AYSO youth soccer rules: formats, match length and playing time (2026)
AYSO publishes youth soccer requirements in its National Rules & Regulations, reproduced in the 2024 AYSO Reference Book. The cited sections cover match lengths, substitutions and Everyone Plays, with regional options and age-specific qualifications preserved below.
How to read this page
These pages use a sourced dataset snapshot. Check document dates for your season; official documents and applicable local competition rules take precedence. “Not specified” means the dataset has no value for that field, so check your local rules.
What are the rules for each age band?
6U [1]
| Age group | 6U |
|---|---|
| Format | 4v4 |
| Players on field | 4 |
| Match length | 20 minutes (maximum) |
| Match length basis | maximum |
| Periods | 2 × 10 minutes |
| Period guidance | Two equal halves not to exceed 10 minutes each; half-time 5-10 minutes; no added time; playing time can be less when managed by coaches and parents |
| Ball size | 3 |
| Goalkeeper | No |
| Heading rule | Heading banned (practices and matches) for all division players 11U and below (12U and below for programs without single-age divisions); deliberate header = indirect free kick; no cautions/send-offs for heading infractions. |
| Substitutions | Substitution permitted approximately midway through each half and at half-time (the AYSO 'quarter' system); coach may substitute as many or none, including previously substituted players, as long as all eligible players meet minimum playing requirements. |
| Minimum playing time policy | Everyone Plays: all eligible team members in attendance must play at least half of the match, excluding overtime. Late arrivals: arriving in 1st quarter must play 2 of remaining 3 quarters; arriving in 2nd/3rd quarter must play at least 1 quarter. Regions may adopt the optional 'three-quarter rule' (no player plays an entire game unless all others play at least three quarters). |
| Build-out or retreat line | No build-out line at 6U. No offside. Throw-in replaced by pass-in. |
8U [2]
| Age group | 8U |
|---|---|
| Format | 4v4 (Regions may opt for 5v5, no goalkeeper) |
| Players on field | 4 |
| Match length | 40 minutes (maximum) |
| Match length basis | maximum |
| Periods | 2 × 20 minutes |
| Period guidance | Two equal halves not to exceed 20 minutes each; half-time 5-10 minutes; no added time |
| Ball size | 3 |
| Goalkeeper | No |
| Heading rule | Heading banned (practices and matches) for all division players 11U and below; deliberate header = indirect free kick. |
| Substitutions | Substitution permitted approximately midway through each half and at half-time ('quarter' system) for 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U; unlimited re-entry so long as all players meet minimum playing requirements. |
| Minimum playing time policy | Everyone Plays: all eligible team members in attendance must play at least half of the match, excluding overtime; optional regional three-quarter rule. |
| Build-out or retreat line | No build-out line at 8U. No offside. Regions may use throw-ins, pass-ins or dribble-ins. |
10U [3]
| Age group | 10U |
|---|---|
| Format | 7v7 |
| Players on field | 7 |
| Match length | 50 minutes (maximum) |
| Match length basis | maximum |
| Periods | 2 × 25 minutes |
| Period guidance | Two equal halves not to exceed 25 minutes each; half-time 5-10 minutes; no added time |
| Ball size | 4 |
| Goalkeeper | Yes |
| Heading rule | Heading banned (practices and matches) for 11U and below; deliberate header = indirect free kick (taken on goal-area line if inside opponents' goal area). |
| Substitutions | Substitution permitted approximately midway through each half and at half-time ('quarter' system); unlimited re-entry subject to minimum playing requirements. |
| Minimum playing time policy | Everyone Plays: all eligible team members in attendance must play at least half of the match, excluding overtime; optional regional three-quarter rule. |
| Build-out or retreat line | Build-out line for 9U and 10U, placed equidistant between the top of the penalty area and the halfway line; opponents must retreat behind it on goal kicks and when the goalkeeper has possession; goalkeeper may not punt or drop-kick (indirect free kick); offside is judged from the build-out line, not the halfway line. |
12U [4]
| Age group | 12U |
|---|---|
| Format | 9v9 |
| Players on field | 9 |
| Match length | 60 minutes (maximum) |
| Match length basis | maximum |
| Periods | 2 × 30 minutes |
| Period guidance | Two equal halves not to exceed 30 minutes each; half-time 5-10 minutes; no added time |
| Ball size | 4 |
| Goalkeeper | Yes |
| Heading rule | Heading banned for '11U and below (12U and below for programs without single age divisions)' - i.e. in standard two-year 12U divisions heading is banned in practices and matches; deliberate header = indirect free kick. |
| Substitutions | Substitution permitted approximately midway through each half and at half-time ('quarter' system); unlimited re-entry subject to minimum playing requirements. |
| Minimum playing time policy | Everyone Plays: all eligible team members in attendance must play at least half of the match, excluding overtime; optional regional three-quarter rule. |
| Build-out or retreat line | No build-out line at 12U (build-out line applies to 9U and 10U only). Offside applies. |
14U [5]
| Age group | 14U |
|---|---|
| Format | 11v11 |
| Players on field | 11 |
| Match length | 70 minutes (maximum) |
| Match length basis | maximum |
| Periods | 2 × 35 minutes |
| Period guidance | Two equal halves not to exceed 35 minutes each; half-time 5-10 minutes |
| Ball size | 5 |
| Goalkeeper | Yes |
| Heading rule | Heading in practice for 14U limited to a maximum of 30 minutes per week and no more than 15-20 headers per player; no restriction on heading in matches. |
| Substitutions | Standard: substitution midway through each half and at half-time ('quarter' system). Alternatively 'Monitored Substitution' (free substitution at any stoppage) is permitted in 14U/16U/19U only if an independent time monitor ensures every participant plays at least one half of every match. |
| Minimum playing time policy | Everyone Plays: all eligible team members in attendance must play at least half of the match, excluding overtime. Under free substitution, a late arrival before 17.5 min must play 50% (35 min); arriving between 17.5 and 52.5 min must play 25% (17.5 min). |
| Build-out or retreat line | Not specified |
16U [6]
| Age group | 16U |
|---|---|
| Format | 11v11 |
| Players on field | 11 |
| Match length | 80 minutes (maximum) |
| Match length basis | maximum |
| Periods | 2 × 40 minutes |
| Period guidance | Two equal halves not to exceed 40 minutes each; half-time 5-10 minutes |
| Ball size | 5 |
| Goalkeeper | Yes |
| Heading rule | No heading restriction stated for 16U. |
| Substitutions | Quarter-system substitution or Monitored Substitution (free substitution at any stoppage with an independent time monitor ensuring every participant plays at least one half). |
| Minimum playing time policy | Everyone Plays: all eligible team members in attendance must play at least half of the match, excluding overtime. |
| Build-out or retreat line | Not specified |
19U [7]
| Age group | 19U |
|---|---|
| Format | 11v11 |
| Players on field | 11 |
| Match length | 90 minutes (maximum) |
| Match length basis | maximum |
| Periods | 2 × 45 minutes |
| Period guidance | Two equal halves not to exceed 45 minutes each; half-time 5-10 minutes |
| Ball size | 5 |
| Goalkeeper | Yes |
| Heading rule | No heading restriction stated for 19U. |
| Substitutions | Quarter-system substitution or Monitored Substitution (free substitution at any stoppage with an independent time monitor ensuring every participant plays at least one half). |
| Minimum playing time policy | Everyone Plays: all eligible team members in attendance must play at least half of the match, excluding overtime. |
| Build-out or retreat line | Not specified |
Notes and qualifications
- 6U: AMBIGUOUS DURATION: Rules & Regulations Art. I.B.1 says matches are 'two equal halves' with max 10-minute halves for 6U, and the Chapter 8 '4V4 Standards of Play' repeats '2 equal halves not to exceed 10 minutes each (6U)'. However the US Soccer PDI chart reproduced in the same Reference Book (p.8:50) shows '4x10' for 6U-8U. The AYSO-specific text (2 x 10 = 20 min) is recorded here. Recommended team size 6 max / 5 min. Ball: size 3, 23.0-25.0 in, 10-12 oz. Three-quarter rule option is in the Standard Regional Policies & Protocols, Art. 7 footnote 4. Back to age band
- 8U: Same duration ambiguity as 6U (R&R: 2 x 20 max; reproduced US Soccer chart: 4x10). Recommended team size 6 max / 5 min. The age-compliance grid also lists 7U, 9U, 11U etc. as configurable divisions, but the R&R duration/ball tables are given only for 6U/8U/10U/12U/14U/16U/19U. Back to age band
- 10U: Recommended team size 10 max / 8 min. Game may not start or continue with fewer than 5 players (Ch. 8, 7v7 Standards of Play). Ball: size 4, 25.0-26.5 in, 12-14 oz. Unlike U.S. Soccer's PDI, AYSO's goalkeeper/goal-kick taker does not have to wait for opponents to retreat. Back to age band
- 12U: AMBIGUOUS HEADING: whether 12U is covered depends on whether a Region runs single-age (11U/12U) or two-year (12U) divisions. Recommended team size 12 max / 10 min. Game may not start or continue with fewer than 6 players. Back to age band
- 14U: Recommended team size 15 max / 12 min. Ball: size 5, 26.5-28.0 in, 14-16 oz. Match may not commence/continue unless both teams can field at least 7 players (Art. I.A.2). Back to age band
- 16U: Recommended team size 18 max / 12 min. Back to age band
- 19U: Recommended team size 18 max / 12 min. Chapter 8 '11 x 11 Standards of Play' gives 45-minute halves for '18U'; R&R Art. I.B.1 uses the '19U' label. Back to age band
What this means for your lineup
These equal-share examples use the recorded on-field count and match length, with 2, 3, 4 or 5 substitutes. For formats with options or a maximum, they use the dataset’s numeric count. Maximum durations remain maxima. Check roster limits in the rules and footnotes; example rosters may exceed them. Alongside the mathematical 50% result, check substitution windows, goalkeeper duties, eligibility conditions and any higher local minimum. Times are rounded to the nearest second.
6U
Using 4 on the field for 20 minutes (maximum). Recorded format: 4v4.
| Roster (subs) | Equal time (m:ss) | At least 50%? |
|---|---|---|
| 6 players (+2) | 13:20 (66.7%) | Yes |
| 7 players (+3) | 11:26 (57.1%) | Yes |
| 8 players (+4) | 10:00 (50%) | Yes |
| 9 players (+5) | 8:53 (44.4%) | No |
8U
Using 4 on the field for 40 minutes (maximum). Recorded format: 4v4 (Regions may opt for 5v5, no goalkeeper).
| Roster (subs) | Equal time (m:ss) | At least 50%? |
|---|---|---|
| 6 players (+2) | 26:40 (66.7%) | Yes |
| 7 players (+3) | 22:51 (57.1%) | Yes |
| 8 players (+4) | 20:00 (50%) | Yes |
| 9 players (+5) | 17:47 (44.4%) | No |
10U
Using 7 on the field for 50 minutes (maximum). Recorded format: 7v7.
| Roster (subs) | Equal time (m:ss) | At least 50%? |
|---|---|---|
| 9 players (+2) | 38:53 (77.8%) | Yes |
| 10 players (+3) | 35:00 (70%) | Yes |
| 11 players (+4) | 31:49 (63.6%) | Yes |
| 12 players (+5) | 29:10 (58.3%) | Yes |
12U
Using 9 on the field for 60 minutes (maximum). Recorded format: 9v9.
| Roster (subs) | Equal time (m:ss) | At least 50%? |
|---|---|---|
| 11 players (+2) | 49:05 (81.8%) | Yes |
| 12 players (+3) | 45:00 (75%) | Yes |
| 13 players (+4) | 41:32 (69.2%) | Yes |
| 14 players (+5) | 38:34 (64.3%) | Yes |
14U
Using 11 on the field for 70 minutes (maximum). Recorded format: 11v11.
| Roster (subs) | Equal time (m:ss) | At least 50%? |
|---|---|---|
| 13 players (+2) | 59:14 (84.6%) | Yes |
| 14 players (+3) | 55:00 (78.6%) | Yes |
| 15 players (+4) | 51:20 (73.3%) | Yes |
| 16 players (+5) | 48:08 (68.8%) | Yes |
16U
Using 11 on the field for 80 minutes (maximum). Recorded format: 11v11.
| Roster (subs) | Equal time (m:ss) | At least 50%? |
|---|---|---|
| 13 players (+2) | 67:42 (84.6%) | Yes |
| 14 players (+3) | 62:51 (78.6%) | Yes |
| 15 players (+4) | 58:40 (73.3%) | Yes |
| 16 players (+5) | 55:00 (68.8%) | Yes |
19U
Using 11 on the field for 90 minutes (maximum). Recorded format: 11v11.
| Roster (subs) | Equal time (m:ss) | At least 50%? |
|---|---|---|
| 13 players (+2) | 76:09 (84.6%) | Yes |
| 14 players (+3) | 70:43 (78.6%) | Yes |
| 15 players (+4) | 66:00 (73.3%) | Yes |
| 16 players (+5) | 61:53 (68.8%) | Yes |
Build a rotation with the free lineup builder for 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11.
Sources
Quotations below are reproduced verbatim from the dataset.
6U
Except as noted in Article I.C.3 all eligible team members in attendance at AYSO matches must play at least half of the match, excluding overtime.
Retrieved:
Additional source: AYSO Standard Regional Policies and Protocols (12/2020, extract published 11/2023) - Art. 7.B.4 and footnote 4 (three-quarter rule)
Additional source: AYSO FAQs & Support - 'Every player on every team must play at least 50 percent of every game.'
8U
Regions may allow 8U specific teams the option to play 5v5, with no goalkeeper, instead of 4v4, with no goalkeeper.
Retrieved:
Additional source: AYSO Age Compliance and Team Size Grid for All Play Types (MY2021)
10U
The build-out line shall be placed across the field equidistant between the top of the penalty area and the halfway line.
Retrieved:
12U
heading is banned for all division players 11U and below (12U and below for programs without single age divisions) in both practices and matches.
Retrieved:
14U
Free substitution will be permitted in the 14U/16U/19U Program, but only if ... every participant plays at least one half of every match
Retrieved:
16U
Matches shall be of two equal halves, not to exceed the following maximum durations: ... 16U 40 minutes; 19U 45 minutes
Retrieved:
19U
19U 11-a-side 18 12
Retrieved:
Corrections welcome: report a correction with an official source.
Plan your next game
Pitch Time is a youth soccer coaching app that automatically generates fair playing time lineups.
Get the Pitch Time appFAQ
Which youth soccer formats does AYSO list?
6U: 4v4. 8U: 4v4 (Regions may opt for 5v5, no goalkeeper). 10U: 7v7. 12U: 9v9. 14U, 16U, 19U: 11v11.
What minimum playing time does AYSO specify?
6U: Everyone Plays: all eligible team members in attendance must play at least half of the match, excluding overtime. Late arrivals: arriving in 1st quarter must play 2 of remaining 3 quarters; arriving in 2nd/3rd quarter must play at least 1 quarter. Regions may adopt the optional 'three-quarter rule' (no player plays an entire game unless all others play at least three quarters). 8U, 10U, 12U: Everyone Plays: all eligible team members in attendance must play at least half of the match, excluding overtime; optional regional three-quarter rule. 14U: Everyone Plays: all eligible team members in attendance must play at least half of the match, excluding overtime. Under free substitution, a late arrival before 17.5 min must play 50% (35 min); arriving between 17.5 and 52.5 min must play 25% (17.5 min). 16U, 19U: Everyone Plays: all eligible team members in attendance must play at least half of the match, excluding overtime.
How long are the youth soccer matches in these AYSO records?
6U: 20 minutes (maximum). 8U: 40 minutes (maximum). 10U: 50 minutes (maximum). 12U: 60 minutes (maximum). 14U: 70 minutes (maximum). 16U: 80 minutes (maximum). 19U: 90 minutes (maximum).