AYSO’s Six Philosophies are principles that separate AYSO from other sports organizations. These tenets were created to provide a positive, fair and fun soccer experience for all our players.
Everyone Plays
AYSO’s goal is for kids and adults to play soccer, so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least 50 percent of every game.
Positive Coaching
A coach can be one of the most influential people in a player’s life, so AYSO requires they create a positive experience for every player in AYSO. Additionally, encouraging player’s effort leads to greater enjoyment, improved skills and stronger motivation in players.
Soccer is FUN for the players, coaches and parents. Make it fun. UNSPORTSMAN-LIKE CONDUCT IS NOT PERMITTED. After every game the opposing teams shake hands and congratulate each other. Parents should also congratulate players on both teams for playing a good game. Negative comments are not part of AYSO.
Balanced Teams
Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible, providing a stronger learning experience for teams as they play teams comprised of similar ability. It also allows for each player to experience playing with a wide variety of teammates of different skill levels.
Good Sportsmanship
We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our programs are designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.
Player Development
All players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a team, to maximize their enjoyment of the game.
Open Registration
If you want to play soccer, AYSO welcomes you and gives all youth and adults the opportunity to register and play.
Oakhurst Soccer Rules
Substitutions
Unlimited free substitutions are allowed during any stoppage of play with the permission of the referee
Rotate Players
No player should play any position more than two quarters including goalie. If players are not rotating positions or sitting out more than two quarters you must bring it to the other coach's attention.
Equipment
Shin-guards are required at all practices and games. A player will not be allowed to play or practice without them. Shoes with rubber cleats are allowed as long as they are soccer shoes; no cleats under the toe. Soccer ball sizes: U6/U8 use a size 3 ball, U10/U12 use a size 4 ball. U14 uses a size 5 ball. Bringing a water bottle to all games and practices is highly recommended.
3 Pass Rule
If one team is ahead by 3 goals, the 3-pass rule shall be in effect. The leading team must complete 3 uninterrupted passes before they are allowed to score again. Goals scored in violation of this rule will be vacated.
An adjustment is done each time the discrepancy is increased (4 goal lead = 4 pass rule, etc) and removed when it is reduced (trailing team scores, reducing gap to 2, rule is no longer in effect.
AYSO doesn't keep game scores or standings but your team will keep track of the score. Inform your parents of this rule.
Field Issues
Fields cannot be used if it has rained heavily or if it is raining heavy on game day. Check with your coaches for cancelled games.
Guest Players
In the event, during a game, that Team A has significantly more players present than their opponent, Guest Players may play for the opposing team, Team B, while wearing a pinnie. Guest players should be rotated every half/quarter and only with players willing to switch sides temporarily. This is not obligatory, coaches will use their discretion. Guest players may not switch to a team on another field, Team C. Only currently registered players may be guest players
Buildout Line – U10
When the goalie picks up the ball, all opposing players must retreat behind the buildout line but can re-enter it as soon as the goalie throws/kicks/passes the ball. Applies during Goal-Kicks as well
Off-Side Rule
Occurs when an offensive player is
• Ahead of the ball
• Ahead of the second to last defender (the last defender being the goalie)
• Actively involved in the play
The rule does NOT apply in the following circumstances:
• During Goal-Kicks, Throw-Ins or Corner-Kicks
• When you are in your own half of the field
• When the pass received is not from a teammate (steal or deflection)
The moment of judgment is the instant the ball is played, not when it is received. When offside is called, the defending team is awarded an indirect free kick from where the infringement occurred.
6U & 8U - Off-Side rule not called
10U - Called only AT or BEYOND the buildout line
12U & 14U - Rule is in effect at the midline
FOULS
Although they are rare in Oakhurst Soccer, fouls can occur. Fouls can only be committed on the field & while the ball is in play.
A direct free kick is awarded to the other team from where the infraction occurred for Kicking opponents, Tripping, Jumping at opponent, Charging, Striking, Pushing, Holding, or Spitting at an opponent as well as a Deliberate Handball. Unsportsmanlike Conduct including foul language can be called at the referee’s discretion
These are to be called only if the referee considers that they were done intentionally, carelessly, recklessly, or with excessive force.
Penalty Kicks – 10U, 12U & 14U ONLY - A penalty kick results from a player committing a foul inside his/her own penalty area. The penalty kick is taken from the penalty mark with all other players outside the penalty area except the opposing teams goalkeeper.
Fouls in 6U & 8U result in an INDIRECT Free Kick as they have no goalies
FREE KICKS
Taken from the spot the infringement occurred
• Direct Free Kick – a goal can be scored by kicking the ball directly into the goal
• Indirect Free Kick – the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored (if a goal is inadvertently scored without touching another player, the goal doesn’t count, goalie gets a goal kick)
In both cases, opposing team must stay at least 10 yards away from the ball until it is kicked.
Rules of the Game
Handball
6U, 8U, 10U - Accidental - Indirect Kick / Intentional – Direct Kick. Referee’s/coaches’ discretion, especially in younger divisions. If play is not disrupted, consider letting kids play on
12U & 14U - Direct KickOut of Bounds - Sidelines
If the ball goes out of bounds on the sideline, a Throw-in/Pass-in is awarded to the opposing team of whichever player the ball touched last, intentionally or accidentally
6U & 8U - Throw-in or Pass-in
10U, 12U, 14U - Throw-in
Out of Bounds - Endline
If the ball goes out of bounds on the endline, and the offensive team touched it last, the defensive team is awarded a goal kick
If the defensive team touched it last, the offensive team is awarded a corner kick
6U & 8U - Punting NOT allowed on Goal-Kicks
10U, 12U, 14U -Punting allowed
Injury Timeout, etc
When the game is stopped while the ball is in play, for reason other than an infraction of the Laws, the game is restarted with a drop ball
Heading
6U, 8U, & 10U - NOT allowed
12U & 14U - Allowed
Slide Tackling
NOT allowed in any division