Coaches sample letter to parents....download
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UNDER-10 GUIDELINES
The guidelines for U-10 games in the AYSO Short-Sided Games Program are the
same as for U-8 games and no other elements of the Laws of the Game apply,
with the following modifications or additions:
The Field: The recommended field size for U-10 games is 80 x 40 yards with the following field markings: Halfway line, 8 yard radius center circle, 1 yard radius corner arcs, 6 x 15 yard goal areas, 14 x 30 yard penalty areas, a penalty mark 10 yards from each goal and penalty arcs extending 8 yards from the penalty mark.
The Goals: The goals in U-10 games should be a maximum of 7 feet high and 7 yards wide.
The Ball: A size 4 ball is used for U-10 games.
The Teams: Each U-10 team should have a maximum of 10 on the roster. Games are played with 7 players per team on the field (7v7) one of which may be a goalkeeper.
Referee: AYSO certified Regional Referees or higher are required for U-10 and older games. Be a thinking referee who only interferes with play when necessary for the safety of the players and the good of the game. The game belongs to the players.
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 outof play only. This is an opportunity for parents to get involved.
Duration of Game: U-10 games are fifty minutes and are played in 2 twenty-five minute halves with substitutions allowed 12 ½ minutes into each half. The half-time break is 5-10 minutes.
Kick-off: Opponents must be at least 8 yards from the ball during the kick-off in U-10 games.
Offside: The Offside Law applies in U-10 and older games. Offside is a simple Law easily misunderstood by those new to the game. Refer to the Laws of the Game for more information regarding the Offside Law.
Respect for referees