The 12U program was developed to continue player development in a fun yet competitive environment. This division will travel and play against other AYSO area teams. After the completion of the regular season there may be an opportunity to play in a post season tournament (this will vary each year). Known tournament: Section Tournament .
The Ball:
A size 4 ball is used for12u games.
The Players:
There will be nine per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper. 12 maximum on roster. Substitutions are between periods, at halftime and for injuries.
Player Equipment:
Shoes and shinguards, covered by the socks are mandatory at all practice and game activities. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.
Duration of Game:
Four 15-minute periods. Halftime break of 5 - 10 minutes. No other changes from play as specified in FIFA Laws of the Game Printed for the American Youth Soccer Organization.
The Start of Play:
The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field. Referees determine which team starts the game with a coin flip and the opposing team starts the second half. Opponents must be eight yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.
HEADING THE BALL
1. Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division players 11U (12U and below for programs without single age divisions) and below in both practices and matches.
2. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player age 10 or younger, deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match.
a. The indirect free kick is to be taken from the place where the player touched the ball with his/her head.
b. An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the opposing team’s goal area, must be taken on the goal area line at the point nearest to where the player touched the ball with his/her head.
3. Neither cautions nor send-offs shall be issued for persistent infringement or denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity related to the heading infractions.
GOALKEEPER PUNTS
1. For 12U the goalkeeper shall not punt the ball.
2. During the regular season the goalkeeper will be allowed a "do over" if goalkeeper deliberately punts the ball during a match.
3.. During post season tournaments an indirect kick will be awarded to the opposing team at the spot of the offense if goalkeeper deliberately punts the ball during a match.
4. An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the opposing team’s goal area must be taken on the goal area line at the point nearest to where the goalkeeper punted the ball.
Fouls & Misconduct:
Opponents must be eight yards from the ball on restart kicks. Referees will work cooperatively with the coaches and eliminate the need for cautions and send-offs.
Referee:
AYSO certified Regional Referees or higher are required for U-12 and older games.The referee should briefly explain any infringements to the player(s) and encourage proper play and sporting behavior. As with all games, every effort should be made to keep the game moving and free from stoppages for doubtful infractions. Let them play and enjoy.
Assistant Referees/Club Linesmen: If available, qualified assistant referees who have completed Assistant Referee Certification may be used to assist the referee. This is an opportunity for new assistant referees to begin getting experience. If qualified assistant referees are not available, Club Linesmen (untrained volunteers who may be affiliated with one of the teams/clubs) may be recruited from the spectators to assist the referee with calling the ball in and out of play only. This is an opportunity for parents to get involved