St. Francis Soccer Club Recreational Player s/parent s Guide www.stfrancissoccer.com Revised 3/14/2018
Welcome to the St. Francis Soccer Club. The goal of the club is to provide an opportunity for anyone interested in the sport of soccer to have fun, learn, and enjoy the great activity. This guide is intended to provide a general overview of our soccer club. Please review this material and discuss the Player s Responsibility section with your child. Enjoy your season! Field Location The St. Francis Soccer Club complex is located on the west side of Arlington Ave. between Southport Road to the north and Stop 11 Road to the south. Although we have a medical team on site during our games there may be a time in which you may need to call 911 in the event of an emergency the address is 7702 S. Arlington Ave. The address is also posted at the concession stand should anyone need it. Field Status All field closings or updates will come from the club via email. An email will also go out to the coaches in order to pass along to the player s parents as well. Please keep in mind that we will still play soccer in the rain. The only reason a game/ practice would be canceled or postponed would be due to lightning and thunder. If lightning was to occur then everyone would need to seek shelter in their car. We would be allowed to resume playing after 30 min has passed since the last lightning strike. There is much to be found on our webpage, including a complete Recreational area. It is being updated almost daily so please make sure to check it out! Other Club Communication via Email Much information, including a complete Parent Guide, will be shared with you via email and our web page as we strive to become ecologically friendly. This is the reason parents are asked to provide an email address at registration. Please note that we do not and will never provide your email address to any outside source. If you would like to be added to our email list to begin receiving our updates please send an email to email.sfsc@gmail.com The Soccer Complex 1) The St. Francis Soccer Club complex is a non-smoking facility, this includes E-Cigarettes as well. This also includes the parking lot as being off limits to smoking. 2) Due to health and safety reasons, we do not allow pets on the soccer grounds. 3) Do not climb on, hang on or tip over the soccer goals. 4) Do not climb on any fences on the property. 5) Please observe all no smoking, no pet and no parking signs posted on the property, failure to do so may result in immediate dismissal from the property. Page 2 of 14
Practices 1) During preseason, there can only be two practices per week. Each practice must not be longer than one hour. 2) During the season, there can only be one practice per week. This practice must not be longer than one hour. No practice is allowed during the week if games are scheduled. Note: Academy nights do not count as a practice unless determined so by the coach. Games 1) Any Player in a cast must have it adequately padded so they do not present a hazard to the other players. However, it is strongly recommended that the player does not participate in any game or practice without a doctor's approval. 2) Sweatshirts or jackets may be worn due to inclement weather but must be worn under the uniform. 3) Children's jersey will be tucked in and their shorts tied. (No pockets on shorts) 4) During the play of a practice or game, jewelry and gum will not be allowed. 5) Medical assistance can be obtained through the concession area on game day. 6) There may be times when weather or field conditions make games impossible or dangerous. You will be notified by your coach of any cancellations and subsequent make up games. 7) Referees are not used U4 U7 age groups. These age groups require the head coach and assistant coaches to be referee. 8) The referee is in control of the game. If a referee isn't available, the head coach from each team is in control of the game. Equipment 1) St. Francis Soccer Club jersey blue or white (required for all games) 2) Black shorts are recommended (No Pockets) 3) Shin guards (required for all practices and games) 4) Black or Blue soccer socks (should completely cover the shin guards) are encouraged 5) Soccer cleats (recommended but not required, rubber cleats, no toe cleat) 6) Soccer ball (U4 U8 use a size 3 ball, U10 - U12 use a #4 ball, U13 and over use #5 ball) 7) Water bottle 8) Jewelry is not allowed during play (practices or games.) This is a safety issue for your child and others. 9) No gum allowed during practices or games. Specific Equipment guidelines can be found here Team Pictures A picture schedule will be provided once registration is completed. Protek takes the pictures for our league and will provide the pictures to players in the mail once they have been printed. Information will be provided later and we will likely offer online photograph packaging for ease of coaches and families. Volunteers We are always looking for volunteers to help with all aspects from planning, organizing, to field duty and maintenance, and everything in between. St. Francis Soccer Club serves over 700 players and coaches each season. If you are interested in volunteering your time, please contact the recreational director. Please keep in mind that all coaches are volunteering their time to coach so please be respectful. Page 3 of 14
On game days if you have any questions please look for any one in BRIGHT YELLOW shirts. These are our Volunteer Staff members and they will be able to help you out with any questions that you may have. Rules of Conduct Do: Encourage good sportsmanship from your child. Support and cheer the team, not just your child. Calling a child s name will distract them from their game. Show respect for coaches, referees and other team members. Support the coaches but let the coaches do the coaching. The coach is in charge of the team. Pay attention to the play of the game. Make positive comments to your child after the game. Show yourself as a positive role model. Our little ones are always watching. Remember that soccer is a game, and games should be fun! Don't: Be confrontational with the opponents, coaches, spectators, or referee when youth are present. Yell or scream negative words at your child, other players, the coach or referee from the sidelines. Expect perfection from your child. Page 4 of 14
What Are Your Responsibilities? Coach Responsibilities The responsibilities of the team coach are addressed in the St. Francis Coaching Guide. Parent Responsibilities 1) Arrive on time for practices and games. Due to the possibility of player injury, the club asks that you remain on the soccer campus during all practices and games. 2) Inform the coach of any medical conditions that would affect the play of the game. 3) If special circumstances will not allow the player to attend a practice or game, inform the coach prior to that date. 4) Ensure that your child is properly equipped (shin guards, water bottle, etc.), for practices and games. Absolutely no jewelry or gum. 5) Volunteer to help in any capacity with the club. The websites and emails will inform you of volunteer opportunities. Spend time at home with your child working on his/her skills and attitude. Encourage your child and don't criticize. 6) Support your player by familiarizing yourself with the Recreational League Rules of Play on pages 6-8 of this guide. 7) Review and discuss with your child the Player Responsibilities section below. 8) Review and discuss the Rules of Conduct section on page 4 of this guide. 9) Concerns or questions should be first addressed to your coach. If you require further assistance, call the age group coordinator listed on the website. Next contact a SFSC board member. 10) All disagreements with the coach, referee or club should be handled in an adult atmosphere. (No youth present.) Player Responsibilities 1) Attend all practices and games unless special circumstances do not allow attendance. Your coach should be informed prior to practices or games that you will not be attending. 2) At all times, show good sportsmanship toward team players, coaches, referees, and opposing teams' members. 3) Come prepared for practices and games with the proper clothing (i.e. complete uniform for game days and weather appropriate clothing for practices) and equipment. See Equipment under General Club Information. 4) Spend time at home practicing your newly learned skills. 5) Most importantly HAVE FUN! Page 5 of 14
Recreational League Rules of Play The St. Francis Soccer Club follows FIFA Laws of the Game with exceptions for each age group as noted below: St Francis Soccer Club instituted a new rule in the Fall 2002 season to try to create a balance on the field, at least to a certain degree. The 7-4 Rule will continue with the first recreational games played and will be maintained until/unless the Board decides otherwise. YOUR INPUT IS CRITICAL IN EVALUATING THIS RULE. Simply put, if one team s lead is at least 7 goals, the other team can play with one additional player until the lead has been reduced to 4 goals, at which time the number of players on the field again becomes equal. Please communicate with members of the Board to let us know how the rule is working. Apply to all age groups A goal is scored when the ball is wholly across the goal line. The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or the touchline whether on the ground on in the air. No artificial noise makers of any kind permitted during game play. A stopwatch should be used to keep track of the game time. The stopwatch should continue to run except for switching players and extended injury time. Shake hands after every game. No slide tackling allowed The Referee is the authority in the game and all decisions final. If coaches have issues with the referee's calls, contact the referee assignor (or AGC, director, etc. and make sure they pass along complaints to the referee coordinator). The referee coordinator will make sure feed-back makes its way to all referees, and provide guidance to referees, clarification or reminders of rules. Page 6 of 14
Recreational League Rules of Play U4 Age Group o Size 3 ball will be used o Each team will play 4v4 unless a lack of players does not allow. Changes to this should be mutually decided upon between the coaches on each side. o Games will be played in 4 quarters each 6 minutes maximum. In situations where there are a lack of players or weather concerns coaches may alter game times. This must be mutually agreed upon by both coaches. o Teams will play the entire game on the same side of the field. No switching at halftime. o One coach from each team will be present on the field and be responsible for game administration. No other non-players should be on the field during games. o No goalie will be used and we encourage kids to play defense but not stand in front of the goal but guard the ball. o Soft out of bounds lines. Keep the game moving and kids interested. If the ball leaves the field and the players or spectators are in danger of being injured a whistle should be used to stop play and the ball restarted with a kick-in. o No throw ins. Kick-ins should be used. o Substitutions should be made between quarters or when play is stopped (out of bounds, after a goal) o Players should be assigned one designated field in which they will play their game. Players will not play on both fields. If a change is needed due to injury, lack of players or to keep a game competitive a player can be moved to another field only during the break for a quarter or halftime. o Offsides will not be called o All free kicks will be indirect (another player must touch the ball before entering goal). o Headers are not allowed o All rules on page 10 which apply to all age groups must be followed as well Page 7 of 14
Recreational League Rules of Play U5 Age Group o Size 3 ball will be used o Each team will play 4v4 unless a lack of players does not allow. Changes to this should be mutually decided upon between the coaches on each side. o Games will be played in 4 quarters each 8 minutes maximum. In situations where there are a lack of players or weather concerns coaches may alter game times. This must be mutually agreed upon by both coaches. o Teams will play the entire game on the same side of the field. No switching at halftime. o One coach from each team will be present on the field and be responsible for game administration. No other non-players should be on the field during games. o No goalie will be used and we encourage kids to play defense but not stand in front of the goal but guard the ball. o **Out of bounds should be enforced although the coaches judgment can be used to keep the game moving and kids interested. If the ball leaves the field and the players or spectators are in danger of being injured a whistle should be used to stop play and the ball restarted with a kick-in. o No throw ins. Kick-ins should be used. o Substitutions should be made between quarters or when play is stopped (out of bounds, after a goal) o Players should be assigned one designated field in which they will play their game. Players will not play on both fields. If a change is needed due to injury, lack of players or to keep a game competitive a player can be moved to another field only during the break for a quarter or halftime. o Offsides will not be called o All free kicks will be indirect (another player must touch the ball before entering goal). o Headers are not allowed o All rules on page 7 which apply to all age groups must be followed as well ** Indicates a change from the previous age group rules Page 8 of 14
Recreational League Rules of Play U6 Age Group o Size 3 ball will be used o **Each team will play 3v3 unless a lack of players does not allow. Changes to this should be mutually decided upon between the coaches on each side. o Games will be played in 4 quarters each 8 minutes maximum. In situations where there are a lack of players or weather concerns coaches may alter game times. This must be mutually agreed upon by both coaches. o **Teams will switch sides of the field at halftime. o One coach from each team will be present on the field and be responsible for game administration. No other non-players should be on the field during games. o No goalie will be used and we encourage kids to play defense but not stand in front of the goal but guard the ball. o **Out of bounds should be enforced although the coaches judgment can be used to keep the game moving and kids interested. If the ball leaves the field and the players or spectators are in danger of being injured a whistle should be used to stop play and the ball restarted with a throw-in. o The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or the touchline whether on the ground on in the air. o ** Throw-ins should be used. Coach s judgment can be used to correct incorrect throw-ins. o Substitutions should be made between quarters or when play is stopped (out of bounds, after a goal) o Players should be assigned one designated field in which they will play their game. Players will not play on both fields. If a change is needed due to injury, lack of players or to keep a game competitive a player can be moved to another field only during the break for a quarter or halftime. o Offsides will not be called o All free kicks will be indirect (another player must touch the ball before entering goal). o Headers are not allowed o All rules on page 7 which apply to all age groups must be followed as well ** Indicates a change from the previous age group rules Page 9 of 14
Recreational League Rules of Play U7 Age Group o Size 3 ball will be used o **Each team will play 4v4 unless a lack of players does not allow. Changes to this should be mutually decided upon between the coaches on each side. o **Games will be played in 2 halves each 20 minutes maximum. In situations where there are a lack of players or weather concerns coaches may alter game times. This must be mutually agreed upon by both coaches. o Teams will switch sides of the field at halftime. o **Teams will be on one side of the field. Parents and spectators will be on the opposite side of the field from the teams. o **Goal kicks and throw-ins- defensive team must give the player room to kick-in or throwin the ball. There is no need to press up on the player, please allow them to get the ball in play. o One coach from each team will be present on the field and be responsible for game administration. No other non-players should be on the field during games. o No goalie will be used and we encourage kids to play defense but not stand in front of the goal but guard the ball. o **No Sweeper allowed. All players should be playing offense and defense. Players should not be instructed to remain back to play as a defender. o Out of bounds should be enforced. o The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or the touchline whether on the ground on in the air. o **Throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks should be used when applicable. Coach s judgment can be used to correct incorrect throw-ins. o **Goal kicks and throw-ins- defensive team must give the player room to kick-in or throwin the ball. There is no need to press up on the player, please allow them to get the ball in play. o **Substitutions should be made at halftime or when play is stopped (out of bounds, after a goal) o Players should be assigned one designated field in which they will play their game. Players will not play on both fields. If a change is needed due to injury, lack of players or to keep a game competitive a player can be moved to another field only during the break for halftime. o Offsides will not be called o All free kicks will be indirect (another player must touch the ball before entering goal). o Headers are not allowed o All rules on page 7 which apply to all age groups must be followed as well ** Indicates a change from the previous age group rules Page 10 of 14
Recreational League Rules of Play U8 Age Group o Size 3 ball will be used o **Each team will play 4v4 unless a lack of players does not allow. Changes to this should be mutually decided upon between the coaches on each side as well as the referee. o Games will be played in 2 halves each 20 minutes maximum. In situations where there are a lack of players or weather concerns the referee may alter game times. This must be mutually agreed upon by both coaches. o Teams will switch sides of the field at halftime. o Teams will be on one side of the field. Parents and spectators will be on the opposite side of the field from the teams. o Goal kicks and throw-ins- defensive team must give the player room to kick-in or throw-in the ball. There is no need to press up on the player, please allow them to get the ball in play. o **A referee will be present on the field and be responsible for game administration. No other non-players should be on the field during games. o No goalie will be used and we encourage kids to play defense but not stand in front of the goal but guard the ball. o No Sweeper allowed. All players should be playing offense and defense. Players should not be instructed to remain back to play as a defender. o Out of bounds should be enforced. o The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or the touchline whether on the ground on in the air. o Throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks should be used when applicable. Referee s judgment can be used to correct incorrect throw-ins. o Goal kicks and throw-ins- defensive team must give the player room to kick-in or throw-in the ball. There is no need to press up on the player, please allow them to get the ball in play. o Substitutions should be made at halftime or when play is stopped (out of bounds, after a goal) o Players should be assigned one designated field in which they will play their game. Players will not play on both fields. If a change is needed due to injury, lack of players or to keep a game competitive a player can be moved to another field only during the break for halftime. o Offsides will not be called o All free kicks will be indirect (another player must touch the ball before entering goal). o Headers are not allowed o All rules on page 7 which apply to all age groups must be followed as well ** Indicates a change from the previous age group rules Page 11 of 14
Recreational League Rules of Play U9-U10 Age Group o **Size 4 ball will be used o **Each team will play 7v7 unless a lack of players does not allow. Changes to this should be mutually decided upon between the coaches on each side as well as the referee. o **Games will be played in 2 halves each 26 minutes maximum. In situations where there are a lack of players or weather concerns the referee may alter game times. This must be mutually agreed upon by both coaches. o Teams will switch sides of the field at halftime. o Teams will be on one side of the field. Parents and spectators will be on the opposite side of the field from the teams. o **Effecitve Spring 2018 For goal kicks and goalkeeper throws the defensive team must be behind the build-out line when the ball is played. Violations will result in a rekick or rethrow. This is done to encourage play from the back without the pressure of the opposing team. An example for goal kicks is below. o A referee will be present on the field and be responsible for game administration. No other non-players should be on the field during games. o **Goalkeepers will be used. One of the 7 players will be designated a goalkeeper. Normal goalkeeper laws apply. o **Goalkeeper must throw the ball into play, they are not allowed to punt the ball o Out of bounds should be enforced. o The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or the touchline whether on the ground on in the air. o Throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks should be used when applicable. Referee s judgment can be used to correct incorrect throw-ins. o Substitutions should be made at halftime or when play is stopped (out of bounds, after a goal) o Offsides will not be called o All free kicks will be indirect (another player must touch the ball before entering goal). o Headers are not allowed o All rules on page 7 which apply to all age groups must be followed as well ** Indicates a change from the previous age group rules Page 12 of 14
Recreational League Rules of Play U11-U12 Age Group o Size 4 ball will be used o **Each team will play 9v9 unless a lack of players does not allow. Changes to this should be mutually decided upon between the coaches on each side as well as the referee. o Games will be played in 2 halves each 26 minutes maximum. In situations where there are a lack of players or weather concerns the referee may alter game times. This must be mutually agreed upon by both coaches. o Teams will switch sides of the field at halftime. o Teams will be on one side of the field. Parents and spectators will be on the opposite side of the field from the teams. o A referee will be present on the field and be responsible for game administration. No other non-players should be on the field during games. o **Goalkeepers will be used. One of the 9 players will be designated a goalkeeper. Normal goalkeeper laws apply. o **Goalkeepers may punt the ball into play. However,per US Youth Soccer player recommendations, the ball should not go in the air past the midfield line. If the ball goes over the mid fieldline, then the other team get a free kick at midfield. o Out of bounds should be enforced. o The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or the touchline whether on the ground on in the air. o Throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks should be used when applicable. Referee s judgment can be used to correct incorrect throw-ins. o Substitutions should be made at halftime or when play is stopped (out of bounds, after a goal) o Offsides will not be called o All free kicks will be indirect (another player must touch the ball before entering goal). o **Headers are allowed o All rules on page 7 which apply to all age groups must be followed as well ** Indicates a change from the previous age group rules Page 13 of 14
Recreational League Rules of Play U11-U12 Age Group o **Size 5 ball will be used o **Each team will play 11v11 unless a lack of players does not allow. Changes to this should be mutually decided upon between the coaches on each side as well as the referee. o Games will be played in 2 halves each 26 minutes maximum. In situations where there are a lack of players or weather concerns the referee may alter game times. This must be mutually agreed upon by both coaches. o Teams will switch sides of the field at halftime. o Teams will be on one side of the field. Parents and spectators will be on the opposite side of the field from the teams. o A referee will be present on the field and be responsible for game administration. No other non-players should be on the field during games. o **Goalkeepers will be used. One of the 11 players will be designated a goalkeeper. Normal goalkeeper laws apply. o Goalkeepers may punt the ball into play. However,per US Youth Soccer player recommendations, the ball should not go in the air past the midfield line. If the ball goes over the mid fieldline, then the other team get a free kick at midfield. o Out of bounds should be enforced. o The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal line or the touchline whether on the ground on in the air. o Throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks should be used when applicable. Referee s judgment can be used to correct incorrect throw-ins. o Substitutions should be made at halftime or when play is stopped (out of bounds, after a goal) o **Offsides will be called o **Free kicks will be both direct and indirect depending on the infraction. o Headers are allowed o All rules on page 7 which apply to all age groups must be followed as well ** Indicates a change from the previous age group rules Page 14 of 14