Fall Registration for 2023 & Spring Registration for 2024

Our programs are the foundation for all the fun, excitement and learning that happens on the fields. AYSO is best known for our core program – it’s where the large majority of kids fall in love with soccer and make memories that will last a lifetime.

There are six core values – or what we call AYSO’s Six Philosophies – that are the foundation of our core program, and all others: Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship and Player Development. These are the essence of AYSO and it all starts with Everyone Plays.

Here in AYSO, Everyone Plays means that no kid spends their soccer experience sitting on the bench. Every kid plays at least half of every game.

Also, teams are put together in a way that makes playing soccer about the experience, not wins or losses. It’s not about blowing out another team with an unbelievable score; it’s about sportsmanship and learning to be the best possible team mate and opponent. Developing players is what we’re about, because soccer skills and life skills go hand in hand. AYSO’s main purpose is to get kids on the field, provide them with good coaches, and teach them to play soccer.

AYSO Playground Soccer is designed for 3-4-year-olds. This innovative FMS (fundamental motor skills) based program features Activity Leaders, certified through the AYSO National Coaching Program, who understand the needs and capabilities of this age group and are sensitive to the needs and bonding experience of the parent.

What is AYSO Playground?

AYSO Playground is a child development program. The objective of this program is to help develop, in collaboration with the parent or guardian, the child’s fundamental motor skills using soccer as a common thread.

Where will my child play?

Field space is never a concern for AYSO Playground Soccer! In fact, you really don’t need a soccer field at all. Many Regions successfully run their programs in a gym, a tennis court or multi-purpose room. The playing area is based on small “activity grids.” Just a part of a playing field is all you’ll ever need.

How long are AYSO Playground sessions?

The sessions should be no more than 60 minutes at a time (including rests and breaks). Time and dates vary by Region, contact yours to find out more!

Is there competition in AYSO Playground?

There is no competition in AYSO Playground Soccer! The goal of AYSO Playground is to allow kids to develop fundamental motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and social interaction in a fun and safe AYSO environment. Children get to gradually discover the game for themselves while bonding with parents or guardians.

Open to 4 Year Old Boys and Girls (must be 4 by Sept 1  2018)

We will be using the Jamboree format for 4 year old boys and girls participating in AYSO this season.

The objective of the program is to provide young players and their parents with a "pressure free" introduction to the beautiful and simple game of soccer. At this age, players should be exposed to soccer by playing simple, fun activities and games that require little to no practice, and a minimal time commitment.

In AYSO soccer, a jamboree means that teams are formed on a weekly basis depending on how many players attend a given session. Each player will be required to have a parent working with them on the field. A Master Coach will lead each session. The Master Coach will introduce the game/activity that will focus on a specific skill. Each player/parent will then practice the activity. Each Jamboree session will have 2 - 3 activities. Games will be introduced towards the end of the season.

The season will consist of 6 - 8 sessions held on Sunday afternoons (exact time has not been determined yet), starting after Labor Day and end in October. Each session will run around 1 hour. The children will receive a uniform consisting of a Jersey, shorts, socks.

The Ball: 
A size 3 ball is used

Player Equipment: 
Shoes and shinguards, covered by the socks are mandatory at all practice and game activities. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.

THIS PROGRAM REQUIRES PARENT PARTICIPATION DURING EVERY SESSION.

If you are not available to participate 80% of the time with your child, please do not sign up. Please wait until your child is 6 yrs old, when they will be able to participate in a traditional team format.

We have offered this program for the past few years with utilizing a coach trainer. It is an excellent way to introduce your child to soccer. The kids and parents have a lot of fun. The feedback has been very positive.

In AYSO soccer, a jamboree means that teams are formed on a weekly basis depending on how many players attend a given session. Each player will be required to have a parent working with them on the field. A Master Coach will lead each session. The Master Coach will introduce the game/activity that will focus on a specific skill. Each player/parent will then practice the activity. Each Jamboree session will have 2 - 3 activities. Games will be introduced towards the end of the season.

The season will consist of 6 - 8 sessions held on Sunday afternoons (exact time has not been determined yet), starting after Labor Day and end in October. Each session will run around 1 hour. The children will receive a uniform consisting of a Jersey, shorts, socks.

The Ball: 
A size 3 ball is used

The Players:
There will be three per team on field; no goalkeepers.

Player Equipment: 
Shoes and shinguards, covered by the socks are mandatory at all practice and game activities. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.

THIS PROGRAM REQUIRES PARENT PARTICIPATION DURING EVERY SESSION.

If you are not available to participate 80% of the time with your child, please do not sign up. Please wait until your child is 6 yrs old, when they will be able to participate in a traditional team format.

We have offered this program for the past few years with utilizing a coach trainer. It is an excellent way to introduce your child to soccer. The kids and parents have a lot of fun. The feedback has been very positive.

The 8U program is specifically developed to introduce soccer to children in a fun and safe environment, while allowing them to continue to expand their skills.  The program is setup to have a 1 practice per week and 1 game per week.  There is no post season tournaments at this age level;

The Ball: 
A size 3 ball is used for 8U games.

The Players:
There will be Five per team on field (min of three); no goalkeepers. Seven maximum on roster.

Substitutions are between periods, at halftime and for injuries. The players will be Coed unless there's enough registrations to allow for team formations separated by girls and boys teams at all levels of play. Playing time is a minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three. Separate girls and boys teams should be promoted at all levels of play.

Player Equipment: 
Shoes and shinguards, covered by the socks are mandatory at all practice and game activities. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.

Duration of Game:
Four 10-minute periods. Halftime break of 5-10 minutes.

The Start of Play: 
The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field.

The Kick-off: 
A coin toss is used to determine which team kicks off to start the game and the other team kicks off to start the second half. Opponents must be six yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

Fouls & Misconduct:
The coaches will assess direct free kicks for all fouls, with the opponents six yards away from the ball.

Direct free kicks for all fouls, with the opponents six yards away from the ball. Free kicks are awarded the attacking team inside the defending team's goal area should be taken from the nearest point on the goal area line in front of the goal. There are no penalty kicks. Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches and eliminate the need for cautions and send-offs. Do not show yellow or red cards

U-8 Officials*:
AYSO certified U-8 Officials or higher are required for U-8 games. The U-8 Official 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 Referees/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/clubs) 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.

*Note:  will be used if enough volunteers sign up to take referee courses and AYSO Safe Haven required courses

The 10U program was developed to continue player development in a fun yet competitive environment.  There may be an opportunity to expand this division to play against other area teams or keep play to "in house" play (based upon the number of registrations)

The Ball: 
A size 4 ball is used for 10U games.

The Players:
There will be seven per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper. Ten maximum on roster. Substitutions are between periods, at halftime and for injuries.

Player Equipment: 
Shoes and shinguards, covered by the socks are mandatory at all practice and game activities. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.

Duration of Game:
Four 12.5-minute periods. Halftime break of 5 -10 minutes.

The Start of Play: 
The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field. Referees determine which team starts the game with a coin flip and the opposing team starts the second half. Opponents must be eight yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

HEADING THE BALL
1.  Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division players 12U and below in both practices and matches.
2.  An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player age 10 or younger, deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match.
a.     The indirect free kick is to be taken from the place where the player touched the ball with his/her head.
b.     An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the opposing team’s goal area, must be taken on the goal area line at the point nearest to where the player touched the ball with his/her head.
3.  Neither cautions nor send-offs shall be issued for persistent infringement or denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity related to the heading infractions.

GOALKEEPER PUNTS
1.  For 10U the goalkeeper shall not punt the ball.
2.  During the regular season the goalkeeper will be allowed a "do over" if goalkeeper deliberately punts the ball during a match.
3.  During post season tournaments an indirect kick will be awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the offense if goalkeeper deliberately punts the ball during a match.
4.  An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the opposing team’s goal area must be taken on the goal area line at the point nearest to where the goalkeeper punted the ball.

BUILD-OUT LINE:
1.    The build-out line shall be placed across the field equidistant between the top of the penalty area and the halfway line.
2.    The opposing team must move behind the build-out line for a goal kick or when the goalkeeper has possession. At any time, the goalkeeper may pass, throw or roll the ball to a teammate who is behind the build-out line.
3.     The goalkeeper or the player taking the goal kick does not have to wait for the opposing players to move behind the build-out line. The play from the goalkeeper or from the goal kick must be played to a teammate behind the build-out line. After the ball is put into play, the opposing team can then cross the build-out line and play may resume as normal. The first touch is from the goal kick or the pass from the goalkeeper.
4.     The build-out line shall be used as the line to determine offside. Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build-out line.

Fouls & Misconduct:
Opponents must be eight yards from the ball on restart kicks. Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches and eliminate the need for cautions and send-offs.

Referee:
AYSO certified Regional Referees or higher are required for 10U 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 Referees/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/clubs) 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.

The 12U program was developed to continue player development in a fun yet competitive environment. This division will travel and play against other AYSO area teams.  After the completion of the regular season  there may be an opportunity to play in a post season tournament (this will vary each year).  Known tournament:  Section Tournament . 

The Ball: 
A size 4 ball is used for12u games.

The Players:
There will be nine per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper. 12 maximum on roster. Substitutions are between periods, at halftime and for injuries.

Player Equipment: 
Shoes and shinguards, covered by the socks are mandatory at all practice and game activities. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.

Duration of Game:
Four 15-minute periods. Halftime break of 5 - 10 minutes. No other changes from play as specified in FIFA Laws of the Game Printed for the American Youth Soccer Organization.

The Start of Play: 
The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field. Referees determine which team starts the game with a coin flip and the opposing team starts the second half. Opponents must be eight yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

HEADING THE BALL
1.    Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division players 11U (12U and below for programs without single age divisions) and below in both practices and matches. 
2.     An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player age 10 or younger, deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match.
a.     The indirect free kick is to be taken from the place where the player touched the ball with his/her head.
b.     An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the opposing team’s goal area, must be taken on the goal area line at the point nearest to where the player touched the ball with his/her head.
3.     Neither cautions nor send-offs shall be issued for persistent infringement or denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity related to the heading infractions.

GOALKEEPER PUNTS
1.     For 12U the goalkeeper shall not punt the ball.
2.     During the regular season the goalkeeper will be allowed a "do over" if goalkeeper deliberately punts the ball during a match.
3..    During post season tournaments an indirect kick will be awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the offense if goalkeeper deliberately punts the ball during a match.
4.     An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the opposing team’s goal area must be taken on the goal area line at the point nearest to where the goalkeeper punted the ball.

Fouls & Misconduct:
Opponents must be eight yards from the ball on restart kicks. Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches and eliminate the need for cautions and send-offs.

Referee:
AYSO certified Regional Referees or higher are required for U-12 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 Referees/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/clubs) 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

The 14U program was developed to continue player development in a fun yet competitive environment. Players are encourage to take the referee course to learn about the laws of the game to help them while playing the game.  We also encourage them to help at our younger divisions to center or assist.  After the completion of the regular season there is opportunity for post season tournaments to be played. Known post season tournaments are: Ron Peterson Challenge Cup, Round Lake Invitational Tournament, Section Tournament (Note:  these can/will vary from year to year)

The Ball: 
A size 5 ball is used for 14U games.

The Players:
There will be 11 per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper. 15 maximum on roster. Substitutions are between periods, at halftime and for injuries.

Player Equipment: 
Shoes and shinguards, covered by the socks are mandatory at all practice and game activities. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.

Duration of Game:
Four 17-1/2-minute periods. Halftime break of 5 - 10 minutes. No other changes from play as specified in FIFA Laws of the Game Printed for the American Youth Soccer Organization.

The Start of Play: 
The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field. Referees determine which team starts the game with a coin flip and the opposing team starts the second half. Opponents must be ten yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

Fouls & Misconduct
As per FIFA laws of the game

Referee:
AYSO certified Regional Referees or higher are required for U-12 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 Referees/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/clubs) 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.

The 19U program was developed to continue player development in a fun yet competitive environment. After the completion of the regular season a post season tournament is played.  This division will play against other area teams in AYSO.  Tournament play is based upon the season and if the section is able to secure fields for Section Tournament Play.  
Note:  Girl HS players - Fall only Boy HS players - Spring only

The Ball: 
A size 5 ball is used for 19U games.

The Players:
There will be 11 per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper. 15 maximum on roster. Substitutions are between periods, at halftime and for injuries.

Player Equipment: 
Shoes and shinguards, covered by the socks are mandatory at all practice and game activities. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.

Duration of Game:
Four 20-minute periods. Halftime break of 5 - 10 minutes. No other changes from play as specified in FIFA Laws of the Game Printed for the American Youth Soccer Organization.

The Start of Play: 
The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field. Referees determine which team starts the game with a coin flip and the opposing team starts the second half. Opponents must be ten yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

Fouls & Misconduct
As per FIFA laws of the game

Referee:
AYSO certified Regional Referees or higher are required for U-12 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 Referees/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/clubs) 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

AYSO And Its Mission

The American Youth Soccer Organization develops and delivers quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family environment based on our six philosophies:

Everyone Plays® - Our goal is for kids to play soccer - so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least half of every game.

Balanced Teams - We require every region at the start of each season to set up teams as evenly balanced as possible. It's more fun when teams are of equal ability.

Positive Coaching - This builds a positive team spirit. We train and encourage our coaches to make the extra effort to understand and offer positive help to our players, rather than negative criticism.

Open Registration - Our programs are open to all children ages 4 - 18 who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only requirements for playing.

Good Sportsmanship - We create a positive environment based on mutual respect, rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude. All of our programs are designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.

Player Development - We believe that 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, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.

Everyone Helps Out

AYSO is a volunteer organization with more than 250,000 parents and friends, many of them working as coaches, referees and administrators. It's not unusual to find two, three or more children in the same family playing AYSO soccer - while Dad serves as referee and Mom as coach. It can be a total family experience! The Growth of AYSO

AYSO was founded in 1964 in Torrance, Calif. with about 125 players. Today that number has grown to more than 625,000 nationwide.

Why AYSO Works

AYSO works because our volunteers work. The volunteers work because they believe in the AYSO philosophies. Our phenomenal growth underscores AYSO's commitment to a healthy competitive atmosphere for youth soccer players, combined with dedication toward the development of responsible individuals.

What Makes AYSO Tick. AYSO was founded on community involvement. Volunteer staff members are encouraged to organize in ways best suited to their needs. The foundation of AYSO is the "Region", or basic community program. Each Region is headed by a Regional Commissioner who, with the help of a regional board, conducts business within the framework of AYSO's philosophies, Rules and Regulations and Bylaws. Depending on its stage of development, a Region may have as few as 200 players or as many as 5,000, grouped into boys and girls divisions based on age.

Several bordering regions compose an "Area". Each Area is headed by an Area Director who is responsible for performance and growth of the Area.

Area Directors report to Section Directors, who are responsible for the general welfare and administration of a "Section." A Section may cover a portion of a state, an entire state, or several states.

A National Board of Directors governs the overall AYSO organization. Regional Commissioners, Area and Section Directors, along with the National Board Members, serve as executive members with voting rights.

The staff at AYSO's national headquarters in Hawthorne, Calif. works closely with these volunteer executive members and interfaces directly with each Region. The headquarters, called the National Support and Training Center or NSTC, provides many services: computerized registration; publications; liability and accident insurance; training for coaches, referees and administrators, and more.

Safe Haven™

Safe Haven™ is a program designed to address a growing need for child and volunteer protection.

Child Protection

There are four elements in the Safe Haven™ intervention cycle. These are intended to stop child abuse and its agents before they get into the program

·         Create Policies

·         Screen Volunteers

·         Train Volunteers

·         Promote Education and Awareness

·         Volunteer Protection Act of 1997

 

This law grants immunity form certain types of prosecution for volunteers who meet its requirements. In order to receive full protection under the law, AYSO volunteers need three things.

 

AYSO Certification

AYSO's goal is to provide certification training for all its volunteers. Certification offers the hope that every AYSO child will be treated with understanding, compassion, and respect.

What's a Region?

Whether you are a veteran AYSO volunteer or you're new at this soccer business, you may be wondering just what is this thing called an AYSO Region and how it works.

Your AYSO Region is one of more than 900 local programs in communities nationwide. Each AYSO Region is the same, yet different.

That means AYSO Bylaws and Rules and Regulations standardize operational procedures and playing rules. But because community needs and characteristics may be different, Regions have flexibility to satisfy their unique needs.

Your Region is identified by its own number. It is managed by parents just like yourself. In fact, you may be one of those dedicated volunteers working to ensure the program is run effectively and AYSO philosophies are upheld.

Your Regional Commissioner and Regional Board of Directors will usually meet once a month during the season and perhaps more often for pre-season planning. You are welcome to attend any of these meetings.

Many Regions give out a Regional Handbook at registration, with their policies fully defined. The Handbook may cover everything from rainy-day procedures, practice routines and important telephone numbers to lost-and-found information. Read it and keep it handy.

Get to know your child's soccer coach and other parents. Volunteer your time, skills and energies to make your AYSO Region run well. This way, both your child and you benefit from the AYSO experience.

Here's what you can expect from your Region:

·         A fun soccer experience for your child during games and practices.

·         Coaches and referees who understand the AYSO philosophies and support them.

·         Technical training for coaches and referees.

·         Caring volunteers to manage the "business" of the Region.

·         A national organization for support and guidance.

·         Fiscal responsibility via a financial statement, published yearly.