Overview

In the U12 division, players begin to bring their basic techniques and skills to the next level of play. The level of play in this division is more competitive than in the younger divisions, but is still in line with the AYSO philosophy of everyone plays and has fun.

Format

• Games: Games are played with 9 players to a side.
• Duration: Each game consists of two 30-minute halves.
• All games will be played on Saturdays.
• Participation: All players will play at least half of each game.

Players

• Shin guards: Mandatory for all practices and games.
• Footwear: Soccer shoes or tennis shoes. No football or baseball shoes!!
• Uniform: Jersey, socks, and shorts. (Both Red and White Jerseys should be brought to games)

Volunteering

AYSO is an ALL VOLUNTEER organization. Each and every task that is done, from coaching, refereeing, lining fields, scheduling games, organizing divisions, training clinics, etc. is done by volunteers. We cannot make AYSO function without your help. We need you to volunteer. Here are some key ways you can help:

Coach:

Many AYSO U10 coaches are first-time coaches-parents with little free time. Short-sided soccer is a way to ease adults into coaching as well as to ease children into playing. Won't you consider coaching? This is the single biggest area where you can help. AYSO will provide you with the training & resources necessary for you to do the job. You supply the smile and encouraging words.

You will need to attend a U10 Coaching Clinic before the season starts and schedule a team meeting. Most other team related tasks can be delegated to your team parent. We will do our best to assign an assistant coach to each team.

Assistant Coach:

Be available at as many practices and games as possible to assist the coach. Fill in for the coach when he/she cannot be present. You will need to attend a U10 Coaching Clinic before the start of the season.

Team Parent:

Each team needs a team parent to help organize snacks, communicate with the whole team on behalf of the coach, organize the end-of-season party, and generally take care of administrative details for the team.

Parent Guidelines

Here are some useful guidelines that will help make this an enjoyable season for you and everyone else.

• Please show up at the field at least 20 minutes before game time so your coach can get the team organized.
• Do not stand or coach from behind the goal. The referee will ask you to leave.
• Please stand at least 1 yard back from the touch line to avoid interfering with play.
• Respect the referee's decision. If you have a question (not a complaint) regarding a call, wait until after the game is over. Remember, the referees are learning too. If you feel that you know best, then consider becoming a referee yourself!
• Resist the urge to run onto the field if your child gets knocked down or hurt. Let the referee and coach deal with the issue. You will be called upon if needed.
• If a player is misbehaving (temper tantrum, aggressive behavior, etc.) they may be asked to leave the game for a cooling off period. Please support the referee in that decision.
• Encourage your child to be a good sport, win or loose. No spitting on hands or negative comments to the opposite team.
• Only 2 coaches per field. Players get confused when they hear more than one person "coaching" from the sidelines. If you can't help yourself, perhaps you should consider becoming a coach!
• Heading the ball is not recommended or encouraged for this age group but it is not penalized.
• Slide tackling is not allowed at this level and will be penalized as dangerous play.
• If you have the first game of the day, please show up extra early to help set up the goals. If you have the last game, then help tear down the goals.
• Dogs are not allowed on the playing fields.
• Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited on or near the playing fields at either practices or games.
• Please help pick up trash (especially yours) after each game.
• Support the children, coaches, and referees from the opposing team as well as from your team.