Q: list of fouls in the penelity area that don,t cause a penelity

A: Fouls that would not result in a PK if committed by the defending team against the attackers inside the Penalty Area: Impeding, Playing Dangerously or Dangerous Play, Taking longer than 6 seconds for the GK to release the ball, deliberate handling by the GK when kicked back by a teammate or handling a throw-in by a teammate, handling the ball a second time after releasing the ball from his possession. These are all Indirect Free Kick fouls and do not result in a PK.

Q: what fouls in the penelity area don,t cause a penelity?

A: First of all, a Penalty Kick is awarded to the attacking team when the defenders commit a Direct Free Kick foul against the attackers inside their own, the defender\'s, Penalty Area. So, if the defenders commit an Indirect Free Kick foul inside the Penalty Area, the IFK, NOT a PK, is given to the attacking team at the spot of the foul, unless it is committed inside the Goal Area then the restart occurs on the 6-yard line. Possible IFK fouls may include Playing Dangerously, Impeding, or any of several fouls that may be committed by the Goal Keeper. By the way, any handling violation INSIDE the Penalty Area committeed by the Goal Keeper is NEVER punishable by a PK. Never. Never. Handling violations committed by the GK INSIDE the PA will always result in an IFK.

Q: Do you know where I might pickup a ref's pocket reference of the rules?

A: The game of soccer is governed by a set of laws, not rules, and Laws Of The Game booklets are available at all regional referee classes conducted by Region 13. They are handed out to all attendees. You can also go onto the region's website, www.ayso13.org and download the Laws of the Game. Another helpful website would be www.ussoccer.com. The LOTG can be viewed and ordered from there, however modifications made to accomodate AYSO soccer will not be included. I hope this helps.

Q: If the goalkeeper grabs the ball just outside the 18 yard box , this penalty is which a 1 touch or 2 touch for the opposition? Just a little disagreement between some coaches. Thanks, Danny Colosimo

A: Danny: The position of the GK has nothing to do with the handling being a foul or not, it is the position of the ball that counts. If the GK is standing outside of the Penalty Area and handles the ball while it is within the confines of the Penalty Area, there is no foul. If however, the GK handles the ball while it is outside of the PA, regardless of where the GK is standing, the result will be a Direct Free Kick to the opponents. It is neither a 1 or 2 touch violation. A second-touch foul occurs when the GK, inside the PA, handles the ball, releases it inside the PA and handles it again while it is inside the PA. The restart is an Indirect Free Kick to the opponents at the spot of the foul, unless it is inside the Goal Area, then the ball is placed on the 6-yard line. By the way, a handling violation inside the PA by the GK will NEVER result in a Penalty Kick.

Q: Can a goalkeeper score on the opposite team on a punt?

A: Yes.

Q: If the a team shoots, and its about to go in the net, and a defender from the opposite team stops the ball from going in with thier hand is it a red card?

A: The Laws of the Game say yes, but the jury is out on whether a referee should send off an U10 player for that violation. I believe it would warrant a send off even in the U10 division, but many of my referee brethren disagree. You may incur the wrath of the opposing coach if you do not send off the player or be the much-discussed topic in all of the e-mails sent to your Regional Referee Administrator complaining about the over zealous referee who makes youngsters cry if you do. By the way, don't use the red card in the U10 division to send off the player. I hope you are thick-skinned.

Q: Offside? A player in their defensive half of the field kicks the ball far down field in the air. Their teammate, an attacker--onside before the kick--races to receive the ball when it comes down, passing the 2nd to last defender. Foul?

A: No. A player who was onside when the ball was last touched or played by a teammate can not be offside if he becomes involved in play.

Q: Dear ref - I had a situation in a U9 game where the goalie stopped a shot and picked up the ball and while still in the penalty area tossed the ball up in the air to drop-kick it. Instead of kicking the ball, however, he caught the ball again before it touched the ground, and then tossed it up again and drop-kicked it. Is this considered a double-touch, and what (if any) infraction is there?

A: Technically this could be considered a double touch and punishable by an IFK, but let's look at a couple of things first. Law 5 mandates that the referee will not whistle any infraction that is considered to be trifling. If it is your opinion that the GK was deliberately wasting time then warn the GK not to do that again. If you see it happen again, award an IFK to the opponents at the spot of the infraction. If on the other hand you believe the GK is simply having a difficult time getting this punt thing right, ignore it; it is a trifling offense. One other thing, I wouldn't whistle this in a U9 game, at least not before having a brief but stern one-on-one conversation, at eye-level, with the GK in the event of repeated events.

Q: Goalie question: If the ball is outside the 18 can the goalie kick the ball back into the 18 and then pick it up?

A: Yes, so long as the ball was not deliberately kicked back to the GK by a teammate or the ball didn't come to the GK from a throw-in by a teammate. If it was last played by an opponent or not deliberately kicked back or thrown by a teammate, there is no prohibition against the GK kicking the ball into the Penalty Area and then handling it. The act of kicking back to the GK by a teammate must be a deliberate and blatantly obvious one. If the teammate were facing away from the GK and the ball were to squib off the foot and go to the GK or where the GK could get to it for example, give the benefit of the doubt to the GK if he were to handle it, even if the touchlines were screaming bloody murder.

Q: what is the name of the device been use to know if the ball crosses the goalline?

A: I don't know

Q: Where do defenders go during a corner kick?

A: Defenders may position themselves any where they like on the field of play during a Corner Kick (CK), as long as they are not within 10-yards of the ball as it is kicked, 8-yards in the U10 division.

Q: What happens if the goalkeeper steps outside his area while he is kicking the ball from his hands?

A: The Laws of the Game (LOTG) state that the GoalKeeper (GK) can not legally handle the ball while it, the ball, is outside the Penalty Area (PA). They make no mention of the position of the GK. So a GK can be standing outside of the PA while legally handling the ball as long as it within the confines of the PA. I think though that you are asking what if the GK and the ball were outside of the PA while the GK is in the process of punting the ball. The letter of the law says to punish this violation of Law 12 with a Direct Free Kick (DFK) at the spot that the ball crossed the line bordering the PA while still in the GK's hands. The ball would be placed OUTSIDE the PA for the DFK. While enforcing the spirit of the law however, while many refs would disagree with this, may cause the experienced referee to overlook the GK who steps over the 18-yard line by 1 -3 feet as he is punting as being trifling and allow play to continue and, at the next best opportunity, give a stern warning to the GK to watch his positioning during future punts. Be prepared however for unhappy coaches and spectators to jump down your throat for not calling something that is obvious to everyone but the idiot referee.

Q: can a goalkeeper step over the 18 yard box after he has punted the ball?

A: The Goal Keeper (GK) is free to move about the field as he or she see fit, however can only handle the ball if it (the ball) is inside the Penalty Area (PA). The GK can handle the ball while standing outside the PA as long the ball is within the PA. Once the ball has been released during a punt, and is no longer in contact with the GK's hands, the feet can cross over the 18 yard line. A GK may toss the ball into the air and step across the 18 in order to punt the ball. This is perfectly legal. Some experienced referees in older divisions, even if a GK were to still have the ball in his hands while stepping across the 18 DURING the punting motion, will consider this trifling and will not whistle the "foul" if the GK is only a yard or so outside of the PA, however not all referees share this opinion.

Q: If a player deliberately stops the ball entering the goal with his hand from an indirect free kick what punishment do you give & how do you re-start the game?

A: Since a goal can not be scored directly from an Indirect Free Kick (IFK), the ball must be touched by at least 2 players, usually the kicker and 1 other player, in order to considered valid; a ball headed toward the goal after being touched by at least 2 players may be considered a Goal Scoring Opportunity (GSO), while a "one-touched" IFK headed toward the goal would not be considered a GSO because even if it entered the goal, it would not count. Deliberate handling by a defender outside the Penalty Area (PA) would result in a Direct Free Kick (DFK) or a Penalty Kick if the handling occurred inside the PA by a non-Goal Keeper (GK)defender. If the defender while deliberately handling the ball stopped (denied) an IFK that had been touched by at least 2 players and the ball would certainly have entered the gaol except for the handling, the defender would be sent off for Denying an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO). An IFK kicked directly (1-touched) at the goal that is deliberately handled by an opponent and prevented from entering the goal due to the handling, will not result in a send off since there is no Goal Scoring Opportunity to Deny. The restart would still be a DFK/PK . If the handling fails to prevent the ball from entering the goal on a 2-touched IFK, the referee should count the goal and the restart would be a Kick-Off (KO) for the defenders, the team that was scored against. No DFK/PK or send-off. Bear in mind that sending off a U10 and maybe even a U12 player may not be advisable.

Q: Should I have called this one? Blue player is dribbling the ball down field, not very fast. Yellow player comes from the side and kicks the ball away from blue player (the hollow sound of the ball being kicked is heard by ref). The blue player then trips over the foot of yellow player. I did not call this one because: a) Contact was first made with the ball (sound was heard and ball shot out from players) b) Players were moving slowly so it didn't look like a dangerous play even though the blue player tripped. My own team coach wasn't too thrilled with this one. He thought I should call it on being a dangerous play. I figured that would exclude ever trying to kick the ball away from an opponent for they might trip over your foot. Your call ref! Thank you! Russell

A: Hi Russell. Let me guess. The coach was from the Yellow team and felt the foul should have been called against his own player. I know I'm right. You have the instincts of a good referee. There may be instances where the Yellow player may be whistled for the foul, say if he were to make a clean slide tackle on the ball but then lifted his leg to trip the Blue player, but it sounds to me like you made a great non-call. The Yellow defender contacted the ball before contacting the Blue player and Blue's momentum carried him forward and he tripped over Yellow's leg, Yellow didn't trip him. Good Reffin'!

Q: When and reason for Direct/In-direct Penalty Kicks? Thank You, Gary.

A: There are 10 violations that will lead to the awarding of a Direct Free Kick and 8 for an Indirect Free Kick. The best instructors in AYSO take 1-2 hours just to introduce this concept in the Regional Referee Course. Rather than giving an incomplete answer, I urge you to attend the Leo Nedeff Referee Camp at South Pasadena High School December 7-9. The Regional Course is on Saturday December 8. Go to www.aysoarea1c.org and click on "Referees" to register. You will be glad you did.

Q: Substitution rule: this happened to my team (BU-10) this past Saturday. Player A missed the first quarter of the game, and the first five minutes of the second quarter. When he arrived (at a break in play), I immediately subbed him in, and told the AR he was present, and to mark Player B (who started the quarter) as "out". He refused, telling me "the player who starts the quarter gets the playing credit." I thought the rule stated that if a player (for absence or injury) plays less than half of the quarter, he does not get credit for playing the entire quarter. Am I wrong? What is the ruling?

A: There are only 4 substitution opportunities in your typical U10 game: about the middle of the first half, at half-time, about the middle of the second half and for an injury, at any time. There are NO other substitution opportunities during the game. A player on the field can not be replaced by a late-arriving player, unless that player is injured, then the late-comer can be put into the game and the injured player will come out, but the credit for that \"quarter\" will go to the injured player. The late-comer will not get credit. The AR was 100% correct, unless he allowed the new player to enter the game for some reason other than for an injury. That is not allowed. That player should have waited until the start of the second half to be put into the game. By the way, the late-comer need play only half the game, but every other player must satsify the Region 13 requirement of playing 3/4 of the game.

Q: Can a player be called offsides during a "handball" foul? The foul occurred on the penalty box line.Team A's player kicked the ball over the line of opposing players (Team B) and another member of team A kicked the ball into te goal. The referee called the player offsides and the goal didn't count.

A: If I understand the question correctly, the referee called a foul just outside of the Penalty Area and the attacking team, Team A, had a Direct Free Kick 18 yards from the Goal Line. Is that correct? Now, an attacker can be guilty of infringing the Offside Law only if they are first in Offside position, so it appears that the referee thought your player was in Offside position when the ball was last touched or played by the teammate. There are only 3 situations where a player can NOT be guilty of breaking the Offside law: if they receive the ball directly from a Goal Kick, Corner Kick or Throw-in. Since this restart was none of the above, it was a DFK, if the attacker was in Offside position at the moment the ball was kicked and then received the ball, 3 things will happen. The AR will raise his flag, the Referee will blow his whistle and the defenders will get an Indirect Free Kick at the spot where the player broke the law. Correct ruling: No Goal, Offside. By the way, how much did this referee get yelled at for making the right call?

Q: Is there a rule regarding whether the player's shin guards are over or under the socks? If the shin guards need to be covered, is it against the rules to put the shin guards over the socks and to then pull the socks down over them?

A: This is the first question posed to ATR regarding the safety of the players. AYSO requires the shinguards to be put on first followed by the socks, which must fully cover the shinguards at all times. This ensures that the shinguard is unlikely to slip to the side and provides maximum protection during the match. Remember Safe, Fun, Fair.

Q: Where do you put the ball when it is an indirect free kick inside the penalty box?

A: Good question. The Indirect Free Kick is taken at the spot of the foul, unless it occurs inside the Goal Area. Then the ball is placed on the 6-yard line parallel to the spot of the foul. For example, if the IFK foul occured inside the Goal Area directly in line with the left Goal Post, then the ball is placed on the 6-yard line directly in line with the left Goal Post. If the attacking team is taking the IFK inside the PA, the defenders must respect the 10-yard distance as required in the Laws of the Game, unless the ball is less than 10-yards from the Goal Line, then the defenders must line-up no closer than the Goal Line. They may not move off of the Goal Line until the first touch on the ball. One more thing, if the defenders are fouled and are taking the IFK inside their own PA, all opponents must be outside the Penalty Area, at least 10-yards from the ball and the ball must leave the Penalty Area before it is in play, just like a Goal Kick.

Q: Can a referee give a PK if a player kicks the ball back to their own goal keeper and the goal keeper picks it up with their hands inside the penalty box?

A: The simple answer is: NEVER award a Penalty Kick to the opposing team if a Goal keeper commits a handling violation inside the Penalty Area. If the ball is deliberately kicked back by a teammate of the Goal Keeper, or a teammate of the Keeper from a throw-in throws the ball directly to the Keeper, the Keeper can not touch it with his hands inside the Penalty Area. The Referee will blow the whistle and award an Indirect Free Kick at the spot of the foul, but NEVER a Penalty Kick. Of course if the Keeper were to handle the ball OUTSIDE of the Penalty Area the punishment would be a Direct Free Kick, just as it would be for any non-Goal Keeper who handles the ball outside of the Penalty Area.

Q: I called an offside offence on an attacker in an offside position who received the ball near the goal on a direct kick awarded to the attacking team (from outside the penalty box and fairly close to the center line, actually). One of the ARs thought I may have made the wrong call, stating that there's no offside on direct kicks. I know there is no offside for TI, GK & CK, but did not see anything about the DK. Did I make the right call? Thanks, Chip Heller BU10 Team 6 Marquez

A: Hi Chip. Good job. A player can not be guilty of offside even if they are in offside position, i.e. 1. in the opponent's half of the field, 2. closer to the goal line than any 2 defenders or the ball, if the ball is received DIRECTLY from a Throw-in, a Goal Kick or a Corner Kick. There is no immunity idol however if a player in offside position receives the ball from a Direct or Indirect Kick. Proper call if this happens, as you already know Chip, is to blow the whistle, raise the arm overhead and let the defenders take the IFK because that attacker is guilty of offside. Good Reffin'!

Q: Dear Ref- This question is related to one from the main list. After an opponents shot, my goalie bounced the ball as they prepared to punt it - the center ref awarded an IDF to the other team. The ref said that once they release it they can't pick it up again. As the season has progressed, I have watched many opposing goalies bounce the ball as they moved about the penalty area, and have never seen a call made. Additionally, World Cup goalies often bounce the ball as they move about. What is correct?

A: The "basketball dribble" by the Goal Keeper is legal. The ball is still considered to be in the possession of, and in the control of, the Goal Keeper. The correct action is to allow play to continue.

Q: Can a goal keeper run outside of the penalty box, kick the ball into the penalty box and then pick it up with their hands?

A: Yes, as long as the ball was not deliberately kicked back by a teammate or thrown to the Keeper by a teammate from a throw-in. If either of these were to happen and the Keeper touched the ball with his hands inside the Penalty Area, the restart would be an Indirect Free Kick at the spot of the foul. On the other hand, a ball that is kicked toward the Goal Keeper's Penalty Area by an opponent or headed back by a teammate can be retrieved by the Keeper outside the Penalty Area, dribbled back into the PA with the feet and can then be legally handled by the Keeper. By the way, the six seconds countdown doesn't begin until the Goal Keeper touches the ball with her hands.

Q: What is the penalty and/or restart for (1) attacker who grabs the corner flag prior to or in the act of a corner kick, and (2) attacker who strikes the flag with his/her foot in the act of taking a corner kick?

A: 1.Blow the whistle and have the kick retaken. If the kicker persists in grabbing the flag, talk to her. Caution the player if it goes beyond 2-3 times, though it may be more prudent in the younger ages to ask the coach to have another player take the kick. 2.The pain of kicking the corner flag should be penalty enough. Unless you feel it was deliberate, ask the player to try it again without kicking the flag this time.

Q: what happens if you score in your own goal from a free kick

A: A Direct Free Kick (DFK) or Indirect Free Kick (IFK) may travel in any direction, as long as it is kicked and moves, but a team may NOT score a goal directly against themselves. So a ball that is kicked directly into one\'s own goal will result in a Corner Kick for the opponents because the ball crossed the goal line, without scoring a goal and was last touched by a defender.

Q: Do we use yellow or red cards in U10 games?

A: We do not actually show U10 players the cards, but that doesn't mean we don't take proper disciplinary action when necessary. If after repeated warnings an U10 player continues to act up or is being overly physical you can look the player in the eye and gently but firmly warn them that their behavior can not continue. It may help to walk the player over to the coach and involve him/her in the conversation. Explain to the coach you can not allow the player's behavior to continue and one more incident may cause you to take sterner action. DON'T THREATEN THE PLAYER, just make it clear to the coach and the player the behavior must stop. If it happens again walk the player over to the coach and explain that the player must sit out the remainder of the match. Make sure you report it on the back of the game card and, as with all send-offs, with an e-mail to me.

Q: In under 10, with the players still learning how to be GKs, where would you advise drawing the line on when a ball last played by a defender and picked up by the GK should result in an IFK ffor the other team?

A: The ball is considered to be in the possession of the Goal Keeper if it is in the GK's arms or if the GK has even one finger on the ball and it is resting on the ground or against one of the goal posts. Once possessed by the GK, the ball is not playable by the opponents. Any attempt to play the ball by the opponents which results in contact by an opponent against the GK will result in a Direct Free Kick, not an IFK. In U10's, the referee should give the benefit of the doubt to the GK, in the interest of protecting the GK who may be sticking their heads where many kicking feet are.

Q: My question had to do with goalkeeping handling the ball after they have caught the ball off an attacker's kick. In a recent game, the goalkeeper caught the ball. However he put the ball down in the goal kick area as though he was taking a goal kick. But then based on various conflicting "advice" from the touch line, he picked up the ball in order to punt the ball. Center Referee awarded an IDFK to the attacking team. What is the exact rule? My specific questions are: 1. I believe goalkeeper is not restricted to the "goal kicking rectangle". Instead he can use the whole of penalty box. Is that correct? 2. Goalkeeper can throw or punt the ball but cannot put the ball on ground to kick it. Is that correct? I believe that the moment goalkeeper puts it down on the ground, the ball is in play. Is that correct? Is that the reason pick it up the second time was consdered double touch. 3. Do all players have to be outside the penalty area when the goalkeeper releases the ball. What if the goalkeeper releases the ball in haste before all the players have hada chance to clear the penalty area. 4. What if the goalkeeper releases the ball but is remains within the penalty area. Do you ask the goalkeeper to do over?

A: A Goal Keeper can legally hold the ball in her arms/hands anywhere inside the penalty area, unless it was deliberately kicked back by a teammate or if it was received directly from a throw-in from a teammate. The ball is unplayable while the GK has possession of the ball in the hands or arms. The GK may punt or throw the ball downfield or can release it and kick it from the ground. Once on the ground the ball is playable by the opponents and can not be handled again by the GK unless and until it is touched by an opponent anywhere or a teammate outside the Penalty Area. The correct restart was the IFK for a second touch by the GK where the violation occurred. The opponents do not have to be outside the Penalty Area but they can not interfere with the release of the ball. 1.The GK has 6 seconds to release the ball and can roam the whole Penalty Area. 2. The Goal Keeper can put the ball on the ground and kick it from there. 3. Opponents are not prohibited from being inside the Penalty Area while the Goal Keeper releases the ball but can not interfere. 4. There are no do-overs. If the Goal keeper puts the ball on the ground within the Penalty Area and picks it up again, the attackers are awarded an IFK where the violation occurred.

Q: In U12, do any defenders need to be outside the goal box when either the other defender or the GK takes a goal kick? Is it okay to have the GK take the goal kick and line up 2 or 3 defenders within the goal? Thanks.

A: 1.During the taking of a Goal Kick all opponents of the kicking team must be outside of the Penalty Area. The Goal Area is the smaller area directly in front of the goal, bordered by the 6-yard line. The Penalty Area is the larger area bordered by the 18-yard line. 2.All teammates of the kicker may be inside the Penalty Area. 3.Any member of the kicking team may take the kick. The Goal keeper is a player and team member so may take the kick. 4.Any or all members of the kicking team may line up on the Goal Line but must remain on the field, so they must not be lined up within the goal. 5.The ball is in play when it exits the Penalty Area and enters the field of play. If it does not exit the Penalty Area and enters the field of play, the Goal Kick is retaken.

Q: Do we use Yellow and Red cards in U12 games?

A: The purpose of the yellow and red cards are two-fold, punishment and control. The misbehaving player must suffer the consequences for her actions while the other players will figure out that similar bad behavior will cause them to be shown a yellow or red card. Talk to the players before using cards. Look them in the eye and reason with them in a calm and even voice. Ask them to calm down. If their behavior persists, speak a little more sternly "I don't want to see that anymore". Never threaten "If this keeps up I will give you a card". If it doesn't work with your own kids it won't work with the players. The third step is to show the yellow card. The second yellow for the same player is followed by a red card and a send off.

Q: For U10 matches, when, how many and how long are the breaks?

A: U-10 games run 50 minutes (25 minute halves), and games start every 75 minutes. Players are entitled to the entire designated playing time, but the next match must start on time, too. As a general guideline, allow 1-2 minutes for each of the two "quarter breaks" for substitutions and for the players to get water (remember, the clock is still running.) "Quarter breaks" should occur roughly midway through each half. It's not a time for extensive coaching. If the players who aren't being substituted stay on the field near the touchline, you can get things re-started sooner. Allow a minimum of 5 minutes (maximum of 10 minutes) for the halftime break. If it's particularly hot, allow a few more minutes than the minimum. A good gauge is how you, the referee, feel. If you're overheated and thirsty, chances are the kids are, too. Blow the whistle to get the players back on the field and into position.

Q: What happens if a player taking a Goal Kick kicks the ball directly into their own goal? What if it is a Corner Kick, Direct Free Kick or Indirect Free Kick that is kicked into their own goal?

A: A team can NEVER score upon itself from any kick, whether it is a Goal Kick, Corner Kick, Direct Free Kick or Indirect Free Kick. Except for the Goal Kick, a kick that is kicked directly into the kicker's own goal will result in a corner kick for the opponents (Ball crosses the goal line without scoring a goal last touched by a defender). A Goal Kick that is kicked directly into the kicker's own goal is not in play. It has not exited the Penalty Area and entered the field of play, so it is retaken.Of course an Indirect Free Kick that goes directly into any goal will result in a corner kick if kicked into the kicker's own goal and a Goal Kick if kicked into the opponent's goal.

Q: Can the team with the ball be offsides if the player with the ball and the player receiving the ball are on their opponent's half of the field?

A: In order for a player to be offside the attacker must first be in offside position by being 1. In the opponent's half of the field and 2. Closer to the goal line than at least 2 defenders or the ball. If the ball is last touched or played by a teammate while the attacker is in offside position and the attacker becomes involved in play the attacker may be guilty of offside.

Q: Can you clarify the rules for U10 timeouts. When, How many and length of time.

A: That's a great question! U10 matches are divided into 2-25 minutes halves. Technically there are no "timeouts" in an AYSO Region 13 REGULAR SEASON match. Once started, the game clock should be NOT be stopped for any reason, except of course at the end of the first half and at the end of the second half. Once the referee starts the clock to begin either half, it is not stopped until 25 minutes has elapsed. Limited field availability, ever earlier setting suns and 3200 players demand that all matches start AND END on time. Substitution opportunities can arise at 4 different points in the match 1. (About) half-way between the beginning and end of the first half. 2. (About) half-way between the beginning and end of the second half. Ideally, the game should be stopped about 11 1/2 minutes into the half( though this is not always possible) Ask that the players who are leaving the game to exit the field and those who will continue on to remain on the field. The parents should bring their water to them at the touch lines (don't let them throw water bottles). Encourage the coaches to quickly announce the names of the players who will enter the game and their positions . This is not the time for a coaching session. Hopefully this will lead to a quick and efficient substitution process, 1-2 minutes, rather than the 3-5 minutes it usually takes when players leave the field to get their hydration. Players who start the first and second halves tend to get more playing time than their teammates who enter the match in the middle of either half. Exercise caution however when temperatures are high and/or air quality is poor. A little extra time may be warranted under conditions such as these. 3. During half time. Except when heat and poor air quality demands more time, a 5-minute half time should be sufficient. 4. At any injury. Once you have assessed the severity of the injury, call the coach onto the field and allow the coach to escort the injured player off of the field. Back away about 20-30 yards. Don't rush things, just make sure things proceed as quickly as possible. So, to review, start the clock on time to begin the first half, stop it again 25 minutes later. Start it again about 5 minutes later for the second half. Stop the clock 25 minutes later. Aim for a quick and efficient substitution process, 1-2 minutes. I hope this helps. Don't forget Fair, Safe and Fun applies to referees too!

Q: What size ball does u12 use?

A: According to Law 2, as modified by AYSO, the size of the ball used in an AYSO U10 and U12 match is "4". A size "5" ball is used in U14, U16 and U19 matches. The ball size is usually visible somewhere on the ball. The home team must supply a game ball, preferably 2 or 3. Before any ball is put into play, the Referee should check for proper inflation. If when both thumbs are pressed into the ball they sink in about 1/4", the ball is properly inflated. An under-inflated ball will not play well and one that is over-inflated may cause headaches if headed by a player. Toss it into the air a little higher than head-high to make sure it is "in-round". If it appears to wobble ask the home team to supply another ball; it is probably out of balance and should be replaced. Inspect the surface of the ball for smoothness. If a panel is torn or missing, or the button into which air is pumped into the ball is sticking out, do not allow the ball to be put into play. If after a brief inspection it is the Referee's opinion that the ball is suitable for play, line up the teams, count 'em up, place the ball on the center circle and blow the whistle for the kick-off.