WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR 16U DIVISIONS AT AYSO 33

Division Manager: TBD
All inquiries about the Division should begin with the Division Manager, who is yet to be determined.   
Until then, inquiries can be made to the Regional Commissioner at: [email protected]

Age Range:
BU16, GU16:  All players born in the years 2009 or 2010.
(NOTE: National Soccer has established the age range for all divisions.  AYSO is not permitted to deviate from it.)

What Equipment Do I Need?
Soccer shoes (not turf shoes) are preferred.  Also, athletic shoes are allowed.  NOTE:  Metal cleats are not permitted.
Shin Guards (which must be completely covered by soccer socks)
Size 5 soccer ball

When will Teams be Formed:
As soon as we get enough players (at least 14) and a certified coach.  This must be done no later than August 1, 2024.

Number of Teams:
One GU16 team, One BU16 team (maximum of 15 players per team)

How do I become a certified coach for 16U?
AYSO is an all-volunteer organization, and we must have certified coaches to have teams.   All AYSO coaches and assistant coaches, at every level, must: 1)  register as a volunteer through our website (ayso33.org) and 2) complete online classes and an in-person coach training session.  Here is a link to the step-by-step process to become a coach: https://www.ayso33.org/Portals/14777/docs/2023/coach_certification_2023.pdf
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Email our Coach Mentor at: [email protected]

Practices – Twice a Week:
All 16U teams will practice twice per week for one hour at our Balboa Park soccer fields.  We have practice field permits for Monday through Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm.  The coach will select the practice days and times. 

When do Practices Begin?
As soon as teams are formed.

When Do Games Begin?
Opening Day Sunday, August 18 at the North Valley Soccer fields in Granada Hills. 
Weather permitting, play will continue every Sunday through October 27 (no games on Sept 1 due to Labor Day Weekend).   

Game Schedule:
The schedules will be posted on our website at www.ayso33.org  (go to the “Team Central” tab) .
 Our teams will play all of their games against other AYSO Regions within our Area.   

When Do Playoffs Begin?
Area 10V Playoffs: Saturday, November 3 at the North Valley Soccer fields in Granada Hills
Section 10 Playoffs (for those who advance from Area Playoffs): November 9-10, 2024, at Bakersfield

GAME DAY DETAILS AND RULES

Duration of Game:
70 minutes, plus a half-time break of 5-10 minutes

The game is broken into two thirty-five (35) minute periods.  During each period, there is a stoppage after approximately seventeen and one-half (17.5) minutes, where there will be a short water break and substitutions allowed.  Players who are not substituted must stay on the field at the sideline.  This stoppage is NOT a time for coaching players.  The game clock keeps on running. 

NOTE:  There is NO stoppage time added at the end of each half

Playing Time Info:

Numbers:
Eleven players per team on the field, one of which is a goalkeeper (Fifteen players maximum on the roster.)        

Substitutions:
Between periods, at halftime, and for injuries.

Limits on Goalkeepers: 
In 16U, there is no limit on how many quarters a goalkeeper may play (providing there is no violation of the “playing time” rule, see below).

Playing Time:
Minimum of two quarters per player per game.   No player may play four quarters until everyone has played three.    No player may play two quarters in a game for more than one game until every other player on the team has played two quarters in a game.

NOTE: While the Referee records players and substitutes on the game card, adherence to the playing time policy is the responsibility of the Coach, not the Referee nor the Assistant Referee. Any violation of the playing time policy may result in a (post-game) forfeit against the offending team.

The Field:
The field size for 16U games is 100 yards long by 50 yards wide.

Goal Dimensions:
Goals are a maximum of 8 ft high by 24 ft wide.

The Ball:
A size 5 soccer ball is used for all 14U games and practices.

Scores and Standings:Scores, standings, team volunteer points, and team referee points will all be updated and posted on our website at www.ayso33.org  (go to the “Team Central” tab)

“No Slaughter Rule” - Good Sportsmanship is a MUST:
Although we do our best to balance teams, sometimes a game can be too one-sided and can cause bad feelings.  In that situation, coaches must take positive steps to hold down the score. 

Games may be forfeited for multiple violations of this rule.  Our Coach Mentor is a terrific resource for the many ways this can be accomplished:  [email protected]

Referees/Officiating:
One certified center referee and 2 certified assistant referees (1 on each touchline). 

SIDELINE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES & PARENTS – RESPECT FOR REFEREES

AYSO Region 33 has adopted a Code of Conduct, which prohibits conversation with referees during games about the calls made or not made, plus other behavior that interferes with the enjoyable, positive atmosphere for kids and everyone else.  HERE IS THE LINK: https://www.ayso33.org/Portals/14777/docs/2023/parent_spectator_codeofconduct_2023.pdf

The Start of Play:
A coin toss is used to determine which team has the option to kick off to start the game or instead to kick off to start the second half.  The game starts with a kick-off in the center of the field.  The team not kicking off must be at least eight yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.

Ball In and Out of Play:
The ball is out of play when it completely crosses the touchline (sideline) or goal line, either on the ground or in the air.  Play is restarted by a throw-in (for balls out of play crossing the touchline,) by a goal kick (for balls crossing the goal line and last touched by the attacking team), or by a corner kick (for balls crossing the goal line and last touched by the defending team.)

Throw-In:
The ball is thrown from behind the head and at least one foot must be in contact with the ground.  Second chances are not given for improper throw-ins for U14.  An improper throw-in results in a throw-in for the opposing team.   There is no offsides violation on a throw-in.

Goal Kick:
The goal kick may be taken from any point inside the goal area.  The goal kick is retaken if the ball is touched or played by either team before leaving the penalty area.

Corner Kick:
The opposing team must be at least eight yards from the ball when the corner kick is taken in 14U games.

What counts as a “Goal”?
A goal is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal.  

Goalkeeper Punts allowed:
The goalkeeper is allowed to punt the ball in 16U. 

Offside:
The offside law applies in 16U games.   An offsides offense can occur anywhere between the halfway line and the goal line.

Handball Rule:
A “handball” offense occurs when a player makes a deliberate movement of the hand or arm to the ball. For example, even if an arm is in a natural position, if the player moves his/her body to use the arm to direct or play the ball, it is an offense.

It is an offense when a player touches the ball with the hand/arm positioned to make a player's body "unnaturally larger" and it is not in a position that can be considered natural for the body movement for that specific situation; distance from last point of contact does not matter. So, for example, a ball touching a player's arm that is in a natural running position is not an offense. If the ball touches an arm that extends out or up, then it is an offense.

Heading:
Heading the ball is allowed in 16U games.

Contact:
Slide tackling is allowed if done legally. 
At this age, you should expect some bumping and physical contact.  

What happens when there is a foul?
     Free Kick: For fouls not committed by the defending team in its own penalty area, fouls may be either direct (may score directly), or indirect (must be touched or played by another player before a goal can be scored). Opponents must be at least eight yards from the ball or on the goal line between the goal posts during free kicks.
     Penalty Kick: For direct free-kick fouls committed by the defending team in its own penalty area, a penalty kick will be awarded to the attacking team.   The penalty kick is taken from the penalty mark with all other players outside the penalty area except the opposing team’s goalkeeper. 

Misconduct:
The center referee has the discretion to issue yellow cards and even red cards to players and coaches.   Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their sidelines.  Here is the link to Region 33’s Coach Code of Conduct: https://www.ayso33.org/Portals/14777/docs/2023/coach_code_of_conduct_2023.pdf

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW

AYSO is completely run by volunteers.  Nobody gets paid.  We expect that a minimum of 1 hour of volunteerism is done on behalf of every player in the 16U Division.  To find out what you can do, please email ur Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected]

UNIFORMS:
Uniforms (socks, shorts, and jersey) will be provided to coaches to hand out prior to the first game, which is August 19, 2023.

Photo Day:
Photo Day will take place on a Saturday in early September, date and time to be determined.  There will also be a makeup photo day later in that month (However, those who attend the makeup session will likely NOT be included in the team photo).

Yearbooks:
Will be provided to coaches to pass out on the last day of the season.

Thanksgiving Tournament (for Volunteers): We plan on hosting the Cynthia Petrillo Thanksgiving Turkey tournament on Friday, November 29, and Saturday, November 30 at our Balboa Park soccer fields.   It will be a fundraiser for our Region.  We will need volunteers to help organize and operate the Tournament.

**IMPORTANT:  The details above are subject to change.  Everything depends on the number of players that register and volunteers that come forward to help.