New Rules for 12s and W-12s

As recently published by the Manly Warringah Football Association

2024 U12 Competition

The Under 12 competitions in 2024 will play according to all standard FIFA rules for 11v11 football with the exception of the two scenarios below.

The distance for the opposition to stand at all set pieces will be reduced to 5m due to the reduction of field size.
Opposition must be 10m back from the penalty area before the ball is in play after a goal kick or the goalkeeper has possession of the ball in their hands. The goalkeeper is not allowed to kick or dropkick the ball from their hands due to the reduction of field size.

For clarity, all other rules are outlined below.

Field Layout:

Offside rule:

The offside rule will be included in the Under 12 competition as it is an integral rule to the game of football.

Free-Kicks:

Opponents must be at least 5 metres away from the ball when a free kick is taken. Direct free kicks will apply.

Kick Offs:

Opponents must be at least 5 metres away until the kick is taken.

Penalties:

In accordance with FIFA LOTG, a penalty kick will be awarded if a player commits a direct free kick offence inside their penalty area.

Goal kick:

Goal kicks can be taken from anywhere within the penalty area. The ball is in play once it

leaves the penalty area. Opponents must remain at least 10 metres from the penalty area until the ball is in play.

Goalkeeper:

The goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball anywhere in the penalty area. To restart play after a save or gathering the ball with their hands, the ball must be thrown or rolled from the hands or played from the ground with their feet, within 6 seconds. The goalkeeper is not allowed to kick or dropkick the ball from their hands.

Corner kicks:

Will be taken from the corner of the pitch. Opponents must be at least 5 metres away from the ball until it is in play. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves. A goal can be scored directly from a corner kick.

Discipline:

Red or Yellow cards will be issued to players in Under 12 competitions.

Throw-ins:

Player faces the field of play, has part of each foot on the ground either on or behind the touch line, uses both hands and delivers the ball from behind and over their head. The thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. The ball is in play once it enters the field of play. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw in.

Number Of Players	9 v 9 Including Goalkeeper. Max of 5 substitutes.
Field Size	Penalty Box to Penalty Box Approx Length: 60 (min) – 70 (max) Approx Width: 40 (min) – 50 (max)
Goal Size and Type	Height: 2m Width: 5m Permanent or portable goal must be compliant
Field Markings	Cones, Markers or Painted Lines are allowed
Penalty Area	Depth: 10m Width: 20m Penalty Spot 7m from goal line
Duration of Game	2 x 25-minute halves
Half Time	5 minutes minimum 10 minutes maximum
Referee	MWFRA Appointed
Interchange	Yes
Ball Size	Size 4
Points Table and Finals	Yes
FIFA Laws Of The Game	Yes