Should additional time be added for injuries and substitutions according to AYSO rules?

In youth soccer, particularly under AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) rules, it is essential to maintain a fair and competitive environment. Adding additional time for injuries ensures that the game accounts for interruptions that can affect the flow of play and potentially influence the outcome of the match. When a player is injured, the referee must ensure that the injured player receives the necessary attention, which can take time. Allowing for this extra time acknowledges the disruption caused by injuries and emphasizes the league’s commitment to player safety.

Similarly, substitutions can also result in temporary pauses in the match, and while they might not always need additional time, recognizing that some level of interruption is inevitable contributes to the overall fairness of the game. However, the primary focus in this context should be on ensuring that any stoppages for injuries are compensated for to maintain equal playing time for both teams.

The other options reflect different perspectives on time management, but they do not align with the guiding principles of nurturing player health and ensuring a fair contest, thus supporting the rationale behind adding time for injuries and potentially for substitutions as well.