U10 Guidelines:
Goals: Maximum seven feet high and seven yards wide.
Ball Size 4
Players
Number: Nine 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.
Players’ Equipment
Footwear: 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.
Shinguards: MANDATORY for both practices and games, and must be covered entirely by socks.
Duration of Game
Four 12.5-minute periods.
Halftime break of 5–10 minutes.
Start of Play
The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field.
The coaches determine which team starts the game with a coin flip and the opposing team starts the second half.
Opponents must be eight yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.
Fouls & Misconduct
Opponents must be eight yards from the ball on restart kicks.
Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches and eliminate the need for cautions and send-offs.
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.