U12 Rules

Games Played 8v8

Law 1. The Field of Play

  • The dimensions of the field shall be at a maximum 50 yds wide by 75 yds long.
  • The goal area shall be two lines drawn at right angles to the goal line. 6 yds from the inside of each goal post and extending 6 yds into the field of play. These lines are joined by a line parallel with the goal line.
  • The penalty area shall be two lines drawn at right angles to the goal line, 14 yds from the inside of each goal post and extending 14 yds into the field of play. These lines are joined by a line parallel with the goal line. Within each penalty area a penalty mark is made 10 yds from the midpoint between the goalposts. An arc of a circle with a radius of 8yds from each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area.
  • The center mark has a circle with a radius of 8 yds enclosing it.
  • The goals shall be 7 ft. X 7 yds.

Law 2. The Ball

  • The ball shall be a size 4 to be provided by the home team.

Law 3. The Number of Players

  • Two teams play a match, each having not more than 8 players one of whom is the goalkeeper.
  • Substitutions can be made at any stoppage in play and are unlimited.

Law 4. Players Equipment

  • Shall conform to FIFA.

Law 5. The Referee

  • MYSA shall provide a licensed referee at a level of Grade 9 or above.

Law 6. The Assistant Referee

  • MYSA will attempt to assign AR’s to all matches. In the event that they are unable to, the referee may ask the assistance of the coaches to get a parent to substitute for an AR. These “club AR’s” are to assist in calling out of bounds calls only.

Law 7. The Duration of the Match

  • Shall consist of the match being divided into 2 equal halves of 30 minutes each. There shall be a half-time interval of 5 minutes.
  • In situations where a winner needs to be determined and the need for over time exists. The overtime shall consist of 2-8 minute periods.
  • If after this overtime there is still no winner, follow FIFA’s Kicks from the Penalty Mark.

Law 8. The Start and Restart of Play

  • Shall conform to FIFA, with the exception of the opponents being 8 yards from the ball until played.

Law 9. The Ball In and Out of Play

  • Shall conform to FIFA.

Law 10. The Method of Scoring

  • Shall conform to FIFA.

Law 11. Offside

  • Shall conform to FIFA.

Law 12. Fouls and Misconduct

  • Shall conform to FIFA.
  • There shall be no slide tackling in this age group. If this offense occurs the result is a direct kick for the opposing team.

Law 13. Free Kicks

  • Shall conform to FIFA, with the exception of the opponents being 8 yards from the ball until played.

Law 14. The Penalty Kick

  • Shall conform to FIFA with the exceptions that the penalty mark is 10 yards and that players other than the kicker and defending goalkeeper are at least 8 yards from the penalty mark.

Law 15. The Throw-In

  • Shall conform to FIFA.

Law 16. The Goal Kick

  • Shall conform to FIFA.

Law 17. The Corner Kick

  • Shall conform to FIFA, with the exception that opponents remain 8 yards from the ball until played.