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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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• Who is responsible for the players’ Medical Release Forms?

• Can players wear Medical Alert Bracelets?

• May a player wear a cast or splint?

• May a player remove a cast or splint in order to participate?

• Are referees permitted to wear a cast or splint while refereeing?

• Are players permitted to wear knee braces?

• Are players permitted to wear any other kind of medical devices?

• May players wear spectacles?

• May players wear hearing aids?

• Are players permitted to wear mouthguards?

• Are players permitted to wear jewelry, earrings or studs?

• Are players permitted to wear hats for medical or religious reasons?

• Are there any special requirements in regard to player fingernails?

• Are there any special requirements for soccer shoes and shinguards?

• Are toe cleats illegal on soccer shoes?

• Are players permitted to wear sleeveless jerseys?

• May players wear additional protective equipment?

• May players wear sweatbands, bandanas, scarves or other items to secure hair?

• May players wear gloves?

• May players drink water during the game?

• If the referee allows a coach, parent, or other responsible adult to enter the field to assess an injured player, must that player leave the field and, if so, when may the player reenter?

• What procedure should be followed regarding electrical storms?

• What is the uniform dress code for referees?

• What is the appropriate referee badge for AYSO referees?

• May referees wear hats or sunglasses?

• What is the recommended way to deal with player violence?

• Are there any additional penalties for players who are sent off (red card) or coaches or spectators who are asked to leave the vicinity of the field because of misconduct?

• Does AYSO require additional penalties for players who receive cautions (yellow cards) in a series of games?

• May regions adopt local playing rules outside of FIFA and AYSO rules?

• Does AYSO have special rules for playing Indoor Soccer?

• Does AYSO have any “Mercy Rules”, “Slaughter Rules” or “Blow Out Rules”?

• May regions elect to pay their referees?

• Are coaches and referees required to be certified in AYSO?

• May a game or practice proceed in the absence of an AYSO certified and trained coach or referee?

• Is there a minimum age requirement to be an AYSO instructor?

• Are there any minimum age requirements for referees to referee in the various age groups?

• Are referees required to see a “Participant Release Form” before allowing a player to participate in games following a known serious injury or sickness which required professional medical attention?

• Are coaches required to see a “Participant Release Form” before allowing a player to participate in games following a known serious injury or sickness which required professional medical attention?

• What are referees authorized to do when subjected to abusive or negative comments from spectators or coaches?

• What happens when a match is abandoned?

• Is a female player allowed to use her hands to protect her chest?

• Why doesn’t AYSO teach or approve of referees using the Dual Referee System?

• Do volunteers have to register with AYSO?

• How do I become an AYSO referee?

• Can I cross-certify from USSF to AYSO?

• Can the Offside Law be explained so that I can understand it?

• What does “Handling the Ball” mean?

• What does “attempt to trip” mean and is it a foul?

• When should the “Advantage” rule be applied?

• What happens when the goalkeeper is fouled?

• Can a player move the ball after it has been placed for a goal kick?

• What is the procedure for determining a winner using Kicks from the Penalty Mark?

• Are sliding tackles permitted in AYSO games?

• Are sliding tackles permitted in the U-6 age division?

• Can games be protested in AYSO if the referee makes a mistake?

• Does each team have to have an equal number of players to start a game?

• Can I wear the Hawaiian-style referee jersey while refereeing AYSO games?

• How do soccer referees keep time?

• What level of noise is permitted at AYSO games?

• What do we do if our region doesn’t have enough referees?

• What should be done if I have a negative experience with an AYSO referee?

• May a student retake a referee exam if he/she does not pass the first time?

• What do I do when a substitute commits an infraction on or off the field?