AYSO Region 137
Regional Playoffs Guidelines
November 2024
Welcome to the AYSO Region 137 Post Season Playoffs for 2024. During the playoffs all teams start with a clean slate. Regular season standings are used to determine each team’s seed position on who they will play. As regular season standings will not apply beyond the determination of seed positions, each team has an opportunity to use a full season of development to its advantage.
Good luck to all teams and coaches. Let’s make this year’s playoffs the best ever by adhering to all of the playoff guidelines that follow.
WHO PLAYS: All 10U, 12U, and 14U teams who participated in Region 137 regular season play and earned 20 Referee points in the regular season.
WHERE: Playoffs will be held at Region 137 fields (behind Valley Wide Regional Park). This is the same location as our regular season games.
WHEN: November
FORMAT: Varies by division--See schedule.
Playoff Rules
All AYSO and Region 137 rules and guidelines will apply with the modifications listed in these guidelines.
All fields will be regulation size and in safe playing condition.
The start of games will be no later than fifteen (15) minutes of scheduled game time, or of field availability.
In the event of inclement weather, teams are to report to the field. The playoff director or his/her designee will cancel games on an individual basis. Games may also be shortened at the discretion of the playoff director or his/her designee.
Check in will be completed at the referee tent for all divisions. Arrive in person with your team (45) minutes prior to the first game. Game cards will be provided by the Region. Coaches will present their player medical release forms (with parent signatures) in order of their playoff roster, and explain any player absences to the designated check in person.
Proper dress:
a) Each AYSO team player shall wear matching team uniforms consisting of jersey, shorts, and socks. Uniform will be properly marked with the AYSO logo on the front left of the jersey.
b) Goalkeeper jersey must be of a different color.
c) Shin guards must be worn completely under the issued uniform socks.
d) Players will not be allowed to participate in any games with any type of cast or splint.
e) Earrings, watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets, or any other type of jewelry including metal or sharp hair accessories will NOT be allowed.
f) In inclement weather, if a team wishes to wear additional clothing, they may. For example, sweatshirts or turtlenecks should be the same color. Additional shirts, sweatshirts, or tops must be worn under the player's jersey. No hoods sticking out of the jersey.
Coaches will conduct themselves in a manner befitting a member of AYSO; and will encourage clean competition, good sportsmanship, and positive coaching at all times. Coaches are also responsible for their players’ parents and spectators. Coaching will be limited to ten (10) yards on either side of the mid-field line. Only one (1) coach and one (1) assistant coach per team will be permitted in this area.
Coaching will be permitted from the team side of the field only.
All team spectators will sit to the left of the coach's box.
In case of conflicting colors, both teams will wear pinnies. (Pinnies will be available.)
There will be no protests allowed!!! Not written, not verbal, not of any kind!!!
REFEREES
All teams will need to provide referees for games other than their own. 10UBoys/10UGirls teams must fill in 5 referee spots, 12UGirls/12UBoys/14UBoys teams must fill in 3 referee spots, and 14UGirls teams must fill in 2 Neutral referee spots(other then their own team's games). If they do not meet this requirement, their game is subject to a forfeit and they will not be eligible to move on to Area playoffs in December.
SPORTSMANSHIP FOR COACHES
Coaches will conduct themselves in accordance with AYSO and Region 137 rules.
Coaches should provide positive, encouraging, and instructional comments to players.
The terms of Kid Zone agreement will be in effect during the playoffs.
Coaches failing to conduct themselves in a manner which complies with AYSO and Region 137 rules, or failing to conduct themselves as a proper role model to players will be cautioned and/or sent off.
A coach that is sent off is suspended for the remainder of the playoffs.
Coaches may be cautioned or sent off before, during, or after the game.
If the coach is removed from the tournament the assistant coach will assume coaching responsibilities. In the event that both the coach and assistant coach are unable to continue in the playoffs, a parent may be designated to take over team responsibilities with the approval of the playoff director.
It is recommended that coaches meet with players and parents to inform them of the playoffs guideline requirements for spectators and players.
SPORTSMANSHIP FOR PLAYERS
All players are expected to conduct themselves as a good sportsman, adhering to the laws of the game and the playoff guidelines.
A player receiving a red card for violent conduct or abusive language shall be suspended for the remainder of the playoffs. A red card for violent conduct may be cause for suspension from AYSO for a period of one year or longer.
A player receiving a red card will be suspended for the next scheduled game.
A player receiving a second red card will be suspended for the remainder of the playoffs.
SPORTSMANSHIP FOR SPECTATORS
All spectators are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the standards of the Kid Zone pledge and regional guidelines.
No one is permitted to watch a game beyond the penalty box line.
Coaching behind the goal is not permitted.
All spectators are to be on one half of the field opposite of there sides AR and outside the coaches box.
GAME DURATION
All 10U games will be shortened to 20-minute halves.
All 12U & 14U games will be full-length matches.
No games will end in ties. All games must have a winner.
MEDAL ROUNDS:
During medal rounds the games will be full length in accordance with AYSO guidelines.
Substitutions will be made as directed by the referee at the midpoint of each half.
A five-minute break will be given at halftime.
TIES DURING REGIONAL PLAYOFFS
Games ending in a tie during regional playoffs in all rounds will go to Sunny Delight format. The Golden Goal rule will apply, in other words, the first goal scored wins the game.
Only those players who were on the field during the fourth (4th) quarter of game may play in the Sunny Delight Overtime.
TIES IN MEDAL ROUNDS
Games ending in a tie during medal rounds will go to Sunny Delight format. The Golden Goal rule will apply to these rounds, in other words, the first goal scored wins the game.
Only those players who were on the field during the fourth (4th) quarter of game may play in the Sunny Delight Overtime.
SUNNY DELIGHT FORMAT
Common to all divisions:
- Keeper position comes off the field for Sunny Delight overtime. If a PK is awarded, a player from the field will become the keeper for the initial kick. Once the kick is taken(blocked or scored), the player becomes a regular player again.
- Offside rule is in effect only for the First (1st) period, after that there is no offside rule.
- If the game continues to subsequent overtime rounds the following format for number of players on the field will apply:
For Under 14, play will be as follows:
First 5 minutes--10 v 10
Second 5 minutes--8 v 8
Third 5 minutes--4 v 4 (applies to subsequent overtime rounds after 3rd period until one team scores)
For Under 12, play will be as follows:
First 5 minutes--8 v 8
Second 5 minutes--6 v 6
Third 5 minutes--4 v 4 (applies to subsequent overtime rounds after 3rd period until one team scores)
For Under 10, play will be as follows:
First 5 minutes--6 v 6
Second 5 minutes--5 v 5
Third 5 minutes--4 v 4 (applies to subsequent overtime rounds after 3rd period until one team scores)
Check-In Requirements
Note: Remember check in time prior to first game is as follows: forty five (45) minutes at the referee tent.
Good Luck!!!!
Regional Commissioner
Nicole Thornton