US Soccer has adopted mandatory Player Development Initiatives (PDIs) to be implemented by all affiliated youth soccer programs, including AYSO. The goal of the PDIs is to create standard rules and regulations across youth soccer in the US, focusing on development of player's skills over results. Many of the PDIs are modeled on rules AYSO has followed for years, including small-sided games, reduced field and goal sizes, no goalkeepers in instructional divisions, and no offside offenses in instructional divisions. But some of these rules are going to be new to our program. Below are links that explain the rules in greater detail. We recommend that all parents and volunteers read through the presentation to become familiar with the new rules.

2018 AYSO Player Development Initiative - Covers the referee implementation of 10U and 12U PDI in Section 1
 
Section 10 PDI Presentation - 2018 Player Development Initiatives Presentation

6U-8U Below

1.       No TI - replaced with kick in or dribble in (TI are optional only 8U divisions but determined by Regions)

a.       Opponents must be at least 2yds away until ball is kicked

10U

1.       No Goal Keeper punts                                      

RESTART: IFK, if inside the goal area, ball is moved to goal area line parallel to goal line

2.       No deliberate heading                  

RESTART: IFK, if inside the goal area, ball is moved to goal area line parallel to goal line

3.       Build Out Line – Goal Keeper Possession

a.       Goal keeper can release on either side of BOL line

b.     Opponents move behind BOL when Goal Keeper has possession

c.       Opponents may cross BOL once the ball is released from Goal Keeper hands

d.       If opponents cross BOL before Goal Keeper releases ball and interferes with play

RESTART: IFK on BOL line where infraction occurred.

4.       Build Out Line – On a GK

a.       Opponents must move behind BOL

b.       Opponents may cross BOL when ball is in play per Law 16 (ball exits penalty area)             

RESTART: Referee stops play; asks opponents to retreat, then Goal Kick is retaken.

c.       Ball may be kicked to any point on the field

12U

1.       No deliberate heading

RESTART: IFK, if inside the goal area, ball is moved to goal area line parallel to goal line

2.       Goal Keeper Punting is ALLOWED now

Updated Rule Changes Effective Fall 2017 Season

Changes to U12:

The only rule change for 2017 in the 12U Division is the new "No Punt" Rule.

This means a goalkeeper who gains possession of the ball during play may NOT punt the ball back into play.

The ball must be placed on the ground and kicked/passed into play or thrown/rolled into play by hand.  All the rules regarding the Penalty Area and Goal Area are in effect.

There is no added protection for the 12U Goalkeeper. There is NO requirement for the defense to retreat, other than the already existing 2 yard rule.

Changes to U10:

Two lines called "The Build-Out Lines" have been added.  These lines will be blue in color (in Claremont), and will cross the field midway between the Halfway line and the top of the Penalty Areas.

 The changes to the Laws of the Game are as follows:

1. A Goalkeeper who gains possession of the ball during play may no longer punt the ball back into play.  The ball must either be set on the ground and passed (kicked) or thrown/rolled into play on the Goalkeepers side of their Build-Out Line.  The defenders must retreat to their side of the Build-Out Line in a timely manner, with the Referees encouragement.  The defenders may not cross into the Goalkeepers side of the Build-Out Line until the ball is played.  However, the Goalkeeper in not required to wait for the defenders to retreat to their side of the Build-Out Line, as the Goalkeeper may opt for a quick pass/roll/toss if the Goalkeeper sees an advantage.
   
2.  A Goal Kick has the same requirements:  It must be passed (kicked) to a player on the Goalkeeper's side of the Build-Out Line.  The defenders may not cross into the Goalkeepers side of the Build-Out Line until the ball is played.
   
3.  An Offside offence shall be judged using the two Build-Out Lines (blue), NOT the Halfway Line
4.  A violation of this new rule will result in an Indirect Free Kick y the other team.

Changes to U8:

The ONLY change for 2017 is the elimination of Throw-Ins.  Any restart from a ball passing over the Touchline will henceforth be made with a Pass-in (kick-in).  Again, this is the ONLY change in the 8U Divisions.