# AYSO youth soccer rules: formats, match length and playing time (2026)

Canonical URL: https://pitchtime.app/rules/ayso

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]

| Rule | Value |
| --- | --- |
| 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]

| Rule | Value |
| --- | --- |
| 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]

| Rule | Value |
| --- | --- |
| 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]

| Rule | Value |
| --- | --- |
| 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]

| Rule | Value |
| --- | --- |
| 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]

| Rule | Value |
| --- | --- |
| 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]

| Rule | Value |
| --- | --- |
| 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

[1] 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.

[2] 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.

[3] 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.

[4] 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.

[5] 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).

[6] 16U: Recommended team size 18 max / 12 min.

[7] 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.

## 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)](/playing-time-calculator?format=4&length=20&roster=6) | 13:20 (66.7%) | Yes |
| [7 players (+3)](/playing-time-calculator?format=4&length=20&roster=7) | 11:26 (57.1%) | Yes |
| [8 players (+4)](/playing-time-calculator?format=4&length=20&roster=8) | 10:00 (50%) | Yes |
| [9 players (+5)](/playing-time-calculator?format=4&length=20&roster=9) | 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)](/playing-time-calculator?format=4&length=40&roster=6) | 26:40 (66.7%) | Yes |
| [7 players (+3)](/playing-time-calculator?format=4&length=40&roster=7) | 22:51 (57.1%) | Yes |
| [8 players (+4)](/playing-time-calculator?format=4&length=40&roster=8) | 20:00 (50%) | Yes |
| [9 players (+5)](/playing-time-calculator?format=4&length=40&roster=9) | 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)](/playing-time-calculator?format=7&length=50&roster=9) | 38:53 (77.8%) | Yes |
| [10 players (+3)](/playing-time-calculator?format=7&length=50&roster=10) | 35:00 (70%) | Yes |
| [11 players (+4)](/playing-time-calculator?format=7&length=50&roster=11) | 31:49 (63.6%) | Yes |
| [12 players (+5)](/playing-time-calculator?format=7&length=50&roster=12) | 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)](/playing-time-calculator?format=9&length=60&roster=11) | 49:05 (81.8%) | Yes |
| [12 players (+3)](/playing-time-calculator?format=9&length=60&roster=12) | 45:00 (75%) | Yes |
| [13 players (+4)](/playing-time-calculator?format=9&length=60&roster=13) | 41:32 (69.2%) | Yes |
| [14 players (+5)](/playing-time-calculator?format=9&length=60&roster=14) | 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)](/playing-time-calculator?format=11&length=70&roster=13) | 59:14 (84.6%) | Yes |
| [14 players (+3)](/playing-time-calculator?format=11&length=70&roster=14) | 55:00 (78.6%) | Yes |
| [15 players (+4)](/playing-time-calculator?format=11&length=70&roster=15) | 51:20 (73.3%) | Yes |
| [16 players (+5)](/playing-time-calculator?format=11&length=70&roster=16) | 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)](/playing-time-calculator?format=11&length=80&roster=13) | 67:42 (84.6%) | Yes |
| [14 players (+3)](/playing-time-calculator?format=11&length=80&roster=14) | 62:51 (78.6%) | Yes |
| [15 players (+4)](/playing-time-calculator?format=11&length=80&roster=15) | 58:40 (73.3%) | Yes |
| [16 players (+5)](/playing-time-calculator?format=11&length=80&roster=16) | 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)](/playing-time-calculator?format=11&length=90&roster=13) | 76:09 (84.6%) | Yes |
| [14 players (+3)](/playing-time-calculator?format=11&length=90&roster=14) | 70:43 (78.6%) | Yes |
| [15 players (+4)](/playing-time-calculator?format=11&length=90&roster=15) | 66:00 (73.3%) | Yes |
| [16 players (+5)](/playing-time-calculator?format=11&length=90&roster=16) | 61:53 (68.8%) | Yes |

[Free lineup builder for 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11](/lineup).

## Sources

Quotations below are reproduced verbatim from the [dataset](https://github.com/simonash227/youth-soccer-rules).

### 6U

[AYSO Reference Book (20 April 2024) - Chapter 2 National Rules & Regulations (07/2023), Art. I.B, I.C, I.F, I.I, II.C; Chapter 8 '4V4 Standards of Play'](https://aysovolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AYSO-Reference-Book-2024-0420.pdf)

> 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: 2026-10-05

Additional source: [AYSO Standard Regional Policies and Protocols (12/2020, extract published 11/2023) - Art. 7.B.4 and footnote 4 (three-quarter rule)](https://aysovolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PandPs-from-AYSO-Reference-Book-2023-1111-Final.pdf)

Additional source: [AYSO FAQs & Support - 'Every player on every team must play at least 50 percent of every game.'](https://ayso.org/faqs-support/)

### 8U

[AYSO Reference Book (20 April 2024) - National Rules & Regulations (07/2023), Art. I.B.1, I.C.1, I.F, I.I, II.C.1-2](https://aysovolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AYSO-Reference-Book-2024-0420.pdf)

> Regions may allow 8U specific teams the option to play 5v5, with no goalkeeper, instead of 4v4, with no goalkeeper.

Retrieved: 2026-10-05

Additional source: [AYSO Age Compliance and Team Size Grid for All Play Types (MY2021)](https://aysovolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Age-Compliance-and-Team-Size-Grid-for-All-Play-Types.pdf)

### 10U

[AYSO Reference Book (20 April 2024) - National Rules & Regulations (07/2023), Art. I.B.1, I.C.1, I.F, I.I, I.K, I.L, II.C.1](https://aysovolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AYSO-Reference-Book-2024-0420.pdf)

> The build-out line shall be placed across the field equidistant between the top of the penalty area and the halfway line.

Retrieved: 2026-10-05

### 12U

[AYSO Reference Book (20 April 2024) - National Rules & Regulations (07/2023), Art. I.B.1, I.C.1, I.F, I.I, II.C.1](https://aysovolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AYSO-Reference-Book-2024-0420.pdf)

> 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: 2026-10-05

### 14U

[AYSO Reference Book (20 April 2024) - National Rules & Regulations (07/2023), Art. I.B.1, I.C.1, I.C.3.c, I.F, I.I, II.C.1; Chapter 13 'Monitored Substitution'](https://aysovolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AYSO-Reference-Book-2024-0420.pdf)

> 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: 2026-10-05

### 16U

[AYSO Reference Book (20 April 2024) - National Rules & Regulations (07/2023), Art. I.B.1, I.C.1, I.F, II.C.1; Chapter 13 'Monitored Substitution'](https://aysovolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AYSO-Reference-Book-2024-0420.pdf)

> Matches shall be of two equal halves, not to exceed the following maximum durations: ... 16U 40 minutes; 19U 45 minutes

Retrieved: 2026-10-05

### 19U

[AYSO Reference Book (20 April 2024) - National Rules & Regulations (07/2023), Art. I.B.1, I.C.1, I.F, II.C.1](https://aysovolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AYSO-Reference-Book-2024-0420.pdf)

> 19U 11-a-side 18 12

Retrieved: 2026-10-05

Corrections welcome: [report a correction with an official source](https://github.com/simonash227/youth-soccer-rules/issues).

## Plan your next game

Pitch Time is a youth soccer coaching app that automatically generates fair playing time lineups.

[Get the Pitch Time app](/get-the-app)

## FAQ

### 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).