History of the Laws of the Game
Ever since it was founded in the 19th century, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has played a vital role in international football. It acts as the guardian of the Laws of the Game and is responsible for studying, modifying and overseeing any changes to it.
All play within Section 1 will be in accordance with to the current IFAB Laws of the Game, AYSO National Rules and Regulations and these Section 1 Rules and Regulations.
Additional guidance for all Playoff games in Section 1. This guidance is in addition to the current IFAB Laws of the Game, AYSO National Rules and Regulations and Section 1 Rules and Regulations.
AYSO Section 1-10-11 Guidelines for EXTRA Program Play for a competitive youth soccer program within Section 1.
AYSO National Rules and Regulations of EXTRA Program Play for a competitive youth soccer program within AYSO.
The Player Development Initiative and Heading implementation for Section 1 addresses our implementation of the program as described in the AYSO National Rules and Regulations. Our own Area 1P staff has created a video presentation of the current implementation of the Build-Out Line for Coaches & Referees.
On those rare occasions where scheduled Section 1 matches cannot be completed due to elements beyond anyone’s control, the outcomes of these matches are determined by this Section 1 policy.
This is the official version of the AYSO Rules & Regulations. The National Rules & Regulations describe how AYSO conducts age specific programs and games including expectations for participation, details on team formation and registration requirements.
These rules may be amended or supplemented by Section and/or Area rules.
The addendum to the 2025-2026 IFAB Laws of the Game, detailing those changes which are approved within IFAB’S authorization, that allows Federations to make changes in the following five areas are included in the AYSO Referee Guideline:
- Size of the field of play
- Width between the goalposts and height of the crossbar from the ground
- Size, weight and material of the ball
- Duration of the periods of play
- Substitutions
Details of the law changes for 2025-2026 season may be viewed at here.
The changes significant to AYSO may be viewed here.
139th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of The International Football Association Board approved changes for 2025-26 (The IFAB). The 2025-2026 Laws of the Game are available for download.
The IFAB LOTG App for iOS or Android is updated for 2025-2026.
Details of the law changes may be viewed at https://www.theifab.com/law-changes/latest/. For AYSO, these changes come into force 1 August 2025.
The updated report Codes for Cautionable and Sending-Off Offenses according to the LOTG are posted.
Considerations for Analysis of Match Situations
This page is a gateway to all current AYSO information for Referees, Coaches and all Volunteers.