Home > Resources > U5 Guidelines
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Introduction |
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During the 2004 AYSO NAGM in Phoenix, AZ, AYSO Executive Membership voted on and passed an amendment to the National Rules and Regulations to lower the minimum age requirement for participation in AYSO to four years of age.
The objective of this program is to provide young players and their parents with a "pressure free" introduction to the beautiful and simple game of soccer. At this age players should be exposed to soccer by playing simple, fun activities and games that require little to no practice, and a minimal time commitment.
This program allows players to discover the game for themselves, while parents are given a soccer foundation on which to build and grow into future AYSO coaches, referees and administrators.
The AYSO National Coaching Commission supports this program predicated on the basis that the guidelines provided within this document are followed and that all decisions regarding the program are made in the best interest of the players.
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Guidelines |
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The Field:
The recommended field size for U-5 games is 30 x 15 yards marked with lines or cones.
The Goals:
The goals in U-5 games should be a maximum of 4 feet high and 6 feet wide or 2 tall cones set 6 feet apart.
The Ball:
A size 3 ball is used for U-5 games.
The Teams:
Games are played with 5 players per team on the field (5v5) and no goalkeepers. Substitutions are made at quarters, halftime and for injuries. A minimum of 2 quarters is required for each player and it is recommended that no one play 4 quarters until everyone has played 3 quarters. Separate boys and girls teams are recommended at all levels.
Duration of Game
Approximately Four 10-minute quarters [Two 20 minute halves]. Water breaks at approximately 10 minutes should be 1-2 minutes. Halftime break of 5–10 minutes.
Player Equipment:
Soccer cleats and shinguards, covered by the socks are mandatory at all practice and game activities. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.
The Start of Play:
To start the first and second halves, and following each goal in all age group games, play is started or restarted with a kick-off in the center of the field. 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. Following a goal, the team scored upon kicks off.
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 5 yards from the ball. Do not insist the opponent be a minimum of precisely 5 yards 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. In U-5 games, the game supervisors for the week will determine when the ball is out of play and should guide the restart, interfering as little as possible. It’s the player’s game, let them play and work on technique later.
Method of Scoring:
A goal in all age group games is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal. Goals should be enthusiastically celebrated by everyone. In U-5 games, goals are not recorded to determine who wins as everyone is a winner.
Fouls and Other Stoppages:
Deliberate fouling should be rare in U-5 games. Kicking, tripping, handling the ball and dangerous play may occur. There should be few, if any additional reasons to stop play in U-5 games. If a player is “not playing well with others”, or if play must be stopped for any other reason (injury, substitution, confusion, or to watch a passing train, butterfly or frog), refocus the players and begin again with a free kick or as may be appropriate. Award the restart to whichever team deserves it. Stoppages must not become a lengthy ceremony.
Free Kick:
Play may have to be stopped occasionally to “sort things out” in U-5 games. When this is necessary, correct the situation then restart with a free kick for a deserving team. The opposing team should be at least 5 yards from the ball in U-5 games. All free kicks in U-5 games are direct free kicks which means, if you’re lucky, a goal can be scored directly from the kick.without the ball having to be touched or played by another player on the field (in-direct kick).
Throw-in:
When the ball goes out of play in U-5 games across the touch line (side lines) or the goal lines (end lines) without a goal being scored, a throw-in is awarded at the point it crossed the line. The throw-in is awarded to the team that didn’t touch the ball last. In U-5 games, whether the throw-in is properly taken or not, let it go…teach proper technique later. Again, let them play with minimum interruption. Keep the game moving and fun.
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MUD Line Numbers:
Sports Park:
(949) 582-2414
All Other Fields:
(949) 218-7406
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Order your 1455 Team Wear by September 1st and you will receive it by Picture day, September 14th.
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