11U/12U Game Rules
Crew of 3 Referees, 1 Center Referee and 2 Assistant Referees. If only two referees are present, there should be one referee and one Assistant Referee.
Referees
Field Players
9v9 including goalkeepers
roster size
Maximum of 18 players
Minimum of 11 players
CLUB PASS & SECONDARY PLAYERS
Club pass and secondary players are allowed on a team’s roster if needed
Game day rosters are necessary to bring to each game and give to the opposing team/referee during check in. All Player’s/Coaches must be listed on the roster or have laminated USYS cards to be allowed in the coaching/technical area.
game rosters
ball
Size 4. Home team to provide a suitable game ball.
substitutions
Unlimited substitutions at any stoppage, with the permission of the referee
game length
Two 30 minute halves
Recommended: 50 x 75 yds
Width minimum 45, maximum 55, Length minimum 70, maximum 80
Center circle radius 8 yds
Penalty area 14 yds
field size
goal size
7x21 recommended, 6x18 may be used
11U Intentional headers are not permitted. An intentional header shall result in the opposing team taking an indirect free kick.
12U Intentional headers that follow IFAB Laws of the Game are allowed.
heading
Slide tackles are permitted. Follow IFAB Laws of the Game.
slide tackles
offsides
Follow IFAB Laws of the Game.
Fouls & penalties
Follow IFAB Laws of the Game.
Penalty Kicks
Follow IFAB Laws of the Game. 10 Yards from goal line.
Each player must have the same color jersey, Numbers are not necessary. Pennies are allowed if needed.
equipment
No jewelry of any kind is allowed. This includes taping of piercings of a player’s ears.
The only exceptions for “jewelry” are Medic Alert bracelets and religious items specifically required by the wearer’s religion.
jewelry
NYSL asks that team spectators sit directly across from their team benches on opposites sides (touch lines) of the field. Spectators/teams should be at least 15 feet back of the touch lines. No Spectators should be behind the goal lines or goals.