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Salmon Creek Soccer Club
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| Role | Filled by: |
|---|---|
| President | Robin Grove |
| Vice President | Steve Douglas |
| Business Manager | Michelle Steiger |
| Secretary | Stacey Nasewytewa |
| Treasurer | Laura Blackwell |
| CYSF Commissioner | Tom Nosack |
| Registrar | OPEN |
| Coach Coordinator | |
| Board Member-At-Large | Jeff Thomas |
| State Division Chair | Gerry Lazo |
| CYSF Representative | Loren Lee |
| PDP Division Chair | Andrea Dunn |
| District Divisaion Chair | OPEN |
| Recreation Division Chair | Michelle Steiger |
| Referee Coordinator | Robin Grove |
| Coaching Director | Victor Garcette |
| Academy Director | Victor Garcette |
| Competition Coordinator | Stephen Hansen |
| Field Coordinator | Nicole Holloman |
| Membership and Mediation | Donald Driscoll |
| Uniform Manager | Robyn Waslker/Brad Reitzenstein |
| Equipment Manager | Robyn Walker/Brad Reitzenstein |
| Sponsor Coordinator | OPEN |
| Fundraising Coordinator | OPEN |
| Team Photo Coordinator | Jenn Brigham |
| Scorekeeper | Michelle Steiger |
| Advertising/Marketing | Gary Chestnutis |
| Tryout Coordinator | Jae Webber |
| Newsletter | OPEN |
| Webmaster | Stephen Hansen |
Contacts and Goals
Club Contacts
As a volunteer organization, SCSC does not have a physical office location. Communications with the board of directors and officers of the club may be handled in one of the following manners:
Club Phone Number
Phone Number: 574-8454 (Please leave a brief message including the nature or purpose of your call. Messages will be picked up regularly and forwarded to the appropriate board member. The purpose of this system is to help expedite member concerns while avoiding misdirected calls to volunteer board members at all hours.)
Internet
Scorekeeper
Joni Harder, 576-0509; scores should be called in by 8 p.m. on the day of each game to avoid incorrect reporting of results.
Mailing Address
SCSC 800 NE Tenney Road
Suite 110, #102
Vancouver, Washington 98685
HB Fuller Information Board
Information for coaches, team parents, referees, etc. will be posted here during the season including game schedules, upcoming activities and deadlines. "Game Protest," "Incident Report," and "Referee Evaluation" forms will also be available here. Theses forms are also on our website: www.salmoncreeksoccer.net
Game day contact
SCSC will endeavor to have at least one board member present at HB Fuller and Felida Park each Saturday during the season from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., to help facilitate the positive resolution of any concerns which may arise.
Board Members
Volunteer board members are available to assist our members and teams. If members have a concern, they should first ask their coach or team parent to assist. If their concern can't be answered directly, hopefully the coach/team parent will direct the concerned member to the appropriate board member. If you are interested in a volunteer position for the 2009 or future seasons, please leave a message on the Club phone line 574-8454.
Club Goals
- To provide a healthy and emotionally nurturing program for youth, with an emphasis upon developing a positive self-image, building of self-confidence, and challenging each individual to succeed.
- To offer positive experiences and constructive activities for family members through soccer and related activities.
- To enhance member players' appreciation of teamwork, establishing and working toward goals, fair play, and accepting responsibility. To create a sense of "community" within our club and the Salmon Creek area.
History and Purpose
History
Established in 1976 as a non-profit organization, SCSC provides a youth soccer program serving the enrollment boundaries for the Salmon Creek, Chinook, and Felida elementary school areas. While only a handful of teams were formed thirty years ago, the club has grown by nearly 300% since 1989-and will likely double in size during the next five years, causing serious growing pains.
Along with this growth comes the need for a more competitive program. In 2004, to accommodate this need, SCSC formed a new Advanced Level division called FCSC (Football Club Salmon Creek) with five highly skilled teams, one of which won the Washington State Fred Meyer Commissioner's Cup Championship. In 2005, FCSC doubled in size to ten teams, and will continue to flourish in the future.
In February 2006, Salmon Creek Soccer Club introduced Salmon Creek Select, holding tryouts in March. Six teams were formed, which will compete in the District 5 fall league, as well as local summer tournaments.
In 2006 SCSC fielded 110 teams comprised of over 1000 young players ages five to 18, offering a soccer program for children of both genders at a variety of competitive levels. All together, SCSC teams participated in over 1,200 games. Providing equipment, uniforms, coaching support, referees, scheduling, and Clark County's finest fields is a tremendous challenge. Traditionally, each team provides volunteers to help ensure that the season runs smoothly.
Salmon Creek Soccer Club is a member of the Columbia Youth Soccer Federation (CYSF), the non-profit organization established to govern soccer in the Clark County area, and Washington State Youth Soccer Association, an affiliate of the US Youth Soccer Association and the US Soccer Federation.
In conjunction with Hazel Dell Little League and Clark County Parks Department, SCSC has played a significant role in the development of HB Fuller Community Park. SCSC has contributed $180,000+ to this project to date. In fall 2003 Felida Park opened, where SCSC partnered with Clark County Parks Department to develop the finest sand-based turf fields in the county, with contributions of over $135,000. SCSC continues to work with Clark County to expand the sports field inventory within our community for our future soccer players. SCSC also continues to rely on our parent volunteers to make this organization run smoothly, and we thank our past and present Board Members and Committee Volunteers for their contributions.
Purpose
- To promote and develop the game of soccer.
- To organize and administer the game for our youth.
- To establish uniform rules applicable to youth soccer competition.
- To provide membership programs.
- To administer and conduct competitions.
Member Benefits
- Ten games
- Uniforms and most equipment required for play
- Game scheduling
- Insurance coverage
- Safety/Risk management
- Clark County's best fields
- Referee training and scheduling
- Awards, trophies and recognition
- Practice fields/practice scheduling
- Coaching clinics and support
- Tournaments
- Sponsor development
- Administrative duties
- Community coordination
- Newsletter and information
- Indirect community benefits
Please remember the above benefits provided by your registration fees are coordinated by volunteer board members and offered at the most reasonable price possible. Feel free to contact the Club line to volunteer your time and talents for a successful 2009 Season!
Team Structure
Each team needs a variety of volunteers to function successfully. Since many hands make for light work, every parent should be prepared to provide support to either their team and/or the club by filling one or more of the positions listed below. All teams must provide at least the following positions to participate in the club:
Coach
This individual is the team leader, responsible for teaching and developing soccer skills to his/her assigned players. The coach (or co-coaches) organizes and conducts practices and directs players during games.
ASSISTANT COACH
While not required, each team should endeavor to have more than one coach. Whether they are co-coaches or assistants, they help during practices and games, and are in charge in the coach's absence.
TEAM PARENT
This individual(s) helps the coach by communicating with the player's parents about practices, games, and other team activities. This individual(s) also organizes the half time and after game snacks/treats for the players, as well as organizing their team's Club Volunteers and participation in club fund raising events. A more complete task description appears later in this handbook.
CLUB VOLUNTEERS
These individuals (number varies depending upon the team's age bracket) represent their team during club events, activities, and fund raising. These include lining fields, goal set-up, or refereeing games, as well as helping with the auction, merchandise sales, etc. While the club tries to assign all club volunteers to activities of interest to them, sign-ups are on a first- come-basis so early sign-ups get the activities and times of your choice! Your club appreciates our volunteer's support and flexibility. To volunteer, call the SCSC message phone, at 574-8454.
TEAM SPONSOR
This individual or business supports Salmon Creek Soccer Club by paying a sponsorship fee for one or more teams at the beginning of the season. Each team shall provide a sponsorship fee to the club by the beginning of September; otherwise uniforms will not be available to teams.
SCSC endeavors to provide volunteer board members to help coordinate the team positions listed above. Please feel free to contact these individuals (Coach Coordinator, Referee Coordinator, Team Parent Coordinator, etc.) if you have questions or concerns by calling 574-8454. Literally thousands of details must be coordinated and completed during the season, and everybody's cooperation, support, and patience is appreciated!
The Season -What to Expect
PRACTICES - Officially, practice begins in August. SCSC's Field Coordinators and your coach, based upon field availability will determine days and times. Each player is expected to participate in each practice. Please inform your coach or team parent if your child cannot attend any team activity. Players should bring a water bottle and must wear shin guards during each practice.
GAMES - Games typically are played on Saturdays and begin the Saturday after Labor Day. The number and length of games played by each team depends upon the age bracket of the players. Schedules should be available a week before play begins. Players should arrive well in advance of their games scheduled start time to allow for warming up. Coaches will set player's preferred arrival time. Each player should bring a water bottle and must wear shin guards during each game. Players cannot play without shin guards. Players wearing braces or retainers are suggested to wear a mouth protection device.
UNIFORMS - All players are required to wear club-approved uniforms including jersey (shirt), shorts, shin guards, knee length socks that cover shin guards, and shoes. The club provides approved "Club" jersey and shorts for all players in club colors (purple, white and black). Players must agree to pay a $40.00 replacement fee if uniforms are not returned to SCSC.
SCORES - The score for U6 - U8 games is not kept and all games in these age groups are considered "TIES." Coaches (or their designated representative) for U9 and above teams are required, win or lose, to report the score of their game to SCSC's Scorekeeper Joni Harder at 576-0509 by 8 p.m. on the day of that game. Failure to do so may result in the game being counted as a "loss." SCSC is not responsible for any incorrectly recorded games resulting from such failure.
PICTURE DAY - Picture Day this year will be September. Please call Tonia Culbertson at 574-8454 (the club's message number) for answers to your questions.
FUNDRAISING - For 2009, the board voted to rais fees in order to eliminate the annual auction, previously the only non-fee source of revinue for the club. Registration fees do not cover all costs of for the club, and we would appreciate fund raising donations or volunteers to raise funds for our schollship fund, field equipment, and other items which enhanse our players experience. If you would like to volunteer to organize a fundraiser, please contat the club president at 574-8454.
AWARDS, TROPHIES, & RECOGNITION - SCSC will acknowledge noteworthy players, teams, coaches, referees, and key volunteers during the club's annual awards and general membership meeting following the 2009 season. This year the AGM is scheduled for December 4th, 6:00 PM at Alki Middle School Commons.
Guidelines and Rules
Complaint Resolution
The Salmon Creek Soccer Club Board of Directors strives to ensure that the Club provides a safe, respectful and sportsman-like environment during all SCSC related activities. While we take no pleasure in being put in a position of having to mediate disputes or impose sanctions against any individual, the board reserves the right (under Articles III and IV of SCSC's By-laws) to do so, with a clear conscious. This will happen when and if the board deems that it is necessary on behalf of the children and families we serve. A SCSC Judiciary Committee has been established to resolve any such concerns.
When appropriate, the following protocol will be a guideline to respond to complaints involving players, coaches, parents, referees, visitors, etc. whether occurring on or off the field. "Incident Report" and "Referee Evaluation" forms will be available at the information board at HB Fuller Park or by calling 574-8454; the forms are also available on the Internet at www.salmoncreeksoccer.net
- Physical assault, threats, and/or verbal abuse are inappropriate in all circumstances and will not be tolerated. Any such occurrences should be brought to the SCSC Judiciary Committee's attention immediately and may result in swift sanctions - including suspension, expulsion, and/or legal action - if confirmed to SCSC's satisfaction.
- At its discretion, SCSC will maintain complainant, reporting individuals, and witness confidentiality, especially in cases involving assault or threats.
- SCSC will encourage direct communication between concerned individuals as much as these individuals and/or club representatives deem appropriate, based upon the nature of the complaint. Assault, threats and/or verbal abuse may circumvent this option.
- If deemed necessary by any concerned individual, a formal complaint may be initiated by written notice-in the form of either a letter or official form (i.e. Incident Report or Referee Evaluation form)-submitted as soon as possible in relation to the incident to the SCSC Judiciary Committee, describing the problem and suggested solution.
- When appropriate, a designated board representative will inform the party in question of the problem and provide them an opportunity to respond to the claim and/or correct the situation before the club takes action.
- If the situation remains unresolved, a meeting between concerned parties might be scheduled with a SCSC representative(s) present. Any "action plans" resulting from this meeting will deal with specific behaviors, including a time frame for resolution.
- A board representative(s) will then monitor the situation during the resolution period to ensure that the action plan is being implemented. If the appropriate corrective behavior is not in place, the SCSC Judiciary Committee may impose sanctions against any offending party including possible suspension, expulsion, and legal action.
- The SCSC Judiciary Committee will endeavor to monitor all complaints to a satisfactory conclusion and inform concerned parties of the complaint's status and or outcome.
Team Parents
The Position You Play Each team needs you to assist the coach by helping keep the lines of communication open, while accomplishing a variety of coordinating tasks. As Team Parent, getting the work done doesn't mean you do all the work. Just like soccer, you have to pass the ball around and play like a team. We suggest you delegate these jobs among ALL parents on your team. Every parent should be prepared and willing to help your team and/or the club in some small way, usually no more than a 3-4 hour commitment. The Team Parent's job is to:
- Assist the coach with finding a team sponsor, if needed
- Coordinate distribution and returning of your team's uniforms with SCSC's Uniform Coordinator
- Assist the coach with phone calls to team members as necessary
- Assist with the coordination of your team's field coordination responsibilities, which might include field lining, goal set-up/take-down, field repairs, spring seeding, etc.
- Schedule providers of your team's snacks/beverages
- Help supervise any club fundraising activities involving your team
- Coordinate your team's photos
- Coordinate the fulfillment of all team responsibilities to your sponsor
- Coordinate the end-of-season team party and awards
- Transition your job to next year's Team Parent
Many hands make for a light load. If you have any questions or concerns, please call SCSC's Team Parent Coordinators
Thank you for volunteering to be a Team Parent!
Risk Management Program
Washington State Youth Soccer Association (WSYSA) mandates all coaches; assistant coaches, team parents, referees and board members for SCSC comply with our Risk Management Program. Since we do not always know the individuals who will be working with or supervising our children during the course of each soccer season, this program is an important and worthwhile means of helping keep our children safe during Club activities.
Through this statewide WSYSA program, the Washington State Patrol and WSYSA do a background check on ALL adults involved with the teams, adults including but not limited to coaches, assistants and team parents and team referees. This check will verify that there has been no reported case(s) of child abuse, molestation, kidnapping, etc. by any club official that may pose a danger to our children.
This is not meant to alarm anyone, and while this program offers no absolute safeguard, it is a helpful precaution offering further assurance and protection for our children.
How Risk Management Works
A state form must be completed, with legal names, by each coach, assistant coach, team parent, and any referees from each team. Forms can be completed on our registration website, http://salmoncreek.bonzidev.com/sam/registration.
All current board members must have a current state validation on file with WSYSA.
Referees
Thank you for your commitment to be a Salmon Creek Soccer Club Referee. Our program could not exist without your support and we appreciate all you do to make our soccer season possible.
In 2004 we created a SCSC Judiciary Committee to help resolve any issues that might arise, and plan to have "Incident Report," "Game Protest," and "Referee Evaluation" forms available at HB Fuller Park. These forms are intended to further support our referees and a sportsman-like atmosphere. Our hope in making these reports available is:
- coaches and parents who might otherwise cross the line into verbal abuse toward referees, other coaches, etc., will have another avenue (a written complaint) to express their concerns and frustration away from the field, and
- other parents who witness unsportsman-like conduct (i.e. verbal abuse) will report these incidents.
Since referees are SCSC's trained and licensed representatives, our board will remain supportive of your decisions whenever possible and will work with you to correct any concerns which might arise. Ultimately, we hope unsportsman-like conduct will be curbed and our referees will benefit through improved communications and training.
SCSC's Referee Coordinator for 2009: Robin Grove.
ZERO TOLERANCE OF VERBAL ABUSE
The Board of Directors of SCSC has adopted a "Zero Tolerance of Verbal Abuse" policy. We appreciate our member parent's support in maintaining a program, which reflects mutual respect, fair play, cooperation, and sports- person-like conduct. We endeavor to provide a positive environment conducive to improving our players' self-confidence and understanding of life's important lessons through the examples we, their parents set. While your board takes no pleasure in having to monitor its member's behavior, we will do so, with a clear conscious, when necessary. Our goal is to eliminate verbal abuse and maintain a safe physical and respectful social atmosphere.
The earth does not revolve around the activities of SCSC. Our perceptions, attitudes, and behavior should not either. However, our young referees are the children of SCSC member families. As such, they deserve the same respect, understanding, patience, kindness, and nurturing support you would expect for your own children from their teachers, coaches, and neighbors. Because of their love of soccer, these young referees have committed to help put on SCSC's season. They are young, enthusiastic, inexperienced, and often very sensitive to adult criticism. When communicating with our referees, please think of the message and experience you are relaying to them. Ask yourself, would I want my child treated like this?
Since board members cannot be present at all activities, SCSC needs our member parents in ensuring that we maintain an atmosphere conducive to the sharing of mutual respect, positive attitudes, and supportive behavior. Please remember that we are all neighbors and that soccer related activities are supposed to be both fun and -- more importantly -- a constructive learning experience for our children.
Especially during game day excitement, we ask that all SCSC members remain supportive of our club and your team; respectful of our still learning referees, club officials (all just volunteers), and opposing teams; and patient and understanding when concerns arise. SCSC believes these are the most important lessons our players should learn from their soccer experience.
Incident Reports
Our soccer club is committed to a policy of ZERO TOLERANCE OF VERBAL ABUSE. Please fill out & return a SCSC Incident Report if you have witnessed:
- Illegal activities
- Abusive behavior
- Game misconduct
- Unsportsman-like conduct
- Injury
- Unsafe conditions
- Other concerns that SCSC needs to address immediately
The incident report will be acknowledged within 48 hours of receipt and all effort will be made to address the concerns prior to the next scheduled game. The incident report needs to be turned into a box at Kiggins Clubhouse (HB Fuller Park), via e-mail, or regular mail. A committee will be formed, comprised of the referee coordinator, judicial representative, coach coordinator, president, and the registrar appropriate for the gender involved. Notification of the outcome will be communicated to the person who submitted the incident report, including the action taken. Judicial will keep a log of all incident reports filed and their outcomes.
Our intent is to protect our players and family members from unsafe physical conditions and practices, while maintaining a respectful, supportive social environment. The SCSC board takes no pleasure in having to monitor unacceptable behavior and regrets being put in any position requiring such action. However, on behalf of the children and families we serve, we will do so, when necessary. SCSC's Judiciary Committee will review all complaints in a timely manner. Witness confidentiality will be maintained when deemed appropriate.
Please report all verbal abuse or other serious incidents immediately.
Call 574-8454 or give the completed form to a SCSC Board Member at HB Fuller Park or Felida Park any Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. If less urgent, mail to:
SCSC 800 NE Tenney Road,
Suite 110, # 102
Vancouver, Washington 98685
Parent Sportsmanship Agreement
Your coach asks your cooperation in abiding by the rules and guidelines players, coaches, referees, and spectators are required to follow. FIFA, US Soccer, Washington State Youth Soccer Association (WSYSA), Columbia Youth Soccer Federation (CYSF), and your local soccer club set these guidelines forth.
In order to help us provide a fun and positive experience for everyone, we ask that you print out and sigh the the Parent Sportsmanship Agreement and return to your coach.
- I WILL BE POSITIVE ---I will express support and encouragement for my child and teammates ---nice pass, good job, atta girl/boy.
- I WILL RESPECT THE COACH ---I will support the coach and help out when asked. I understand that any coaching or instructions from the parent's side of the field is not allowed. I will let the coach do the coaching without my interference.
- I WILL RESPECT THE REFEREE ---I will give professional respect before, during, and after the game to the referee. I will refrain from criticizing referees. I will accept official decisions without anger no matter how unfair they may seem.
- I WILL RESPECT CLUB OFFICIALS ---I understand that soccer has rules and guidelines, such as player placement on a team and recruitment of players, and all decisions are based on those rules and guidelines.
- I WILL BE A GOOD SPORT ---By my example I will teach my child good sportsmanship toward the opposing team and parents and respect for the property owned by the school district and property owned or leased by the club or others.
- I WILL RECOGNIZE THE VALUE AND IMPORTANCE OF OUR VOLUNTEERS --- Coaches, referees, and club officers give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for my child.
- I WILL ACCEPT THE CONSEQUENCES IF I BEHAVE IMPROPERLY ---These consequences may include my being told by the referee to leave the field; my being suspended from attending games; possible disciplinary actions against the head coach.
Soccer Rules
General Rules of Soccer
The following general rules are offered in an attempt to familiarize you with the game of soccer for our children. It is not meant to be your only source of information. Please do not use these simplified explanations to call a game or judge whether a referee is properly officiating. Much of both playing and officiating soccer are judgmental decisions.
Field of Play
Field of play Must be rectangular (sizes varies with age of players)
| Age | Field Size | Goal Size |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | 30 x 20 yards | 6x6 |
| Under 7 | 35 x 25 yards | 6x6 |
| Under 8 | 40 x 25 yards | 6x8 |
| Under 9 | 45 x 30 yards | 6x12 |
| Under 10 | 55 x 35 yards | 6x18 |
| Under 11 | 50 x 80 yards | 8x24 |
| U12-U19 | 100-110 x 60-70 yards | 8x24 |
Playing Time and Ball Size
| Age | Play Time | Ball Size |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | 4-8 minute quarters | 3 |
| Under 7 | 2-20 minute halves | 3 |
| Under 8 | 2-25 minute halves | 3 |
| Under 9 | 2-25 minute halves | 4 |
| Under 10 | 2-25 minute halves | 4 |
| Under 11- | 12 2-30 minute halves | 4 |
| U13-U14 | 2-35 minute halves | 5 |
| U15-U16 | 2-40 minute halves | 5 |
| U17-U19 | 2-45 minute halves | 5 |
All children are to play 50% of the time. Children are placed on a team by the registrar or by the soccer club executive board, not by the coaches.
Number Of players on Team and Field
| Age | Players on field | Players on field |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6-7 | 3 No Goalie | 6 |
| Under 8 | 4 | 8 |
| Under 9 | 5 | 9 |
| Under 10 | 6 | 10 |
| Under 11 | 9 | 14 |
| U12-U19 | 11 | 18 |
A team must field at least 7 players (except U6-U8) within 15 minutes of the scheduled game time or forfeit the game 1-0.
Spectators
Spectators and extra players must remain at least 2 yards behind the side boundary lines and not closer than 18 yards from the corner of the field for all ages.
Substitutions
Unlimited substitutions are allowed with the referees consent by:
Either team only
- After a goal
- At half time
The Team
- Making a throw in
- Making a goal kick
- With an injured player
- When opposing coach subs
Game Referees
State Licensed Referees will officiate every game when available. Their decisions concerning points of the game and the exercising the power granted to him/her by the laws of the game are final. She/he generally will used two linesmen or assistant referees to assist in determining when the ball leaves the field of play and which team is entitled to return it to play, and to identify off sides. Salmon Creek Soccer Club enforces a ZERO TOLERANCE approach to any abuse towards its referees, coaches or players by anyone verbally or physically.
Under 6-10 no penalty kicks or shootouts and tie games stand.
Offside
- Under 6-8 no offside called
- Under 10-19 offside called. Under 9 intent (intentional) of offsides called.
- Simplified definition: A player is in an offsides position at the time the ball is played, if he/she is closer his/her opponents goal line than the ball unless:
- He/she is on their own half of the field
- There are at least two opponents nearer the goal line than they are (one is normally the goalkeeper, but does not have to be).
Fouls
Fouls U10-19 Major fouls committed outside the penalty area awards the opposing team a "direct free kick" goal can be made from this kick. If the foul is committed inside the penalty area, a penalty kick is given, (except U10 which remains a direct free kick from the point of the foul). U 6-10 have no penalty kicks or direct kicks, all fouls result in an indirect kick.
Major fouls are identified as follows
- Kicking
- Tripping
- Holding
- Pushing
- Playing the ball with arms or
hands
- Hitting, spitting (or attempts)
- Charging violently
Charging from behind
- Jumping at a player
Minor fouls result in an "indirect free kick" awarded to the opposing team (a goal an not be made directly from this kick).
Minor fouls are identified as follows:
- Playing dangerously
- Charging fairly with the shoulder when the ball is not within playing distance.
- Intentionally obstructing an opponent when not playing the ball
- Charging the goalie
- When the goalie takes more than four steps while holding the ball
- or intentionally holds up the game
- When a player with his feet passes the ball back to the goalie
Slide Tackling When a player slides on the ground towards the ball, not at the player (not allowed for U6-9 players).
Advantage If a player is fouled, the referee usually stops the play if the fouled player or his/ her team keeps possession, but if a stoppage might benefit the offenders' team, play may be allowed to continue.
Out of Bounds The ball is out of bounds when it has completely crossed the boundary line, either in the air or on the ground. It is returned to play by the opposing team in one of three ways:
- Throw-In: Ball must be thrown with both hands from behind and over the head. Part of both feet must be on the ground, either on or behind the touchline.
- Goal kick: When a member of the attacking team puts the ball out of play over the goal line, a goal kick is awarded to the defending team. It must be taken from inside the goal area, on the side of the field the ball went out of play. A goal cannot be scored directly from this kick. The goalie or any other player of his team can take goal kicks.
- Corner kick: When the defending team kicks the ball across the goal line (not between the posts) the opposing team kicks the ball from the corner arch closest to where it went out of play. A goal can be made from this kick.
Required Equipment
- Jersey or shirt
- Socks that cover the shin guards
- Shin guards (if a child does not have any shin guards, he/she may not play in a game or practice)
- Shorts
- Mouth protection is optional for retainers or braces
- Helmets are encouraged but not required
- No baseball cleats (toe cleats)
- No jewelry
Coaching Certificate Definitions
- U-6 Coaching Certificate: Coaching U-6 Players The U-6 Coaching Certificate is designed to provide the first-time parent/coach of five year olds with information on creating a beneficial soccer environment. The course has been designed to address the specific characteristics of this age group and to present activities and games that are developmentally appropriate. This is a 21/2-hour course.
- U-8 Coaching Certificate: Coaching U-8 Players The U-8 Coaching Certificate is designed to provide the parent/coach of seven year olds with information on creating a beneficial soccer environment. The course has been designed to address the specific characteristics of this age group and to present activities and games that are developmentally appropriate. This is a 21/2-hour course.
- U-10 Coaching Certificate: Coaching U-10 Players The U-10 Coaching Certificate is designed to provide the parent/coach of nine year olds with information on creating a beneficial soccer environment. The course has been designed to address the specific characteristics of this age group and to present activities and games that are developmentally appropriate. This is a 21/2-hour course.
- E Certificate Course The emphasis of the "E" course is on coaching players 10-14 years of age. It is a general certificate of 11-a-side play and is intended for those coaches who are in the transitional stage from coaching. Modified soccer to coaching 11 vs. 11 soccer. The course is best suited for those coaches with several years' experience or who have attended one or more of the youth module courses. The "E" course focuses on coaching points and the teaching of technique, with an introduction to the Principles of Play (attack and defense.) The "E" course also provides elementary information on the management and preparation of a team.
- "D" License Course The attendees of a "D" course fall into two distinct categories: coaches who are using the course to prepare for the National "C" License and those who are using the course to qualify for a particular level of coaching within their state. Many of the latter are not required to further upgrade their license. In addressing coaches in these two categories, the "D" course can be seen as either preparatory or terminal. The "D" course is for coaching players 14-18 years of age and emphasizes observing mistakes and providing information to correct the mistakes. A majority of the course schedule is devoted to practice coaching and practical examinations. Candidates will be examined by the analysis of videotape footage for their knowledge and understanding of tactics and methodology. There are also take-home examinations on soccer injury prevention and the FIFA Laws of the Game. Based on how well they do in the "D" License course, candidates are awarded either a National "D" License, which allows them to attend a National "C" License course after a year, or a State "D" License. If a State "D" License is earned, coaches interested in obtaining a National "C" can retake the "D" course.