Please remember to respect your opponents.  In cases where your team is overwhelming their opponent, you must take measures to limit the scoring.  "Good Sportsmanship" is a core philosophy of AYSO and not demoralizing your competition is part of good sportsmanship.

The Region has a guideline [Article 7, Sec 7, Item (e)] (click here for a complete copy of the Regional Guidelines) to impose a scoring penalty on teams who fail to take the appropriate steps to prevent a score run up.  Here are some key points:

     1.   Once your team is up by three (3) or four (4) goals you should begin to take measures to slow your scoring.

     2.   Teams that are ahead by six (6) goals should stop scoring to avoid penalty.

     3.   Upon going ahead by a seventh (7th) goal, the seventh goal counts AGAINST your team and for your opponent.  For instance, if you're ahead 6-0 and you score again, the score becomes 5-1 (taking one goal from you and giving a goal to your opponent).  Once invoked, the run-up rule remains in force for the remainder of the match.  So subsequent goals continue to count against you (regardless if the other team actually scores).  The next goal for your team would result in a 4-2 score and so on.  The point is to stop scoring once it's evident this may come into play.

     4.   The referee may advise you to slow or stop your team's domination but regardless if the referee is aware of or invokes this rule during play, the penalty will be recorded on the standings.

The purpose of this guideline is not to tell your team to "stop scoring" (although we realize that is the result).  The point is to teach good sportsmanship and teamwork.  Switch offense and defense; have players practice their passing skills and allow weaker players the chance for more touches on the ball.

This guideline often meets with resistance from parents on your touchline.  Part of good competition is healthy respect for your opponent regardless of their relative talent.  AYSOs principal goal is not to create an environment in youth sports which demoralizes our kids.

If you or your families have questions regarding this guideline, please speak with your Division Commissioner or the Regional Coach Administrator.  Thank you to everyone in advance to continuing to make AYSO a positive place for all children to develop and grow.