Emerson Eagles Soccer
Emerson Recreation Soccer
affiliated with U.S. Youth Soccer

Emerson Soccer Handbook

Parents | Teams | Conduct | Practice & Play | Uniforms & Equipment | Soccer |

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INDEX

Section 1: Emerson Soccer
  • Philosophy
Section 2: Parents
  • Parent Participation
  • Parent Responsibilities
Section 3: Teams
  • Team Composition
  • Team Assignments
  • Competition
  • Division Placement
  • Transfer of Players
  • Player Attendance and Participation
Section 4: Conduct
  • Standards of Conduct and Discipline
  • Game Conduct
  • Soccer Conduct
  • Player Suspension or Expulsion
Section 5: Practice and Play
  • Practices and Games
  • Season
  • Game Cancellations
  • Game Protests
  • Accidents
Section 6: Uniforms and Equipment
  • Suitable Dress for Scheduled Games
  • Prohibited Articles
Section 7: Soccer
  • The Game
  • Field Description
  • Player Positions
  • The Laws
  • Starting and restarting play
  • In-play/out-of-play conditions.
  • Fouls and misconduct
  • Offside
  • Advantage Clause

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Section 1: Emerson Soccer

Philosophy

Emerson 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.

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Section 2: Parents

Parent Participation

We 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 Responsibilities

The 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:

  1. Positively encourage your child and be supportive of her or his best efforts.
  2. Assist the volunteers who bring the program to your child and be supportive of their efforts.
  3. Assist your daughter or son in arriving at practices and games on time and to notify the coach when your child will be unable to attend a practice or game.
  4. Arrange for your child's safe journey home after practices and games.
  5. Help to keep the fields neat, clean and safe by disposing of all trash properly.
  6. Assure that all children, not just players, are properly supervised and that they are not allowed to get themselves into dangerous situations by climbing on soccer goals and nets or wandering onto the fields while games are in progress.
  7. Assure no alcoholic beverages are consumed on or around the playing fields at any time.
  8. Keep dogs, bikes, etc. in safe, out-of-the-way places and not between the fields.
  9. Promote good sportsmanship, fair play, and fun for all players and their families.

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Section 3: Teams

Team Composition

Each 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 Assignments

We 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.

Competition

The 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 Placement

Players 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 Players

Transfer of players among teams is not permitted. Teams are balanced to ensure fair and equal opportunities to play for every player.

Player Attendance and Participation

Coaches 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.

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Section 4: Conduct

Standards of Conduct and Discipline

Our 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 Conduct

The 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

  1. Cheer positively for the play you like and encourage your team. Have fun!
  2. Never make derogatory comments about the other team or your teammates.
  3. Leave the coaching to the coach. Coaches must remain in the coaching area which extends ten yards from either side of the midfield line.
  4. Referees decisions are final. No useful purpose is served by shouting disagreement, derogatory remarks or making calls for the Referee. The Referee can caution players and coaches (displaying a Yellow Card), eject players and coaches (displaying a Red Card), and in extreme cases terminate the game.
  5. All Referees are to receive respect.
  6. Harassing the Referee or the coach is unwarranted and will not be tolerated.
  7. All players and coaches are required to remain in the marked team areas. It is for everyone's safety that this rule has been made.
  8. Spectators are only allowed to stand along the team sidelines between the penalty areas or on the hill behind the goals.
  9. Coaches and Players may only enter the field of play with the consent of the Referee.

Player Suspension or Expulsion

Discipline 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:
  1. The team will play the remainder of the game short. The team is not allowed to substitute for the ejected player or the coach.
  2. The player will not be allowed to participate in the following game.
  3. The team will be allowed to play the following game with a full complement of players.

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.

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Section 5: Practice and Play

Practices and Games

Team 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.

Season

The regular season begins in September and continues to November .

Game Cancellations

Soccer 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 Protests

Protests 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.

Accidents

Soccer 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.
  1. If a player is injured at practice or at a game, notify the coach and the Referee (if present) immediately. The coach must fill out an accident report.
  2. If it looks as if the injured player should see a doctor, seek medical care immediately.
  3. Emerson Soccer has insurance that covers each registered player for injuries incurred while participating in scheduled games. It is imperative that accidents be reported to our Regional Safety Director.
  4. Coaches and Referees will report any injury to the Safety Directory. Our Safety Director will assist the parents or guardians in making the claim.

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Section 6: Uniforms and Equipment

Suitable Dress for Scheduled Games

Players will not be allowed to play unless properly dressed.
  1. Issued shorts and jersey (tucked into shorts), and socks (pulled up to knees).
  2. Shinguards (worn under socks). No player will be allowed to play in either a game or a practice without shinguards.
  3. Soccer shoes with plastic or rubber molded cleats are recommended, although gym shoes or sneakers are permissible. No screw-in cleats are allowed. In rainy or wet field conditions the Referee may cleats for safety reasons.
  4. Goalkeepers may wear soft knee and elbow pads. They may also wear long or short goalkeeper pants or sweat pants.

Prohibited Articles

  1. No emblems, patches or unapproved awards may be added or attached to uniforms.
  2. Players may not wear anything which could be dangerous to either themselves or other players (e.g., bracelets, earrings, wristwatches, barrettes, hair clips, casts or splints, etc.) while playing.
  3. No caps or headbands are allowed. Long hair should be tied back.
  4. No other clothing may be worn over the uniform while a players is participating in the game on the playing field. However, matching long-sleeved tee shirts, turtlenecks, or sweatshirts may be worn under the uniform jersey. Tights or cycling shorts may be worn under the uniform shorts as long as they are and the same color. Sweat pants may only be worn by the goalie.
  5. Chewing gum or eating while participating in games or practices is prohibited.

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Section 7: Soccer

The Game

Soccer 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 Description

The 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 Positions

It'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.
  • Goalkeeper (Goalie or Keeper): Responsible for guarding their team's goal, starting the attack and preventing the other team from scoring, the goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use hands, and only within the penalty area.
  • Defenders (Fullbacks): Primary duty is to prevent the opposing team from having a good shot at the goal, as well as work to gain possession of the ball and pass it to a teammate to start an offensive attack. Some defensive formations include a sweeper, the last defensive player playing in the center, and a stopper, a defensive player in the center of the field in front of the sweeper.
  • Midfielders (Halfbacks): Play a "transitional" game from defense to offense and vice versa; because they back up both the defense and offense, they are the most active players on the field.
  • Forwards (Strikers): Primary responsibility is to score, also assist the midfielders in shifting play from defense to offense. Forwards playing in the center of the field are known as strikers; those on the outside are wings or wingers.

The Laws

There 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:

  1. Starting and restarting play
  2. In-play/out-of-play conditions.
  3. Fouls (penal and non-penal) and misconduct.
  4. Offside

Substitution Procedure

  1. Coaches should hsve their players ready and standing at the center line. The coach should notify the referee prior to the stoppage.
  2. At the stoppage the referee will make the substitution by calling the players onto the field and having the substituted palyers exit at the center line.
  3. Subsitutions are made as follows: (1) The team in possession make make a substitute on their throw in. If the opposing team has it's palyers up and ready they may also come in. (2) on goal kicks both teams may substitute. (3) on corner kicks only the team in possession may substitute. (4) on kick offs both team may substitute.

Starting and Restarting Play and Out-Of-Play Conditions

Kickoff: 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

  1. Charging From Behind - Running into an opponent from the rear.
  2. Charging Violently - Violent contact.
  3. Handling The Ball - Using any part of the hand or arm intentionally to direct the movement of the ball, except by the goalkeeper within the penalty area.
  4. Holding - Impeding the progress of an opponent by using any part of the body.
  5. Jumping At - Jumping at an opponent with the intent to impede.
  6. Kicking - Kicking or trying to kick an opponent.
  7. Pushing - Impeding an opponent by pushing with any part of the body.
  8. Striking and/or Spitting - Striking or trying to strike or spitting at an opponent.
  9. Tripping - Tripping an opponent, whether the player falls down or not.

Non Penal Fouls

  1. Charging The Goalkeeper - Shoulder-to-shoulder contact within the penalty area.
  2. Dangerous Play - Includes high kicking near an opponent's head, trying to play a ball already in control of the goalkeeper, and a player putting him/herself in danger by playing a ball while on the ground.
  3. Goalkeeper Time Wasting - Goalkeeper taking more five or six seconds to release the ball back into play after controlling the ball with his/her hands.
  4. Charging - Shoulder-to-shoulder contact without danger to either player involved but with the ball out of playing distance.
  5. Obstruction - A player intentionally getting between the ball and an opponent when not within playing distance of the ball.

Misconduct

Unsportsmanlike 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.

Offside

Offside 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 Clause

Soccer 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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