The 10U program was developed to continue player development in a fun yet competitive environment. After the completion of the regular season a post season tournament is played with the top two teams receiving trophies.  The winner of the post season tournament is eligible to move on to the area tournament. MAJOR CHANGES ARE BOLD
 

The Ball: 
A size 4 ball is used for U-10 games.

The Players:
There will be seven per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper. Ten maximum on roster. Substitutions are between periods, at halftime and for injuries.

Player Equipment: 
Shoes and shinguards, covered by the socks are mandatory at all practice and game activities. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.

Duration of Game:
Four 12.5-minute periods. Halftime break of 5 -10 minutes.

The Start of Play: 
The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field. Referees determine which team starts the game with a coin flip and the opposing team starts the second half. Opponents must be eight yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

HEADING THE BALL
1.       Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division players 12U and below in both practices and matches.
2.       An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player age 10 or younger, deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match.
a.     The indirect free kick is to be taken from the place where the player touched the ball with his/her head.
b.     An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the opposing team’s goal area, must be taken on the goal area line at the point nearest to where the player touched the ball with his/her head.
3.     Neither cautions nor send-offs shall be issued for persistent infringement or denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity related to the heading infractions.

GOALKEEPER PUNTS
1.     For 10U the goalkeeper shall not punt the ball.
2. During the regular season the goalkeeper will be allowed a "do over" if goalkeeper deliberately punts the ball during a match.
3..    During post season tournaments an indirect kick will be awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the offense if goalkeeper deliberately punts the ball during a match.
4.     An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the opposing team’s goal area must be taken on the goal area line at the point nearest to where the goalkeeper punted the ball.

BUILD-OUT LINE
1.     The build-out line shall be placed across the field equidistant between the top of the penalty area and the halfway line.
2.     The opposing team must move behind the build-out line for a goal kick or when the goalkeeper has possession. At any time, the goalkeeper may pass, throw or roll the ball to a teammate who is behind the build-out line.
3.     The goalkeeper or the player taking the goal kick does not have to wait for the opposing players to move behind the build-out line. The play from the goalkeeper or from the goal kick must be played to a teammate behind the build-out line. After the ball is put into play, the opposing team can then cross the build-out line and play may resume as normal. The first touch is from the goal kick or the pass from the goalkeeper.
4.     The build-out line shall be used as the line to determine offside. Players cannot be penalized for an offside offense between the halfway line and the build-out line.

Fouls & Misconduct
Opponents must be eight yards from the ball on restart kicks. Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches and eliminate the need for cautions and send-offs.

Referee:
AYSO certified Regional Referees or higher are required for U-10 and older games.The referee should briefly explain any infringements to the player(s) and encourage proper play and sporting behavior. As with all games, every effort should be made to keep the game moving and free from stoppages for doubtful infractions. Let them play and enjoy.

Assistant Referees/Club Linesmen:
If available, qualified assistant referees who have completed Assistant Referee Certification may be used to assist the referee. This is an opportunity for new assistant referees to begin getting experience. If qualified assistant referees are not available, Club Linesmen (untrained volunteers who may be affiliated with one of the teams/clubs) may be recruited from the spectators to assist the referee with calling the ball in and out of play only. This is an opportunity for parents to get involved.