|
| |
Introduction
During the 2004 AYSO NAGM in Phoenix, AZ, AYSO Executive
Membership voted on and passed an amendment to the National Rules and
Regulations to lower the minimum age requirement for participation in AYSO to
four years of age. The objective of this program is to provide young
players and their parents with a “pressure free” introduction to the beautiful
and simple game of soccer. At this age players should be exposed to soccer by
playing simple, fun activities and games that require little to no practice, and
a minimal time commitment. This program allows players to discover the game for
themselves, while parents are given a soccer foundation on which to build and
grow into future AYSO coaches, referees and administrators. The AYSO National
Coaching Commission supports this program predicated on the basis that the
guidelines provided within this document are followed and that all decisions
regarding the program are made in the best interest of the players.
GENERAL
 |
Every effort should be made to
institute a U-5 division separate from U-6, as there are significant social,
emotional and physiological differences between U-5 and U-6 players.
|
|
The effective date of age
determination shall be the player’s age as of July 31st of the year that the
season commences. Players who have reached the age of four as of this date are
eligible to participate-NO EXCEPTIONS! |
|
Every effort should be made to have
separate girls and boys divisions. |
|
The Jamboree One With One format
described within this document is the preferred program and should be followed
when offering the U-5 program. |
|
The U-5 program consists of one day
per week of the Jamboree One with One program for 6-8 weeks. |
UNDER-5 JAMBOREE
ONE with ONE
ORGANIZATION
Jamboree One with One is the combination of two different
formats that, put together, will provide the best possible introduction to
soccer for our youngest players. In AYSO soccer, a jamboree means that teams are
formed on a weekly basis depending on how many players attend a given session.
One with one refers to the concept that each player will have a parent (or other
adult) working with them on the field. A “Master Coach” will lead each session.
The “master coach” will introduce a game/activity that will practice a certain
skill or part of the game using explanation and demonstration. Each pair
(player/parent) will then attempt the activity while the master coach circulates
between pairs providing specific help or suggestions so that the activities are
performed as intended. After a suitable amount of time, the “master coach” will
bring the players and parents back together as a group and recap what they have
done, introducing the next game/activity. Each Jamboree One with One session
will end with a 20 minute short-sided game (3 v 3). Details regarding the game
are explained later in this document. Most importantly allow the players to play
without coaching or teaching them as this experience is designed to expose them
to soccer, not to begin developing them. The two goals of the program are to
allow the players to enjoy the activities and to let the game be the teacher.
MASTER COACH :
The master coach
should be certified (at a minimum) as an AYSO Advanced Coach and Advanced Coach
Instructor. The Regional Coach Administrator shall work with the Regional
Commissioner to determine the most qualified (and willing) instructor. The
master coach is, “in charge” at the field! He/she will introduce and demonstrate
each game/activity, then circulate to help the parents as they help the kids,
providing all with a positive learning experience.
AYSO U-5 PROGRAM GUIDELINES
3 V 3 GAME SET-UP AND GUIDELINES
Each player in the U-5 division can receive a uniform, since it
is part of the fun to get dressed up for “the big game”. Having fun will make
the kids want to come back. The uniforms should be identical for all players.
Each week before the game portion of the day begins, players will be divided
into groups of 4 (3 on the field with 1 substitute/reserve). Based on how many
players arrive, pinnies (different colored “vests”) to differentiate the “teams”
for games for a particular weekend will be used.
SESSION SCHEDULE
Sessions should last one hour and fifteen minutes including
organizing time and breaks-NO MORE.
|
10 minutes — Group Warm-Up and
Activities |
|
5 minutes — Water Break |
|
20 minutes — Training Activities and
Games |
|
10 minutes - Team organizing and
water break
 |
Assigning players to teams |
|
Assigning field locations |
|
|
20 minutes 3 vs 3 Game (played in two
halves of 10 minutes each with a short break at the quarter to make
substitutions and get a quick drink) |
|
5 minute — Half-time |
|
5 minutes to help make changes
between quarters |
During the game, one parent from each team should be selected to
act as the game supervisors for the week. These parents should only be required
to keep the game going. All other parents should be encouraged to cheer
positively and refrain from “coaching” (giving directions) from the sideline.
This is the time for the kids to play - LET THEM!
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE ONLY ELEMENTS OF THE LAWS OF THE GAME THAT
APPLY TO THE AYSO SHORT SIDED GAME PROGRAM FOR U-5:
THE FIELD:
The recommended field size for U-5 games is 30 x 15 yards marked
with lines or cones. See diagram.
THE GOALS :
The goals in U-5 games should be a maximum of 4 feet high and 6
feet wide or 2 tall cones set 6 feet apart.
THE BALL:
A size 3 ball is used for U-5 games.
THE T E A M S :
Each U-5 team should have a maximum of 5 on the roster.
Games are played with 3 players per team on the field (3v3) and
no goalkeepers. Substitutions are made at quarters, halftime and for injuries. A
minimum of 2 quarters is required for each player and it is recommended that no
one play 4 quarters until everyone has played 3 quarters. Separate boys and
girls teams are recommended at all levels.
PLAYER EQUIPMENT:
Shoes and shinguards covered by the socks are mandatory at all
practice and game activities. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type
athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be
inspected for safety before use.
THE START OF PLAY:
To start the first and second halves, and following each goal in
all age group games, play is started or restarted with a kick-off in the center
of the field. A coin toss is used to determine which team kicks off to start the
game and the other team kicks off to start the second half. Following a goal,
the team scored upon kicks off.
THE KICK-OFF:
The kick-off is taken from the center of the field with each
team in their own half and the team not kicking off at least 5 yards from the
ball. Do not insist the opponent be a minimum of precisely 5 yards from the ball
as this is just a guide to give the kicker room to kick the ball without it
immediately hitting an opponent. Remember, let them play and do not interfere
for technicalities.
BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY:
The ball is out of play in all age group games when it
completely crosses the touch line (side line) or goal line (end line) either on
the ground or in the air. In U-5 games, the game supervisors for the week will
determine when the ball is out of play and should guide the restart, interfering
as little as possible. It’s the player’s game; let them play and work on
technique later.
METHOD OF SCORING:
A goal in all age group games is awarded when the ball
completely crosses the goal line into the goal. Goals should be enthusiastically
celebrated by everyone. In U-5 games, goals are not recorded to determine who
wins as everyone is a winner.
FOULS AND OTHER STOPPAGES :
Deliberate fouling should be rare in U-5 games.
Kicking, tripping, handling the ball and dangerous play may
occur.
There should be few, if any additional reasons to stop play in
U-5 games. If a player is “not playing well with others”, or if play must be
stopped for any other reason (injury, substitution, confusion, or to watch a
passing train, butterfly or frog), refocus the players and begin again with a
free kick or as may be appropriate. Award the restart to whichever team deserves
it. Stoppages must not become a lengthy ceremony.
FREE KICK:
Play may have to be stopped occasionally to “sort things out” in
U-5 games. When this is necessary, correct the situation then restart with a
free kick for a deserving team. The opposing team should be at least 5 yards
from the ball in U-5 games. All free kicks in U-5 games are direct free kicks
which means, if you’re lucky, a goal can be scored directly from the kick
without the ball having to be touched or played by another player on the field
(in-direct kick).
THROW- IN :
When the ball goes out of play in U-5 games across the touchline
(side lines) or the goal lines (end lines) without a goal being scored, a
throw-in is awarded at the point it crossed the line. The throw-in is awarded to
the team that didn’t touch the ball last. In U-5 games, whether the throw-in is
properly taken or not, let it go...teach proper technique later. Again, let them
play with minimum interruption. Keep the game moving and fun.
|
