10U Division Guidelines

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10U Division Guidelines

Rosters and Team Size

  • Maximum roster size: 10 players.

  • Game format: 7v7 (with goalkeepers).

  • If the opposing team has fewer than 7 players, you may choose to play down to match their numbers, but as long as no team ends up with more than 2 substitutes. 

  • A team must have at least 5 players at the start of the game (with a 5-minute grace period). Dropping below 5 players during the match results in a forfeit.

    • A forfeit is recorded as a 0–1 loss.

    • After the forfeit is declared, a “friendly” game should be played for fun. Coaches are encouraged to lend players to balance the sides.

  • Never play more than 7v7. (See AYSO’s philosophy on short-sided games for player benefits.)

Game Duration and Substitutions

  • Game length: 50 minutes (two 25-minute halves).

  • Halftime: 5 minutes.

  • Substitutions: At roughly 12.5 minutes into each half (the “quarter break”).

    • Referees will signal for subs at the next natural stoppage (throw-in, goal kick, free kick, etc.).

    • The clock does not stop. Coaches must be ready to make quick changes.

    • Players may grab water, but this is not a snack break.

  • In hot weather or if teams lack subs, referees may allow short water breaks at their discretion.

Player Safety and Heading the Ball

  • No deliberate heading in practices or games.

    • If a player heads the ball intentionally: indirect free kick from the spot of the header.

    • If unintentional: play may continue unless the referee is concerned for safety. In that case, stop play, check the player, and restart with a dropped ball.

Playing Time

  • ¾ Rule: Every player must play at least three quarters of the game before any player can play all four. This ensures equal playing time for everyone on the team, see guidance below:
      • If you have 7 players on game day, all players can play the entire game. 
      • If you have 8 players on game day, up to four players can play the entire game.
      • If you have 9 players on game day, only one player can play the entire game.
      • If you have 10 players on game day, no player can play the entire game, because each player must sit out at least one quarter.
  • Goalkeepers: No player may play more than two quarters (half the game) in goal. If a player plays two quarters in goal, they must also play the other two quarters on the field. This requirement must be in line with the ¾ Rule explained above, see guidance below:
        • If you have 8 players or fewer on game day, two players may be able to play the entire game, including two quarters in goal each, while still following the ¾ Rule for the rest of the team.
        • If you have 9 players, you may choose to have one player play two quarters in goal and two quarters in the field. That player will be the only one who can play the entire game, and every other player must play three quarters.
        • If you have 10 players, you are not able to assign any player to two quarters in goal, because you will not be able to also give them two quarters in the field without breaking the ¾ Rule.

Restarts and Build-Out Line

  • Goal kicks: Taken from the goal area.

  • Build-out line:

    • Opponents must retreat behind it on goal kicks and when the goalkeeper has possession.

    • The ball is in play once it is kicked and clearly moves.

    • The build-out line also replaces the halfway line for offside calls.

  • No punts or drop kicks by goalkeepers in 10U.

  • Throw-ins: No second chances. Early in the season, referees may show leniency for trifling violations.

Fouls and Fair Play

  • No slide tackles (direct free kick if contact is made, indirect if not).

  • Referees should keep the game flowing and only stop for safety.

  • Referees and coaches should work together to teach fair play.

Misconduct

  • Referees should cooperate with coaches to avoid cautions and send-offs.

  • Cards are generally for coaches, not players, though referees may caution or send off a player in extreme cases.

  • All misconduct must be reported in writing to the Division Commissioner.

Distance from Ball

  • Opponents must be 8 yards away on all free kicks, corners, kickoffs, and goal kicks.

Sportsmanship and Scoring

  • Score is kept and publicly acknowledged in 10U.

  • Coaches should avoid blowouts by pulling back before reaching a 5-goal margin.

  • Review “How to Prevent a Blowout” on the website and consult the Regional Coach Administrator for strategies.

  • Consistent poor sportsmanship may result in penalties.

Referees

  • Home team is encouraged to provide referees.

  • Referees in 10U may officiate their own child’s game.

  • Referees schedule themselves through InLeague.

  • Requirements:

    • Be a registered AYSO volunteer (Safe Haven, SafeSport, background check, CDC Concussion, Sudden Cardiac Arrest).

    • Complete at least Regional Referee certification.

  • Referees should:

    • Explain infringements to players as a teaching tool.

    • Keep games moving and minimize stoppages.

    • Focus on safety and fun.

Referee Points System

  • Teams must earn at least 15 referee points to qualify for playoffs.

  • Points may be earned by refereeing qualified matches, performing referee administration work, or attending courses.

  • Details are on the Region 20 website under the Referee Points tab.

Coaches

  • Use positive coaching; avoid constant shouting.

  • Stay within the coach’s technical area (8 yards each side of midfield).

  • Coaches are responsible for sideline behavior, including parents.

  • Remember: Coaches coach, players play, parents cheer.

Spectators

  • Each team sits on opposite sides of the field.

    • Home team: first on schedule, West/North sideline.

    • Visitors: East/South sideline.

  • Spectators must:

    • Stay between the penalty areas and 2 yards back from the touchline.

    • Never sit or stand behind the goals.

    • Follow Kids Zone guidelines (no dogs, no smoking, no alcohol).

    • Cheer positively and respect all participants.

Fields, Time, and Equipment

  • Field time: Teams only have the field for their assigned slot. End on time.

  • Coin toss: Winner chooses either side or kickoff.

  • Ball size: 4.

  • Game cards: Coaches must prepare before warm-ups with player names and numbers. The referee keeps records during the game and submits results as instructed.

  • Field setup: First game teams set up goals, nets, corner flags, Game Card box, and Kids Zone sign.

  • Field takedown: Last game teams return all equipment, stakes, and hooks to storage and clean up trash.

Laws of the Game

  • Standard IFAB Laws apply unless modified here.

  • Referees should consult theifab.com for the digital Laws.

  • Coaches and referees may download the AYSO Edition of the Laws from our website.

Thank you for your help and cooperation in making 10U soccer a safe, fun, and positive experience for all players!