Purpose

Sometimes games become uneven despite efforts to balance teams. In those moments, coaches are responsible for keeping the experience positive and fun for all players on the field while still encouraging full effort and growth.

Policy — If a team leads by 5 or more goals

1. Add a player to the team that is behind.
2. Discuss and agree the change between both coaches, and inform the referee.
3. Make the adjustment only during a break in play, ideally before the kickoff following the goal. Do not add a player without notifying the referee.

Additional strategies to keep the game positive & competitive

• Change player positions: rotate players into unfamiliar roles (e.g., forwards to defense). Encourage passing to teammates who don’t usually score or aim for every player to score once.
• Focus on skill development: use non‑dominant foot, try new moves, or work on combination passing.
• Emphasize team play: set goals such as completing three passes in the backfield before advancing.
• Slow the tempo: prioritize possession and require a set number of passes before attempting to score.
• Promote sportsmanship: remind players that every team has good and bad days—and roles can reverse another week.

Important notes

• It is the coach’s responsibility to implement these strategies.
• Referees know an extra player is allowed but are not responsible for initiating or suggesting it.
• This is an AYSO 870–specific policy. Do not assume it applies when playing teams from other regions.