Differences by Division - 2006
The following table highlights the key differences between the divisions. Law interpretation is generally more lax in the younger (learning) divisions. As players progress they are expected to understand the laws and enforcement becomes more stringent.
| Division |
U6 |
U8 |
U10 |
U12 |
U14 |
U16 |
U19 |
| Age (as of July 31) |
5 |
6 & 7 |
8 & 9 |
10 & 11 |
12 & 13 |
14 & 15 |
16, 17 & 18 |
| Players |
| Number of players on field |
5 |
7 |
9 |
11 |
| Minimum number of players |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
| Substitution |
No player shall sit out 2 quarters until all players have sat out 1 quarter |
Players must play 1/2 the game (if a player arrives during the 2nd or 3rd quarter they are only required to play 1 quarter) |
| Goalkeeper changes |
N/A (no keepers) |
Different every quarter |
Different at least every half |
None required |
| Game |
| Half |
15 min. |
20 min. |
25 min. |
30 min. |
35 min. |
40 min. |
45 min. |
| Ball size |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| Teams & Parents |
Teams on opposite sides of the field |
Spectators on one side of the field, coaches & players on the other |
| Coaching staff |
Coaches w/players & parents |
Only the coach and 2 assistants (all certified) may be in the technical area |
| Referee staff |
Coaches act as referees |
Two referee system |
Diagonal system of control (referee and two assistant referees) |
| Fouls & Misconduct |
| Free kicks |
IFK only (no PK) |
Laws XIII & XIV |
| Distance |
5 yards |
6 yards |
8 yards |
10 yards (Laws XIII) |
| Offside |
Don't even think about it |
None, but discourage players from goal tending |
Law XI |
| Yellow/Red cards |
Verbal only |
Yes, but only if really really necessary |
Law XII |
| Throw ins |
Don't worry about it |
Allow retakes |
Allow retake at the beginning of the season |
Law XV |
| Dangerous play |
| Slide tackling |
Not allowed (IFK) |
Law XII IBD 4 |
| Headers |
Not recommended (coaches should not teach) but not a foul |
OK |
| Sportmanship |
| Playing down |
Teams must play down (intra region only)* |
Encouraged, but not mandatory |
| Playing down level |
4 |
5 |
7 |
9 |
N/A |
| Running up the score |
When there is > 4 goal differential, coaches are encouraged to pull players back or take any other such action. Referee takes no action |
Please note that some of these differences are specific to Region 1, Redwood City, and may differ from AYSO National Rules & Regs or small-sided game guidelines (e.g. substitutions in the younger divisions and playing down).
*This rule only applies during regular season play and does not apply when Redwood City teams are playing teams from other regions.
Top of this Page | Home
| Players | Parents | Coaches | Referees
Contact Webmaster
|