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Emerson Eagles Soccer
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INDEXSection 1: Emerson Soccer
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Section 1: Emerson Soccer
PhilosophyEmerson Soccer was initially affiliated with the American Youth Soccer Organization. In 2001 we swithched to the U.S. Youth Soccer Association.We are dedicated to providing an opportunity for young people to learn to develop a positive self image, self confidence and other positive character traits through their interest and participation in soccer. We follow these five guiding principles: (1) Everyone Plays, (2) Balanced Teams, (3) Open Registration, (4) Positive Coaching and (5) Good Sportsmanship. The competition should be healthy and positive. Soccer should be fun for the players, coaches, referees and parents.
Section 2: ParentsParent ParticipationWe would like to see each parent who has a player in the program volunteer her or his services in some way. Parents can help in a wide variety of ways: coaches or assistant coaches, concession helpers, photographers, or team parents. Please contact a Board member if you would like to help.
Parent ResponsibilitiesThe emphasis is placed on the organization's principles and on good sportsmanship by exhibiting the qualities of fairness and self-control as well as by having a good time. Parents, coaches and officials are role models for children. Overzealous behavior is inappropriate. While participation in a competitive situation is an important aspect of the game, it is not to be confused with a "win-at-all-costs" attitude. The soccer we promote is a balance of fun, development and competition.Parents, spectators, and coaches have a responsibility to keep the soccer program fun for all. Please take a few moments to review the following guidelines:
Section 3: TeamsTeam CompositionEach team will have a volunteer coach. The coach is responsible for her or his team. Assistant coaches will also be assigned to help the coach at practices and games or substitute when the coach is unable to make games. A team parent will also be assigned to the team. Developing the players and building the team is the coach's primary purpose.
Team AssignmentsWe are committed to the concept of team balancing. Team assignments are by random draw each year based on age, skill level and experience. Coaches are entitled to keep their children on their teams. Special requests can not be honored. It is intended that through team balancing each team will have an equal opportunity to compete and be successful. The younger divisions are intended to be instructional in format, with low-keyed, less competitive games. The emphasis is on teaching proper ball handling techniques. Strategy and tactics is emphasized as the players grow older.
CompetitionThe emphasis is on fun, fairness, self-control, and good sportsmanship. Parents, coaches and officials are role models for children. While participation in a competitive situation is an important aspect of the game, it should not be confused with a "win-at-all-costs" attitude. Our soccer program promotes a balance of fun, development and competition.
Division PlacementPlayers are not allowed to "play down" (play in a lower level division than allowed by their birth date) except for developmental disabilities. "Playing up" is discouraged and must be approved by a board member. Team rosters are distributed to coaches in August. Players should be contacted by their coaches shortly thereafter.
Transfer of PlayersTransfer of players among teams is not permitted. Teams are balanced to ensure fair and equal opportunities to play for every player.
Player Attendance and ParticipationCoaches should meet all parents, discuss the practice and game schedule, philosophy and parent guidelines. This is also an opportunity for the coach to answer any questions the parents might have.All players are expected to demonstrate proper respect for other players, coaches, Referees and other league officials at all times. Each player is strongly urged to attend every practice and game and expected to advise their coach when attendance is not possible. All players shall be entitled to play at least two quarters of every game. It is the policy of Emerson Recreation Soccer to strongly encourage each coach to equalize the play of each player and, when practical, permit players to play different positions throughout the season. Any player who misses practice regularly or arrives late for games may have their playing time in the game limited to less than one half.
Section 4: ConductStandards of Conduct and DisciplineOur goal is a positive playing experience. Most children are enthusiastic, motivated, and sincerely interested in having a good time. Most Our families support our program and its volunteers by assisting their players to arrive at practices and games on time and properly equipped. However, there is the realization that it may be necessary to administer some disciplinary action for the good of both player and team. For example, a player may experience difficulty in adjusting to team play or in getting along with team members or a family is not willing to help a player get to practices and/or games. These rare problems have a way of upsetting entire teams, even divisions, and must be addressed before the enjoyment of the majority of players and families is jeopardized.
Game ConductThe highest standards of conduct must be maintained at all times. We are committed to good sportsmanship and fair play. Therefore, any player or coach whose conduct is not consistent with these ideals may be cautioned (Yellow Card) or ejected (Red Card) at the discretion of the Referee. Foul or abusive language is strictly prohibited. If a spectator is unable to refrain from making derogatory remarks to any player, coach or Referee or from using foul or abusive language, the Referee may suspend the game until that spectator leaves the field. If an unruly player, coach or spectator refuses to leave the field when asked, the Referee may discontinue the game.
Soccer Conduct
Player Suspension or ExpulsionDiscipline shall be up to the Referee at each game. Each Referee has the power and authority to eject players, coaches or spectators from the playing area when their conduct violates the rules or guidelines or otherwise interferes with play. If a player or coach is ejected due to the issuance of a Red Card, then:
All Yellow and Red Cards issued are reported to the Board. Any review deemed necessary shall be Commissioner, the Assistant Commissioner, the Referee Administrator, and the Coach Supervisor.
Section 5: Practice and PlayPractices and GamesTeam practices will be held at the coach's discretion, usually once a week on weekdays, at the approved fields. It is important that players attend practices as this is where game skills and strategy are taught. Coaches should be notified in advance if a player must miss a practice or game. Parents are reminded that it is their responsibility to see that players get home safely after practices and games.
SeasonThe regular season begins in September and continues to November .
Game CancellationsSoccer is generally played rain or shine. Inclement weather or poor field conditions may necessitate the cancellation of games from time to time. Players must be at all scheduled games unless notified by their coaches or parents that the game has been canceled. We realize that this is inconvenient, but conditions change from hour to hour and may be different from field to field. The Referee will normally decide 10-30 minutes prior to game time.
Game ProtestsProtests of games are strongly discouraged and will not receive enthusiastic consideration. Referee judgment calls are final and are not grounds for protest. However, coaches may file with the Commissioner a written report of any alleged misapplication of the basic rules within 48 hours. The Commissioner, the Head Referee and the Head Coach will review all reports pertaining to the event and may consult the Board. The Commissioner will advise the coaches, Referees and the Board of any decision and/or action taken in the matter. Referees have an obligation to file a written report of any abusive language used by coaches, players or spectators or for conduct which interfered with the proceedings of the game.
AccidentsSoccer has a low injury rate and is generally considered to be a safe sport. However, participants in any athletic activity may suffer injury. You should be aware of the steps to take if your child sustains an injury.
Section 6: Uniforms and Equipment
Suitable Dress for Scheduled GamesPlayers will not be allowed to play unless properly dressed.
Prohibited Articles
Section 7: Soccer
The GameSoccer is played by two teams on a field approximately the size of a football field. Smaller fields are used for younger players. The game is played in halves of equal length. To advance the "Everyone Plays" commitment, quarter breaks are made in each half to allow substitution. The length of each half is determined by the age of the children playing: U14, usually 35 minute halves; U12 usually two 30 minutes halves, U10 12 1/2 minute quarters; U8 four 10 minute quarters; and U6, two 10 minute halves.The Referees scheduled for the game are completely in charge from the moment they enter the field of play. Please respect them and follow their directions. They are trying to keep the games to the established schedule so later games are not delayed. Teams should arrive at the field in advance of the scheduled game time and be ready to play. Most coaches request that players meet at a given time prior to the start of the game so that they can complete lineup details and warm up the players to avoid injuries. A soccer game is played with a maximum of eleven players on each team on the field at any one time. However, in the younger divisions, we utilize small sided games with fewer players on each side to facilitate learning experience and player development. At least seven players per team are required in order to start a standard sided game.
Field DescriptionThe field is divided into halves. A center circle is used for kickoffs. A goal area and a penalty area are located at each end of the field. The four corners of the field are marked with flags and three-foot arcs (used for corner kicks). The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touch line must be greater than the length of the goal line. The minimum length is 100 yds and maximum 120 length 130 yds, the minimum width is 50 yds and maximum width 100 yds. The dimensions of the field are reduced for younger players or short sided games. Below is a drawing of a standard soccer field.
Player PositionsIt's important to remember that any player on a team may score a goal regardless of position. Also, physical size is not an important factor in becoming a skilled and successful player. Because of the game's pace, every child participates in the action.
The LawsThere are 17 soccer rules or "laws". The purpose of the laws is to make the game safe and fair. The officials, or Referees, call penalties for fouls or misconduct based on one basic "rule of thumb" - if it's unsafe or unfair, it's a violation.The soccer laws can be divided into four general categories:
Substitution Procedure
Starting and Restarting Play and Out-Of-Play ConditionsKickoff: Puts the ball in play from the center circle at the beginning of each half and after each goal is scored. The ball must move forward to be considered in play. Throw-In: Taken along the touch-lines at the point where the ball went out of play. A throw-in is awarded to the team that was not responsible for the ball leaving the playing area. Goal Kick: Taken by the defending team each time the ball is kicked by the attacking team past the opponent's goal line, but not into the goal, i.e. to either side or over the top. The ball is placed anywhere in the goal area and must be kicked by the defending team beyond the penalty area to be considered in play. Corner Kick: Taken by the attacking team each time the defending team puts the ball over its own goal line. The ball is placed within the 3 foot arc in the corner of the field (on whichever side of the goal line the ball crossed) and kicked into play by the attacking team. Direct Free Kick: Awarded to the opposing team if the offending team commits a penal foal. The ball is placed at the point of the foul, not the location of the ball at the time of the foul. All players of the offending team must move at least 10 yards from the ball. The kicker then takes the free kick. A goal may be scored from a DFK if the ball goes directly from the kicker's foot into the goal. Indirect Free Kick: Awarded to the opposing team if the offending team commits a non-penal foul. Otherwise like a DFK, with the exception of the fact that the ball must touch a second player, offensive or defensive, before entering the goal and being considered a legal score. Penalty Kick: Awarded when the defending team commits one of the nine penal fouls within its own penalty area while the ball is in play. Like a Direct Free Kick, with the following variations: The ball is placed on the penalty spot and all players, with the exception of the kicker and the goalkeeper, must be both outside the penalty area and at least 10 yards away from the ball. The goalkeeper may move laterally on the goal line between the two posts until the ball is kicked.
Penal Fouls
Non Penal Fouls
MisconductUnsportsmanlike behavior. There are two degrees of misconduct. Depending on its severity, to be determined by the Referee, an action can either result in the issuance of a cautionary Yellow Card or the issuance of a Red Card, which results in the expulsion of the offender from the current game and the following game.
OffsideOffside position and offside are not the same. It is legal for a player to be in the offside position (ahead of the ball on the opponent's half of the field with fewer than two opponents between the player and the opponent's goal) until, in the opinion of the Referee, the player either participates in play, interferes with an opponent, or otherwise tries to take advantage of the offside position.
Advantage ClauseSoccer is one of the few sports where the Referee, at his/her discretion, may refrain from penalizing a foul and allow play to continue. This power is granted by Clause b. of Law 5 and is known as the Advantage Clause. Referees allow the advantage when they are satisfied that enforcing the foul would cause a disadvantage to the fouled team, and then only when no serious loss of control would result.
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