Changes are coming to soccer this year!
What Parents need to know

AYSO BIRTH YEAR CHART

What will be different?

Starting with the Fall 2017 season, you’ll notice some differences in youth soccer. AYSO has a new registration
system that should simplify sign-up. And there are rule changes for young players. These are part of US Soccer
Federation’s Player Development Initiative. The initiative will help young soccer players all across the United States
develop better skills, play safely, and have more fun. These goals have always been central to AYSO’s philosophies,
so many of the initiatives are already part of our program.

New Registration System. Check your Region website for details on when and how to register for fall. AYSO has a
new online system to replace eAYSO. It was developed by a sports software firm especially for AYSO. You can now
register your player and pay with a credit card online, or bring in payment when you drop off your completed
registration form. If your child has played AYSO in the past, your eAYSO information will be in the new registration
system. Be sure to use your same email and password, or the database will not link. Fees will look a little different,
partly because they are broken out separately. You’ll see the National membership fee, which includes player
insurance, listed separately. Please note that this portion is non-refundable.

Your Region is run by volunteers. We work hard to keep player costs as low as possible-- and provide outstanding
value for your child’s soccer experience.

Player Development Initiatives
All U.S. Soccer Federation’s affiliates must put these initiatives into place by August of 2017. They cover soccer
clubs, including AYSO, State Associations, US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and others.
Birth Year Registration. All soccer programs have agreed to standardize on the calendar year for age. For AYSO,
this shifts the “age as of” date from August 1 to January 1. Age groups will be by an “age and under.” For example,
if your player is 7 or 8 years old, they will be in “8U” (8 and Under) division.

Team Sizes Change (slightly). AYSO pioneered small-sided play in the early 1980s, so this is really just the rest of
soccer catching up with us. Youngest teams (6U and 8U) will now both play with 4 players on the field. The 10U
teams will play 7v7 and 12U will play 9v9, as we have for many years.

Field and Goal Size. You’ll notice that fields are slightly smaller for young players. This increases kids’ touches on
the ball and emphasizes control and skill. Goals are smaller, too, rewarding players for accuracy.
Kick-In for 6U and 8U. Young players now will restart play by kicking the ball to a teammate or dribbling in—instead
of attempting a throw-in. This is like indoor soccer, futsal, and 3v3 events. It speeds up play, increases success, and
reduces whistles for improper throw-ins. It also keeps the ball on the ground to improve foot skill and reduce the
chance of kids getting hurt. At 10U, players switch to throw-ins.

No Goalkeepers until 10U. This is not a change for AYSO, but now all soccer programs are following it.
No heading before 14U. AYSO began this policy in 2015-16. Now all soccer programs will follow it. It’s a precaution
to help avoid busted noses and lips and reduce the chance of concussions. When they are older, players have the
motor skills needed to learn proper heading technique.


Build-Out Line for 10U. You’ll see a new markings on the
10U fields called Build-out Lines. They are between the
top of the penalty area and the half line.
When a 10U keeper gets possession of the ball, the
opposing team must move behind the build-out line. The
keeper may pass, throw, or roll the ball to a teammate
who is behind the build-out line. After the ball is put into
play, the opposing team can cross the build-out line and
play resumes. This helps players learn to control ball
from the back. It also lets keepers learn to distribute the ball with less pressure, rather than just kicking it as far as
possible…often right to the other team.
No Punting in 10U and 12U. Keepers may put the ball in play by rolling, passing, or throwing the ball to a
teammate, but not by punting. This teaches better skill, and keeps the ball on the ground to improve safety. Games
are more exciting because players learn to control and pass with precision, just as players at the highest levels in
the world do.