Our U12 Division is for 10 & 11 year-olds

OVERVIEW
In the 12U division, players begin to bring their basic techniques and skills to the next level of play. The level of play in this division is more competitive than in the younger divisions, but is still in line with the AYSO philosophy of everyone plays and has fun.

Field Size: The Field Size for 12U games is 70-80 yards long and 44-55 yards wide.

Goals: Goal Size is 6.5 feet high x 18.5 feet wide. (Max size - 7 feet high x 21 feet wide).

Ball Size: 4

Practice Session: 60 Minutes no more than twice a week

Team Structure: Separate girls and boys teams should be promoted at all levels of play.

Field Location Practice and Games: Field of Dreams - San Pedro 

Players on Field: 9 vs. 9 with a minimum of 6 players/team on the field (one of which is the Goalkeeper)
12 maximum on roster.

Game Length: 60 Minutes (30 Minute Halves / Time must include breaks between quarters and halftime)

Substitutions Breaks: Player substitutions can be made at the end of the 1st quarter, halftime, or the end of the 3rd quarter. Running clock, time does not stop for substitutions between quarters. (1-minute time allotment for substitution breaks between quarters)

3/4 Play Rule: All players must play 3/4 of every game. Coaches will rotate players in/out at the "Substitution Breaks" described above.

Goalkeepers: No player should play more than 3 quarters in the goal. If they play 3 quarters in the goal you must maximize their time on the field (ie. They don’t sit out the last quarter then). Keeper may wear a penny or different jersey. It is recommended that they wear gloves from protection.

Player Equipment: Player must wear shoes and shin guards covered by socks and must be worn to all practices and games. Soccer cleats are recommended.

Game Card: Each coach will have have a game card filled out before the game and ready for the referee. Click here for information on how to properly fill out a game card.

Coaches: Coaches and Assistant Coaches are to remain the touchline and in their designated areas. 

Referees: One - three volunteer referees will be assigned to the game based on availability.

Game Equipment: Game balls shall be provided by the home team.  Please ensure all (3) balls are properly inflated prior to start of game.

Game Day Additional Information:

1st game of the day responsible for field setup (please arrive 45 minutes early); last game of the day responsible for tear down.

Home Team sits on West (Gaffey) or South (SP Smokestack) sideline. Visitors sit on the opposite side.

The Coin Toss / Kick-off:

• The Visiting Team is allowed to call heads or tails while the coin is in the air.
• The team that wins the coin toss decides which goal to attack in the first half OR to take the Kick-off
• Depending on the above, the team that lost the coin toss takes the Kick-off OR decides which goal to attack in the first half
• The team that decided which goal to attack in the first half takes the Kick-off in the second half
• The teams change ends of the field for the second half and attack the opposite goals

• Throw-ins: if the child makes an error the ball goes to the opposing team for a throw.
  
  
• Handling: DILBERATE handballs - direct kick awarded to opposing team
  
  
• Headers - If a player intentionally/deliberately heads a ball, the result is an Indirect Free Kick for the opposing team. If not intentional game continues on. 
  
  
• Positions should be taught and enforced. At a minimum, players should know what a defender, midfield, striker and goalkeeper’s jobs are. Rotate players into different positions (not all in the same game) to give them a taste of the game
  
  
• Substitutions: Between periods, at halftime and for injuries.
  
  
• Playing Time: Minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three
  
  
• Teams: Separate girls and boys teams should be promoted at all levels of play.
  
  
• NO ONE should be behind the goal area. Not parents or coaches
  
  
• Medical Release Forms must be with you at ALL soccer functions, including but not limited to, practice, games, team parties, etc.
  
  
• All volunteers that will be working with the children need to register as a volunteer and complete the online training program Safe Haven.
  
  
• Injuries: Incident reports are available on our website or at the Headquarters tent. Please report all injuries to the Board promptly.
  
  
• Do not run up the score; no one should win by more than 5 goals. Please refer to the volunteer  points system for the 5 point differential rule.
  
  
• Opposing teams MUST sit on opposite sides of the field. The home team (the one listed first on the schedule) picks the side they want to sit on; the visiting team therefore takes the opposite side.

Field Markings:
The Center Circle Radius is 8 yards, the Goal Area is 5 yards x 16 yards, Penalty Area is 14 yards x 36 yards, and Goal Line to Penalty is 10 yards.