ball; all other players to be at least 4 yards away. Ball is in play when it makes contact with the ground.
Requires touch by two different players for a goal to be awarded (dropped balls are indirect kicks).

Corner Kicks

Restart when ball goes over Goal Line (End Line) last touched by a defending player.
Opponents must remain 8 yards from the Corner Area. Ball is in play when kicked and clearly moves. Goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.

Goal Kicks

Restart when ball goes over Goal Line (End Line) last touched by an attacking team player.
Ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
All opposing players must remain outside the Build-Out Area until the ball is in play.
If opposing player(s) enters Build-Out Area too early, an Indirect Free Kick (IFK) restart is to be taken at point where player crosses the Build-Out Area.
Goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team. If the ball is kicked directly into the goal of the team taking the goal kick, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team.

Free Kicks

Opponents must be at least 8 yards from the ball or on Goal Line between the goal posts.
Ball is in play when kicked and clearly moves.
Direct Free Kick (DFK) – a goal may be scored on the first touch, but only against the opposing team. Indirect Free Kick (IFK) – touches from two different players required for a goal to be allowed.

Penalty Kicks

Results when a DFK offense is committed inside a player’s own Penalty Area.
All players (except kicker and goalkeeper) to be outside Penalty Area, Penalty Arc, and behind the ball. Ball must be clearly kicked in a forward direction.
Goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot on or directly above the Goal Line at the time the ball is kicked.

Fouls

Offense involving contact committed on the field of play, while the ball is in play and against any opponent, teammate, team official, or match official.
Contact fouls result in a DFK restart. Non-contact fouls and technical infractions result in an IFK restart. Deliberate heading of the ball results in an IFK. Goalkeepers are not allowed to punt or drop-kick the ball; IFK restart for the opposing team at the spot of the offense.

Misconduct

Player misconduct is rare in U10 games.
Avoid carding players as much as possible.
Coaches and bench personnel may be carded for misconduct.

Throw-Ins

Restart when ball goes over the Touchline (Sideline) and is taken by opponent of player who last touched the ball. Thrower must face the field of play with part of each foot on or behind the Touchline, both hands on the ball, and both hands must go behind and over the head.
Ball is in play when any portion of the ball breaks the outside plane of the Touchline into the field of play after having been thrown. When an improper throw-in is taken, the Referee should stop play and award a throw-in to the opponents (at the Referee’s discretion, the throw-in may be permitted to be retaken). A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.

Heading

Heading the ball deliberately is prohibited.
IFK restart for opposing team at spot of infraction.

Handball

A DFK offense when a player deliberately plays the ball with their hand or arm.
Accidental contact, i.e. ball striking hand or arm with no intent by player, is not an offense and should not be penalized so long as the hand or arm is close to or against the player’s body. Accidental contact by an outstretched arm which influences the action or path of the ball should result in a DFK.
Exception: When the ball goes directly into the goal after touching an attacking player’s hand or arm, even if accidental, no goal is awarded. Restart with an DFK for opposing team.
Instinctive, self-protective reactions are not to be penalized.

Offside

Players can only be in offside position in the opponent’s Build-Out Area, i.e. between the Offside Line (Build-Out Line) and the Goal Line.
No offside offense in the area between the two Offside Lines (Build-Out Lines).
Offside offense occurs when a player in offside position becomes actively involved by interfering with play or an opponent at the moment the ball is played.
Restart is an IFK at location where the player in the offside position commits the interference.

Slide Tackling

Slide tackling or attempted slide tackling is strictly prohibited. DFK restart for opposing team at the spot of the infraction.

Scoring

When the whole of the ball completely crosses the Goal Line between the posts and under the crossbar – either in the air or on the ground.

Build-Out Area

Opponents must move outside Build-Out Area on all free kicks and goal kick restarts.
Opposing players must remain outside Build-Out Area until ball is kicked and clearly moves.
Opponents must also move outside Build-Out Area whenever the goalkeeper gains possession of the ball. Opponents may not re-enter the Build-Out Area until the goalkeeper either throws the ball, rolls the ball, or places the ball on the ground.
Goalkeeper may NOT touch the ball again with their hand(s) until it has been touched or played by another player.

If the ball is quickly played before the opposing players can move back to the Build-Out Area, the play is live and opposing players may advance without continuing to move back to the Build-Out Area.