AYSO 1284 - Games and Practices

Games and Practices

Games

Most games take place on Saturday mornings; there may be some weeknight games
Your coach will distribute the schedule for games and practices
Players should arrive early in order to stretch, warm up, go over field assignments, and to ensure that the game starts on time
If you know your player is not going to be at a game, or if your player will be late, please let your coach know as soon as possible

Game Day

Spectators should plan to bring lawn chairs, blankets, etc., as appropriate
Take all the photos you want...but please be advised that it is VERY hard to take good-quality soccer photos due to the distance from the players, and also because the game is constantly in motion
Consider sitting back and enjoying the game, and take a close-up photo of your player afterwards

Practices

Each coach sets the practice schedule for their team
Additional practices or scrimmages may be scheduled
There may be some days when there will not be practice due to school activities, game schedule changes, or other reasons
Your coach will let you know of any schedule changes
Parents and siblings are encouraged to stay for practices, but please pick up your player on time
If your player needs to miss practice, please let your coach know as soon as possible

Cancellations

All games are played as scheduled, rain or shine, unless thunder and lightning are present or in the event the weather worsens
Yes, we even play if it is snowing!
Always assume that the game is still on (especially if mild and no lightning)
All game play is at the sole discretion of the referee and/or the regional commissioner or his/her designee
If there is a cancellation of a game or practice, your coach will let you know as soon as possible
The region and/or the referee will decide if conditions are such that the game will be canceled, and then your coach will let you know
Therefore, ALWAYS assume the game is on unless you hear from your coach or the region

Game Information

Game Play

The game consists of two "halves"
There is a brief "substitution" break at approximately the midpoint of each half
Players or positions may be changed at halftime and at the substitution break
Everyone should drink water during the breaks

Referees

There may be occasions when there will not be an official referee for a game, especially at the lower levels
If there is no referee, coaches will most likely serve as referees
Parents may be asked their opinion who last touched the ball, etc., when the ball goes out of bounds; however the referee makes the final determination

What to Bring

Water
- Bring to each game and practice
Bug spray
- Bring to each game and practice
Soccer ball
- Please bring the proper-size soccer ball to practices
Shin guards
- Mandatory for both practices and games
- Worn under the socks
- Can be purchased at Walmart, Target, etc., or a sporting goods store

Forbidden Items!

The following items are not allowed:

Jewelry
Earrings
Hard hair clips
Barrettes

How Long is the Game?

Playground -
6U - 20-40 Minutes
8U - 40 Minutes (20 Minute Halves)
10U - 50 Minutes (25 Minute Halves)
12U - 60 Minutes (30 Minute Halves)
14U - 70 Minutes (35 Minute Halves)
18U - 90 Minutes (45 Minute Halves)

What Does 'Offside' Mean?

Purpose of the Offside Rule

To prevent a team from having a player "camp" in front of an opponent's goal waiting for an easy score

Notes!

The offside rule is not called below the 10U level
Therefore, do not worry about offsides until your player is on a 10U or above team

More Information

Players, coaches, parents, and even referees can be confused by this very important rule
Therefore, we have created an "Understanding the Offside Rule" page that clearly explains the rule