12U Division Guidelines

These are the specific rules for the 12U Division. When not mentioned here, the standard Laws of the Game apply.

Roster Size and Team Formation

Maximum roster size: 12 players.
Game format: 9v9 (including goalkeepers).
Substitutes: No more than 3 at a time (assuming a 12-player roster).
If the opposing team has fewer than 9 players, a coach may choose to “play down” and match numbers.
Minimum to play: 6 players (with a 5-minute grace period). Dropping below 6 players during a game results in a forfeit.
- Forfeit is recorded as 0–1.
- After a forfeit, a “friendly” game should be played for fun. Coaches are encouraged to lend players to balance numbers.
Never play more than 9v9. (See AYSO’s philosophy on short-sided games.)

Game length: 60 minutes (two 30-minute halves).
Halftime: 5 minutes.
Substitutions: At roughly 15 minutes into each half (the “quarter break”).
- Referees will signal for subs at the next natural stoppage (throw-in, goal kick, free kick, etc.).
- The clock does not stop. Coaches should be ready with changes to avoid delays.
- Players may grab water, but this is not a snack break.
In hot weather or if teams lack subs, referees may allow short breaks at their discretion.

Deliberate heading is not allowed in practices or games.
- If intentional: indirect free kick from the spot of the header.
- If unintentional: referee may allow play to continue unless safety is a concern. If so, stop play, check the player, and restart with a dropped ball.

¾ Rule: All players must play at least three quarters before anyone can play the entire game.
Goalkeeper rule: No one may play more than two quarters in goal. A player who plays two quarters as goalkeeper must play at least one quarter on the field.
Responsibility: Coaches must enforce this, not referees. Violations may result in a post-game forfeit.

Rosters may only increase to 13 with Executive Board approval.
If 13 players are present: 3 players may only play half that game.
At the next game, those players must play at least ¾ of the game before any others can repeat a half-game.
Playoffs: This rule resets. Again, 3 players may only play half in one playoff game, but not more than once.

Goal kicks: From the goal area, standard Laws apply.
Throw-ins: No second chances. An improper throw-in results in a throw-in for the opponent. Referees may allow trifling violations to keep play moving.

Fouls: Law 12 applies. Referees should not stop for trifling violations, but always stop for safety.
Misconduct:
- Law 12 applies. Misconduct covers serious unsporting behavior.
- Cautions and send-offs are permitted at 12U, though AYSO guidance suggests avoiding them unless necessary.
- Children under 12 are often managed best with a verbal warning. Referees should work with coaches to correct behavior.
- If a player is sent off, they remain on the sideline under coach supervision (not removed from the area as in adult play).

Distance from ball: 8 yards on free kicks, corners, goal kicks, and kick-offs.
Offside: Standard Laws apply.
Scoring:
- Score is recorded and acknowledged.
- Sportsmanship is critical — coaches must manage games to avoid lopsided results.
- Coaches should act before a 5-goal margin is reached.
- Review “How to Prevent a Blowout” on the website and consult the RCA if needed.
- Serious unsporting blowouts may result in penalties.

Must be registered AYSO volunteers:
- Background check completed.
- Safe Haven, SafeSport, CDC Concussion, and Sudden Cardiac Arrest courses.
Must hold Regional Referee certification or higher.
12U Center Referees: Should be Intermediate Referees, or “Intermediate Candidates” working toward their badge and game count.
Assistant Referees: Regional badge or higher.

Teach as well as officiate — explain infringements and encourage sporting behavior.
Keep the game moving; avoid excessive stoppages.
Always put safety first.

Teams must earn 15 referee points to qualify for playoffs.
Points may be earned by refereeing qualified matches (10U, 12U, 14U), performing referee admin work, or attending courses.
Details available on the Region 20 website under “Referee Points.”

Sit on opposite sides of the field.
- Home team: West or North.
- Visitors: East or South.
Stay between the penalty areas and 2 yards back from the touchline.
Never stand behind goals.
Follow Kids Zone guidelines (no dogs, smoking, or alcohol).
Parents cheer, players play, coaches coach.
Show respect and congratulate both teams.
On turf fields: only water is allowed.

Field time: Teams have their field for their scheduled slot only.
- Games must start on time.
- If delayed, referees may shorten halftime or halves (equal length).
Coin toss: Winner chooses either side or kickoff.
Ball size: 4.
Game cards:
- Coaches prepare before warm-ups with full names and numbers.
- Given to the referee before the match.
- Referee notes attendance, subs, GK time, and goals.
- Assistant referees may help record.
- Completed cards are signed and submitted (usually via photo) to the Division Commissioner.

Setup: Parents from both first-game teams must set up goals, nets, flags (4 corners, 1 each at halfway), and secure equipment. Arrive early to complete before warmups.
Takedown: Parents from both last-game teams must return all equipment, including stakes and hooks, to storage. Remove all trash and recycling.

Thank you for helping make 12U soccer safe, fair, and fun for all players!