August 1, 2017 marks the official rollout of U.S. Soccer’s Player Development Initiatives (PDIs). AYSO will be implementing these initiatives for the upcoming Fall Season. Here are some things you should know about the newest standards in youth soccer.
What are PDIs?
The PDIs aim to create an environment for youth players to grow and develop their soccer abilities.
- Small Sided Games
- The most notable PDI includes small-sided game standards, which AYSO has already been doing for years. Fewer players on the field will allow players to be more involved and provide more touches and more opportunity for development.
- Birth Year Registration
- The age determination for registration, previously determined by the August to July school calendar, has changed from to registration based on a player’s birth year, from January 1 to December 31 of a given birth year. Previously, two players born in the same year could fall into different age groups. Now, all players in the same birth year will register in the same age group.
- Player Health and Safety Program
- Recognize to Recover is aimed at promoting safe play and reducing injuries in soccer players of all ages. The program was developed with the help of medical experts to provide coaches, players, parents and referees with information, guidance and additional educational materials to improve the prevention and management of injuries.
Why are PDIs being implemented?
The PDIs are designed to shift the focus of youth soccer from results based to individual player development. Tasked with advancing the sport at all levels, these initiatives are being implemented to create uniform standards with the primary consideration extended to the individual player at each age level based on their developmental needs.
Prior to implementation, standards of play for youth games varied greatly across the country. Standardizing rules and regulations allows all youth players to develop on a level playing field. It also allows U.S. Soccer to better serve and educate players, parents, coaches and referees. The United States has historically been one of the only countries of FIFA’s member nations to use a school calendar for age group registration. Now, U.S. players will develop in the same environment as leading soccer nations worldwide.
When will PDIs go into effect?
PDIs officially go into effect on August 1, 2017. After PDIs were first announced in August of 2015, the two-year window has allowed every U.S. youth soccer organization to adjust. AYSO began implementation last year by eliminating heading for age groups 12U and below.
Who will benefit from PDIs?
PDIs apply to all youth member organizations of U.S. Soccer, including AYSO, MYSL, MSPSP, U.S. Club Soccer, and others. The new standards are meant to provide uniformity to the inconsistent landscape of youth soccer in the United States, making it vitally important that all organizations implement the changes.
What do the PDI's mean for AYSO?
The following is a list of how the initiatives will specifically effect AYSO Region 195 games this Fall.
- 8U Divisions will play 4v4 without a goalkeeper
- 10U Divisions will play 7v7 with a goalkeeper
- The Build-Out Line will be used in all 10U games
- There will be no goalkeeper punting in divisions 10U and below
For a complete list of age group specific rules, please
click here.