1. How much playing time will my child get?
In AYSO, every child plays — no one sits on the bench all game!
By national AYSO rules, each player must play at least half of every game. In our region, we go even further: every player plays at least three-quarters (¾) of the game before any player can play the entire match.
We also encourage attending all practices, as they’re essential for team bonding, skill development, and confidence on the field.
2. Who is the coach?
Coaches are volunteers who generously give their time to lead the team. Most often, the coach is a parent of one of the players, but this is not always the case.
Volunteers receive training and support from AYSO to help them coach effectively and make the experience fun for all players.
3. Do I have to obey the referee?
Yes! The center referee is the final authority on the field from the start to the end of the game.
Referees have the authority to:
· Enforce rules for players, coaches, and spectators
· Send off anyone who is behaving inappropriately
· Stop or terminate the game if necessary
Following the referee’s decisions helps keep games safe, fair, and fun for everyone.
4. Can I bring pets to practices or games?
We understand that pets are part of the family, but for the safety and comfort of all players and spectators, AYSO Region 894 does not allow pets on or around the fields.
Some participants may have allergies or fears of animals, and we want to ensure that everyone can enjoy soccer in a safe and welcoming environment.
Please help us keep the fields safe by leaving your pets at home during practices and games.
5. Are drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or electronic cigarettes allowed?
No. Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited on or around the soccer fields.
This rule helps ensure a safe and family-friendly environment for all players, coaches, and spectators.
6. What is the Build Out Line?
The Build Out Line is a rule used in the 10U division* to help players develop skills by playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured environment.
Here’s how it works:
· When the goalkeeper has the ball in their hands, the opposing team must move behind the build out line until the ball is put into play.
· The goalkeeper can then pass, throw, or roll the ball to a teammate. (Punts and drop kicks are not allowed.)
· Once the ball is in play, the opposing team can cross the build out line, and the game continues as usual.
· The same rule applies for goal kicks — the opposing team must stay behind the line until the ball is in play.
This rule encourages controlled play, better passing, and skill development for young players.
*We use the build out line in the 8U division to help them get used to this rule in 10U.
7. Are goalkeeper punts or drop kicks allowed?
In the 10U division, punts and drop kicks are not allowed.
If a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball:
· The opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick from the spot where the offense occurred.
· If the offense happens inside the goal area, the indirect free kick is taken on the goal area line closest to where the violation occurred, parallel to the goal line.
This rule encourages playing the ball out from the back and helps young players develop passing and control skills.
In the 12U division and up, punts and drop kicks are allowed.
8. What are the heading rules in AYSO and how do you keep it safe?
AYSO has specific rules to protect players’ heads while still allowing them to enjoy the game.
By Age Group:
· 12U and younger: No heading allowed. If the ball accidentally hits a player’s head, play continues with an indirect free kick for the opposing team from the spot of the header.
· 14U: Players may head the ball, but coaches focus on teaching proper technique to minimize risk. Heading is limited to a maximum of thirty (30) minutes per week with no more than 15-20 headers, per player. There is no restriction on heading in matches.
· 16U and older: Heading is allowed following standard soccer rules.
Safety Tips for Parents and Coaches:
· Encourage players to keep eyes on the ball and use the forehead for heading.
· Emphasize neck and core strength exercises to help control headers.
· Make sure coaches supervise drills and teach proper form, especially for 12U and 14U players.
These rules are part of AYSO’s “Safe Haven” initiative, ensuring soccer stays fun, fair, and safe for all participants.
9. Can I yell at coaches or referees?
No. Negative or aggressive comments toward coaches, referees, or players are not allowed.
Only positive, supportive feedback is encouraged, such as:
· “Great job, Johnny!”
· “Nice pass!”
· “Don’t worry, you’ll get it next time!”
Spectators who behave inappropriately may be asked to leave the fields.
Remember, you are there to support your child—be a positive example and make them proud!
10. Can players wear jewelry, earrings, or hair beads?
For safety reasons, no jewelry of any kind may be worn during games or practices — this includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
- Coaches are responsible for enforcing this rule at practices.
- Referees will enforce it during games.
- If a player refuses to remove jewelry, they cannot participate.
This rule follows Law 4 of the IFAB Laws of the Game for player safety.
What about hair beads?
- Hard hair beads are allowed if they are securely tied back in a ponytail or bun so they don’t pose a risk to others.
- Beads that are close to the scalp are permitted, though players should ensure they don’t cause discomfort or risk during play.
Our goal is to keep every player safe and comfortable on the field.
11. Can jewelry or piercings be covered with tape or bandages during games?
No. Covering jewelry or piercing studs with tape, padding, or bandages is not allowed. All jewelry or hard studs must be completely removed before a player can participate.
Players with recent piercings may, with the referee’s approval, use soft, flexible materials that are safe and not a risk to anyone on the field to help keep the piercing open during play.
If a referee sees tape or a bandage that might be covering jewelry:
- They cannot require the player to lift clothing or remove the bandage.
- They may ask the player if it’s covering an earring.
- The referee must accept the player’s answer—but if the referee believes the item poses a safety risk, the player will not be allowed to participate that day.
These rules help ensure the safety of all players while maintaining respect and privacy.
12. What happens if no referee signs up for a scheduled game?
If a certified referee is not available for a scheduled AYSO Region 894 game, the teams may play a coach-led scrimmage instead.
· In a coach-led scrimmage, the coach’s role is to guide the game, keep it safe, and help players learn, not to referee.
· These scrimmages provide a fun, game-like experience even without an official referee.
To help ensure all games are properly officiated, parents, family members, and players are encouraged to become certified referees.
Visit Coach-Led Scrimmages for more information.
13. How do I report Field Issues?
To report all field issues, please email our Safety Director at [email protected]
14. How do I make a complaint about a coach/parent/referee/volunteer?
In the rare instance of a complaint, first preference is to contact the Regional Commissioner at rc@ayso894. If the complaint is regarding the Regional Commissioner in any of his roles, please email [email protected] as this is the position with the best ability to conduct an independent investigation.