WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR 12U DIVISIONS AT AYSO 33**
Division Managers
BU12: ERIC SCHWIMMER
GU12: CHRIS BERRY
All inquiries about the BU12 Division should begin with Eric at [email protected]
All inquiries about the GU12 Division should begin with Chris at [email protected]
Age Range
BU12, GU12: All players born in the years 2012 or 2013.
(NOTE: National Soccer has established the age range for all divisions. AYSO is not permitted to deviate from it.)
What Equipment Do I Need
Soccer shoes (not turf shoes) are preferred. Also, athletic shoes are allowed. NOTE: Metal cleats are NOT permitted.
Shin Guards (which must be completely covered by soccer socks)
Size 4 soccer ball
When will Teams be Formed
By the end of July
How Teams are Formed
IMPORTANT: 12U teams are NOT formed by request
One of the principal philosophies of AYSO is that all teams must be balanced. It is a frustrating experience for players (and parents) to lose a game 0-10. It is also not challenging or fun to win a game 10-0. So we do our best at Region 33 to make the teams fair and the games more fun by emphasizing balanced teams over requests.
HERE IS THE PROCESS
1. Rating Session: The 12U Division Managers will schedule two player rating sessions for each division (BU12 & GU12), the first during the week of July 10 and the second during the week of July 17. Players will RSVP for one of the sessions. Attendance is mandatory in order to be placed on a team.
NOTE #1: The sessions are not “tryouts” because every player who is rated will be placed on a team.
NOTE #2: If your child cannot attend one of the rating sessions, please notify the Division Manager, who will attempt to find an alternate date. HOWEVER, this is very inconvenient so please do so only if your child absolutely cannot attend because you are away or for some other similar reason.
2. Information Request: Next, the division manager will email parents and request the following information: 1. Is there any day of the week your child absolutely cannot attend practice because of other activities? And 2. Is there any player that your child would like to have on the same team?
NOTE: THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THE FRIEND REQUEST WILL HAPPEN. The first responsibility of division managers is to create balanced teams. To the extent they can accommodate requests and keep the teams balanced, division managers will do their best to accommodate a friend request. BUT AGAIN, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE
NOTE #2: Siblings WILL be placed on the same team.
3. Division Managers will hold a draft.
Prior to the draft, the division manager will provide all head coaches with the rating information for all players in their division. The division manager will choose a site to hold an in-person draft, where coaches will select their players. There will be an emphasis on achieving balanced teams. Coaches will not be permitted to dissuade other coaches from drafting any particular player.
NOTE #1: The Division Managers will NOT honor requests for assistant coaches to be on a team with any particular head coach if it will cause teams to be unbalanced.
NOTE #2: Siblings WILL be placed on the same team.
Number of Teams
Depends on how many players register for each Division and how many certified coaches we have.
6 teams in BU12
3 teams in GU12
How do I become a certified coach for 12U
AYSO is an all-volunteer organization, and we must have certified coaches to have teams. All AYSO coaches and assistant coaches, at every level, must: 1) register as a volunteer through our website (ayso33.org) and 2) complete online classes and an in-person coach training session. Here is a link to the step-by-step process to become a coach: https://www.ayso33.org/Portals/14777/docs/2023/coach_certification_2023.pdf
Practices – Twice a Week
All 12U teams will practice twice per week for one hour at our Balboa Park soccer fields. We have practice field permits for Monday through Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm. The coach will select the practice days and times.
When do Practices Begin
The week of August 7.
When Do Games Begin
Opening Day is Saturday, August 19, 2023 . BU12 will play all their games at the Balboa Park Soccer Fields (see map on our website). GU12 will play some games at Balboa Park Soccer Fields and some games at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park, 5401 Huston St., Sherman Oaks.
Weather permitting, play will continue every Saturday through November 4 (no games on Sept 2 and Sept 16 due to holidays).
Game Schedules
The schedules will be posted on our website by Labor Day at www.ayso33.org (go to the “Team Central” tab)
IMPORTANT: Since the GU12 Division will have only have 3 teams, our GU12 teams will play some of their games at AYSO Region 58, which plays at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park, 14201 Huston St. Sherman Oaks.
When Do Playoffs Begin
The 12U Divisions are considered “competitive” divisions. There are playoffs at the end of the season. There is also an all-star team (See below). Assuming the season finishes per the posted schedule, playoffs will take place at our soccer fields as follows:
All teams that get BOTH the required number of “Volunteer” points and “Referee” points will qualify for the playoffs. Playoff seeding depends upon the season record for each team
September 11: 1st week of Region 33 playoffs (may include multiple games for teams)
September 18: 2nd week of Region 33 playoffs
IMPORTANT: Only Teams that Get BOTH the Volunteer Points and Referee Points will qualify for playoffs.
Teams must do the following to qualify for playoffs:
1. Earn 25 “Volunteer” points combined: These are earned by volunteering to do any of the following: Board Member, field set-up, field take-down, working at the red tent, field monitor, assisting with photo day, trophy day, or any of the Board Member functions described on our website. For more information, contact Wendy Shuster, our volunteer coordinator, at [email protected]
2. Earn 15 “Referee” points combined: Referees and Assistant Referees must be registered and certified to qualify for “referee” points. Center referees earn 2 points per game. Assistant referees earn 1 point per game. “Club” referees (parents who volunteer to help on the sidelines when there are not enough referees) do NOT earn points unless they are registered and certified.
Here is a link to our “Referee Policy”: https://www.ayso33.org/Portals/14777/docs/2023/referee_points_policy_2023.pdf
NOTE: Since the GU12 teams will play some games away from Balboa Park, the number of volunteer points and referee points will be equal to 1.5 X the number of games played at Balboa Park.
REMEMBER, AYSO is an all-volunteer organization, and we cannot have games without certified referees and volunteers. SO WE WILL NOT BE MAKING EXCEPTIONS
AREA/SECTION PLAYOFF TOURNAMENT
AREA: The BU12 and GU12 team that wins our regional playoff tournament will qualify to compete against the winners of other AYSO Area 10V Regions in our Area playoff tournament at the North Hills fields in Granada Hills on December 9 and 10, 2023 (first round) and on December 16 and 17, 2023 (semi-finals). So, keep your calendars free if you are able.
SECTION: If our teams win at Area, they will compete in the Section 10 Tournament in Bakersfield on February 17 and 18, 2024.
ALL-STARS
At the end of the season, we will form a BU12 All-Star team and a GU12 All-Star team which will compete in Area 10V’s All-Star tournament at the North Hills fields in Granada Hills on January 13 and 14, 2024 (first round) and on January 20 and 21, 2024 (semi-finals and finals. If our teams advance, they will compete in the Section 10 tournament at Bakersfield on March 2 and 3, 2024.
How All-Star Teams are Formed:
Coaches and Division Managers will nominate players to try out for the teams. Players need to play in at least ½ of their team’s game to be eligible. All-Star tryouts will likely begin on November 18, 2023. The All-Star coach and Division Manager will select the team by December 2, 2023.
Spring Tournament Team:
Following the All-Star tournament, it is hoped that the All-Star team will stay together and play in various AYSO tournaments throughout the spring.
GAME DAY DETAILS AND RULES
Duration of Game
60 minutes, plus a half-time break of 5-10 minutes.
The game is broken into two thirty (30) minute periods. During each period, there is a stoppage after approximately fifteen (15) minutes, where there will be a short water break and substitutions allowed. Players who are not substituted must stay on the field at the sideline. This stoppage is NOT a time for coaching players. The game clock keeps on running.
Playing Time Info
Numbers:
Nine players per team on the field, one of which is a goalkeeper (Twelve players maximum on the roster.)
Substitutions:
Between periods, at halftime, and for injuries.
Limits on Goalkeepers:
In 12U, goalkeepers may play three quarters in goal, provided they play at least 1 quarter on the field (this of course only works if teams are short at least 1 player)
Playing Time:
Minimum of three quarters per player per game. No player may play four quarters until everyone has played three.
NOTE: While the Referee records players and substitutes on the game card, adherence to the playing time policy is the responsibility of the Coach, not the Referee nor the Assistant Referee. Any violation of the playing time policy may result in a (post-game) forfeit against the offending team.
NOTE #2: There is NO stoppage time added at the end of each half
The Field
The field size for 12U games is 240 ft long by 120 ft wide.
In addition to the sidelines (“touchline’), goal lines, halfway line, and center circle with 8 yd radius, the markings also include, among others:
1. Goal area in front of each goal measuring 5 x 16 yards.
2. Penalty area in front of each goal measuring 14 x 36 yards.
3. Penalty mark 10 yards from the goal line
Goal Dimensions
Goals are a maximum of 7 ft high by 21 ft wide.
The Ball
A size 4 soccer ball is used for all 12U games and practices.
Scores and Standings are kept
Scores, standings, team volunteer points, and team referee points will all be updated and posted on our website at www.ayso33.org (go to “Team Central” tab)
“No Slaughter Rule” - Good Sportsmanship is a MUST
Although we do our best to balance teams, sometimes a game can be too one-sided and can cause bad feelings. In that situation, coaches must take positive steps to hold down the score.
Games may be forfeited for multiple violations of this rule. Our Coach Mentor is a terrific resource for the many ways this can be accomplished: [email protected]
Referees/Officiating
One certified center referee and 2 certified assistant referees (1 on each touchline).
NOTE: We use volunteer referees. If we do not have enough volunteers, we will use ask spectators to step in as an assistant referee (called a “club” referee) for the game. Club referees do not earn referee points unless they have been previously registered and certified.
SIDELINE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES & PARENTS – RESPECT FOR REFEREES
AYSO Region 33 has adopted a Code of Conduct, which prohibits conversation with referees during games about the calls made or not made, plus other behavior that interferes with the enjoyable, positive atmosphere for kids and everyone else. Here is the link: https://www.ayso33.org/Portals/14777/docs/2023/parent_spectator_codeofconduct_2023.pdf
The Start of Play
A coin toss is used to determine which team chooses to kicks off to start the game or instead to kick off to start the second half.
The game starts with a kick-off in the center of the field. The team not kicking off must be at least eight yards from the center mark while kick-off is in progress.
Ball In and Out of Play
The ball is out of play when it completely crosses the touchline (sideline) or goal line, either on the ground or in the air. Play is restarted by a throw-in (for balls out of play crossing the touchline,) by a goal kick (for balls crossing the goal line and last touched by the attacking team), or by a corner kick (for balls crossing the goal line and last touched by the defending team.)
Throw-In:
The ball is thrown from behind the head and at least one foot must be in contact with the ground. Second chances are not given for improper throw-ins for U12 (except for the first few “friendly” games of the season). An improper throw-in results in a throw-in for the opposing team. There is no offsides violation on a throw-in.
Goal Kick:
The goal kick may be taken from any point inside the goal area. The goal kick is retaken if the ball is touched or played by either team before leaving the penalty area.
Corner Kick:
The opposing team must be at least eight yards from the ball when the corner kick is taken in 12U games.
What counts as a “Goal”
A goal is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal.
Goalkeeper Punts allowed
The goalkeeper is allowed to punt the ball in 12U.
Offside
The offside law applies in 12U games. An offsides offense can occur anywhere between the halfway line and the goal line.
Handball Rule
A “handball” offense occurs when a player makes a deliberate movement of the hand or arm to the ball. For example, even if an arm is in a natural position, if the player moves his/her body to use the arm to direct or play the ball, it is an offense.
It is an offense when a player touches the ball with the hand/arm positioned to make a player's body "unnaturally larger" and it is not in a position that can be considered natural for the body movement for that specific situation; distance from last point of contact does not matter. So, for example, a ball touching a player's arm that is in a natural running position is not an offense. If the ball touches an arm that extends out or up, then it is an offense.
No Heading
Heading the ball is not allowed (US Soccer prohibits heading the ball for all divisions below age 14U). An indirect free kick at the spot of the offense will be awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a match.
What happens when there is a foul
Free Kicks
For fouls not committed by the defending team in its own penalty area, fouls may be either direct (may score directly), or indirect (must be touched or played by another player before a goal can be scored). Opponents must be at least eight yards from the ball or on the goal line between the goal posts during free kicks.
Penalty Kicks
For direct free-kick fouls committed by the defending team in its own penalty area, a penalty kick will be awarded to the attacking team. The penalty kick is taken from the penalty mark with all other players outside the penalty area except the opposing team’s goalkeeper.
Misconduct
Although misconduct should be rare, the center referee has the discretion to issue yellow cards and even red cards to players and coaches. Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their sidelines. Here is the link to Region 33’s Coach Code of Conduct: https://www.ayso33.org/Portals/14777/docs/2023/coach_code_of_conduct_2023.pdf
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW:
VOLUNTEERISM
AYSO is completely run by volunteers. Nobody gets paid. We expect that a minimum of 1 hour of volunteerism is done on behalf of every player in the 12U Divisions. (Remember, every team needs 25 cumulative hours to qualify for the playoffs). To find out what you can do, please email Wendy Shuster, our Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected]
IMPORTANT: PARENT & SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT (will be enforced)
To create an enjoyable atmosphere for kids, coaches, parents and referees, AYSO Region 33 has adopted a “Code of Conduct” for parents and spectators. Here is the link:
UNIFORMS
Uniforms (socks, shorts, and jersey) will be provided to coaches to hand out prior to the first game, which is August 19, 2023.
PHOTO DAY
Photo Day is September 9, 2023. There will be a makeup photo day on September 30, 2023 (However, those who attend the makeup session will likely NOT be included in the team photo).
TROPHIES
Will be provided to coaches to pass out on the last day of the season.
THANKSGIVING TOURNAMENT (For Volunteers)
We are hosting the Cynthia Petrillo Thanksgiving Turkey tournament on Friday, November 23, and Saturday, November 24 at our Balboa Park soccer fields. It will be a fundraiser for our Region.
NOTE: U10, U12 and U14 Players who have parents/guardians/family members who are Board Members, Coaches, Referees or donated significant volunteer hours will be invited to play.
It will be a lot of fun and an incentive for you to volunteer at Region 33 this season.
**The details above are subject to change. Everything depends on the number of players that register and volunteers that come forward to help.