PLEASE REFER TO SUB-TABS under "RULES OF THE GAME" TAB FOR INDIVIDUAL AGE GROUP RULES
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.
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.