U12 Rules

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Law I - The Field
    A. Dimensions:
        1. The field of play shall be rectangular, its length being not more than 75 yards and the width not more than 45 yards.
    B. Markings
        1. Distinctive lines not more than 5 inches wide
        2. A halfway line shall be marked out across the field
        3. A center circle with an 10 yard radius
        4. Four corner arcs with a 1 yard radius
        5. Goal area - 6 yards from each goal post and 6 yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel to the goal line
        6. Penalty area - 18 yards from each goal post and 18 yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line
    C. Goals
        1. 8 feet high by 8 yards wide

Law II - The Ball
    A. Size 4

Law III - Number of players
    A. Maximum number of players on the field at any one time is to be 8, one of whom must be the goalkeeper
    B. Teams will field an equal number of players the minimum number being 6
    C. Substitution
        1. According to FIFA as modified by USYSA
    D. Playing time
        1. Each player should be rotated through the different field positions during the regular season.
        2. Each player shall play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time per game and season.

Law IV - Player's Equipment
    A. Conform with FIFA except:
        1. Footwear - tennis or soft cleated soccer shoes permitted
        2. Shin guards mandatory at practices and games
        3. Children shall not war items that may cause injury, such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and hard hair barrettes.

Law V - The Referee
    A. Referee's decisions on points of the game shall be final
    B. All rule infractions MUST be briefly explained to the offending player, not the coach.

Law VI - Assistant Referees
    A. Assistant Referees will be used if possible.
Club linespersons will only be allowed to help the referee by calling the ball in and out of play

Law VII - Duration of the game
    A. The game shall be divided into two equal halves, 30 minutes each.
    B. Half time break shall be 5 minutes

Law VIII - The Start of Play
    A. Conforming to FIFA, a captain from each team shall meet with the referee prior to the game. The referee will flip the coin, the visiting captain will call heads or tails. The winning captain will have choice of goal in the first half, and the opposing team shall have the kick-off for the first period.
    B. A different captain should be chosen for each game.

Law IX - Ball in and out of play
    A. Conforming to FIFA

Law X - Method of scoring
    A. Conforming to FIFA

Law XI - Offside
    A. Conforming to FIFA

Law XII - Fouls and misconduct
    A. Conforming to FIFA

Law XIII - Free Kicks
    A. Conforming to FIFA

Law XIV - Penalty Kicks
    A. Conforming to FIFA

Law XV - Throw-in
    A. Conforming to FIFA

Law XVI - Goal Kick
    A. Conforming to FIFA

Law XVII - Corner Kick
    A. Conforming to FIFA

Additional Rules for Under 12
1. The under-12 age group shall be determined by the WYSA Board according to the child's age and conforming to USYSA (exceptions can be made by the U-12 Commissioner and approved by the WYSA Board.

2. Coaches shall not leave a player unattended at the Habig complex during a practice or game.

3. Coaches shall have in their possession during practices and games all player registration forms for their teams.

4. League standings will be recorded and used for seeding in the end-of-season tournament. Coaches will record game results in the notebook in the concession stand.

5. A regular season game shall be determined over if the final score at the end of regulation time results in a tie.

6. The playing time and place for an Under-12 game shall not be changed without prior approval from the Under-12 Commissioner.

7. In the event the WYSA Board determines that a post season play-off for the Under-12 league is in order, the tournament will be conducted by a format determined by the WYSA Board and the Under-12 Commissioner.

8. Opposing parent/coaches and players should shake hands after each game.

9. Parent/coaches and non-playing players and parents and spectators shall be located on opposite sides of the playing field and located not less that 2 yards outside the touch-line. No individual except the players will be allowed to run the length of the field.

10. Parents should not coach or instruct the players during game time.

11. Only positive instruction may be offered by the coach and assistant coaches during game time.

12. Extreme unsportsmanlike conduct or failure to comply with the rules by coaches and assistants may result in suspension from succeeding games as determined by the WYSA board and the respective commissioner and referee.

13. Awards such as trophies, medals and ribbons are only to be awarded by WYSA. Other awards may be given by a coach at his/her discretion. However, any not given by WYSA must be awarded at a time and place different from WYSA presentations and outside HABIG Soccer Complex.

14. Coaches are expected to complete and return a player evaluation sheet as provided by the Under-12 Commissioner.

15. No alcoholic beverages will be consumed or allowed near the playing area or in the Habig Soccer Complex.

16. Coaches and assistant coaches are not permitted to smoke or use smokeless tobacco during practices and games.

17. Failure to abide by the rules established herein may lead to loss of coaching or commissioner status.

18. Anyone concerned about possible violation of policy/procedure should contact the respective WYSA commissioner.

Spring 2002

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