Welcome to the Area 10D Invitational Tournament or Intra-Area Play. These events will bring together AYSO teams from Area 10D and we hope you will have an enjoyable soccer experience.

These Guidelines have been established to set a standard under which all teams will compete during tournament or intra-area play.  All coaches, players, and spectators are urged to read these Guidelines.  In order to provide an atmosphere with a positive and sporting spirit, for the benefit of all of the young people who participate and play soccer in our respective programs – teammates and opponents alike, these Guidelines will be enforced.  These Guidelines do not supersede AYSO National Rules and Regulations, but are intended to cover situations not addressed in the AYSO National Rules and Regulations, which shall prevail in case of conflict.  Should you have any questions after reading these Guidelines, please do not hesitate to call the Area 10D Area Director, at (760) 868-2080.

Please remember the Intra-Area program is designed to allow regions to play games in divisions when they may not have enough players to field enough teams to make intra-region play practical. 

The tournaments are one element of AYSO's Secondary Programs as defined in the AYSO National Police Statement Article 2.2. Please remember the tournaments are only secondarily a competition. They first are an opportunity to celebrate your team's success during the regular primary season.

Please do remember to have fun, and to do your best to make sure your team and all the other teams have a fun time, too.

1.  Conduct.  The Regional Commissioner shall be responsible for the conduct of their coaches, who in turn shall be responsible for the conduct of their players and spectators, all of whom shall display the most positive aspects of good sportsmanship and conduct in keeping with the AYSO philosophy.  All of our young people deserve the best examples of sportsmanship, goodwill toward all players and participants (including opponents), and respect at all times for all referees and officials.  Please join us in making this an exceptionally good program for all of our young people – competitively, emotionally, and in all other ways.

2.  Coordination.  The Area Director, Area Tournament Director, Intra-Area Play Coordinator, Area Referee Administratior, Area Coach Administratorand staff are responsible for coordinating these games. They will prepare the game schedules for each division, and coordinate with the regions for game locations.  The regions are responsible for scheduling the fields for their home games with their local park and recreation programs, school districts, or other entities.  All decisions concerning fields, schedules, re-play, or re-scheduling of games due to emergencies, discipline, eligibility, etc., shall be made by and within the discretion of the Area Director or designee, and shall be final.

The Area Referee Administrator will assist the regions in scheduling referees, if the region cannot provide referees qualified to manage games of this level, or if qualified referees are not available.  Whenever possible, the U16-19 games should have an Intermediate referee or higher as the referee.  Referee-coaches are NOT to officiate in the same division that they coach or where their children play.

3. Eligibility.  Each Region will be entitled to enter at least one team for each division in the tournament or intra-area play program.  Additional “wildcard” teams may be invited, provided there are positions available within the playoff brackets. Preference for wildcard teams will be given to those regions with the highest percentage of their regional board members who trained and certified in their board positions. All efforts will be made to accommodate as many teams as is practical within field space and referee resources available.

a. Each Regional Commissioner is responsible for ensuring the eligibility of each player from his or her respective programs (See National rule III.F. and Section 10 Article 7).

b. Only eligible and registered players may participate in this program.  Teams playing non-eligible players shall be subject to discipline, forfeit of games, or elimination at the discretion of the Area Director or designee.

c.  In order to be eligible for this program, all coaches, teams, and players must follow the AYSO National Rules and Regulations, Section Guidelines, and Area Guidelines.

Coaches without the correct certifications listed in the eAYSO system may not coach in these programs. It is the responsibility of each region to make sure the information in eAYSO is correct. It is the policy of Section 10 & Area D to not allow "stand-in" or substitute coaches when the regular season coach is not certified or trained at the age appropriate level for the team, or in cases where the regular season coach is unable or unwilling to attend tournament games. The regular season coaches are those listed on the official team roster, and they must have attended at least half the regular season games. Any exceptions MUST be pre-approved by the Area Director.

4. Roster Changes and Additions.  No roster changes or additions may be made without the approval of the Regional Commissioner, and in accordance with Area 10D Guidelines. The rosters are limited to the following: U16-19 - 22, U14 – 15 players, U12 – 12 players, and U10 – 10 players.  For U16-19 teams the rosters are due in eAYSO by August 14. The league teams must be entered by September 15. The all-star teams must be entered to eAYSO by December 15.

On U14 or lower league teams, no roster changes or additions may be made after November 1, and on All-Star teams, no roster changes or additions may be made after December 15, except with the approval of the Area Director.

5. Player Registration Forms.

a.  Coaches must have in their possession at all times a valid Player Registration Form for each player on the team.  Forms without an original signature will not be accepted, and the player or players affected will not be allowed to play.

b. At check-in, and if requested by the referees at any other time, the coach will present the Player Registration Forms of all players shown on the lineup card.

c.  NO FORM, NO PLAY, NO EXCEPTIONS, NO FOOLING!

6. Game Cards.

a. Each team must use the eAYSO Team LineUp Form (Team Line Up Report).

b. Cards must include all players on the official team roster in jersey number order with BOTH First and Last Names.  For any players not present, the reason for their absence must be noted on the lineup card.

7. Number of Players, Game Times, Grace Period, and Rescheduling.

a. The minimum number of players for a team is as follows:

U10 - 5
U12 - 6
U14 and Up - 7

b. A scheduled match shall not begin, nor be continued, if one or both teams cannot field a team. All matches shall start on time, except in the case of field unavailability due to prior game delay.

c. All games played during Area U16-19 Mini-Tournament play in August will be 60 minutes for both U16 and U19 with a five-minute half time interval.  There will be no overtime periods. Games played during the balance of the season between regions will be regular times for U16 (80 minutes) and U19 (90 minutes) with a five-minute half time interval.

Referees may abandon matches according to the Laws of the Game in Law 5 - The Referee in Decision 1. "Such decisions may include: ...a decision to abandon a match for whatever reason". This would include the interpretation that a referee may adjust the time of the match so that it may finish before darkness makes the playing of the match dangerous for the players.

d. During Intra-Area play due to the travel required to reach some field locations, there will be a maximum grace period of fifteen (15) minutes.  If the game starts late, the referees are to deduct the grace time expired from the total game time. There is NO GRACE period during tournament play.

e. The games during Area U16-19 Mini-Tournament play in August play will be played as specified on the published game schedules.  If Mini-Tournament games are cancelled, all reasonable attempts will be made to re-schedule them.  Games played during the balance of the season between regions will be re-scheduled by decision of the regions' Regional Commissioner or designee.

8. Forfeits.  Any team that is not ready to play at the end of the grace period will forfeit the match.

9. Good Sportsmanship / Mercy Rule.  The Area expects all coaches to display good sportsmanship and many any necessary changes to their lineup to prevent lopsided scores.  For example, if a game finishes with a score of 10-0, the coach will be required to write a letter of explanation to the Area Review Board.

10. Players Under Doctor's Care.  Upon a return to active play after treatment for any injury, all players under a doctor’s care must present a signed release (on the attending physician’s letterhead) with the doctor’s permission to return to active play.  Such releases shall be presented to the Regional Commissioner who has the responsibility of informing and certifying to the Area Director that the child may return to active play with the physician’s permission.

11. Uniforms.

a. Every player shall wear a team uniform consisting of matching jersey, shorts, and socks as provided by the Regions in accordance with AYSO Rules and Regulations. Goalkeeper jerseys should include the AYSO logo.

b. In accordance with FIFA Laws, metal braces, studs, earrings, hair ornaments and any other hard or metal jewelry or other objects are not allowed.

c. No hard-brimmed caps, headbands, or bandannas are allowed.  In the case of cold or inclement weather, soft, knit headwear will be allowed.

d. Commercially manufactured shin guards of the appropriate size are MANDATORY and must, in the judgment of the referee, afford a player a reasonable amount of protection.

e. Bicycle shorts must be of the same color as the team's uniform shorts.

f.  Uniform tops must be tucked in at the waist at all times beginning at team check-in.  Uniform shorts must be worn with the waistband at waist level.

g. No face or hair painting or other body decorations of any kind are allowed, except that soft hair ribbons, rubber bands, or “scrunchies” for hair grooming are allowed and may be colored.

h. Excessively long fingernails of any kind are not allowed unless the player wears knit gloves during the match.

i.  In case of inclement weather, gloves, mittens, sweat pants and sweatshirts (including turtlenecks) may be worn at the discretion of the referee.  Sweatshirts with hoods must have the hood tucked into the shirt at all times during the game.  Such additional garments shall be of the same color and general style for all teammates who choose to wear them.  Pants shall be worn over the shorts and shirts shall be worn under the jersey.

j.  Goalkeeper jerseys shall not have advertisements for alcohol, cigarettes, etc. nor have obscene, suggestive, insulting, or profane language or artwork on them.

12. Home Team/Uniform Conflicts.

a. The Home team is the first team listed on the schedule.

b.  All coaches, substitutes, parents, and spectators for each team shall occupy the opposite side of the field from the other team.  The Home Team shall occupy the west side of the field.  Some fields are laid out North-South.  For these fields, the Home Team will occupy the north side.

c.  The Home Team also is responsible for supplying the game ball and changing jerseys or wearing overlays in the event of a color conflict.  The referee shall make all decisions regarding color conflicts. 

13. Field Responsibility.

a.  It at all times is the responsibility of all teams, coaches, players and spectators to clean up their trash at the end of each match, and to leave the sideline promptly at the conclusion of each game so the next game can start on time.

b.  Noisemakers and loud music are not allowed.

14. Coaching Limitations.

a. Coaches at all times are expected to set examples of good sportsmanship and shall be responsible for the conduct of their players, parents and spectators.

b. Coaching shall be limited to positive instruction and encouragement only.  Negative comments about referees or opponents, or abusive language, or behavior directed at the players as judged by the referee or tournament officials will not be tolerated and may subject the coach to discipline or expulsion at the discretion of the Area Director or designee.

c.  Sideline participation shall be limited to two coaches from each team who at all times shall remain in the designated coaches' area which extends ten yards on either side of the half-line and is one yard behind the touchline.

d.  Coaches and spectators shall not enter the field of play at any time unless requested by the referee.  Once on the field, coaches shall absolutely refrain from providing coaching instruction to the team, except for player replacement for the injury.

15. Substitution Opportunities: These are NOT time outs, coaching opportunities, or mini-half times. Players coming out will leave the field BEFORE the new players enter the field.

a. The U10-U14 tournaments ONLY will follow the "Equitable Play" policy adopted by the Area Board (Area Director and Regional Commissioners):

During an individual match, no player shall participate in a fourth consecutive quarter of play unless or until all other players from that team have already participated or are participating in their third quarter of play.

Roster sizes may require that some players be substitutes for two (2) quarters. No player may be a substitute for two (2) quarters more than once during the tournament.

Any coach found to have violated this rule will be immediately suspended for a minimum of one game. This penalty will carry over to any additional post-season participation by the coach should the suspension occur during the last game of the tournament. Additional penalties may also apply, such as forfeiture of the game and/or expulsion from the tournament.

- If your team wins a match where the players have been improperly scheduled in violation of "Equitable Play" that match will be recorded as a forfeit loss for your team and a forfeit win for your opponent.
- If your team ties a match where the players have been improperly scheduled in violation of "Equitable Play" that match will be recorded as a forfeit loss for your team and a forfeit win for your opponent.
- If your team loses a match where the players have been improperly scheduled in violation of "Equitable Play" you will lose one point toward the final standings in pool play.
- If the coaches of both teams in a match have improperly scheduled their players in violation of "Equitable Play" both teams will received a forfeit loss. If the team lost the match they will lose one point toward the final standings in pool play.

If a player is injured or is unable to play due to a physical limitation, they should be listed on the game card as injured. Any questions or special situations should be brought to the attention of the Tournament Director or designee.

b.  Regular Substitutions:

           i. ALL substitutions during play will be done midway through the first half, at the half, midway through the second half, and for injuries. The referee team will, at a normal stoppage of play, halt the game and note on the lineup cards the substitutions.  A stoppage of play shall be when the ball is out of play, such as just after an injury or a goal, prior to a penalty kick, throw-in, or a goal kick. This is NOT a time-out, nor is it a coaching opportunity. It is for substitution ONLY!

           ii. Each team may substitute as many players or none during such substitution opportunities, if all players meet the minimum play requirements.

           iii. Players substituting in and out at any time must report to the assistant referee at midfield.

           iv. A goalkeeper may change with another player on the field at any stoppage of play as long as the referee is informed.  When possible, the referee should add time lost as a result of this change.

           v. For U16-19 players ONLY, if a coach enters the field to attend to a player, the player must leave the field to ensure the player's ability to continue in the match. If the coach choses to play short, and if the player is able to continue, the player may re-enter the match at the next stoppage of play with the permission of the referee.

If the player is injured and not able to continue, the team may provide a substitute for the player, in which case the injured player may not return until the next substitution opportunity.  The substitute player must be recognized by the referee prior to entering the field.  Only the player who is injured is credited with play for that period, regardless of the actual time played.  The team also may elect not to substitute for the injured player, in which case the injured player may re-enter the field of play at any time with the permission of the referee.

16. Area Invitational Tournament Teams

Each region will develop its own procedures to determine which teams will be eligible for the Area Invitational Tournament

18. Disciplinary Action.

a. Violent, abusive, negative, and/or disruptive conduct toward opponents, referees, or officials will not be tolerated.  It is the responsibility of each coach to counsel his or her players and spectators regarding positive and sportsmanlike conduct at all times.

b. It is not the referee's responsibility to control unruly players and spectators.  IT IS THE JOB OF THE COACH TO DO SO!  And, we expect coaches to do so by setting the best possible example with his or her own behavior.  Any violation of these conduct guidelines may result in discipline, including expulsion from the program, at the discretion of the Area Review Board.

c. Players and substitutes who are sent off from a match for violent conduct or serious foul play, and coaches who engage in violent behavior will be suspended for, at least, one game.  The Area Review Board will review the incident.  Additional sanctions may apply, including suspension for the balance of the season.

d. Players and substitutes who are sent off from a match for any other reason, and coaches who are asked by any official to leave a game, will be suspended from the remainder of the match and from the entire next match in which they are eligible to play, including league and all-star tournaments. If the next scheduled match is forfeit for any reason, that match will NOT be considered for the suspension.

e.  Players, substitutes and coaches seeking another player, spectator, referee or official for the purpose of fighting or harassing another player, spectator, referee or official after a match either on or in the vicinity of the playing fields, will be suspended from the entire next match in which they are eligible to play, including league and all-stars tournaments.

f.  Players and substitutes accumulating a total of three send-offs (red cards) during the program season, and coaches accumulating a total of three match suspensions will be ineligible for any further participation for the remainder of the program, including league, and all-star tournaments.

g. Any player sent off for any reason must immediately leave the vicinity of the playing fields accompanied by a parent or responsible adult, and that player’s team must play short-handed for the remainder of the match.

h. Except for an instance of improper goalkeeper change, any player or substitute committing a second cautionable offense (yellow card) in the same match will be sent off for the remainder of the match, and the participant will be ineligible for the next match in which the player otherwise would be eligible to play, including league and all-star. If the next scheduled match is forfeit for any reason, that match will NOT be considered for the suspension.

i.  If the individual committing a second cautionable offense (yellow card) is a player at the time, the team of that player must play short-handed.  Any player receiving a total of three cautions during this program will then be ineligible to play in their next scheduled match, including league or all-star tournaments. If the next scheduled match is forfeit for any reason, that match will NOT be considered for the suspension.

j.  If a player or coach is guilty of two send off offenses or the equivalent, they will be suspended from further AYSO activity pending a hearing of the Area Review Board within seven days.  Three cautions are equal to a send off.

k.  Any player or coach guilty of the equivalent of three send off offenses will be ineligible for further AYSO activities this season, including league or all-star play.

l.   The Area Referee Administrator will keep a record of all cautions and send-offs.

m.  Any player or coach, suspended under these Guidelines, who is found to have participated in a match from which he or she was suspended, shall be suspended for the next match in which he or she is eligible to play, including league and all-star play, and the game may be forfeit at the discretion of the Area Review Board. If the next scheduled match is forfeit for any reason, that match will NOT be considered for the suspension.

n.  Any offending player or coach may also be suspended for the balance of the season, including league and all-star play at the discretion of the Area Review Board.

o.  Any team causing the termination of a match by any demonstration or disruption shall forfeit that match.  Any team causing the termination of two matches for disciplinary reasons will be suspended for the remainder of the season, including league and all-star play.

19. Referee Reports.

a.  Referees shall submit a written report in the event of:

        i. All cautions (yellow cards) and send-offs (red cards).

       ii. Violent conduct of the players, and any conduct of coaches or spectators interfering with the control of the match.

      iii. Abuse of AYSO minimum play rules which may come to the attention of the referee.

      iv. Any other action, which the referee may determine merits a report.

       v. Referee reports must be sent (email or regular mail) to the Area Referee Administrator within twenty-four hours of the game.

Protests.  While constructive input is always welcome, THERE WILL BE NO PROTESTS WHATSOEVER!!