Official AYSO Rules and Regulations can be found at https://aysovolunteers.org/ayso-reference-book/

In addition age specific rules and guidelines can be found in coaching manuals found in AYSOU (accessible to volunteers).  Once in AYSOU navigate to "Resource Library", "Coach Manuals", then find your age specific coach manual.

Interplay otherwise known as Interregional Play (when our region plays other AYSO regions, typically for 12u and up) rules can be found on this website under "Interplay Rules" these rules are defined by our AYSO Area (governing body in charge of our Region and nearby Regions).

Our region, Region 318 Carson Valley has adopted the following region specific rules:
1.  3 before 4, meaning all players must play at least 3 quarters before any player can play 4 quarters
2.  Mercy Rule:  For ages 10u and up if there is a score differential of 5 or more the Mercy rule is implemented, this is a gentleman/gentlewoman's agreement between coaches to encourage balanced play and development for both teams.  Coaches of the leading team can choose to rotate player's positions (have strong players switch to defense only, if it doesn't violate the 3 before 4 rule - have strong players substitute out for weaker players.   Have strong players refrain from scoring and focus on assisting other team mates in scoring.)

Mercy Rule Considerations:
Strong players deserve the chance to play too.  Yes we want to keep the game balanced and not completely crush our opponents because that's not fun for anyone, but we must adhere to the AYSO national rule of every player must play at least 50% of the game and our region rule of 3 before 4.  Encourage players to not focus on the score but instead focus on playing.


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6u and 8u - No Throw-ins
* Players will not throw the ball in from the sideline.  A 'pass-in' will be performed instead. A simple kick from the sideline.
* All players must be at least two yards from the place of the pass-in.
* Training for throw-ins shall not begin until 10U.



NEW IN 10U
Goalkeeper - No punts, dropkicks or volleys
* Distribute ball by rolling, throwing or kicking.
* A deliberate punt, dropkick of volley will result in an indirect free kick being awarded to the opposing team.

Buildout Line
* A new line on the field. Halfway between the outer edge of the penalty area and the halfway line.
* All opposing players must drop behind the line when the keeper has possession of the ball.
* As soon as the ball is returned into play, opposing players can cross the buildout line and attempt to gain possession.
* Keeper does not have to wait until all opposing players are behind the line before distributing. Keeper's discretion.
* Opposing players do not have to drop behind the buildout line for free kicks. They must only drop behind the line when the keeper is in possession.

Buildout Line FAQ

Offside
* The buildout line is now the boundary for defining a player in an offside position.
* A player cannot be considered offside if they are in their own half of the field.
* A player cannot be considered offside if they are in the opposing half and are between the halfway line and the buildout line.
* A player can be offside if they are in their opponents half of the field and are between the buildout line and the goal line.

Headers
* No intentionally heading the ball.
Deliberately heading the ball will result in an indirect free kick being awarded to the opposing team.


NEW IN 12U
Goalkeeper - can now use dropkicks or
* Distribute ball by rolling, throwing or kicking.


Headers
* No intentionally heading the ball.
* Deliberately heading the ball will result in an indirect free kick being awarded to the opposing team.
AYSO matches are played in accordance with the current edition of the FIFA Laws of the Game, AYSO National Rules and Regulations and The AYSO Short-Sided Games Guide for Referees.

The AYSO Guidance for Coaches and Referees provides a very brief summary of the FIFA Laws of the Game, and the complete text of the AYSO National Rules and Regulations and Short Sided Games Guide for Referees all in one document.

The complete text of these documents can be downloaded from the links below.

In Region 318 we have adopted the 3 before 4 Rule. Before any player can play 4 quarters all players must have played at least 3 quarters.

For the U-14 and younger divisions we have also adopted a rule that a player shall play no more than 2 quarters as goalkeeper in any game. That player must also play at least 1 quarter in another position on the field.  


AYSO NATIONAL RULES & REGULATIONS
Download AYSO National Rules & Regulations (PDF 1.1 Mb). These rules and regulations generally address items such as the number of players on the field, number of players on a team, substitution procedures, uniform requirements, duration of the match, and ball sizes for each age group.

FIFA LAWS OF THE GAME
Download 2009-10 FIFA Laws of the Game (PDF 1.4 Mb). The FIFA Laws of the Game (LOTG) are the same worldwide and govern how the game is played on the field. The LOTG are adopted by reference in the AYSO National Rules and Regulations.  Here you will find things such as fouls and misconduct, offside, ball in and out of play, how play is started and restarted, free kicks, goal kicks, corner kicks and penalty kicks.  

Short-Sided Games Guide for Referees
Click Here to Download the AYSO Short-Sided Games Guide for Referees. This document provides for specific modifications to the FIFA Laws of the Game for Short-Sided Play in the U5 thru U12 age groups.  Changes include field size, how play is restarted, required distance defense must stay back on a free kick, and more.