Prior to the start of all games, the referee will inspect all players ensuring compliance with all requirements.  Players not properly equipped will NOT be allowed to play until properly equipped.

What equipment will my child need?

Soccer equipment includes the following items:

• uniform (jersey/ shorts, and sock)
• athletic shoes (or cleats*) 
• shin guards (required, see this video for types and proper sizing)
• an appropriate sized soccer ball
  

* Players may desire to have a pair of cleats. But, cleats are not required, especially for the younger divisions.  
It has been perpetuated that toe cleats or metal cleats are illegal in soccer.  The Referee must inspect all types of cleats on shoes to ensure that there are no burrs or sharp edges and, if they exist, burrs or sharp edges must be removed before the player is allowed to participate. The Referee must examine the particular footwear in question and determine if it presents any unreasonable danger to the participants.

Please note that the player's shin guards must be completely covered by the socks. Shin guards are required (mandatory) for both practice and games.

Player's are not allowed to wear: 

Players shall not wear anything that is dangerous to either themselves or other players. As such ALL jewelry items (i.e. necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, piercings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. This includes, but is not limited to, bobby pins, hair beads, hair clips, etc. All of these items pose safety concerns, as a collision with the ball or with another player could potentially hurt the player and/or the other child.  Medical id bracelets are allowed but must be taped down to prevent the potential for injury.  Please avoid getting your player's ears pierced prior to the season as the earrings MUST be removed for games and practices.  Covering with a band aid is not acceptable.

Where do I get the equipment?     

Players will receive a jersey, shorts, and pair of socks from their team.  Each team is typically provided a range of sizes and distribute them based on player size.

My children have outgrown their uniform or cleats.  What can I do with them?

Kids grow rapidly, and most need new shoes yearly, resulting in a lot of slightly used cleats. We make the used cleats available at Picture Day on a first-come/first served basis to anyone who finds a pair that fits.  If you have lightly-used cleats that no longer fit, please drop them off at the Cleat Bank tent at Picture Day.

Jewelry, earrings or studs?

Jewelry, including earrings of any kind, any visible body piercing or any hard replacement stud used when the jewelry is not being worn, must be removed before the player is allowed to participate in a practice or game. Covering the jewelry or hard replacement stud with tape, padding or bandage is not sufficient. The player’s parents and the team coach are responsible for making sure all earrings are removed. The referee will inspect players prior to the game and cannot allow a player to play in the game if they are wearing earrings. Subject to approval of the referee, various soft, flexible materials that do not present a danger to the player or other players may be used to keep recent body piercings open for participation during games.

Medical Alert Bracelets?

Medical Identification bracelets are allowed to be worn by players as long as it is taped or otherwise covered by something which keeps the bracelet close to the skin so other players cannot get a finger stuck underneath it. The recommendation is to use medical tape wrapped around the wrist which shows the player is wearing a medical bracelet, the tape is close to the skin, and can easily be removed after the game. A sweat band on the wrist is not acceptable.  Medical alert sports bands with a snug-fitting soft, polyester ribbon band are available and should be permitted without modification.

Cast or splint?

The AYSO National Rules and Regulations paragraph VI.H. states: "Players shall not be allowed to practice or participate in any game with any type of rigid cast or splint."  The AYSO National Rules and Regulations paragraph VI.H. states: "Removal of any type of cast or splint at the field or surrounding area in order to participate shall disqualify the player from practice or in any game." Removable casts are designed to facilitate personal hygiene and dressing; they are not designed to be removed so that a player may engage in contact sports.

Knee braces?

AYSO policy statement 2.9 titled "Knee Braces" reads as follows: AYSO will not prohibit the use of knee braces by players in AYSO events and programs, provided that the knee brace is adequately covered and padded in the judgment of the referee so as to eliminate the possibility of its use causing injury to other players on the field of play. The difference between casts or splints and knee braces is that a cast or splint is used for the treatment of a temporary injury to provide for healing. The use of a knee brace is different in that it is used to provide support and/or flexibility. Knee braces are designed to allow for flexibility of movement, while conversely, a cast or splint is designed to restrict mobility.

Any other kind of medical devices?

If the device is needed to restrict mobility, protect an injury or support proper alignment to expedite the healing process of a temporary injury and is hard (cast, splint, etc.) then this is not allowed. If, on the other hand, the protective device is used to provide support, flexibility or enable an otherwise healthy player to function normally such as a knee brace, prosthesis, hearing aid, insulin pump, etc. then this would be allowed provided the device was sufficiently padded to prevent injury to other players. The Laws of the Game specify that "A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player." The referee is the sole judge of whether or not the individual item in question is permissible to wear in the game.

Glasses/Sunglasses?

Glasses may be worn with or without a band to hold them on the player’s head (although it is highly recommended). Glasses do not have to be prescription for a player to be allowed to wear them.

Hearing aids?

Players who normally must wear hearing aids are also allowed to wear them during practices or games.

Mouth-guards?

AYSO does not prohibit the use of mouth-guards. Parents are encouraged to consult, their child's dentist or orthodontist to determine what, if any, mouth-guard is appropriate for their child. Players wearing mouth-guards should not be prevented from participating in practice or games.

Wrist bands?

Players cannot wear friendship bracelets, wrist bands, sweat bands or any other item on their wrist unless it – like medical identification bracelets – has been taped close to the skin.

Hats?

If, the referee’s opinion a hat has a soft, flexible, and easily folded brim, then the referee can allow the goal keeper to wear a hat.

Shin guards over socks?

Shin guards MUST be worn during all practices and games and MUST be under the socks and completely covered.  Please be sure to pick shin guards that are the correct size for your child (video). The top of the shin guard should be about two inches from the bottom of the kneecap.

Rolled jersey sleeves?

Players are also not prohibited from rolling or tying up jersey sleeves provided it is done in a safe manner.

May players use their hands to protect themselves?

All players may instinctually PROTECT themselves from being hit by the ball by using their hand or hands. This may happen unexpectedly during play or from a free kick when they are positioned as defensive players in a wall (commonly seen at upper levels of play). Self-defense is not an offense; however, DELIBERATE use of the hands to CONTROL the ball or otherwise alter its path, is an offense.

Referees are charged with determining whether or not the contact of ball and hand was to control the ball or for self-protection. Players who use their hands or arms to CONTROL a ball which is about to hit them in the chest are guilty of handling the ball. The same would be true for players who used their hands or arms to CONTROL a ball which was about to hit them in the face or groin area.  Additionally, if a player has plenty of time to see the ball coming and still choses to PROTECT themselves with their hands rather than move to a different position or play the ball with their legs, chest, or head, then the referee may determine this an offense.

High kicks? Kicking the ball while on the ground? What is Dangerous Play? 

Dangerous play includes anything the referee deems dangerous to oneself or another player. A high kick is an example that could be called dangerous play depending on the distance between to other players on the field.  If one player attempts to head the ball while it is high in the air and another player attempts to kick the ball at the same time, referees can call a dangerous play on the high-kicking player which results in an indirect free kick.

Just the mere act of a player is on the ground playing the ball is not an infraction, or dangerous play. If while playing the ball on the ground, they put themselves in danger and/or prevent an opponent from making a play on the ball, then it is Dangerous Play.  Same call if a player puts themselves in harm's way, when they are not on the ground, such as lowering your head/face to where an opponent is kicking the ball, or putting yourself in danger when a player is going to head the ball.

What about slide tackles?

A slide tackle is a perfectly legal play in 10U and up divisions (see commentary by AYSO).  A legal slide tackle can still lead to the opponent tripping and falling over the sliding player, i.e., tripping over a "log".  A legal slide tackle can become illegal if while on the ground a leg or arm is raised into an unnatural position that causes the opponent to trip.  A foul can be called when the play is dangerous, like when the defender makes contact with the opponent before he/she makes contact with the ball, i.e., a "battering ram", or make the tackle 'cleats up'.

What about dangerous weather?

See our Inclement Weather Policy.

Heat Related Illness, Concussion, and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Information

CDC Heat Related Illness Information Sheet (English / Spanish)
Parent/Athlete Concussion Information Sheet (English / Spanish)
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Information Sheet (English / Spanish)