WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR 12U DIVISIONS AT AYSO 33

BU12: TBD
GU12:  MARY VASSALLO

All inquiries about the Division should begin with the Division Manager (see Board Member page on this website for their email address)
Additional inquiries can be made to the Regional Commissioner at: [email protected]

Age Range:
BU12, GU12:  All players born in the years 2014 or 2015.
(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 August 3, 2025

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: Division Managers will schedule two player rating sessions for each division (BU12 & GU12), between June 2025 and July 2025.  Players will RSVP for one of the sessions.  Attendance is mandatory in order to be placed on a team (These sessions are not “tryouts” because every player who is rated will be placed on a team.)
IMPORTANT NOTE:  If your child cannot attend one of the rating sessions, please notify your Division Manager, who will attempt to find an alternate date.  

2.  Information requested from parents: Next, the division manager will email parents and inquire whether there are any days of the week your child absolutely cannot attend practice because of other activities.
     NOTE #1:  SIBLINGS:  Siblings WILL be placed on the same team.  
     NOTE #2:  ASSISTANT COACHES:  The Division Manager 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.  The first responsibility of division managers is to create balanced teams.  

3.  The 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. 
     REMINDER:  ASSISTANT COACHES: 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.

Number of Teams:
11-12 players per team.  No limit on the number of teams.  HOWEVER, the number of teams depends on how many certified coaches we have for each division. on how many players register for each Division.

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 certified AYSO Coach:  https://www.ayso33.org/Portals/14777/docs/2023/coach_certification_2023.pdf
FOR HELP WITH THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS: Contact our Region's Child Volunteer Protection Advocate (CVPA) at: [email protected]

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.  Your coach will select the practice days and times. 

When do Practices Begin?
The week of August 4, 2025.  

When Do Games Begin?
BU12:  Opening Day is Saturday, September 6, 2025.  
GU12:  Opening Day could take place on August 23, 2025 (because we play in a league with AYSO Region 58 - Van Nuys Sherman Oaks, which possibly could start August 23)

Weather permitting, regular season play will continue every Saturday through November 1, 2025 (NOTE: No games on August 30, 2025, which is Labor Day Weekend).  

Where are the Games Played?
BU12: Last season, the BU12 teams played all their games at the Balboa Park Soccer Fields (see map on our website).  We anticipate this will happen again in Fall 2025.
GU12: Last season, the GU12 teams played one half of their games at Balboa Park Soccer Fields and one half of their games at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park, located at 5401 Huston St., Sherman Oaks (this was because we had 3 GU12 teams last season).

Game Schedules:
The schedules will be posted on our website by August 21, 2025, at www.ayso33.org  (go to the “Team Central” tab) 

When Do Playoffs Begin?
The U12 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 the required number of “Volunteer” points and “Referee” points will qualify for the playoffs.  Playoff seeding depends upon the season record for each team.

November 8:      First rounds of Region 33 playoffs (may include multiple games for teams)

November 15:    Finals of Region 33 playoffs (may include multiple games for teams)

November 22:   Make-up day for playoffs (if necessary)

IMPORTANT: Only Teams that Get the Required # of Volunteer Points and Referee Points will qualify for the playoffs. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Teams must do BOTH of 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 assisting 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

AYSO is an all-volunteer organization, and we cannot have games without certified referees and volunteers. 
SO, WE WILL NOT BE MAKING EXCEPTIONS

When do the Area 10V Playoffs begin?
The BU12 and GU12 team that wins our regional playoff tournament will qualify to compete against the winners of the other AYSO Area 10V Regions in the Area 10V playoff tournament on DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2025 (first round) and on DECEMBER 15, 2025 (medal round). at the North Hills fields in Granada Hills. So, keep your calendars free if you are able.

Teams winning the Area 10V Playoffs advance to compete in the AYSO Section 10 Tournament on FEBRUARY14-15, 2026, which will be held in Bakersfield, CA.
SO AGAIN, keep your calendars free if you are able.

AREA/SECTION ALL-STAR TOURNAMENT:
Before the end of the regular season, we will form a BU12 All-Star team and a GU12 All-Star team, which will compete in the Area 10V’s All-Star tournament on JANUARY 10 and 11, 2026 (first round) and January 18, 2026 (medal round) at the North Hills fields in Granada Hills. 

Teams winning the Area 10V All-Star Tournament advance to compete in the AYSO Section 10 All-Star Tournament on February 28, 2026, and March 1, 2026, which will be held in Bakersfield, CA.

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 (exceptions may apply for players injured during the season.)   All-Star tryouts will likely take place between October 19 through November 2, 2025.  The All-Star coach, Division Manager and Coach Administrator will select the team prior to the end of the season.

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.
NOTE:  There is NO stoppage time added at the end of each half.

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: Although the assistant referees record on the game card the player substitutions and also who played goalkeeper in each quarter, 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.  After the game, coaches should ask to see the game card to ensure it is accurate.

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 8 ft high by 24 ft wide.

The Ball:
A size 4 soccer ball is used for all 12U games and practices.

Scores and Standings are kept in 12U:
Scores, standings, team volunteer points, and team referee points will all be updated and posted on our website at www.ayso33.org  (go to the “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.  Upon having a lead of 7 goals, a team MUST do everything possible to not run up the score any further.
 Games may be forfeited for multiple violations of this rule. 
Our Coach Administrator 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. 

REGION 33's "CODE OF CONDUCT" FOR PARENTS, SPECTATORS & COACHES – 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 kick 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 12U (except for possibly the first few games at the beginning 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 opposing team must remain behind the build-out line until the ball is kicked and crosses the penalty 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 in 12U:
The goalkeepers are permitted to punt the ball in 12U. 

Offside:
The offside law applies in 12U games.   An offsides offense can occur anywhere between the “build-out” 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. In younger players, if there is a reaction to a ball moving directly toward them, but it is to protect themselves from getting potentially hurt by the ball (e.g., they raise their hands and protect their face or chest), then it is not considered a handball unless, again, they move their arms or body to direct or play the ball. 

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 in 12U:
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 still be relatively rare in 12U games, the center referee has discretion to issue yellow cards and even red cards to players and coaches.   Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their sidelines.
HERE IS A LINK TO REGION 33'S CODE OF 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:  https://www.ayso33.org/Portals/14777/docs/2023/parent_spectator_codeofconduct_2023.pdf

UNIFORMS:
Uniforms (socks, shorts, and jersey) will be provided to coaches to hand out prior to the first game.

PHOTO DAY:
Photo Day will take place on September 13, 2025, at the soccer fields.  A time for each team's photo session will be assigned. 
There will also be a VERY LIMITED makeup photo session on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 5 pm to 6 pm.

TROPHIES & YEARBOOKS:
Will be provided to coaches to pass out on the last day of the season.

Thanksgiving Tournament (for Volunteers): We plan on hosting the Cynthia Petrillo Thanksgiving Turkey tournament on Friday, November 28, 2025, and Saturday, November 29, 2025, at our Balboa Park soccer fields.   It will be a fundraiser for our Region.

NOTE: The Tournament is open to 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.