U12 Rule Reminders

U12 has players in their first season and players who've been at this for years, all on the same field. The rules exist because of that gap.

A few rounds in, it's worth making sure everyone, players, coaches and parents, is across what applies at this level. We're seeing some U14 habits creep into U12 games, which makes sense given a number of players are in both divisions. But U12 runs on its own ruleset.

Here's what applies this season.

What's the same across both girls and boys U12

Ground balls: 1v1 only
When the ball is on the ground, only one player from each team can contest it. This stops play turning into a scramble and gives every player a real shot at developing their ground ball skills.

Fair play rule
When one team has a lead of 5 or more goals and a goal is scored by either team, play restarts with the losing team in possession at the centre.

Starting each quarter
Each quarter begins with a faceoff (boys) or draw (girls) at the centre of the field.

After a goal
Once a goal is scored, possession goes to the team that conceded. Play restarts at the halfway point on the whistle, and the player with the ball can run or pass in any direction.

The goal circle
No attacking player can enter the goal circle when play is in their attack half. Players may reach in with their stick to play the ball, as long as they don't interfere with the goalkeeper or the goalkeeper's stick.

No follow through
A player passing or shooting can't follow through onto an opposing player. The action stops at the point of release.

Three metre clearance
When play restarts from a dead ball, whether that's a foul, a boundary restart, a centre draw or a restart after a goal, no player can be within three metres of the player taking the free throw. This applies to set restarts only, not open play.

Pre-checking is not permitted
Players can't attempt to check an opponent before they have possession of the ball.

Out of bounds
Out of bounds rules are the same across both divisions.

One coach on field
One coach is allowed on the field during play at U12 level to support player development.

Girls U12

Girls U12 is zero contact. Not reduced contact, not light contact. Zero. That's different from U14 girls, where a level of equal pressure defending is allowed. At U12, it isn't.

Defending: shadow only
Defenders can shadow their player but can't make contact. A vertical stick is required when defending. Overguarding, encroaching on the ball carrier's space, isn't permitted. The drawback isn't permitted either.

Stick checking
Checking is allowed below the shoulder only. No up-checks.

Equipment
Players must use a girls' stick. This isn't optional.

Withholding the ball
No player can block, guard or cover the ball with their body or stick. A ball on the ground has to stay playable.

No goal tending
No player can wall off the goal unless the opposition is also positioned there.

Fouls
Girls U12 uses a minor and major foul system, with yellow and red cards for more serious infractions.

Boys U12

Boys U12 allows a level of contact, but less than many people assume, especially if they're used to older age groups or higher levels of play.

Defending: equal pressure permitted
Defenders can use equal pressure when defending. The drawback is permitted.

Stick checking
Tap checking is allowed, but only with two hands on the stick. No cross checking. No poke checking.

For a detailed breakdown of what legal checking looks like at this level, including how cradling position affects whether a stick is checkable, refer to LV's stick contact clarification document.

A legal check at U12 has to meet all of these:

• The full head of the stick is below shoulder height
• The stick is parallel or angled toward the ground, not in a protected cradling position
• The defender has two hands on their stick
• The check is a short, controlled tap
• The check isn't made across the body
• The check targets the head of the stick only, finesse rather than force

Fouls
Boys U12 uses technical and personal fouls.

Always remember

Even if every other condition is met, excessive force makes a check automatically illegal. An uncontrolled swipe is also illegal, even with no contact made.

A note on officiating at this level

U12 officials are often young and still developing themselves. They're working solo, managing game flow, safety and rule enforcement all at once. These rules exist to protect every player while they learn, including the ones who show real talent but are still working on consistent physical control. A bit of patience from the sidelines goes a long way.

Coaches and officials can complete the U12 rules test for the full detail:

• U12 Boys: https://www.classmarker.com/online-test/start/?quiz=x446a0524d39390a
• U12 Girls: https://www.classmarker.com/online-test/start/?quiz=3q369f81dceea101