Oakhurst Soccer | Guidelines

General Rules and Guidelines

Everyone Plays: No player is allowed to play their 4th quarter until everyone has played 3 quarters.
Rotate Players: No player should play any position more than two quarters including goalie. If players are not rotating positions or sitting out more than two quarters you must bring it to the other coach's attention.
Game Length: Games consist of four quarters. U6 plays 7-minute quarters, U8 plays 10-minute quarters, and U10/U12 play 12-minute quarters. Games can end in a tie; there are no overtimes.
Number of Players: U6 plays 3 on 3 with no goalies; U8/U10 plays 6. If one team is short players, the coaches need to agree on how many will play.
Equipment: Shin-guards are required at all practices and games. A player will not be allowed to play or practice without them. Shoes with rubber cleats are allowed as long as they are soccer shoes: no cleats under the toe. Soccer ball sizes: U6/U8 use a size 3 ball, U10/U12 use a size 4 ball. Bringing a water bottle to all games and practices is highly recommended.
Positive Coaching: Soccer is FUN for the players, coaches and parents. Make it fun. UNSPORTSMAN-LIKE CONDUCT IS NOT PERMITTED. After every game the opposing teams shake hands and congratulate each other. Parents should also congratulate players on both teams for playing a good game. Negative comments are not part of AYSO.
Referees: U6 teams allow coaches to be on the field; the coaches are also the referees. U8 and older teams use a team referee. One parent on each team needs to volunteer to be the team referee. The referee is in charge; don't dispute calls. Make an effort to thank the referee after each game.
Slaughter Rule: If one team is ahead by 3 goals, that team takes one of its stronger players off the field or the team behind adds a player. A slaughter rule adjustment is done each time the discrepancy is increased and reversed when it is reduced. AYSO doesn't keep game scores or standings but your team will keep track of the score. Inform your parents of this rule.
Field Issues: Fields cannot be used if it has rained heavily or if it is raining heavy on game day. Check the web for cancelled games. Call 820-8790 to reschedule a game. Due to possible damage to the driveway and surrounding fields there is no parking on Oakhurst Drive. When the lot is full encourage walking, jogging or biking.
Team Meeting: Call everyone on your team and schedule a team meeting the week before the games start. At the meeting pick a team nickname, ask for an assistant coach and team parent, hand out the team schedule (practices, games and snacks), let them know what equipment they need (ball/shoes/shin-guards/water bottle), stress AYSO philosophy and set the coach and parent expectations for the season.
Practices: Schedule no more than two events per week (combination of practices and games). Start all practices with proper warmup to prevent injury. Encourage all players to bring their own ball to practice. (Size 3 for U6/U8; size 4 for U10/U12) Bring the medical forms to all practices and games. Players need to bring the proper equipment to all games and practices.