12U Guidelines
The Field:
The Field Size for 12U games is 70-80 yards long and 44-55 yards wide.
The Markings:
Distinctive lines recommended.
- Halfway line the width of the field, marked equidistant between the goal lines.
- Center circle with an eight-yard radius in the center of the field.
- Corner arcs with a one-yard radius at each corner of the field.
- Goal area in front of each goal measuring 5 x 16 yards.
- Penalty area in front of each goal measuring 14 x 36 yards.
- Penalty mark 10 yards from the goal line.
- Penalty arc extending in a eight-yard radius from the penalty mark.
The Goals:
Goal Size is 6.5 feet high x 18.5 feet wide. (Max size - 7 feet high x 21 feet wide).
The Ball:
A size 4 ball is used for U12 games.
The Players:
- Numbers: 9 per team on field; one of which is a goalkeeper. 12 maximum on roster.
- 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:Co-Ed teams.
Player Equipment:
Shoes and shinguards, covered by the socks are mandatory at all practice and game activities. Soft-cleated soccer shoes or tennis shoes.
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.
Referee:
The referee must be a certified regional referee or above.
KNOW THE TERMS
The Start of Play:
The game should be started with a kick-off in the middle of the field.
The Kick-off:
A coin toss is used to determine which team kicks off to start the game and the other team kicks off to start the second half. Opponents must be eight yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.
Ball In and Out of Play:
The ball is out of play in all age group games when it completely crosses the touch line (side line) or goal line (end line), either on the ground or in the air.
Method of Scoring:
A goal, in all age groups, is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal.
Fouls:
For 14U and older games, all fouls identified in Law 12 apply. Refer to the Laws of the Game for more information.
Misconduct:
For 14U and older games, all misconducts identified in Law 12 apply. Refer to the Laws of the Game for more information.
Coaches at all levels of play have the option of calling players to the touchline to receive words of 'positive instruction' concerning player's behavior.
Free Kicks:
Free kicks, in 14U and older games, may be either direct (may score directly), or indirect (must be touched or played by another player before a goal can be scored). Opponents must be at least eight yards from the ball or on the goal line between the goal posts during free kicks.
Penalty Kicks:
Penalty kicks may be awarded in 14U and older games. A penalty kick results from a player committing one of the ten direct free kick fouls inside his/her own penalty area. The penalty kick is taken from the penalty mark with all other players outside the penalty area except the opposing teams goalkeeper.
Throw-In:
Second chances are not given for improper throw-ins for U14 and older players. An improper throw-in results in a throw-in for the opposing team.
Goal Kick:
A goal kick is awarded to the opposing team, in 14U and older, when the attacking team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but without scoring a goal. The goal kick may be taken from any point inside the goal area. The goal kick is retaken if the ball is touched or played by either team before leaving the penalty area.
Corner Kick:
A corner kick is awarded to the opposing team when the defending team is last to touch the ball before it crosses the goal line but not scoring a goal. The opposing team must be at least eight yards from the ball when the corner kick is taken in 14U and older games.
Offside:
The offside law applies in 14U and older games.
Hand Ball:
A hand ball infraction occurs when a player handles the ball deliberately. The 'hand' includes the entire arm up to the top of the shoulder. Accidental contact (ball striking hand or arm with no intent by the player) is not an offense and should not be penalized.
No Heading:
Consistent with the US Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division 11U (12U and below for programs without single age divisions) and below in both practices and matches. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match (taken where the player touched the ball with his/her head).