Leavenworth County Soccer U12 Rules

Law 1 – The Field of Play 

1. Dimensions: The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line.
2. Length: minimum 60 yards maximum 80 yards
3. Width: minimum 45 yards maximum 55 yards.
4. Center Circle: Radius of 8 yards
5. Penalty Mark: 10 yards from midpoint of goal line under the goal’s upright
6. Goal Post must be securely anchored.
7. Spectator and team benches will be on opposite sides of the field.

Law 2 – The Ball: Size four (4). 

Law 3 – The Number of Players: 

1. A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than nine (9) players, one of whom is the goalkeeper.
2. Minimum number of players is 5 including one of whom is the goalkeeper
3. Substitutions: Unlimited Substitutions.
   1. Substitution procedure to conform to FIFA
   2. Substitutions may be allowed at half time, after goals, goal kicks, injuries, at any stoppage with the referees acknowledgement.
   3. Team not in possession of the corner kick, or throw-in may also substitute providing the team in possession of the corner kick or throw-in wishes to substitute.
4. Playing time: Each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. Teams and matches may be coed. (monitored by league, not the referee)

Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment: 

1. Player may not wear any item of equipment that may be dangerous to themselves or others to include jewelry.
2. Player wearing a cast must be deemed safe by the referee. Non-uniform clothing is allowed based on weather conditions, but uniform jerseys must still distinguish teams.
3. Shin guards are required be covered by socks and be age appropriate.
4. Toe cleats are not permitted, and the shoe must be deemed safe by the referee.
5. Goalkeeper must wear a shirt that distinguishes them from other players. Goalkeeper may wear a soft-billed cap.
6. Teams will not purchase uniforms which conflict with the referee's primary color of Yellow/Gold.

Law 5 – The Referee:

U.S.S.F. Registered referee.

Law 6 –The Assistant Referees:

Use U.S.S.F. registered referees or club linesmen/women.

Law 7 – The Duration of the Match:

Conform to FIFA with the following exceptions

1. The match will be divided into two (2) halves of thirty (30) minutes each. There shall be a half-time interval of five (5) minutes.
2. Except for tournament play, games tied at the end of regulation will end as a tie.

Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play:

Conform to FIFA with the exception of the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.

Law 9 – The Ball in and Out of Play:

Conform to FIFA.

Law 10 – The Method of Scoring:

Conform to FIFA.

1. At any time in the 2nd half of play, one team has a goal differential of 10 goals; game may be terminated at the losing coach’s discretion. Decision rest solely with the losing team’s coach.

Law 11 – Offside:

Conform to FIFA.

Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct: 

Conform to FIFA with the exceptions.

1. Slide tackling is not permitted.
2. Players receiving a yellow card will be required to leave the field and may be replaced. The player may re-enter the game at the next legal substitution.
3. Red Cards- Red cards issued to players or coaches will result in the person having to leave the field of play for the rest of the existing game and to have to miss his/her next scheduled game. Person must leave the playing area and in the opinion of the referee be far enough away from play to be of no further consequence before play resumes.

Law 13 – Free Kicks:

Conform to FIFA with the exception that all opponents are at least eight (8) yards from the ball.

Law 14 – The Penalty Kick:

Conform to FIFA.

Law 15 – The Throw-In:

Conform to FIFA.

Law 16 – The Goal Kick:

Conform to FIFA.

Law 17 – The Corner Kick:

Conform to FIFA with the exception that opponents remain at least eight (8) yards from the ball until it is in play.

Other 

1. Prior to the start of a game, if one team has no subs or less than the agreed upon amount of players on the field, the opposing team will offer to 1) temporarily move some of their players to the opponents team to even out the numbers or 2) reduce the number of players on the field to match the opponent.  Referees may call additional breaks to give players a rest.  Players temporarily representing another team should wear a jersey color that is different from the goal keepers, and the opponent.  It does not have to be an exact match to the team they are playing with.
2. Only players officially registered for recreational soccer from one of the participating Parks and Rec groups or LSA are allowed to participate in games.
3. The referee shall stop the game when an injury appears, and the player requires assistance. If a coach and/AR-Club linesman see an injury before the referee, they should notify the referee.
4. Players must be Under 12 years of age during the entire season. (monitored by league, not the referee)

Last updated 3//9/2023