U12 Recreational Program This program meets for practice once a week and one game each weekend for eight sessions in the fall season or six sessions in the spring. The Club Registrar and Under 12 Age Group Coordinator form mixed gender teams or all female teams of 10 to 12 players (10 & 11 year olds) each season, based on age, and experience. The games (with goalies) are 8 vs. 8 with club referee?s responsible for refereeing. Opposing coaches are to be on opposite sides of the field with their team and behind the touchline (sideline) during play. Score reporting or reporting of team records is neither appropriate nor supported for this program. The program goals are;1.Ball control 2.Attack and Defense 3.Positional play 4.Team play 5.Systems of Play basics The FIFA laws of the game, with the following exceptions,shall govern the Under 12 age group along with the recommendations as suggested by the USYSA parent & coach primer. FIELD Field dimensions are 80 yards by 50 yards maximum. BALL Size 4 PLAYERS 8 players on the field including a goalkeeper All players are to play a minimum of one-half of every game All players are to have game experience in all positions (except goalie) All players not in the game are to remain outside the touchline (sideline) PLAYERS EQUIPMENT Shin guards are mandatory, no jewelry or hooded clothing, pants or socks must cover hard plastic faced shin guards. DURATION OF GAME Two halves of 30 minutes each, with 5 minutes between halves SUBSTITUTIONS For injuries, before goal kicks (either team), after goals (either team), before a throw-in (team with possession) OFFSIDES Offsides is applicable FOULS & MISCONDUCT Referee is to explain all infractions to the players Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players and fans FREE KICKS Players must yield 8 yards on free kicks