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Playground and Schoolyard are unique programs designed to develop children by focusing on improving a child's Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS) in a fun, parent participatory atmosphere utilizing age appropriate activities and storybook adventures. These programs were designed by child development and soccer experts to give your child a foundation for sports success. Your player will hop, skip, jump, run, throw, balance, kick...and play.


The AYSO Playground program is for the 4U/5U Player (based on the development stage of the child) that focus on Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS). We can no longer assume children are physically equipped (through free play) to perform all the tasks we require in soccer. We must cultivate their physical development in order to add soccer specific requests. Otherwise, we are often asking players to perform technical actions that they are not yet physically equipped to execute (which can lead to frustration for the child and the coach).

● A child development program that focuses on FMS, using soccer merely as a common thread.
● Designed for 3 - 5 year old players
● Each player will have a parent (or other adult) working with them on the field to help guide them within each activity.
● Sessions are led by a “Playground Leader” who will introduce and explain a game / activity that will apply to a certain fundamental motor skill or technical skill.
● Playground is NOT the world’s cutest soccer game! Don't expect 60 minutes of soccer games. This program is heavy on motor skills development and light on competitive soccer. Let your little one learn the beautiful game the right way.

The AYSO Schoolyard program is designed for the 4U/5U Player . It continues the learning of Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS) and introduces soccer skills. We utilize what is called a Jamboree system at these ages. The children learn soccer skills like dribbling, and shooting, but in a low-pressure setting. Jamboree is about exposing children to soccer, not grooming them for college scholarships. In Jamboree, children get to play soccer in an age-specific program, and you, the parents, get to participate with them. We start with all players together for a group activity where we will introduce a soccer skill and parents work with their child. Following the group session, players will be divided into smaller groups. In Jamboree, each group is made up of 8 to 10 players and we play 4 vs 4 during games. Each week different players will be grouped together and parents volunteer to manage the group and run the demonstrated activities for that session, under the guidance of a "Master" Coach, or the “Playground Leader”. Most importantly , we allow the players to play without coaching or teaching them as this experience is designed to expose them to soccer, not to begin developing them. The two goals of the program are to allow the players to enjoy the activities and to let the game be the teacher.

What are Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS)?

● Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS):
● Locomotor (i.e., running, hopping, skipping, etc.)
● Non-locomotor (i.e., balancing and twisting, etc.)
● Object Control (i.e., catching and throwing, kicking, etc.)
● Children should be exposed to a wide base of FMS in their early years to provide a solid foundation for future movement activities and  sports. If we miss this important window of opportunity, their development and opportunity can be hindered.

● FMS Hierarchy:
● Walking before running
● Balancing before twisting and rotating
● Rolling a ball before underarm throwing a ball
● Stopping a rolling ball before catching a ball
● Jumping before skipping

● Translating this to Soccer:
● A child need to be able to stand on one foot to kick or control a ball
● Children who can underarm throw have more success in facing a target, knowing the release points, following through and recognizing  ball flight. All key skills in passing.
● Twisting and rotating is needed when dribbling, especially when passing and taking on an opponent.
● When catching, a child learns to track the flight of a ball. A key component for trapping a ball.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IS MANDATORY.

● DO's
● Be enthusiastic and encouraging
● Monitor players for signs of fatigue, stress, overheating or conditions that compromise their safety
● Help you child understand the activity and guide them along as needed
● Help paint the picture and tell the story
● Let them experiment
● Let them make mistakes
● Be patient and tolerant (there is a purpose behind the simplicity of the activity and expectations)
● Make them confident learners
● Thank them for letting you be part of their soccer life.

● DON'T's
● Be late (we need you and can't start without you)
● Coach, correct or direct. Let them PLAY!
● Compare them to other children (players)
● Criticize them or tell them they are not working hard enough
● Take it too seriously, it is just a game.

* 1 HOUR SESSIONS ON SATURDAY*



6U Guidelines

Activity Day at 6U

The 6U activity day consists of a 60-minute session: 35 minutes of technical development and one game of four five-minute periods with a five-minute break.

The Field: 
The recommended field size for 6U games is 25-35 x 15-25 yards marked with lines or cones.

The Markings:
Distinctive lines can be used but are not required. Field can be marked using 20 flat pro-cones to mark all four sides.

The Goals: 
Goals should be four feet high and six feet wide OR four tall cones, two each set six feet apart.

The Ball: 
A size 3 ball is used for 6U games.

The Players: 

·         Numbers: Four per team on field; No goalkeepers.

·         Substitutions: Between periods, at halftime and for injuries.

·         Playing Time: Minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three.

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 five-minute periods. Half time break of 5 minutes.

Official:
There is no need for fully qualified referees to manage 6U games. One or both of the coaches should "officiate". The games are intended to be an opportunity for our players to experience the fun of playing. The barest of minimum rules are needed and should be applied with a generous amount of flexibility. Let the players have the freedom to play with minimum interruption.

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

The Kick-off: 
The kick off is taken from the center of the field with each team in their own half and the team not kicking off at least ten feet from the ball. Do not insist the opponent always be ten feet from the ball, as this is just a guide to give the kicker room to kick the ball without it immediately hitting an opponent. Remember, let them play and do not interfere for technicalities. 

Ball In and Out of Play:
The ball is out of play in all age group games when it completely crosses the touch line (side line) or goal line (end line), either on the ground or in the air. The coach in the 6U games will determine when one of these restarts in necessary and should then interfere as little as possible in the restart. It's their game, let them play. The coach can work on technique later. 

Method of Scoring:
A goal, in all age groups, is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal. Goals should be celebrated enthusiastically by everyone in 6U, but goals are not recorded to determine who wins. Everyone wins in 6U games.

Fouls:
Deliberate fouls should be rare in 6U games. Kicking, tripping, handling the ball and dangerous play may occur. there should be few, if any, additional reasons to stop play in 6U games. If a player is 'not playing well with others' or if play must be stopped for any reason (injury, substitution, confusion, or to watch a passing train, butterfly or frog), refocus the players and begin again with a free kick or pass in as appropriate. Award the start to whichever team deserves it. Exercise common sense, stand back and let them play.

Misconduct: 
Misconduct should be rare in 6U games. There is no need for the public cautioning and sending off of young players (leave the red and yellow cards at home). Officials should work cooperatively with the coach when a player may need a 'time out'.

Free Kicks:
Play may have to be stopped occasionally to 'sort things out' in 6U games. A player may pick up the ball and start running with it, or want to keep it away from the other players, or perhaps there is a pile of kids on the ground kicking at both the ball and each other. Stop play, quickly correct the situation and restart with a kick to a deserving player. All free kicks in 6U are indirect kicks. Opponents must be at least ten feet from the ball or on the goal line between the goal posts during free kicks. Free kicks awarded to the attacking team inside the defending teams goal area are to be taken from the nearest point on the goal area line parallel to the goal line.

Offside:
No offside.

Throw-In: 
Throw-ins are replaced with kick-ins or dribble-ins at 6U. Opponents should be ten feet from the ball.

Goal Kick:
A goal kick is awarded to the opposing team, in 6U and older, when the attacking team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but without scoring a goal. The goal kick may be taken from any point inside the goal area. The opposing team must be at least ten feet away from the ball when the goal kick is taken in 6U games.

Corner Kick:
A corner kick is awarded to the opposing team, in 6U and older, when the defending team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but not scoring a goal. The opposing team must be at least ten feet from the ball when the corner kick is taken in 6U games.

Hand Ball:
A hand ball infraction occurs when a player handles the ball deliberately. The 'hand' includes the entire arm up to the top of the shoulder. Instinctive, self-protective reactions are not penalized at this young age. Accidental contact (ball striking hand or arm with no intent by the player) is not an offense and should not be penalized.

No Heading:
Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division 11U (12U and below for programs without single age divisions) and below in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match (taken where the player touched the ball with his/her head).

8U Guidelines

The Field: 
The field size for 8U games is  Max of 50 yards long by 25 yards wide. (we play 5vs5) Our dimensions are larger than recommended.

The Markings:
Distinctive lines recommended. Halfway line the width of the field, marked equidistant between the goal lines. 

The Goals: 
Maximum four feet high and six yards wide.

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

The Players:

·         Numbers: Five per team on field; No goalkeepers.

·         Substitutions: Between periods, at halftime and for injuries.

·         Playing Time: Minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three.

·         Teams: 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 minutes.

8U Officials:
AYSO certified 8U Officials or higher are required for 8U games. The 8U 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.

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 eight yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

Ball In and Out of Play:
The ball is out of play in all age group games when it completely crosses the touch line (side line) or goal line (end line), either on the ground or in the air.

Method of Scoring:
A goal, in all age groups, is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal.

Fouls:
The opposing team must be at least ten feet from the ball when free kicks are taken in 8U games. The following, if done deliberately, are the fouls most likely to occur in 8U games: kicking, tripping, pushing, holding, handling the ball and dangerous play. Officials must remember that there is no need to stop play for technical violations that do not interrupt the flow of the game. It's a players game and not a game of how many infractions can be identified, so keep the fun going and let them play.

Misconduct: 
Misconduct should be rare in 8U games. There is no need for the public cautioning and sending off of young players (leave the red and yellow cards at home). Officials should work cooperatively with the coach when a player may need a 'time out'.

Free Kicks:
All free kicks in 8U are indirect kicks. Opponents must be at least ten feet from the ball or on the goal line between the goal posts during free kicks. Free kicks awarded to the attacking team inside the defending teams goal area are to be taken from the nearest point on the goal area line parallel to the goal line.

Offside:
No offside.

Throw-In: 
Throw-ins when ball out of bounds on sidelines.

Goal Kick:
A goal kick is awarded to the opposing team, in 8U and older, when the attacking team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but without scoring a goal. The goal kick may be taken from any point inside the goal area. The opposing team must be at least ten feet away from the ball when the goal kick is taken in 8U games.

Corner Kick:
A corner kick is awarded to the opposing team, in 8U and older, when the defending team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but not scoring a goal. The opposing team must be at least ten feet from the ball when the corner kick is taken in 8U games.

Hand Ball:
A hand ball infraction occurs when a player handles the ball deliberately. The 'hand' includes the entire arm up to the top of the shoulder. Instinctive, self-protective reactions are not penalized at this young age. Accidental contact (ball striking hand or arm with no intent by the player) is not an offense and should not be penalized.

No Heading:
Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division 11U (12U and below for programs without single age divisions) and below in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match (taken where the player touched the ball with his/her head).

10U Guidelines

                          *ONE , 1 HOUR PRACTICE/WEEK. TRAVELING GAMES ON SUNDAY*
 
The Field: 
The field size for 10U games is 55-65 yards long, 35-45 yards wide.

The Markings:
Distinctive lines recommended.

• Halfway line the width of the field, marked equidistant between the goal lines.
• Center circle with an eight-yard radius in the center of the field.
• Corner arcs with a one-yard radius at each corner of the field.
• Goal area in front of each goal measuring 4 x 8 yards.
• Penalty area in front of each goal measuring 12 x 24 yards.
• Penalty mark ten yards from the goal line.
• Penalty arc extending in a eight-yard radius from the penalty mark.

Build-out line runs across the field equidistant between the top of the penalty area and halfway line.

The Goals: 
Maximum 6.5 feet high and 18.5 feet wide.

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

The Players:

• Numbers: Seven per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper.
• Substitutions: Between periods, at halftime and for injuries.
• Playing Time: Minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three.
• Teams: 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 12.5-minute periods. Halftime break of 5 -10 minutes.

Referee:
AYSO certified Regional Referees or higher are required for U-10 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.

KNOW THE TERMS

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 eight yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

Ball In and Out of Play:
The ball is out of play in all age group games when it completely crosses the touch line (side line) or goal line (end line), either on the ground or in the air.

Method of Scoring:
A goal, in all age groups, is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal.

Fouls:
For 10U and older games, all fouls identified in Law 12 apply. Refer to the Laws of the Game for more information. 

Misconduct: 
Misconduct should still be relatively rare in 10U games. Coaches at all levels of play have the option of calling players to the touchline to receive words of 'positive instruction' concerning player's behavior. 

Free Kicks:
Free kicks, in 10U and older games, may be either direct (may score directly), or indirect (must be touched or played by another player before a goal can be scored). Opponents must be at least eight yards from the ball or on the goal line between the goal posts during free kicks.

Penalty Kicks:
Penalty kicks may be awarded in 10U and older games. A penalty kick results from a player committing one of the ten direct free kick fouls 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.

Throw-In: 
Second chances are not given for improper throw-ins for U10 and older players. An improper throw-in results in a throw-in for the opposing team. 

Goal Kick:
A goal kick is awarded to the opposing team, in 10U and older, when the attacking team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but without scoring a goal. The goal kick may be taken from any point inside the goal area. The goal kick is retaken if the ball is touched or played by either team before leaving the penalty area.

Goalkeeper Punts:
For 9U and 10U, the goalkeeper shall not punt the ball. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the offense if a goalkeeper deliberately punts the ball during a match. 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.

Corner Kick:
A corner kick is awarded to the opposing team when the defending team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but not scoring a goal. The opposing team must be at least eight yards from the ball when the corner kick is taken in 10U games.

Offside:
The offside law applies in 10U and older games.

Hand Ball:
A hand ball infraction occurs when a player handles the ball deliberately. The 'hand' includes the entire arm up to the top of the shoulder. Accidental contact (ball striking hand or arm with no intent by the player) is not an offense and should not be penalized.

Build-Out Line:

• The build-out line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting. 
• The build-out lone shall be placed across the field equidistant between the top of the penalty area and the halfway line.
• The opposing team must move back 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.

No Heading:
Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division 11U (12U and below for programs without single age divisions) and below in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match (taken where the player touched the ball with his/her head).

12U Guidelines

                                      *2 PRACTICE/WEEK, TRAVELING GAMES ON SUNDAY*

Everyone Plays-Balanced Teams-Open Registration-Positive Coaching-Good Sportsmanship-Player Development

The Field: The field size for 12U games is 70-80 yards long, 45-55 yards wide.

The Markings: distinctive lines recommended.

·         Halfway line the width of the field, marked equidistant between the goal lines.

·         Center circle with an eight-yard radius in the center of the field.

·         Corner arcs with a one-yard radius at each corner of the field.

·         Goal area in front of each goal measuring 5 x 16 yards.

·         Penalty area in front of each goal measuring 14 x 36 yards.

·         Penalty mark ten yards from the goal line.

·         Penalty arc extending in an eight-yard radius from the penalty mark.

The Goals:  recommended 6.5 feet high and 18.5 feet wide; maximum size - 7 feet high x 21 feet wide.

The Ball:  a size 4 ball is used for 12U games.

The Players:

·         Numbers: Nine per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper. 13 maximum on roster.

·         Substitutions: Between periods, at halftime and for injuries.

·         Playing Time: Minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three.  A player may not play more than three quarters in goal unless played at least one quarter as a field player.

·         Playing Short:  In the event that one team is short of the normal number of players, the opposing team is required to reduce the number of players on the field. This is mandatory unless the coaches agree otherwise.  The minimum number of players needed to avoid a forfeit is 6 players.

·         Teams: Separate girls and boys teams should be promoted at all levels of play.

Player Equipment: 
Shoes and shin guards, 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.

Practices:  two maximum 1 ½ hour practices per week.

Duration of Game:  two 30 minute halves broken into 15 minute periods for substitution breaks. Halftime break of 5 -10 minutes.

Age Appropriateness – Coaching Modifications:
Coaches should incorporate sportsmanship in their training sessions and should set this example during games including treating the referee teams with respect.

Age Appropriateness – Referee Modification:
AYSO certified Regional Referees or higher are required for 12U and older games.  Carding of players is discouraged.  The referee should briefly explain any infringements to the player(s) and encourage proper play and sporting behavior. Referee may ask player to leave the field for dangerous, flagrant or unsportsmanlike behavior to cool down. 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:
A qualified Regional Referee or higher badge may be used to assist the referee calling the ball in and out of play only, the offside infringement and when appropriate fouls in their quadrant. This is an opportunity for newer 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.

KNOW THE TERMS OF PLAY

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 gets to choose to kick off or what goal to attack to start the game.  The other team will either kick off first if the winner of the coin toss chose the goal to attack, or choses what goal to attack and then kick off to start the second half if the winner of the coin toss chose to kick-off.  Opponents must outside the center circle if drawn or be eight yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

Ball In and Out of Play:
The ball is out of play in all age group games when it completely crosses the touch line (side line) or goal line (end line), either on the ground or in the air.

Method of Scoring/Scorekeeping:
A goal, in all age groups, is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal.  Formal scorekeeping occurs later in the season when standings will be kept to determine play-off teams.

Fouls:
For 12U and older games, all fouls identified in Law 12 apply. Refer to the Laws of the Game for more information. 

Misconduct: 
Misconduct should still be relatively rare in 12U games. Coaches at all levels of play have the option of calling players to the touchline to receive words of 'positive instruction' concerning player's behavior. 

Free Kicks:
Free kicks may be either direct (may score directly), or indirect (must be touched or played by another player before a goal can be scored) per the Laws of the Game. Opponents must be at least eight yards from the ball or on the goal line between the goal posts during free kicks.  Free kicks by the defending team within its penalty area no longer need to leave the penalty area before the ball is in play; however, the opposing team must retreat outside the penalty area until the ball is kicked (same as goal kicks).

Penalty Kicks:
Penalty kicks may be awarded in 12U and older games. A penalty kick results from a player committing one of the ten direct free kick fouls 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 team’s goalkeeper.

Throw-In: 
Throw-ins are required in 12U and follow the Laws of the Game including an opposing player must be at least 2 yards from the player taking the throw-in.  During the regular season when matches count in the standings, second chances are not given for improper throw-ins for 12U and older players.   An improper throw-in results in a throw-in for the opposing team.  However, during the pre-season matches that do not count in the standings, referees will be encouraged to allow on “do-over” to help coach a player the proper technique of a throw-in.

Goal Kick:
A goal kick is awarded to the opposing team when the attacking team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but without scoring a goal. The goal kick may be taken from any point inside the goal area. The goal kick no longer needs to leave the penalty area; however, opposing players must be outside the penalty area before the ball is kicked and clearly moves and may cross into the penalty area once that happens.

Goalkeeper Punts:
For 12U division the goalkeeper may punt the ball without infringement of any rules.

Corner Kick:
A corner kick is awarded to the opposing team when the defending team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but not scoring a goal. The opposing team must be at least eight yards from the ball when the corner kick is taken in 12U games.

Offside:
The offside law applies in 12U and older games.

Hand Ball:
A hand ball infraction occurs when a player handles the ball deliberately. The 'hand' includes the entire arm up to the line level with armpit. Accidental contact (ball striking hand or arm with no intent by the player) is not an offense and should not be penalized.

No Heading:
Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division 11U (12U and below for programs without single age divisions) and below in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately touches the ball with their head during a match (taken where the player touched the ball with his/her head unless done by the defense inside the goal area where the ball is placed on top of the goal area in line nearest where the infraction occurred).