Game Play

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Scoring

While children, especially as they get older, most certainly do "keep score" - of the game score and season standings, DeKalb AYSO does not publicly collect or post this information. The focus of the game is to have fun and learn about soccer. No prizes are awarded to the team with the most wins in the end. Because teams are balanced when they are put together, the games should technically be "fair".

On rare occasions, teams have gone for an entire season without winning - or sometimes without losing - a game. Players should be reminded that this is not a reflection on any one aspect of the sport or coach or team or player.

If the team is having a hard time winning games

Focus not only on good sportsmanship but also on what they are getting from the experience - perseverance, dedication, supporting their teammates even when they're down. This is not always an easy thing for parents, let alone players, to do. Be mindful of that in dealings with the coach, other parents, and other players as well as your own. If children see you're ok with it, they are less likely to feel they've let you down, but if they hear someone being berated, they will feel responsible.
Ask them if they tried their best, if they had fun.
Remind them that they're playing as a part of a team.
Remind goalies that the ball had to get through every player on their team before it got through them.
If you have an issue with a coach or a referee, remember that they are all volunteers. Discuss matters with them privately and proactively, offer to lend a hand as opposed to a harsh word.
Tell them how proud you are of them.

If the team is having an extremely successful season

Show good sportsmanship in their wins.
Commend them on their efforts.
Be wary of their becoming too "cocky" and getting comfortable.
Encourage them to challenge themselves, to further develop themselves.
Tell them how proud you are of them.

Game Info

Div.	Quarter Length	Game Duration	Ball Size	Goalie	Offside Rule?
U5	5	20	3	No	No
U6	5	20	3	No	No
U8	10	40	3	No	Discretionary

U10	12.5	50	4	Yes	Yes

U12	15	60	4	Yes	Yes

U16	20	80	5	Yes	Yes

Game Play

NOTES
At the discretion of the coaches:

Additional players can be added in to allow more players additional playing time, however the teams need to be equal.
Additional players may be added to the team with fewer points when a score becomes too lopsided.
Players can be temporarily removed from the team with more points when a score becomes too lopsided, only after all players have been added from the opposing team.
Above time includes only playing time, not halftime or quarter breaks.
At the beginning of the season, parents should sign up for a Saturday(s) bringing "snack". This includes individual bags of grapes or quartered oranges for halftime, and juice-box/water/sports drink and a healthy snack for after the game.
Please consider bringing a few extras for the younger siblings if possible.
Beginning with U8 games, parents and spectators are to sit on the opposite side of field from players and coaches, beginning at U10, it is suggested, with parents on the east facing west, and coaches/players on the west facing east (for fields 6 & 7, parents and spectators should be on the south side facing north and players/coaches on the north facing south).
No parent, coach, spectator or player is to sit or stand behind either of the goal lines/ends on the north and south ends of the fields (east and west ends for fields 6 & 7).

The referee is to stop the game if a parent is out of line. The game will not restart until the incident is resolved.
The referee is to stop the game if a major infraction occurs and counsel the player with or without the coach - use it as a teaching moment.
The coach or referee can have a player who is not following good sportsmanship sit out until they are ready to participate appropriately.
Coaches should assist the referee at beginning of game, by making sure athletes are dressed appropriately (shin guards on with appropriate socks, jersey tucked, no jewelry, no zippers, no toe cleats, etc.).