Welcome to Division U-11/12 Soccer!
Age Group
U 11/12
Number of players on team:
15-17
Number players on field:
11
Ball Size:
4
Equipment:
Birthdays
8/1/2000 to 7/31/02
Shin guards are required. Players with braces must wear wax or
mouth guards. Soccer shoes are optional. No jewelry or watches.
Field Size
Width 65 yards, Length 110 yards.
Goal size:
24 ft wide x 8 ft tall
Goal box – 6 yd x 6 yd from goal post and 6 yds into field of play.
Field Markings:
Standard - penalty area 18 x 18 yds. from each post and 18 yds into field of play.
Duration of Game:
15 minute quarters with 5 minute halftime and 2 minute quarter breaks.
Referees:
2 youth referees. Referees will make calls per FIFA Laws of the Game, with exceptions
as noted in these rules. Coaches should advise parents to rules unique to soccer, such as
advantage, offsides and out of bounds. For example, a player that is out of bounds may
play a ball that is still in play.
Playing time:
Every attempt must be made to play each child a minimum of one half of the game
except in the case of injury, illness or disciplinary action.
Practice:
Players are expected to attend all practices. Two practices per week are encouraged. A
minimum of one is expected.
Substitution:
Allowed at each quarter, on kick-off, on injury (the injured player must be replaced), on
your EITHER TEAM’S throw-in, goal kick or corner kick. Substitutions are to be from
midfield. Players should be standing at the midfield stripe and be ready to enter the game.
Concept:
At this age OYAA continues to teach kids position play, passing and offside. An
emphasis should be placed on improving individual ball control skills. Offside is
enforced. Team play and set plays are encouraged. Players should have the opportunity to
play all positions. Score will be kept.
Coaching goals:
Coaches are to instruct players in the rules of the game. Any yelling must be constructive
and should be kept to a minimum. Teach them to play as a team. Players should know
and maintain positions. Players should develop improved ball control, both individually
and as a team. The team should have a few set plays and know how to respond to game
situations, both offensively and defensively. Goalkeepers should receive specialized
instruction.
Rules for U-11/12 Soccer
1. Referee is to explain calls to the offending player(s) during the game as needed.
2. Offside is enforced. A player is offside if, while in his attacking half of the field and not in possession of the ball,
he is in front of the ball and there are fewer than two defenders, including the goalkeeper, between him and the goal.
Offside is only called when an offside player is judged by the referee to be involved in the development of the play
or if the player attempts to gain an advantage. The defending team is awarded an indirect free kick where the player
was offside.
3. Improper throw-ins are not allowed.
4. Deliberate handling of the ball is not allowed. Touching the ball unintentionally or in a protective manner with
the hand is permitted.
5. Defensive players must be at least 10 yards from the ball on any free kick. An indirect free kick must be
touched/played by a second player (offensive or defensive) prior to a second touch by the kicker or a goal being
scored. A goal scored without a second touch shall not count and play resumes with a goal kick. If the kicker plays
the ball twice the opposing team is awarded an indirect kick at the point of infraction.
6. All infractions for deliberate handling, tripping, kicking, pushing, and holding will result in the stoppage of play
and an explanation of the offense by the referee. Play resumes with a direct free kick at the point of the infraction.
A penalty within the penalty box results in a direct free kick at the point where the infraction occurred. Blatant fouls
within the penalty box may result in a penalty kick at the discretion of the referee. A penalty kick is taken from the
penalty line and is opposed only by the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper must stay on the goal line until the kick is
taken.
7. All infractions for dangerous play will result in the stoppage of play and an explanation of the offense by the
referee. Dangerous plays include high kicks, playing the ball while the player is on the ground, and slide tackles.
Play resumes with an indirect free kick at the point of the infraction.
8. Intentional / blatant fouls will result in a yellow card warning or in extreme cases a red card (send off). A second
yellow card results in a red card send off. A player receiving a red card will be held out of the next game.
9. A drop ball will be used at the point of infraction whenever a call is uncertain or for dual penalties. A drop ball
within the penalty box is taken at a point closest to where the infraction occurred.
10. A drop ball is used to restart play for any stoppage of play due to an injury. The drop ball will take place where
play stopped.
11. Unsportsmanlike conduct, offensive language or gestures result in a yellow card warning. A second offense
results in a red card send off. The ball is put back in play with a drop ball where play stopped.
12. If a ball crosses the sideline in its entirety, it is put back in play with a throw-in by the opposing team.
13. If a ball crosses the goal line in its entirety, it is put back in play with a corner kick by the offensive team and a
goal kick by the defensive team. Corner and goal kicks must be touched/played by a second player (offensive or
defensive) prior to a second touch by the kicker. A goal kick must leave the penalty box before being played by
another player. The ball may be moved off the goal box to accommodate weaker players. A goal kick that does not
leave the penalty box is replayed.
14. Goalkeepers are permitted to use their hands only inside the penalty box.
15. A ball purposely kicked back to the goalkeeper by his teammate may not be played by the keeper with the
hands.
16. Play changes direction at halftime. Maintain the same direction after the 1 st and 3rd quarter breaks.
17. The game clock only stops for injuries. The referee is the official timekeeper.
18. Players and coaches will be located on the opposite side of the field from parents and spectators. Coaches are
allowed only between the midline and a point parallel to the top of the penalty box on his/her own half of the
field. Coaches are not allowed on the field during play. No one is allowed to stand behind the goal line,
including spectators.