6U Division Overview

The 6U division is designed to introduce players to their first team-based soccer experience in a fun, supportive, and age-appropriate environment. Players participate in small-sided games, typically 4 vs. 4, on smaller fields with simplified rules.

This format helps maximize ball touches, player engagement, and learning while keeping the experience positive and enjoyable.

For Nipomo AYSO, practice and game play are held during the same scheduled session. Each session is approximately 55 minutes and may vary slightly from week to week.

Field Size: Approximately 15–25 yards by 25–35 yards, adjusted based on field availability
Ball Size: 3
Roster Maximum: 6 players
Players on Field: 4 vs. 4, no goalkeepers
Practice Format: Included within the scheduled session, generally the first 30 minutes
Game Format: Approximately 25 minutes, usually four 5-minute periods with a short halftime
Referees: Coaches facilitate play, focusing on keeping the game moving and helping players learn through play.

8U Division Overview

The 8U division is a learning-focused division designed to build on fundamental skills and introduce more structured team play. Nipomo AYSO will run this as a combined 8U division, so there will not be a separate 7U division.

Players participate in short-sided games on small fields with simplified rules to support development, maximize ball touches, and keep players engaged.

Field Size: Approximately 25–35 yards long by 15–25 yards wide, adjusted based on field availability
Goals: Maximum 6 feet high by 6 yards wide
Ball Size: 3
Roster Maximum: 6 players
Players on Field: 4 vs. 4, no goalkeepers
Practice Sessions: 45–60 minutes, once per week
Game Length: Approximately 40 minutes, typically two 20-minute halves with breaks between quarters and halftime

Game Format & Philosophy
Scores are not kept in this division, and no official game records are maintained. The focus is on development, teamwork, confidence, and creating a positive soccer experience.

Referees
Each team is expected to help support referee coverage throughout the season. Teams may alternate responsibility for providing a referee.

Referees must complete the required AYSO training for this division. Parents are encouraged to become certified and sign up to referee games. Youth referees age 10 and older who have completed the required training may also officiate matches.

10U Division Overview

The 10U division builds on foundational skills while introducing increased game awareness, positioning, and team play. Nipomo AYSO will run this as a combined 9U/10U division.

Players participate in small-sided games that emphasize skill development, decision-making, teamwork, and confidence.

Field Size: Approximately 55–65 yards long by 35–45 yards wide
Goals: Maximum 6.5 feet high by 18.5 feet wide
Ball Size: 4
Roster Maximum: 10 players
Players on Field: 7 vs. 7, including a goalkeeper
Minimum Players: 5 players per team
Practice Sessions: 45–60 minutes, up to two times per week
Game Length: Approximately 50 minutes, typically two 25-minute halves with breaks between quarters and halftime

Heading
Heading the ball is not permitted in this division.

Game Format & Philosophy
Scores may be recorded for game management purposes, but standings are not maintained during the regular season. The focus remains on development, fair play, teamwork, and creating a positive experience for all players.

Player Sharing & Sportsmanship
Teams are expected to share players when an opposing team is short on players. Coaches are also expected to manage game situations in a way that keeps games balanced and avoids lopsided scores.

Referees
Each team is expected to help support referee coverage throughout the season. Games are officiated by trained referees coordinated by the Regional Referee Administrator.

A standard match includes one Center Referee and two Assistant Referees when available.

The certification level for this division is Regional Referee. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old to become certified. Youth referees are encouraged to be at least two years older than the division they officiate. Final referee assignments are subject to approval by the Regional Referee Administrator.

14U Division Overview

The 14U division represents the transition to full-field soccer, with increased pace of play, positional responsibility, and game awareness.

Field Size: Approximately 100 x 50 yards (minimum)
Goals: Official size goals (8 feet high by 8 yards wide)
Ball Size: 5
Roster Maximum: 15 players
Players on Field: 11 vs. 11 (including a goalkeeper; minimum of 7 players per team)
Practice Sessions: Up to 90 minutes per session, not to exceed 3 hours per week
Game Length: 70 minutes (two 35-minute halves, including breaks between quarters and halftime)

Game Schedule
Games may be scheduled on a combination of Wednesday evenings and Saturdays depending on seasonal registration numbers.

Heading & Division Placement
Heading the ball is permitted in this division. Due to this transition and alignment with AYSO National guidelines, players may not play up into the 14U division.

Game Format & Philosophy
Scores and basic game statistics may be recorded; however, standings are not maintained and results are not used for rankings or seeding during the regular season. All regular season games are considered scrimmages.

The season culminates with the Nipomo AYSO Jamboree Tournament, which is the final division to participate in this end-of-season tournament.

Referees
Each team is expected to support referee coverage throughout the season.

Center Referees: Advanced Referees
Assistant Referees: Intermediate Referees or higher