Build-out Line VideoThe purpose of the build out line is to promote player development- allowing a team to play the ball out of the back in a pressure-free (or less pressured zone) at the start of goal kicks and when goal keepers have possession of the ball.
Once a goal kick has been called by the referee or once the goalkeeper takes possession of the ball, the defending team (the team without the ball) should immediately run behind the build out line.
No player of the defending team may cross the build out line until the ball has been put back into play and the ball has left the penalty box area. When the goalkeeper is in possession of the ball, the goalkeeper may put the ball in play at any time and they do not have to wait until defenders are all behind the build out line first.
Finally, at U10, the build out line, and not the halfway or center line, is used to denote offside violations. In other words, an attacker cannot be penalized for offside in the zone between the halfway line and the build out line, only in the zone between the build out line and the end line (goal line.)
There is no punting in U10. This is a rule, and the referee is instructed to call this as a penalty, resulting in an indirect kick for the opposing team.
The no punting rule is intended to encourage teams to use their foot and passing skills to play the ball up from the back of the field, to not simply give possession of the ball to the opposing team, and finally to discourage heading the ball at the U7-U10 ages. Starting in U12, goal keepers may punt the ball, though heading is still not allowed until U14.
AYSO started instituting the use of build-out lines in all 10U matches beginning in Fall 2017. U.S. Soccer has included the build-out line in its mandates to improve the coaching and playing environment for our kids. The build-out line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting and aids in developing possession and decision-making skills.
Section L of the AYSO National Rules and Regulations explains the build out line:
- The build-out line shall be placed across the field equidistant between the top of the penalty area and the halfway line.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Fall Tournament Guidelines - Google Docs

Fall Tournament Guidelines
Player and team requirements
· Eligibility: Players must be on the current season's roster and have played in at least 50% of the regular season games; teams cannot be combined, and guest players are not allowed.
· Medical forms: Coaches must have a copy of each player's current season medical release form with them at all times.
· Rosters: Roster changes are not allowed once the tournament begins. A completed and signed roster is required for participation. The region will have a roster.
ALL PLAYERS MUST HAVE BEEN REGISTERED AND PLAYED IN REGION 652 THE FALL SEASON.
ALL PLAYERS FROM THE FALL SEASON ON YOUR TEAM MUST BE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE.
PLAYERS CANNOT BE SHARED; TEAMS CANNOT BE COMBINED.
Team Check-in: All Coaches must check in at least 30 minutes before their first match. All players must obtain a wristband.
Equipment and uniforms
· Mandatory gear: Shin guards are required for all players and must be worn under the uniform sock. Soft-soled shoes and uniforms are also required.
· Uniforms: Teams must wear matching jerseys, shorts, and socks.
· Permitted gear: Knee pads, elbow pads, and sweatpants are allowed.
· Weather: Garments worn under uniforms for weather must be the same style, length, and color.
Coach and staff requirements
· Certification: Coaches and assistant coaches must be fully registered, certified for their age group.
· Staff support: Coaches are expected to assist with monitoring and other tournament duties as needed.
Game and administrative rules
· Schedule: Teams must arrive 30 minutes before their game, as games may start early or late to stay on schedule.
· Game duration: Game lengths are set, but may be shortened to maintain the schedule. Halftime breaks are limited to 5 minutes or less.
CLOCK DOES NOT STOP FOR HYDRATION PERIOD
CLOCK DOES NOT STOP TO TIE A PLAYERS SHOE LACE(S)
CLOCK DOES NOT STOP FOR INJURIES
NO additional/extra time added for injuries or stoppages.
· Coin toss: Up to referees discretion.
· Protests: Referee calls and decisions are final and cannot be protested.
· Substitution: Important substitution reminders for all 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U matches:
• Substitutions are allowed at halftime and approximately mid-way through each half (at the quarter break).
• Substitutions will be recorded on the lineup card by the referee.
• Substitutions may be made for an injured player; however, the injured player may not return until the beginning of the next quarter and will be considered as having played the current quarter (exception: an injured player not replaced may return to play at any time with the referee’s permission).
· All substitutions must be approved and recognized by the referee. • 'Free' substitution is not allowed in 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, or 14U matches.
SCORING
· TOURNAMENT STYLE POINT SYSTEM
· WIN – 3 POINTS
· TIE – 1 POINT
· LOSS - 0 POINTS
· IF A TEAM FORFEITS OR IS A NO SHOW, THE OPPOSING TEAM WILL RECEIVE A FULL 3 POINTS SCORE
· IF ANY REFEREE ASSIGNMENT IS DROPPED – THERE WILL BE 1 POINT DEDUCTION –NO EXCEPTIONS!
10U, 12U,14U - referee assignments must have a 3 man referee crew or there will be 1 point deduction.
TIE BREAKER
· GOAL DIFFERENTIAL
Pool play matches may end in a tie.
• Semi-Final and Championship matches must have a winner. If tied at the end of the 4th quarter, the winner will be determined by penalty kicks.
Discipline: All coaches shall always remain within the coaching box during the playing of a match. Any player, coach, assistant coach or spectator who is requested to depart the playing area will result in a 1 point deduction from the team total points earned in that match and that player or coach shall not participate in the next scheduled match or matches as determined by the South Gate Board Members.
Problems or unforeseen occurrences during the tournament shall be handled by the tournament director on duty. His/her decision on all matters is FINAL.
No protests will be allowed!
Team awards will be given to: 1st place (trophy and medals), 2nd place (medals) and 3rd place (medals). Awards will be awarded to participating players only.
1st place -winning team will participate in the Area Tournament.
Any teams participating in Area or Section Tournaments must have all certifications completed! No exceptions!
Good luck to all teams and have fun 🙂