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American Youth Soccer Organization Providing world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.

Player Equipment

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.

  1. What equipment is provided?
    Your player will be provided with a uniform, shorts, soccer socks, and a soccer ball.
  2. What other equipment does my child need?
    In addition to the provided equipment, your child will also need the following:
    • athletic shoes (or cleats): Cleats are not required, especially for younger divisions.  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.
    • shin guards (mandatory): Shin guards must be completely covered by socks and are required for both practices and games
  3. What are players 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.

Can my child wear...?

Safety & Equipment Rules

Medical Devices
  • Medical alert bracelets? Youths may participate in games and practices while wearing medical alert bracelets. However, to ensure the bracelet does not present a danger to the player or other players it must be secured to the player with tape, a cloth wristband or something equivalent taking care to leave the information visible. ↑ Back to top
  • A cast or splint? AYSO National Rules & Regulations paragraph VI.E. states: “Team members shall not be allowed to practice or participate in any match with any type of cast or splint.”  Casts or splints should not be removed in order for the player to participate.   AYSO National Rules & Regulations paragraph VI.E. states: “Removal of any type of cast or splint at the field or surrounding area in order to participate shall disqualify the team member from practice or match participation.” Removable casts are designed to facilitate personal hygiene and dressing; they are not meant to be removed so that a player may engage in contact sports. ↑ Back to top
  • Knee braces? AYSO National 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 opinion of the Referee so as to eliminate the possibility of its use causing injury to other players on the field of play.”
  • Other kinds 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, monitoring device, concussion impact reduction aids such as soft header helmets and collars that are age and size appropriate, 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 that is dangerous.” The Referee is the sole judge of whether or not the individual item in question is permissible to wear in the game. ↑ Back to top
Personal Equipment
  • Glasses? Players who require prescription glasses are to be allowed to wear them during practices and games. For the greatest safety, retaining straps should be worn or rubber bands may be used for this purpose. Prescription goggles, such as the type used by racquetball players, are also permitted subject to the approval of the Referee prior to the start of the match. Spectacle guards made of plastic or other hard material are not permitted.
  • Hearing aids? Players who normally wear hearing aids are also allowed to wear them during practices or games. Hearing device implants must be protected with the manufacturers protective headband device to aid in keeping the unit protected and secure. Parents should consult their medical professional for further guidance.
  • 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.
Jewelry, Hair & Appearance
  • Are players permitted to wear jewelry, earrings or studs? Jewelry (removable and those designed to be non-removable), including earrings, of any kind worn in 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 jewelry or hard replacement stud must be removed before playing... The Referee must accept the answer provided, regardless of suspicion, and if in the opinion of the Referee, the item is deemed to be dangerous, the player will not be allowed to participate on that day.
  • Hair beads, clips, or adornments? Hair control devices and other adornments, such as beads, worn in the hair must be securely fastened, not present increased risk, and flat clips less than two inches may be used if safe. Hair charms are considered jewelry and are not permitted. The Referee makes the final decision.
  • Hats, gloves, or additional equipment? Players must not wear anything dangerous. Soft, non-dangerous items may be allowed with Referee approval. Hard items (like rigid face masks) are not allowed. 
  • Long/artifical nails? There is no official AYSO or USSF position on the length of players’ fingernails. Players are not allowed to “wear” anything that is dangerous. The acceptable length is up to the Referee’s judgment.
Uniforms & Field Equipment 
  • Toe cleats or metal cleats? Toe cleats are not automatically illegal. Metal cleats are acceptable provided they are safe and free of sharp edges. The Referee determines safety.
  • Sleeveless jerseys? No individual or team should be kept from playing because their jerseys do not have sleeves.

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AYSO 177 Long Beach/ Belmont Shore

 
Long Beach, California 90815

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