FCSA In-House Under 12 Playing Rules and Recommendations
Field of Play
Length – 60-80 yards long, 45-66 yards wide
Center Circle – 8 yards
Goal area – FIFA rules
Penalty Area – 14 yards from goals, 14 yards out, 8 yard arc
Penalty Mark – 10 yards from goal line
Goals – 18 feet x 6 feet
Ball – size 4
Number of players – 8, including keeper
Substitutions – at any stoppage and unlimited
Game length – 2x30 minute halves, 5 minute halftime break
Florida – 1 minute water break ½ way through each half. Players must stay on the field.
Offside – YES – must be TWO players (including goalie) between offense and goal line. Offensive player must be gaining advantage at the time the ball is kicked to be considered offside. NO offside on a throw-in, goal kick, corner kick or if you’re in your own half.
Free kicks – players must be at least 8 yards from the ball
Keeper punts – YES – for in-house games, keepers may not punt into other team’s 18 yard box. If they do, it is an IFK where the ball landed.
Goal kicks – taken from anywhere in the goal box. It is recommended that keepers take their own goal kicks.
Playing time – 50% of every game (in-house rule)
Advantages of playing small sided games
>more time with the coach
>more time with the ball
>more activity – offense and defense
>greater success rate
USYSA recommendations
>opposing coaches, players and parents shake hands after each match
>parents, coaches and spectators should be there to enjoy and encourage the activity of the youngsters
>coaches recommended to attend U10/12 youth module or E license
Characteristics of U12 players
>age of tactical awareness
>overuse injuries, burnout and high attrition rate associated with high-intensity children’s programs
>begin to develop and sustain complex coordinated skill sequences
>increased ability to acquire and apply knowledge
>game of soccer must present the ability to think creatively and solve problems while moving
